UGC announces big changes for CUET 2025: Here's what students can expect for the UG, PG exams next year

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced changes to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) admissions in 2025. This follows a review by an expert panel, as announced by UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar. These include a return to the computer-based test (CBT) format, a uniform 60-minute duration for all papers, mandatory attempts for all questions, and a reduction in foreign language papers.

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CUET 2025 changes

The UGC, in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA), finalized the changes to simplify the testing process and improve credibility.

• All CUET-UG exams to have uniform duration of 60 minutes, optional questions to be done away with, announces UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar.
• CUET-UG to be conducted in 63 subjects instead of 37 from 2025 session
• CUET-UG will only be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode from 2025
• Students will be allowed to appear for CUET-UG in any subject irrespective of subjects studied in class 12

Currently, CUET-PG papers are 105 minutes long with 75 questions, including 12 foreign languages. For CUET-UG, the duration varies—45 minutes for domain and language papers and 60 minutes for the general test. In 2024, the hybrid mode combined CBT for 48 subjects and pen-and-paper tests for 15 subjects. An official stated, “These proposed changes will unify the testing process and eliminate the logistical complexities of hybrid exams.”

UGC head Kumar revealed that the expert committee has examined multiple aspects of the examination process, including:

• Structure and number of test papers
• Duration and syllabus alignment
• Operational logistics

Challenges since CUET’s launch

Introduced in 2022 to standardize university admissions, CUET has faced recurring challenges. The first year saw technical glitches, abrupt changes to exam centres, and delays in results due to logistical failures. Additionally, the need for score normalization across multiple shifts caused dissatisfaction among candidates.

Errors in answer keys in 2023, requiring students to pay Rs 200 per challenge, further fueled criticism. In 2024, allegations of a NEET-UG paper leak delayed CUET results, while last-minute cancellations in Delhi highlighted logistical weaknesses.

Expert committee reviews and recommendations

In response to these issues, the UGC formed an expert committee to review the test structure, syllabus alignment, and logistics. The recommendations were discussed in a recent UGC meeting, and a draft proposal for 2025 changes will soon be released for feedback from students, parents, and educators.

CUET’s growing significance

Despite its challenges, CUET has become a critical tool for streamlining admissions. In 2024, 283 universities adopted the test, and registrations crossed 13.47 lakh. The upcoming changes aim to enhance the test’s efficiency and maintain its role as a unified admission gateway.