The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has become one of the most important exams since its introduction, for students interested in Postgraduate Psychology Programs in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET PG Psychology serves as the main gateway to admission to the master’s programs in the field of psychology at many Central, State, and Private Universities.
With its rising popularity, the CUET PG Psychology is becoming competitive every year. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus so that one can create effective preparation strategies to succeed.
CUET PG Psychology Overview
CUET PG Psychology Exam Pattern
- Paper Code: HUQP20
- Duration of the Exam: 90 Minutes
- Mode of Exam: Computer-based Test (CBT)
- Number of Questions: 75 Questions
- Marking Scheme:
- +4 for correct answers
- -1 for wrong answers
- 0 for unanswered/un-attempted/marked for review
- Purpose: Admission into Postgraduate Programs (like MA/MSc Psychology, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria for CUET PG Psychology
- Candidates who have completed their bachelor’s degree or are in their final year of graduation are eligible to apply.
- There’s No Age Limit for appearing in CUET PG.
- Every university has its own specific criteria for admission. It’s strongly suggested that candidates check the university-specific eligibility criteria for their programs before applying to the university.
Type of Questions
- According to the official CUET PG Psychology 2025 Question Paper, all questions are formally listed as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). However, within that format, students can expect different sub-types/styles of questioning, made to test both knowledge and application. These sub-types/styles of questions include:
- Direct MCQs: Straightforward, single-correct answer questions.
- Assertion–Reason Questions: Two statements are given; students decide if each is correct and whether one explains the other.
- Match-the-Following: Pair terms, theorists, or concepts with the correct descriptions.
- Statement-Based Questions: Identify which statements among a set are correct.
- Case/Scenario-Based MCQs: Apply psychological concepts to real-life or clinical situations.
Application Process for CUET PG Psychology
Follow the following steps to apply for CUET PG:
- Registration:
- Visit the official NTA Website for “CUET PG”.
- Register yourself by providing the necessary details like email id, contact number, etc., to generate an application number.
- Filling the Application Form:
- Log in using the generated Application Number and Password.
- Provide personal, educational, and exam center preference details.
- Select the question paper code and colleges. For Psychology, the subject code is HUQP20.
- Uploading Documents
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents or certificates.
- Application Fee Payment
- Pay the application fee using Net Banking, Debit/Credit Cards, or UPI.
- Submission of the Application Form
- Review your application form carefully; make sure everything is correct and accurate.
- Submit the form, download, and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Institutions that accept CUET PG for Psychology Admission
| University/College | Course offered |
| University of Delhi | MA Psychology / MA Applied Psychology |
| Banaras Hindu University | MA/MSc Psychology |
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) | MA Applied Psychology |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi | MA Psychology |
| Central University of Punjab | MA Psychology |
| Central University of Karnataka | MSc Psychology |
| Pondicherry University | MSc Applied Psychology |
| Central University of Tamil Nadu | MSc Applied Psychology |
| Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya | MA/MSc Psychology |
| Central University of Haryana | MA Psychology |
This is not a complete list, but these are just a few good colleges that accept the CUET PG scores for MA/MSc Psychology.
Preparation Strategies & Recommended Books
Preparing for CUET PG Psychology requires a mix of conceptual clarity, consistent regular practice, and an understanding of the exam format.
How to prepare for CUET PG Psychology
1. Understand and Organize the Syllabus
- Get a clear idea of the topics with the help of syllabus (attached below), as the CUET PG entrance will be based on it.
- List all core psychology topics & keep your undergraduate notes easily accessible for revision.
2. Read Smart, Not Excessively
- Study relevant topics from standard textbooks and credible sources.
- Avoid overwhelming yourself by reading the same topic from too many books.
- Focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization.
4. Make Effective Notes
- Write consolidated notes in your own words.
- Highlight key terms, theories, and researchers.
- Use active study techniques such as:
- Pomodoro method
- Mnemonics
- Mind maps and flowcharts
5. Use Additional Learning Resources
- Attend lectures or watch conceptual videos for topics you find difficult.
- Audio-visual learning often helps clarify complex concepts better than self-reading.
- Connect with fellow aspirants and join a study group to discuss doubts and revise together.
6. Revise, Practice, and Analyze
- Revise your notes regularly, not just at the end.
