CUET Political Science Syllabus 2025- Download PDF, Previous Year Papers, Chapter-Wise Weightage and Books

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Chanpreet Kaur

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The CUET Political Science Syllabus 2025 is divided into two main parts, i.e., Politics in India Since Independence, with a weightage of 50-55%, and Contemporary World Politics, which is of 35-40% weightage. There are a total of 19 chapters including both books.

  • Politics in India Since Independence - Explores India's post-independence dilemmas, such as partition, integration of the princely states, and Nehru's dream.
  • Contemporary World Politics - Includes the Cold War, the emergence of world powers, and the activities of international organizations.

CUET Political Science Syllabus PDF

The exam contains 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with 5 marks each, making a total of 250 marks. The duration of the exam is 60 minutes, As for the marking scheme, +5 marks will be awarded for each correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.

To achieve success, the candidates not only need to be aware of past and current political events but also keep themselves aware of the recent political happenings in the world and the country.

CUET Political Science Syllabus Latest Trends

CUET Political Science 2025 Exam Pattern

Mode of Examination Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Number of Questions 50 questions
Questions to Attempt 50 questions
Type of Questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Marks per Question 5 marks for each correct answer
Negative Marking -1 mark for each incorrect answer; no negative marking for unattempted questions
Total Marks 200 marks
Duration 60 minutes
Sections
  • Politics in India Since Independence (50-55% weightage)
  • Contemporary World Politics (35-40% weightage)
  • Political Theories & Ideologies (5-10% weightage)

Insights into the CUET Political Science Exam Pattern

  • High Weightage Areas: Politics in India Since Independence and Contemporary World Politics together carry about 85-90% of the exam, which indicates how important they are in the examination.
  • Time Management: With 60 minutes given for 50 questions, each candidate has only an average of 1.2 minutes per question.
  • Negative Marking Impact: The existence of negative marking requires cautiousness before marking the answer. A wrong response can result in a loss of 1 mark, hence the need to be correct.

CUET Political Science 2025 Weightage Analysis

The CUET Political Science Syllabus 2025 is divided into major 2 parts i.e. Politics in India Since Independence and Contemporary World Politics and it has one more section of Political Theories & Ideologies which carries the different weightage in the whole syllabus.

  • The Politics in India Since Independence topic has the maximum weightage (50-55%) and is, therefore, the most important for the exam.
  • The World Politics of Today section carries 35-40% weightage, encompassing international issues such as the Cold War, American hegemony, and international security..
  • Political Theories & Ideologies carries the least weightage (5-10%), but is still significant in understanding political concepts such as liberalism, socialism, and theories of democracy.

Weightage Analysis for CUET Political Science 2025

Section Weightage Distribution (%) Focus Areas
Politics in India Since Independence 50-55% Post-independence India, Governance, Foreign Relations
Contemporary World Politics 35-40% Cold War, Globalization, US Dominance, Security
Political Theories & Ideologies 5-10% Political ideologies and constitutional theories
CUET Political Science 2025 Weightage Distribution

Politics in India Since Independence

This section covers India's political journey post-independence, its governance, policies, movements, and external relations. Based on historical analysis, the weightage of different topics is as follows:

Unit No. Unit Name Approximate Weightage (%)
1 Challenges of Nation-Building 8-10%
2 Era of One-Party Dominance 6-8%
3 Politics of Planned Development 6-8%
4 India’s External Relations 8-10%
5 Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System 7-9%
6 Crisis of the Democratic Order 7-9%
7 Regional Aspirations and Conflicts 8-10%
8 Rise of Popular Movements 6-8%
9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics 10-12%
  • 50% of CUET Political Science questions are likely to be focused on this section, with a mix of questions from historical events, policies, and social movements.
  • Topics such as India’s External Relations, Recent Developments, and Crisis of the Democratic Order often have a higher frequency of questions in past exams.

