New Delhi, December 11: Students in Delhi have reacted positively to the changes announced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the 2025 Common University Entrance Test (CUET), highlighting benefits such as extended exam duration and subject flexibility. However, concerns have been raised over the mandatory negative marking policy.
Key Benefits Highlighted
A Delhi student emphasized the flexibility introduced by the new system, which allows students from any stream to pursue diverse undergraduate subjects. “If someone studied History, Geography, and Political Science in school, they can now choose Psychology and Economics. This is a great step forward,” the student said. However, they called for the removal of negative marking, particularly since all questions are now mandatory.
Another student, Rehan, applauded the extended exam duration. “Completing 40 questions in 45 minutes was challenging. The uniform 60-minute duration is a much-needed change. Also, the ability to pick subjects from any stream is a progressive move,” he remarked.
Happy Yadav, a Dayal Singh College student, echoed similar sentiments. “The additional time will enable students to attempt more questions. It’s also beneficial for those who want to explore subjects outside their chosen streams after Class 12,” he added.
Details of UGC’s CUET 2025 Changes
UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar outlined the changes, including:
- Exam Duration: All subjects now have a 60-minute duration.
- Mandatory Questions: Students must answer all 50 questions in each paper, compared to the option to choose 40 questions last year.
- Marking Scheme: Each correct answer will earn 5 marks, while each incorrect answer will attract a penalty of 1 negative mark.
- Revised Subjects: The number of subjects has been reduced from 60 to 37, with 20 language and six domain-specific subjects discontinued.
Concerns Over Negative Marking
While many students appreciate the streamlined format and flexibility, the mandatory negative marking has sparked apprehension. Students argue that the risk of losing marks may deter them from attempting challenging questions.
A Step Towards Inclusivity and Standardization
CUET, introduced in 2022, aims to unify university admissions across India. The 2025 reforms are expected to enhance accessibility and streamline the process, offering students a level playing field while catering to their diverse academic interests.