- Practice MCQs topic-wise and then test yourself using mock tests.
- Identify weak areas and give them extra attention.
- Never hesitate to seek guidance or mentorship during your preparation.
- Ask doubts from your mentors regularly, and make sure to clear them with their help.
Recommended Books
- Introduction to Psychology (8th-10th Edition): Rita Atkinson and Hilgard
- Social Psychology: Baron Robert
- Human Development: Papalia and Sally Olds
- Cognitive Psychology: Robinson-Riegler / Sternberg and Sternberg
- Statistics: Quinn McNemar / Minium
- Research Method: James Goodwin / Lewin & Fox / A. K. Singh
- Psychological Testing: Ronald Jay Cohen and Mark E. Swerdlik
- Abnormal Psychology: Sarason and Sarason / R. Comerc
- Clinical Psychology: Alan Carr / Hecker and Geoffrey
- Psychology Question Bank: Arvind Otta
ALSO READ: Biopsychology for Psychology Entrance Examinations: A Practical Guide by Arvind Otta
Do You Need Coaching for CUET PG Psychology?
You can prepare for CUET PG Psychology by self-study, especially if you have had a strong foundation and clear understanding of the subject in your bachelor’s. However, for many students, structured guidance, expert mentorship, and collaborative learning make a really big difference, especially when it comes to motivation, time management, and or understanding and mastering tricky concepts. This is where the coaching institutes come.
Among many available options, UPS Education has earned the reputation of being the best in the field of psychology coaching. We provide:
- CUET PG-focused study resources and Test series.
- We also provide specialized online and offline classes for the exam.
- Regularly test you with the CUET PG-focused Mock Tests with constant feedback on how to improve.
- Provide personalized mentorship and guidance to strengthen your weak areas.
Classes, Portal & Support from the Faculty
Candidates appearing for CUET PG Psychology can choose to prepare for the exam in multiple modes of learning we offer at UPS Education:
- Classroom Program: This mode is best suited for those candidates who prefer a schedule that is structured and in-person interaction with the faculty. Candidates also get a set of comprehensive and easy-to-understand study materials to prepare from, and access to a web portal where candidates can test themselves using various Test series, Mock tests, and Previous year question papers.
- Live Program: Live classes are flexible, interactive, and accessible from anywhere; all a candidate needs is a laptop or phone and a stable internet connection. They also get study material to prepare from and portal access to test themselves to better prepare.
- Virtual Program: Virtual Classes are best for candidates who balance between college/work and study and prefer self-paced learning. Candidates enrolled in virtual class also get study material and access to portal services.
- Distance Mode Resources: In this mode of study, candidates only get access to the study material to prepare from and a portal to access test series and mock tests to test themselves.
ALSO READ: Why Offline Coaching is Best for Psychology Entrance Exam Preparation
Syllabus for CUET PG Psychology
CUET PG Psychology primarily covers undergraduate-level concepts. The key topics are as follows:
Conclusion
While coaching is not mandatory for success, but those who need some extra support or a push can find a helping hand in UPS Education. CUET PG Psychology is a highly competitive exam, but with disciplined preparation and proper guidance, it is absolutely achievable. So start early, practice persistently, and stay confident.
ALSO READ: GATE Psychology vs. UGC NET Psychology: Which One Should You Prepare For?
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for CUET PG Psychology?
To be eligible, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related subject (such as Applied Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Social Work with psychology papers). Final-year students may also apply.
Q2. How many questions are asked in CUET PG Psychology?
The exam consists of 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), each carrying 4 marks, with 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer.
Q3. What types of questions come in CUET PG Psychology?
Apart from direct MCQs, the paper includes Assertion–Reason questions, Match-the-Following, Statement-based, and Case/Scenario-based questions.
Q4. What is the syllabus for CUET PG Psychology?
The syllabus broadly covers undergraduate-level topics such as History and Schools of Psychology, Sensation and Perception, Learning, Memory, Motivation & Emotion, Personality, Intelligence, Social Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods, Statistics, and Abnormal/Clinical Psychology.
Q5. Do I need coaching for CUET PG Psychology?
Students with strong fundamentals can prepare through self-study, but many benefit from structured guidance, mock tests, and mentorship. Coaching institutes like UPS Education provide specialised CUET PG Psychology programs for aspirants.