Contemporary World Politics

This section covers key global political events, major power shifts, international organizations, and global security. Below is the weightage distribution for this section:

Unit No. Unit Name Approximate Weightage (%)
10 Cold War Era and Its Politics 10-12%
11 Disintegration of the ‘Second World’ and the Collapse of Bipolarity 8-10%
12 US Dominance in World Politics 7-9%
13 Alternative Centers of Economic and Political Power 8-10%
14 South Asia in the Post-Cold War Era 6-8%
15 International Organizations in a Unipolar World 7-9%
16 Security in the Contemporary World 7-9%
17 Environment and Natural Resources Movements 6-8%
18 Globalization and Its Critics 8-10%
  • Around 40% of questions are expected to come from this section.
  • Topics such as Cold War, US Dominance, and Globalization have a high probability of frequent questioning.
  • Questions related to global organizations and security concerns also hold significant weight.

What is the total marks for CUET Political Science?

Total CUET Political Science marks normally rest upon how the exam was constituted for a given year. The CUET Political Science exam 2025 will have 50 Multiple-Choice questions (MCQs), one that is awarded 5 marks per question. This format enables candidates to score a maximum of 250 marks in Political Science.

Therefore, the total CUET Political Science examination marks would be:

CUET Political Science 2025 Total Marks

The test will be 60 minutes in duration, 1 mark is deducted for a wrong response.

CUET Political Science Important Topics

The CUET Political Science 2025 exam tests candidates on their understanding of both Indian and global political systems, as well as key political ideologies and theories.

Check: CUET Books 2025 and Preparation Tips

What to study for Political Science CUET?

The CUET Political Science Syllabus consists of major topics such as Nation-Building, political theory, international relations, and political ideologies.

  • For a good preparation strategy, students must focus on high-weightage topics such as Politics in India Since Independence (Nehru's vision, integration of princely states, and post-partition problems are among the topics covered)
  • Contemporary World Politics (Cold War, emergence of China, and international security are among the topics covered)
  • Political Theories (liberalism, Marxism, and feminism are the areas of focus).

As per the previous trends, questions regarding Nehru's foreign policy and new world powers (such as China and BRICS) have regularly been included in the CUET exams, adding to almost 20-30% of the overall exam questions. Likewise, political ideologies and Indian political thinking questions are vital and are featured in around 15-20% of the exam.

Here is the list of the important topics and Sample questions of CUET Political Science Syllabus 2025

Politics in India Since Independence Important Topics

Topics Sub-topic
Challenges of Nation-Building Partition, Integration of Princely States, Nehru’s Vision
Era of One-Party Dominance Congress System, Opposition Parties, Electoral Trends
Politics of Planned Development Five-Year Plans, Land Reforms, Green Revolution
India’s External Relations Nehru’s Foreign Policy, India-China, India-Pakistan Wars
Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System JP Movement, Emergency
Regional Aspirations and Conflicts Punjab, Assam, Kashmir
Recent Developments in Indian Politics Coalition Politics, Economic Reforms

Sample Questions:

  • Discuss the challenges faced by India in the process of nation-building post-independence.
    • Focus: Partition, integration of princely states, linguistic and cultural diversity.
  • Analyze the role of Congress in the era of one-party dominance. What were the main challenges faced by the party after 1967?
    • Focus: Congress system, opposition movements, electoral defeats, and coalition politics.
  • Evaluate Nehru's foreign policy in the context of the Cold War and India's position in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
    • Focus: Nehru's vision for global peace and neutrality during the Cold War.
  • What were the political, economic, and social impacts of the Emergency (1975-77) on Indian democracy?
    • Focus: The political crisis, impact on civil liberties, the role of the judiciary.
  • Discuss the significance of the Green Revolution and its political consequences on Indian agriculture.
    • Focus: The Green Revolution’s success in increasing food production and its impact on rural politics.

