How to prepare for Operations Research for CUET-UG ?

Expected Weightage

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for Operations Research (OR) has evolved over the last three years (2021-2024). Below is an analysis of the marking pattern, difficulty trends, and chapter-wise weightage based on past papers and expert reviews.

1. CUET Operations Research: Exam Pattern (2021-2024)

AspectDetails
ModeComputer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration45-60 minutes
Total Marks200 (50 questions × 4 marks each)
Negative Marking-1 for wrong answer (25% deduction)
Difficulty LevelModerate to High (Application-based questions)

2. Chapter-wise Weightage (2021-2024)

The syllabus is based on Linear Programming, Transportation, Assignment, PERT-CPM, Game Theory, Queuing Theory, and Inventory Models. Here’s the approximate weightage:

ChapterWeightage (2021-2024)Key Topics
Linear Programming (LP)25-30% (12-15 Qs)Formulation, Simplex, Graphical Method
Transportation Assignment20-25% (10-12 Qs)NWCM, VAM, Hungarian Method
PERT-CPM15-20% (8-10 Qs)Critical Path, Slack, Crashing
Game Theory10-15% (5-7 Qs)Saddle Point, Mixed Strategies
Queuing Theory10-12% (5-6 Qs)M/M/1, Little’s Formula
Inventory Models8-10% (4-5 Qs)EOQ, ABC Analysis

3. Marking Difficulty Trends

  • 2021-2022:

  • Easy-Moderate : More direct formula-based questions (e.g., Simplex steps, NWCM).

  • High Weightage : LP Transportation (~50% of paper).

  • 2023:

  • Increased Difficulty : Application-based (e.g., real-world LP problems).

  • Game Theory PERT-CPM : Saw more questions (~25% combined).

  • 2024 (Expected Trend):

  • More Case Studies : Questions blending LP + Transportation.

  • Numerical Heavy : Focus on calculations (e.g., EOQ, Queuing formulas).

4. Key Takeaways for Preparation

  1. Focus Areas:
  2. LP Transportation (50% weightage).
  3. PERT-CPM Game Theory (25-30%).
  4. Avoid Neglect:
  5. Queuing Inventory (often overlooked but 15-20% marks).
  6. Practice Numerical Problems:
  7. Simplex iterations, VAM, Hungarian Method.

5. Recommended Books

  • “Operations Research” by Hiller Lieberman** (For Theory + Problems).
  • “Quantitative Techniques” by N. P. Bali** (For CUET-specific practice).

Would you like a topic-wise difficulty breakdown or expected 2025 trends? Let me know!

Last edited by a moderator: Jun 12, 2025