New Delhi, December 11: The University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman, M. Jagadesh Kumar, has announced significant changes to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) admissions in 2025. The total number of subjects has been reduced from 63 to 37, and all exams will now have a uniform duration of 60 minutes.
Key Changes in CUET 2025
- Reduction in Subjects
- The total number of subjects has been decreased to 37 from 63.
- Twenty language subjects have been discontinued. Admissions for these programs will now rely on General Aptitude Test (GAT) scores.
- The number of domain-specific subjects has been reduced from 29 to 23, with six subjects—Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, Fashion Studies, Tourism, Legal Studies, and Engineering Graphics—discontinued.
- Exam Format Updates
- All 50 questions will now be compulsory, as opposed to the previous system where students could answer 40 out of 50.
- Each correct answer will award 5 marks, while incorrect answers will result in a penalty of -1.
- All papers will carry a total of 250 marks.
- Uniform Exam Duration
- A standardized duration of 60 minutes has been introduced for all subjects, replacing the previous system where durations varied between 45 and 60 minutes.
- Language Tests
- CUET will continue to offer exams in 13 major languages as in the previous year. Separate tests for the remaining 20 language subjects have been discontinued.
Objective of Changes
The changes were recommended by an expert committee that reviewed the CUET’s structure, syllabus alignment, and operational logistics. The committee’s recommendations aim to streamline the test, making it more efficient and aligned with national standards.
“The updated CUET will provide a standardized platform for admissions, ensuring equal opportunities for students from diverse educational backgrounds,” said UGC Chairman Kumar.
Introduction of Draft Regulations
The UGC has also introduced draft regulations that propose further reforms, including:
- Biannual admissions.
- Multiple entry and exit options.
- Eligibility for UG or PG admissions irrespective of Class 12 disciplines.
- Requirement for students to earn a minimum of 50% of total credits in a discipline for a degree with a major.
Public feedback on these draft regulations is being collected to finalize the guidelines.
CUET’s Role in Streamlined Admissions
CUET was introduced in 2022 to create a unified, technology-driven admissions system for universities. Last year, 283 universities adopted CUET, and over 1.3 million students registered for the exam. The platform has enhanced transparency, reduced reliance on varying cut-offs, and ensured equal opportunities for candidates from different boards and socio-economic backgrounds.