Contemporary World Politics Important Topics

Topics Sub-Topics
Cold War and Its Impact NATO, Warsaw Pact, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War
Post-Cold War World Order Collapse of USSR, Unipolarity, US Dominance
Emerging Global Powers China, BRICS, EU, ASEAN
Global Security Concerns Terrorism, Nuclear Proliferation, Peacekeeping
International Organizations UN, IMF, WTO, G20

Sample Questions:

  • How did the Cold War shape global political alliances and international relations?
    • Focus: NATO vs. Warsaw Pact, key events like the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War.
  • Discuss the significance of the collapse of the Soviet Union in shaping the modern global political system.
    • Focus: The emergence of a unipolar world, impact on global political alignments.
  • What are the political implications of China’s rise as an economic and military power?
    • Focus: China's global influence, economic growth, and regional politics.
  • What role does the United Nations play in addressing global conflicts and peacekeeping?
    • Focus: The UN’s peacekeeping efforts, major resolutions, and challenges.
  • Analyze the rise of regional organizations such as BRICS and ASEAN in shaping contemporary world politics.
    • Focus: The influence of regional groups in the unipolar world and their impact on global governance.

Political Theories & Ideologies Important Topics

Topics Sub-Topics
Key Political Theories Democracy, Justice, Equality, Liberty
Political Ideologies Liberalism, Marxism, Conservatism, Feminism, Nationalism
Constitutional Theories Constitutionalism, Theories of Democracy

Sample Questions:

  • Explain the key concepts of liberalism and discuss its relevance in modern democracies.
    • Focus: Key figures like John Locke and modern liberalism, individual rights, and democracy.
  • What is the Marxist perspective on the state and its role in class struggle?
    • Focus: Marx’s theory on class, the state’s role, and revolution.
  • Discuss the significance of the concept of justice in political theory. How does John Rawls' theory of justice differ from traditional theories?
    • Focus: Rawls’ theory of justice, liberty, and the veil of ignorance.
  • How does nationalism influence political discourse and state governance?
    • Focus: Nationalism, patriotism, and its impact on state policies and identity.
  • Discuss the feminist political theory and its contribution to understanding gender and power.
    • Focus: Key thinkers, feminist critiques of traditional politics, and gender equality.

Sample Questions:

  1. Explain the key concepts of liberalism and discuss its relevance in modern democracies.
    • Focus: Key figures like John Locke and modern liberalism, individual rights, and democracy.
  2. What is the Marxist perspective on the state and its role in class struggle?
    • Focus: Marx’s theory on class, the state’s role, and revolution.
  3. Discuss the significance of the concept of justice in political theory. How does John Rawls' theory of justice differ from traditional theories?
    • Focus: Rawls’ theory of justice, liberty, and the veil of ignorance.
  4. How does nationalism influence political discourse and state governance?
    • Focus: Nationalism, patriotism, and its impact on state policies and identity.
  5. Discuss the feminist political theory and its contribution to understanding gender and power.
    • Focus: Key thinkers, feminist critiques of traditional politics, and gender equality.

CUET Political Science Preparation Strategy

The CUET Political Science Preparation Strategy is designed to help candidates focus on high-weightage topics such as Indian Politics and Contemporary World Politics, which account for 85-90% of the exam.

CUET Political Science Study Material

Material Type Resource Key Topics Covered
Textbooks NCERT Class 12 Political Science Textbook Political Theory, Indian Political System, Contemporary World Politics
Reference Books M. Laxmikanth - Indian Polity Indian Constitution, Indian Governance, Polity in India Since Independence
Online Resources Unacademy, BYJU’s, Study IQ Online video lectures on Political Theories, Global Politics, Indian Politics
Mock Tests & Papers Previous Year Papers Helps to understand the exam pattern and frequently asked questions

Also Check: CUET Preparation 2024: Strategies and Monthly Plan

CUET Political Science Preparation Time Table

Time Activity
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM Wake up and morning routine
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Physical exercise or meditation
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Breakfast and short break
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Study Session 1: Politics in India Since IndependenceTopics: The era of One-Party Dominance, Nation-Building and Its Problems, Politics of Planned Development.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Short break
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Study Session 2: Contemporary World PoliticsTopics: Cold War Era in World Politics, Disintegration of the ‘Second World’ and the Collapse of Bipolarity, US Dominance in World Politics.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Lunch break
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Study Session 3: Political Theories & IdeologiesTopics: Liberalism, Socialism, Communism, Fascism, Feminism.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Short break
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Practice solving sample papers
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Review and revise the day's study
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner break
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Engage in a relaxing activity (e.g., reading, music)
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM Light revision or watching educational videos
10:00 PM - 10:30 PM Prepare for bed and sleep

