How To Calculate Overall Percentile in CUET [Step by Step Process]

Overview: Understanding your CUET score is crucial to gauge your standing among other CUET test takers. This article explains how to calculate overall percentile in CUET, ensuring clarity with CUET scores! 

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a prominent examination that aids universities in their selection process. One thing that really matters in your CUET score is your percentile. It shows how well you did compared to everyone else who took the test.

Want to know how your percentile is calculated? Understanding how to calculate overall percentile in CUET can help you know your exam performance. Read further to know the complete process in detail.

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How to calculate overall percentile in CUET? 

Here is a step-by-step guide on CUET overall percentile calculation. Before that, let’s understand what CUET marks and percentiles are.

CUET Marks

CUET marks refer to the raw score obtained in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). These marks are based on the number of correct and incorrect answers given during the CUET examination. The raw score is calculated by adding the marks earned for correct answers and subtracting any penalties for incorrect answers.

CUET Percentile

The CUET percentile is a statistical measure that indicates your relative standing compared to all other test-takers who appeared for the CUET exam. It shows how you did compared to other test-takers.

Check: CUET Marks vs Percentile

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How to calculate overall percentile in CUET [Step by Step Process]

The NTA will release raw scores based on which CUET universities will prepare the merit list for CUET Courses. The steps mentioned to calculate the percentile in CUET exam are: 

1. What is the Percentile score in CUET Exam? 

• A percentile is not the same as a percentage. It represents the position of a student in relation to the total number of students who took the exam.
• For instance, a 90th percentile score means you have scored better than 90% of all students who took the exam. 
• Several online websites offer assistance in calculating marks with the CUET percentile calculator.

Check: CUET Marks vs Rank

2. Obtain Your Raw Score 

• Obtaining the correct raw score is the first step towards calculating the overall percentile in CUET. 
• After taking the CUET, you'll receive a raw score, the total number of correct answers you provided minus the penalty for incorrect answers.
• CUET has a negative marking, so subtract those from the total. 

Once the CUET answer key is out, calculate your CUET marks, i.e. the raw score a candidate obtains based on the number of correct and incorrect answers in the exam. 

What is the percentile score in CUET? 

• It is a statistical measure indicating the relative standing of a candidate compared to all other test-takers. 
• While the marks showcase the raw performance, the percentile positions are the performance in the broader context of how others fared in the same examination. 

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3. Steps to Calculate Raw Score 

• The CUET answer key and the response sheet can be downloaded by logging into the official CUET UG portal. 
• Determine how many questions were attempted overall on the CUET exam. 
• Based on the answer key, calculate the total number of correct and incorrect answers. 
• Use the marking scheme to determine the examination's raw score. 

4. CUET Marking Scheme

The general CUET Marking Scheme is as follows -

• i. Correct answer or the most appropriate answer: Five marks (+5). 
• ii. Any incorrect option marked will be given minus one mark (-1). 
• iii. Unanswered/Marked for Review will be given no mark (0). 
• iv. If more than one option is found to be correct, then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to only those who have marked any of the correct options if all options are found to be correct, 
• v. Then, Five marks (+5) will be awarded to all who have attempted the question. 
• vi. If none of the options is found correct, a question is found to be wrong, or a question is dropped, then all candidates who have attempted the dropped question will be given five marks (+5) marks. 

Use the formula below to calculate the raw score. 

(Number of correct answers x 5) - (Number of incorrect answers x 1) 

Check: CUET Participating Colleges 2026

5. CUET Normalization Process

In CUET, normalization is employed to create an even footing for students writing the exam. This is done by converting their Raw Scores into Percentile Scores using the following formula: 

How to calculate overall percentile in CUET [Formula]

Percentile score = Number of candidates who appeared from the session with raw score EQUAL TO OR LESS than T score/ Total number of candidates who appeared in the session. 

The formula below will be used to determine the percentiles for each candidate in the session.

Percentile score of total raw score = Number of candidates who appeared from the session with raw score EQUAL TO OR LESS than the highest score/ Total number of candidates who appeared in the session * 100 

Check: CUET City Intimation Slip 2026

6. Calculate Normalized Score using Interpolation

1. To create the CUET normalized score, the student's raw result is compared to the raw scores of every other test taker. 
2. The computation of a comparable normalized score is done after determining the percentile value of this raw score. 
3. The percentile values must be interpolated in order to calculate the normalized score. 
4. In other words, the percentile value for the student is determined by which percentile value, when compared to all other students' percentile values, comes the closest to the student's raw score. 
5. This procedure makes sure that all Indian students have an equal opportunity to succeed in the exam.

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Conclusion

Understanding your CUET percentile and how to calculate overall percentile in CUET? It is more than just a number; it reflects your relative performance. By grasping the calculation process, you can evaluate your position amongst other candidates and gauge which college you can get admission to. 

Key Takeaways

The article answers everything about how to calculate overall percentile in CUET. Remember: 

• Percentiles in CUET indicate a candidate's performance relative to other test-takers, offering valuable insights into competitiveness.
• Percentiles are distinct from percentages; they reflect your rank among test-takers rather than a proportion of correct answers.
• Using the official answer key, you can calculate your raw score after the CUET exam. Calculate your CUET raw score by subtracting penalties for incorrect answers from the total number of correct responses.
• CUET uses normalization to ensure fairness, equating scores from different sessions. This process converts raw scores into percentiles.
• The percentile score is determined by comparing your raw score to others in your session.
• Interpolation is used to find the percentile value that closely matches your raw score, determining your normalized score.

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