Published on 15th October 2024 | 09:49 AM

CUET is a significant exam, serving as the gateway to UG admissions to 280+ universities nationwide (CUET University List). To effectively prepare and secure admission to any of the top colleges offering commerce courses, students need to prepare well and give their best. While preparing, students might adopt various preparation approaches like:

> Early starters

> Short and intensive preparation

> Comprehensive CUET Online Coaching

> CUET Classroom Coaching

> Relying on self-studies

While all the preparatory approaches might yield results, early starters always get an added advantage. You can begin as early as class XI or while in class XII.

If you begin preparing for CUET (UG) in class XII, choosing a suitable time to begin is crucial. Joining CUET coaching before your board exams depends on several factors, including your current academic performance, time management, and preparation strategy for both CUET and the Boards. Here are some points to consider and decide what’s best for you:

1. Overlapping Syllabus

Boards vs. CUET: Most of the topics of the domain subjects overlap between CUET and Board. Preparing for one can help reinforce your knowledge of the other.

Benefit: If you join coaching early, it might help strengthen core concepts, improving your Board and CUET performance. However, CUET paper III (General test) is unique and is not covered in your Board syllabus. So enrolling in a coaching program early would help you strengthen your preparation for this section.

2. Time Management

Board Exam Focus: Board exams require significant focus, particularly for theory subjects. Joining CUET coaching before the boards could increase your workload, especially if you struggle with time management.

Coaching Impact: If you're confident in managing your time effectively, starting early with coaching can help spread your CUET preparation, reducing last-minute stress after the Boards.

3. Pressure and Stress Factors

Mental Load: Handling coaching and Board preparation simultaneously can create additional pressure. Many students find they can manage both, but it depends on your capacity.

Balanced Approach: A good alternative might be to focus fully on Board exams first and then take up CUET coaching afterwards. Intensive courses are also available after boards and designed specifically for students who want to prepare quickly.

4. Early Coaching Benefits

Mock Tests and Familiarity: Early coaching gives you access to CUET mocks once you finish the live lectures and concept videos. However, joining coaching programs late, without going through the lectures and video, you might have difficulty attempting and fully grasping the mocks. Enrolling early also ensures your consistency with preparation and thorough practice.

Boards and CUET exams are crucial from a student's perspective, considering the future prospects. Moreover, the University of Delhi (DU) considers the class XII Board marks to decide the tie-breaker scenario (two or more students opting for the same college and having the same CUET score). Therefore, students must ensure the right balance of preparation for both exams.

Generally, it's about finding the right balance between your Board preparation and CUET practice, ensuring that neither is neglected. Many students choose intensive post-board coaching, while others benefit from early coaching to avoid rushing after their boards.

Keep Learning, Keep Growing,

Team CUET, Career Launcher!