Check: CUET Mock Test 2025, Practice Subject-Wise and Full-Length Free Tests

1-Month Preparation Strategy CUET Social Science Syllabus

Week Day Topics to Study Study Hours Focus Areas
Week 1 Day 1-3 Politics in India Since Independence - Part 1Challenges of Nation-Building (Partition, Integration of Princely States) Era of One-Party Dominance (Congress System and Opposition Parties) Politics of Planned Development (Five-Year Plans, Land Reforms, Green Revolution) 6 hours/day Understand the political evolution post-independence, focusing on national integration and early policies.
Day 4-6 Politics in India Since Independence - Part 2India’s External Relations (Nehru’s Foreign Policy, Indo-China War, Indo-Pak Wars) Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System (Congress Split, JP Movement, Emergency) 6 hours/day Focus on India's foreign policy and the internal political challenges faced by India post-independence.
Day 7 Review and PracticeReview the week's topics and solve practice questions. 6 hours Practice solving MCQs and reviewing key concepts from the week's study.
Week 2 Day 8-10 Contemporary World Politics Part 1Cold War Era (Origin of Cold War, Major Events like Cuban Missile Crisis, Berlin Wall) Disintegration of the ‘Second World’ and the Collapse of Bipolarity 6 hours/day Understand the Cold War, its impact on global politics, and the collapse of the USSR.
Day 11-13 Contemporary World Politics Part 2US Dominance in World Politics (Rise of US Power, Interventionist Policies) Alternative Centers of Power (China’s Rise, European Union, BRICS) 6 hours/day Study US foreign policy and the emerging powers like China and regional organizations like BRICS.
Day 14 Review and PracticeReview the week's topics and solve practice questions. 6 hours Focus on revision and problem-solving, emphasizing key global political shifts and theories.
Week 3 Day 15-17 Indian Political ThoughtAncient Political Thought (Kautilya, Manu) Modern Political Thinkers (Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar) 6 hours/day Deep dive into Indian political thinkers and their impact on modern politics.
Day 18-20 Political Theories & IdeologiesLiberalism, Socialism, Communism, Fascism, Feminism 6 hours/day Thorough understanding of major political ideologies and their global impact.
Day 21 Review and PracticeReview the week's topics and solve practice questions. 6 hours Consolidate political theory concepts and practice MCQs.
Week 4 Day 22-24 Revision of All TopicsGo through Politics in India Since Independence and Contemporary World Politics sections. 6 hours/day Focus on weak areas and ensure thorough understanding of key topics.
Day 25-27 Mock Tests & Practice PapersAttempt full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions. 6 hours/day Focus on time management and practice solving questions under exam pressure.
Day 28-30 Final Review and RestFinal revision of important topics.Relax, revise key concepts, and reduce stress. 6 hours/day Quick recap of crucial areas and mental preparation for exam day.

Detailed Breakdown of Syllabus Units

The CUET Political Science Syllabus 2025 deals with important areas of Indian politics and international political systems, emphasizing historical developments, political ideologies, governance, and international relations. The syllabus is aimed at examining candidates' knowledge of national and international political developments, with a holistic approach to political science education.

What is the syllabus of CUET for BA political science?

The CUET Political Science syllabus is divided into two sections:

  1. Politics in India Since Independence
  2. Contemporary World Politics

Below is a unit-wise detailed breakdown of the syllabus in tabular format:

Politics in India Since Independence

This section focuses on India’s political developments post-independence, including governance challenges, policies, and movements.

