The University Grants Commission (UGC) has rolled out significant changes to the Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduates (CUET-UG) 2025, marking a pivotal step toward streamlining the admission process across Indian universities.
These changes, which have been informed by an expert panel’s review, aim to improve efficiency, standardise exam protocols, and provide greater flexibility for students.
Key Changes in CUET-UG 2025
Introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
One of the most prominent changes announced by the UGC is the shift to a fully computer-based test (CBT) format for CUET-UG 2025. Unlike the hybrid format of previous years, this transition aims to enhance the reliability and security of the exam. The decision to move to CBT-only was influenced by several factors, including technical glitches faced in earlier editions, where the hybrid model had failed to deliver the expected efficiency.
This change means that all candidates, regardless of the subject they choose, will sit for the exam in a digital environment. This is expected to reduce logistical complications and improve the overall testing experience for students.
Reduction in Subject Choices
In line with the shift towards greater standardisation, the number of subjects offered in CUET-UG has been drastically reduced. In 2025, candidates will be allowed to select from just 37 subjects, down from 63 in previous years. This cutback is part of a broader effort to simplify the exam and make it more focused. Additionally, students can now choose subjects that were not part of their Class 12 curriculum, allowing for greater flexibility and interdisciplinary exploration.
Standardisation of Exam Duration
Another significant change is the uniform exam duration. Previously, exam durations varied between 45 to 60 minutes depending on the subject. From 2025, all CUET-UG papers will have a fixed duration of 60 minutes. This change is aimed at providing uniformity in the testing process, ensuring that all candidates face the same time constraints, regardless of the subject they are being tested on.
Compulsory Questions Across All Subjects
The exam will also no longer feature optional questions. All questions in the CUET-UG will be compulsory, a move that aims to eliminate the disparities that optional questions could create in terms of difficulty and subject focus. This shift is designed to ensure fairness and consistency in assessing candidates’ abilities.
Challenges Faced by CUET in Previous Years
CUET has faced several challenges since its inception in 2022. The first edition was plagued with technical issues, including server failures and glitches during the exam, which delayed the results and caused confusion among students. In 2024, the exam format was hybrid, and while it aimed to offer a flexible approach, it led to significant logistical issues. For instance, the exam was cancelled in Delhi just the night before it was set to take place, creating chaos for thousands of students.
The committee’s recommendations seek to resolve such issues by standardising the exam format and duration, as well as improving the overall reliability of the testing system. These measures should help eliminate operational glitches, providing a smoother experience for future candidates.
Flexibility in Subject Selection
A notable aspect of the 2025 CUET-UG overhaul is the flexibility it introduces in terms of subject selection. Students will be able to choose subjects that they have not studied in Class 12, breaking away from the traditional boundaries of subject-specific disciplines. This change is intended to allow students to pursue interdisciplinary studies, which aligns with the modern approach to higher education that encourages flexibility and diverse learning paths.
For example, a student who studied Humanities in Class 12 may choose a Science-based subject for CUET-UG, opening up a broader range of academic opportunities. This flexibility could prove particularly advantageous for students looking to shift fields of study or explore new academic interests.
Reduction of Subjects
As part of the move to reduce subjects, the UGC has also axed several papers that were deemed less relevant or redundant. Some subjects, such as Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, and Fashion Studies, will no longer be part of CUET-UG. This streamlining is expected to make the exam more focused and manageable for both students and exam authorities.
The table below outlines the subjects that will no longer be offered, as well as the replacement mechanism through the General Aptitude Test (GAT).
| Dropped Subjects | Replacement |
| Entrepreneurship | General Aptitude Test (GAT) |
| Teaching Aptitude | General Aptitude Test (GAT) |
| Fashion Studies | General Aptitude Test (GAT) |
| Tourism | General Aptitude Test (GAT) |
| Legal Studies | General Aptitude Test (GAT) |
| Engineering Graphics | General Aptitude Test (GAT) |
This change aims to reduce the burden on students and streamline the entire exam process, making it easier to administer and more focused on core academic subjects.
What Students Can Expect in 2025
In 2025, students will have a more structured and standardised examination process. With a fixed exam duration, compulsory questions, and fewer subjects to choose from, the exam is expected to be more straightforward. The removal of optional questions ensures that every student is evaluated on the same level, and the move to CBT-only format aims to eliminate technical errors and provide a smoother experience.
Moreover, the reduction in the number of subjects will not only make the examination easier to manage but also reduce the stress on students who are often overwhelmed by a vast number of subject choices.
Implications for CUET
The UGC’s decision to overhaul CUET-UG 2025 is part of a broader push to modernise the higher education entrance system in India. The changes aim to create a more efficient and transparent admissions process, one that is fairer and more inclusive for students from all backgrounds. The transition to a fully computer-based format and the introduction of greater flexibility in subject choices could help shape the future of higher education in India by making it more accessible to a wider range of students.
As the final guidelines for CUET-UG 2025 are expected to be released soon, it will be interesting to see how students and institutions respond to these changes. The shift toward standardisation and flexibility could set the stage for more significant reforms in India’s educational landscape, ensuring that students are better equipped for the challenges of the 21st century.
