CUET-UG 2025: Key Changes and Updates for Students

The Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate Courses (CUET-UG) is set to undergo several significant changes for the 2025 session. These changes, approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) after a thorough review, are aimed at improving the exam structure, accessibility, and security for students.

Here are the major updates you need to know:

1. Shift to Computer-Based Test (CBT) Mode

  • Fully Computer-Based: The CUET-UG will be conducted exclusively in computer-based test (CBT) mode starting from 2025. This decision follows the hybrid approach adopted in the previous year.
  • Reason for Change: The move to CBT mode is based on the belief that it is more reliable and secure compared to other examination methods, such as pen-and-paper.

2. Flexibility in Subject Choices for Students

  • No Restriction on Subject Background: One of the most notable changes is that students will now be able to appear for subjects they haven’t studied in Class 12. This offers greater flexibility and breaks the rigid disciplinary boundaries that previously restricted subject choices in higher education.
  • Crossover in Academic Disciplines: This change is aimed at encouraging interdisciplinary learning and allowing students to explore diverse fields, even if they didn’t study those subjects in their higher secondary education.

3. Reduction in the Number of Subjects and Papers

  1. Fewer Papers: The total number of papers in the CUET-UG has been reduced from 63 to 37, which makes the exam more streamlined and less cumbersome for students.
  2. Simplified Language Papers: Instead of 33 separate language tests, the exam will now offer tests in just 13 languages. These languages include:
    • Assamese
    • Bengali
    • English
    • Gujarati
    • Hindi
    • Kannada
    • Malayalam
    • Marathi
    • Punjabi
    • Odia
    • Tamil
    • Telugu
    • Urdu
  3. Domain-Specific Subjects Cut: The number of domain-specific subjects has been reduced from 29 to 23. The subjects that have been dropped include:
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Teaching Aptitude
    • Fashion Studies
    • Tourism
    • Legal Studies
    • Engineering Graphics
  4. The students interested in these subjects will be evaluated based on the General Aptitude Test (GAT)

4. Simplified and Standardised Exam

  • Standardized Duration: The exam duration, which previously ranged from 45 minutes to 60 minutes depending on the subject, will now be standardized to 60 minutes across all subjects.
  • Maximum Number of Subjects: Students will be allowed to appear for a maximum of five subjects, down from six in previous years.

5. General Aptitude Test (GAT) for Dropped Subjects

  • For subjects that have been removed, such as Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, and Legal Studies, the admissions will be based on scores from the General Aptitude Test (GAT). This test will serve as a general measure of the student's aptitude and knowledge.

6. Focus on Exam Security and Operational Efficiency

The UGC's decision to shift fully to CBT is also motivated by the need for greater operational security. The move is expected to mitigate issues related to paper leaks, cheating, and logistical challenges.

  • The change aims to improve the exam-taking experience for students by ensuring a more uniform, error-free evaluation procesS.

7. Normalization

 Normalisation process will be applicable this time which was not applicable last year

    Implication Of Students

These changes in CUET-UG 2025 are expected to have several positive impacts on students:

  • Greater Accessibility: The flexibility in subject choice will open up opportunities for students to pursue interdisciplinary fields, even if they did not study them in school.
  • Streamlined Process: The reduction in the number of papers will reduce the burden on students and make it easier to prepare for the exam.
  • Fairer Evaluation: With standardized exam durations and fewer papers, the exam is expected to be more fair and less stressful for students.
  • Increased Security: The fully digital format will also increase the security and integrity of the exam, giving students a level playing field and reducing instances of malpractice.

 

Conclusion

The CUET-UG 2025 will be a more streamlined, secure, and flexible exam, with key changes aimed at improving both the student experience and the exam’s operational efficiency. The move to a computer-based format, reduced number of subjects, and the flexibility to choose subjects beyond those studied in Class 12 marks a significant shift in the Indian higher education admissions process. Students should stay informed about these changes to better prepare for the upcoming exam cycle.