Unit No. Unit Name Topics Covered
1 Challenges of Nation-Building
  • Partition and its consequences
  • Integration of Princely States
  • Reorganization of states
2 Era of One-Party Dominance
  • Congress system and dominance
  • Role of opposition parties
  • Electoral trends in early years
3 Politics of Planned Development
  • Planning Commission and Five-Year Plans
  • Economic policies and industrialization
  • Land reforms and Green Revolution
4 India’s External Relations
  • Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)
  • India-China and India-Pakistan relations
  • India and international organizations (UN, SAARC, WTO, etc.)
5 Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System
  • Political crisis of 1967
  • Rise of opposition parties
  • JP Movement and Emergency (1975-77)
6 Crisis of the Democratic Order
  • Emergency period and its consequences
  • Role of judiciary and civil liberties
  • Electoral politics post-Emergency
7 Regional Aspirations and Conflicts
  • Demand for state autonomy
  • Punjab, Assam, and Kashmir issues
  • Regional movements and their impact on national politics
8 Rise of Popular Movements
  • Farmers' movements
  • Dalit and backward class movements
  • Women’s rights movements
9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics
  • Coalition governments and political alliances
  • Economic liberalization and globalization
  • Digital governance and electoral reforms

Contemporary World Politics

This section deals with major global events, power structures, and international relations in modern times.

Unit No. Unit Name Topics Covered
10 Cold War Era and Its Politics
  • Origin and phases of the Cold War
  • Major events: Cuban Missile Crisis, Korean War, Vietnam War
  • Formation of military alliances: NATO, Warsaw Pact
11 Disintegration of the ‘Second World’ and the Collapse of Bipolarity
  • Fall of the USSR
  • Rise of unipolarity and US dominance
  • Impact on global politics
12 US Dominance in World Politics
  • Role of the USA in international conflicts
  • US foreign policies and interventions
  • Influence of the US on global organizations (IMF, WTO, UN)
13 Alternative Centers of Economic and Political Power
  • Rise of China as a global power
  • Formation and significance of the European Union (EU)
  • Role of BRICS and ASEAN in world politics
14 South Asia in the Post-Cold War Era
  • India’s relations with South Asian neighbors
  • SAARC and regional cooperation
  • Political developments in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
15 International Organizations in a Unipolar World
  • United Nations and its role in peacekeeping
  • WTO, WHO, and other international economic organizations
  • Role of G20 and other global forums
16 Security in the Contemporary World
  • Traditional vs non-traditional security threats
  • Terrorism and counterterrorism measures
  • Cybersecurity and global challenges
17 Environment and Natural Resources Movements
  • Climate change and international agreements (Paris Climate Agreement, Kyoto Protocol)
  • Sustainable development policies
  • Environmental movements and conservation efforts
18 Globalization and Its Critics
  • Economic liberalization and its impact
  • Cultural globalization and identity politics
  • Anti-globalization movements

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

CUET 2025 : 4 Answered Questions

Ques. My CUET total score is 280 out of 750, so which colleges should I go to?

Scoring 280 out of 750 in CUET will restrict your choices among the highly competitive central universities to some extent. But you have many more opportunities waiting for you at state, private, and part of the central universities—if you are willing to accept a range of courses and destinations. 280 out of 750 is equal to approximately 37%. Top-tier colleges such as DU, BHU, and JNU typically have their cutoffs significantly higher, typically even beyond 600, which makes it impossible to secure admission into their more demanding courses with this marking. But this doesn't leave you with nothing! There are plenty of other decent colleges with lower cutoffs and equally good education. Some Central and State Universities have comparatively lower competition, like the Central University of Haryana, Central University of Karnataka, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (Sagar), Mahatma Gandhi Central University etc. They can offer admissions in general courses like BA, BSc, or BCom. Private Colleges and Universities The majority of the best private colleges accept CUET scores and offer relaxed cutoffs. Examples are colleges like KCC Institute of Technology & Management and other state board-associated private universities. University Type Likelihood of Admission Courses Likely Available Top Central Universities (DU, BHU, JNU, AMU) Very unlikely None (cutoffs much higher) Mid-/Lower-Tier Central/State Universities Possible General BA, BSc, BCom, etc. Private Universities/Colleges Good Wide range, including vocational Keep visiting the official university websites for the latest CUET cutoffs and admission rules. Applying to more than one university can work in your favor. Get ready to accept alternative campuses and pathways; sometimes the best opportunities can surprise you....Read More
Answer By Muskan Agrahari 27 Jun 25
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Ques. Which subject is considered for determining the CUET cutoff for admission to HNBGU?

