Overview
CT SET is CT University, Ludhiana's own scholarship entrance test for admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration closes | 30 Sept 2026 |
CT-SET runs in **multiple sessions through the admission year**, not on one fixed date, and CT University has not published a single exam calendar for 2026-27. - Admissions for **2026-27 are open** and the test is being conducted in sessions - You pick your **slot and mode** (online or offline) while applying - Earlier sessions usually mean more scholarship money left and better hostel and course choice Confirm the current session dates on ctset.ctuniversity.in or by calling the university before you plan travel.
Eligibility
- Open to Indian nationals.
- Eligibility depends on the programme you choose.
Exam pattern
CT University does not publish the full pattern on the official CT-SET site, so treat the figures below as reported by education portals and confirm them in your admit card or e-prospectus.
- Type: objective multiple choice questions (MCQs)
- Marks: 1 mark per correct answer, no negative marking (all sources agree)
- Mode: online or offline — you choose while applying
- Sections (reported): General Awareness 30 · Aptitude 30 · Subject-based 40
Reported length differs by source: most list 100 questions in 90 minutes, while one portal lists 50 questions in 60 minutes. Check the exact pattern for your programme before the exam.
Syllabus
The syllabus follows your qualifying exam, so there is nothing new to learn. Three parts:
General awareness — current affairs, India and Punjab, basic science, sports, awards.
Aptitude — percentages, ratios, averages, time and work, number series, simple reasoning, data interpretation.
Subject-based, by the course you are applying for:
- B.Tech, B.Sc, BCA: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics at Class 12 level
- B.Pharm, BPT, paramedical: Chemistry and Biology at Class 12 level
- B.Com, BBA: accountancy, business studies and basic economics
- BA, BA LLB, BJMC: general English, comprehension and reasoning
- PG programmes: basics of your graduation subject
How to prepare in a week: revise your Class 12 NCERT basics, practise aptitude for 30 minutes a day, and read a news app for current affairs. Since there is no negative marking, attempt every question.
Other ways to get a scholarship
CT-SET is not the only route to a lower fee at CT University.
- Merit on your qualifying exam — admission is also given on Class 12 or graduation marks
- Other entrance scores accepted: JEE Main, GATE, CAT, CUET UG and PG
- Sibling scholarship if your brother or sister already studies there
- Staff ward scholarship if a parent works at CT University
- Sports and other category scholarships
- Government scholarships you can apply for separately: Punjab post-matric for SC students, Mai Bhago scholarship, and the Central Sector Scheme
A government scholarship is applied for on its own portal and is free — the university waiver does not replace it.
How to apply
- 1Open the official CT University website.
- 2Fill in the application form and pay the registration fee online.
- 3Take CT SET.
- 4Admission is confirmed after eligibility verification and fee payment.
Exam day (online)
If you chose the online mode (from home)
- Test your laptop or phone camera, microphone and internet a day earlier
- Sit alone in a quiet, well-lit room and keep your face visible
- Keep your admit card and a photo ID next to you
- Do not open other tabs or leave the screen
If you chose a centre
- Reach about an hour early with your admit card and original photo ID
- Carry a passport-size photograph
- Phones and smart watches are not allowed inside
During the test
- 1 mark per correct answer and no negative marking, so answer everything and never leave a blank
- Clear the easy general awareness and aptitude questions first, then spend time on subject questions
- Keep an eye on the timer; the paper is long for the time given
Result & admission
Your score decides the scholarship. CT University awards tuition fee waivers in slabs based on your CT-SET percentile, with reported bands of top 5%, top 6–15% and top 16–25%. The university advertises up to 100% off tuition fee for the highest performers, and announced a scholarship pool of about ₹40 crore for the 2025 cycle.
What this means in practice
- The waiver applies to tuition fee only — hostel, mess, examination and other charges are extra
- Slab amounts differ by programme, so ask for your course's exact figure in writing
- Scholarships are limited in number, so an earlier session usually helps
After the result
- 1The university shares your score and the scholarship slab you qualify for
- 2Complete admission with your documents: Class 12 and graduation marksheets, Aadhaar, photo ID and photographs
- 3Get the fee after scholarship in writing, and ask what you must maintain each year to keep it
Before paying any admission fee, compare the final figure with the other colleges you are considering.
Is CT SET 2026 worth it?
Good
- Low cost to try: ₹500, against a possible 100% tuition waiver
- No negative marking, so a guess never costs you marks
- Take it from home or at a centre — your choice
- Syllabus is your own Class 12 or graduation subjects, so little extra preparation
- Multiple sessions, so you can pick a date that suits you
- Every applicant gets a free e-prospectus, a participation certificate and a psychometric career session
Keep in mind
- The score is only useful at CT University — no other college accepts it
- The university does not publish the pattern or the slab table openly, so you apply without knowing exactly what you need to score
- Only tuition is covered. Hostel, mess and other charges stay the same, and they are a large part of the real cost
- Slabs are percentile-based, so your waiver depends on how others perform, not only on your own marks
- Scholarships are limited and sessions run through the year, so a later session can mean less left
- ₹500 is non-refundable, even if you do not take admission
- Ask about the renewal conditions — a waiver you lose in year two changes the whole cost
Compare with other scholarship tests
| Test | Fee | Mode | Top scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT SET 2026 | ₹500 | To be announced | — |
| LPUNEST 2026 | ₹1,000 | To be announced | — |
| CGCUET 2026 | ₹1,100 | To be announced | — |
| CUCET 2026 | ₹1,000 | Online from home | 100% |
FAQs
What is the CT-SET application fee?
₹500, non-refundable. You pay online by net banking, debit card, credit card or QR code on ctset.ctuniversity.in.
Who can apply?
Indian nationals only. For UG you need at least 50% in Class 12; for PG at least 50% in graduation. Students appearing in their final qualifying exam can also apply.
Can I take the test from home?
Yes. CT-SET is offered in both online and offline mode, and you choose while applying.
Is there negative marking?
No. Each correct answer gives 1 mark and wrong answers do not cost you marks, so attempt every question.
How much scholarship can I get?
Up to 100% of tuition fee for the highest scorers. Waivers are given in slabs based on your percentile, reported as top 5%, top 6-15% and top 16-25%. The exact amount depends on your programme.
Does the scholarship cover hostel and other fees?
No. It applies to tuition fee only. Hostel, mess, examination and other charges are paid in full.
Is CT-SET compulsory for admission?
CT University also admits students on Class 12 or graduation merit, and accepts JEE Main, GATE, CAT and CUET scores. But CT-SET is the route to the university scholarship.
When is the exam held?
In multiple sessions through the admission year rather than on one fixed date. Check ctset.ctuniversity.in for the current session.