The University of Allahabad is the authority that conducts the Combined Research Entrance Test (CRET). This exam is conducted for the selection of candidates to Doctor of Philosophy (D. Phil) program of the University. The University offers D.Phil course in a variety of courses like Commerce, Biochemistry, Environmental Studies, Nutritional Science, Sociology and Urdu. CRET comprises of objective as well as subjective type questions. Questions are asked from topics like General Awareness, Research Aptitude and from the concerned subject of study. Those who can pass through the written test should also qualify an interview session for confirming their admission to the course.

Exam Pattern for CRET

CRET exam is conducted in three levels, Level I, Level II and Level III.

Test Structure for Level-I

Level I comprise of objective type multiple choice questions. Total time allotted for completion of this level is 3 hours. There will be two sections for level I, Section A and Section B. Section A must be completed within 1 and half hours and covers questions from the following topics.

• General Awareness
• Academic Aptitude
• Research Aptitude

There will be 50 questions (for Section A) each carrying 4 marks. Section B also includes 50 questions to evaluate the subject proficiency of the candidate. Here also each question carries 4 marks which need to be answered in time duration 1 and half hours.

Test Structure for Level-II

Level II test is conducted in subjective model and the sections covers questions on subject expertise and research aptitude. Total time allotted for the completion of the section is 3 hours and total marks are 200. There will be three sections for this level. Section I includes short answer type questions of 10 numbers, each carrying 10 marks. Minimum word limit for each of these questions is 50. Second section includes medium answer type questions. There will be 3 questions of 20 marks each. Candidate need to answer each of these questions in at least 200 words. Third section includes one question only. This long answer type question carries 40 marks and one should answer this in at least 400 words.

Test Structure for Level-III

The final round, level III, is an interview section. This section also includes other forms of appraisals like presentations and group discussions. Those who get successful in one level can only move to the next level. At least 40% marks in each of the sections of level I or level II is mandatory to get qualified for level III.