The Common Entrance Test (CUET) has become the medium of entry to many prestigious universities. While Delhi University has always grabbed the attention for its extremely high cutoffs be it before or after the introduction of CUET there are several other esteemed universities that accept scores relatively lower than what the cutoff for DU is.
This article provides you a comprehensive guide to a few such colleges which while being as prestigious as DU accept scores which are a little lower than what is accepted at DU’s top colleges.
Why Universities Beyond DU?
While aspiring for the highest you can reach is always commendable. However, due to the sheer intensity of the competition out there, sometimes an individual is not able to achieve what they aim for. In such a scenario everyone should have a plan B to fall back on. For the following reasons it is always recommended to keep other options open:
More courses & seat availability
Less pressure to score in the top 1%
Equally strong academic infrastructure
Regional & Cultural Diversity
Top 5 Universities with Lower CUET Cutoffs
A curated list of top 5 universities across India with CUET Cutoff lower than DU is given be
University Name
Why Choose?
CUET 2024 Cutoff Range (General Category)
Key Highlights
Popular Courses Offered
Website
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Central university with NAAC A++ accreditation, diverse courses.
500–650 (most UG), 600+ (B.A. Hons.)
Excellent campus, diverse offerings, affordable fees.
B.A. Hons. (Sociology, History, Political Science)
B.Com (Hons)
B.Sc. (Maths, Biology, Agriculture)
www.bhu.ac.in
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)
Top-ranked, holistic development, CUET-based UG courses.
500–630 (most CUET-based courses)
Strong reputation in humanities/media, central Delhi location, UGC-approved.
B.A. (Hons) in History, Islamic Studies
B.Com
B.A. Programme (General)
www.jmi.ac.in
GGSIPU, Delhi
Primarily professional courses, now accepts CUET for several programs.
450–600 (depending on course)
High employability programs, mix of private/government colleges, courses in management/IT/journalism.
B.A. in Journalism & Mass Comm (BJMC)
BBA (CUET-based in select affiliated colleges)
B.Com (Hons)
www.ipu.ac.in
University of Allahabad (AU)
One of India's oldest, wide range of UG courses, CUET-based.
480–620, 500+ (B.A. & B.Sc.)
Strong faculty, affordable education, government scholarships.
B.A. (General and Hons)
B.Sc. (Maths, Biology)
B.Com
www.allduniv.ac.in
Central University of Haryana (CUH)
Peaceful environment, modern infrastructure, emerging university.
400–550
Growing recognition, courses in sciences/humanities/management, residential campus with good facilities.
B.A. in Political Science, History, Psychology
B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences
B.Voc programs
www.cuh.ac.in
A lower CUET score does not mean that an applicant is not academically worthy. Instead it gives them an opportunity to choose the correct university for themselves. The above mentioned 5 universities provide a landscape to grow, learn and succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get good placements in the above mentioned universities?
Yes. Especially in fields like commerce, humanities, and media studies, institutions like JMI and GGSIPU offer excellent placement support. However, placement depends on your performance, the course, and your campus engagement.
Is the competition significantly lower than DU?
While the cutoff scores are relatively lower, competition still exists—especially in popular courses. However, you have a better chance with a moderate CUET score compared to DU’s elite colleges.
Can I transfer to DU later after getting admission in one of these universities?
Inter-university transfers are rare and depend on strict academic equivalence, seat availability, and university-specific rules. It’s better to choose your college wisely from the start.
How do I keep track of the admission schedule for each university?
Official websites of each university CUET Samarth Portal University admission portals and notices Follow their social media handles for updates
Do these universities offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes. All listed universities offer various government and university-specific scholarships. BHU, AU, and CUH also provide fee concessions and hostel subsidies for eligible students.
How should I prioritize these universities during CUET counseling?
Prioritize based on course preference, location, campus facilities, fees, and long-term goals. For example, if you’re interested in media or humanities, JMI might be your top choice. For science and agriculture, BHU or CUH could be better suited.
Can I apply to more than one of these universities through CUET?
Yes. CUET allows you to apply to multiple participating universities. Make sure to fill out the preferences correctly in the CUET application and later in each university’s admission portal.
