Is General Ability Test (GAT) Compulsory for Delhi University? Your CUET UG 2026 Guide!

Before we dive into DU specifics, let’s quickly recap the structure of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) to ensure we are on the same page. The exam is divided into three sections:

• Section I (Languages): 13 languages in IA and 20 in IB. (English/Hindi is usually mandatory for DU).
• Section II (Domain Subjects): 27 specific subjects like Accountancy, Physics, Economics, etc. (For DU, you can choose only subjects taken in class 12 or your form would get rejected).
• Section III (General Test - GAT): An aptitude-based section covering:
  • General Knowledge & Current Affairs
  • General Mental Ability
  • Numerical Ability & Quantitative Reasoning (Basic Maths, usually studied till class 10)
  • Logical and Analytical Reasoning

Unlike board exams, CUET allows you to pick a combination of these sections based on the eligibility criteria of your target university.

• Applicability of GAT for Delhi University
• Courses That NEED GAT in DU
• Benefits of Attempting GAT as Optional
• Universities Where GAT is a MUST
• FAQs

Delhi University’s admission policy is unique. Unlike some universities that have a "one size fits all" requirement, DU’s requirements change based on the course you want to pursue.

DU divides its eligibility into two broad categories:

1. Merit-based on Domains: For most "Honours" courses (like History Hons, Physics Hons, B.Com Hons), DU looks at your Language + 3 Domain Subjects scores. GAT is usually not considered here.
2. Aptitude-based / Professional Courses: For management and vocational courses, DU needs to test your problem-solving skills. GAT is MANDATORY here.

The Golden Rule: You must check the "Program-Specific Eligibility" in the DU Bulletin of Information. If the bulletin says "Section III is required," you cannot skip it.

Look into Delhi University Information Bulletin 2025 to check your eligibility for your preferred course.

If you are targeting any of the following professional or technical courses at Delhi University, Section III (General Test) is non-negotiable. If you do not appear for GAT, you will not be considered for these degrees, regardless of your domain scores.

Other Valuable Courses that require GAT include:

• 5-year Integrated Program in Journalism
• Bachelors of Fine Arts
• B.A Vocational Studies
• B. Sc (Pass Home Sciences)

Tip: For BMS and BBA(FIA), the GAT score holds significant weightage. A high score here can land you in Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS), arguably Asia’s best undergrad management college.

There is always a question rising in the head, “ We want to take B. Com or Pol Science Hons for Graduation, should we attempt GAT?” 

YES. Here is why skipping GAT is a strategic mistake:

1. The "Safety Net" for B.A. & B.Com Program

For the standard B.A. Program and B.Com (Program) courses, DU offers two ways to calculate your score:

• Combination A: Language + 3 Domain Subjects.
• Combination B: Language + 1 Domain Subject + General Test.

DU will consider whichever score is higher. If your exams in tough domains like Physics or Accountancy go poorly, your GAT score can save you and get you a seat in a top North Campus college or good DU Colleges for the Program courses.

2. Backup Universities

While DU might not strictly need GAT for History Hons, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) absolutely do. If you skip GAT, you are automatically closing the doors to these prestigious central universities.

3. Journalism Options

For B.A. (Hons) Journalism, DU allows admission via GAT scores (Language + GAT) as an alternative pathway. It doubles your chances of getting a seat.

Let’s be real, Domain subjects are manageable because you study them in school. But General Test? That is uncharted territory. Logical reasoning and Quants can be tricky if you haven't practiced even though they are something you’ve studied till 10th grade.

Don't let Section III be the reason you miss out on your dream college.

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If you are looking beyond Delhi University, the General Test becomes even more critical. Many top-tier Central Universities make Section III mandatory for their most popular courses:

1. Banaras Hindu University (BHU):
   • Most courses like B.Com (Hons), Political Science(Hons), etc deem GAT as MANDATORY.
   • If you dream of studying at BHU, you generally cannot skip GAT.
2. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU):
   • Mandatory for their famous B.A. (Hons) in Foreign Languages.
   • Selection is based purely on English + General Test.
3. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi (AUD):
   • Requires GAT for many of its interdisciplinary and management programs like BBA and B.Voc.
4. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS):
   • For their UG programs (BS in Analytics etc.), GAT is often the deciding factor.
5. University of Allahabad:
   • Mandatory for several undergraduate programs.