The subjects considered for the CUET cutoff at HNBGU depend on the course you’re applying for.  – For B.Tech courses: Your CUET scores in Physics, Chemistry, and Math are considered.  – For B.Sc. (like Agriculture, Horticulture, Biology, etc.): Subjects like Biology, Agriculture, Chemistry, or Math will be used—whichever is relevant to the course.  – For BA/B.Com or other non-science courses: The university verifies particular subjects needed for that course (listed in their subject mapping). Example:  B.Sc. Horticulture ? CUET score in Biology or Agriculture B.Tech CSE ? CUET score in PCM BA (any subject) ? Depends on the subject you select (like History, Political Science, etc.) Admission Type Eligible After Entry Year Notes Regular BCA 10+2 or Diploma 1st Year Any stream; some colleges require math/CS. Lateral Entry BCA 3-yr Diploma (CS/IT) 2nd Year Depends on the college’s rules & recognition...Read More
Answer By Muskan Agrahari 27 Jun 25
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Ques. VIPS give preference through Cuet 2025 rank

Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies (VIPS ) , Delhi, does not give direct preference to CUET 2025 ranks for admission in the first round.  The Common Entrance Test (CET), administered by GGSIPU for the majority of courses, is the main method of admission. CUET Rankings Used: VIPS uses the merit list based on CUET scores to fill any open seats after the CET merit list has been exhausted. Courses offered Course Duration Eligibility Entrance Exam Total Fees (Approx.) B.Tech (CSE, AI & ML, etc.) 4 years 10+2 with PCM JEE Main/IPU CET 5.3–5.6 lakh BCA 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 2.9–3.1 lakh BBA 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 3.1–3.2 lakh B.A. LL.B. 10+2 with 50% CLAT/IPU CET 5.1–5.3 lakh BBA LL.B. 5 years 10+2 with 50% CLAT/IPU CET 5.1–5.3 lakh B.Com (Hons.) 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 2.99 lakh BA (Hons.) 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 2.99 lakh BAJMC (Journalism) 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 3.1–3.2 lakh MCA 2 years Graduation with 50%, Math at 10+2 or UG level IPU CET/NIMCET 2.8–3.0 lakh MBA 2 years Graduation with 50% CAT/CMAT/IPU CET 2.8–3.0 lakh LL.M 1 year LL.B. with 55% IPU CET 1.39 lak...Read More
Answer By Vinima Bhola 03 Jul 25
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Ques. I got low marks in CUET, but my UG marks and board marks fit the eligibility criteria. Is there any way I can get into NIT?

No, NIT admissions are not based on CUET scores. NITs accept only JEE Main scores for UG courses such as B.Tech. No matter how well you've done in your Class 12th board and have fulfilled the eligibility criteria, CUET is not acceptable for NIT admission. Here’s what you need to know: Criteria NIT Admission Requirement Entrance Exam JEE Main only CUET Score Not accepted Class 12th Marks Minimum 75% or top 20 percentile in respective board If your goal is to get into an NIT, appearing for JEE Main is a must.   If you have performed decent in CUET, you can attempt to get admission to top central universities and other colleges that accept CUET scores for B.Tech or other undergraduate degrees.  – Delhi University (DU)  – Banaras Hindu University (BHU)  – Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University  = Aligarh Muslim University and similar institutions....Read More
Answer By Muskan Agrahari 25 Jun 25
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Fees Structure

Structure based on different categories

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General1750
sc1650

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