Significant changes are on the horizon for the Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET UG) starting in 2025, aimed at enhancing flexibility and inclusivity for students. According to UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar, candidates will now have the opportunity to select subjects beyond their Class 12 curriculum, breaking traditional disciplinary boundaries in higher education.
Key Changes for CUET UG 2025
- Subject Selection: Students can choose from a reduced list of subjects, now totaling 37, down from 63. Importantly, they will be allowed to opt for subjects they did not study in Class 12, enabling a more interdisciplinary approach. For example, a science student could select humanities or commerce subjects].
- Testing Format: The exam will transition to a fully computer-based test (CBT) format, moving away from the hybrid model used previously. This change aims to streamline the testing process and mitigate past technical issues that plagued earlier editions of the exam.
- Exam Structure: Candidates can now select up to five subjects for the exam, a reduction from the previous limit of six. Each subject will have a standardized duration of 60 minutes, and all questions will be compulsory, eliminating optional questions.
Rationale Behind Changes
These reforms are designed to address challenges faced in previous CUET editions, including technical glitches and logistical issues that led to exam cancellations. The UGC's expert panel conducted a comprehensive review of the exam and proposed these changes to enhance the overall experience for students.
Kumar emphasized that this new structure is expected to open diverse academic opportunities and align with the evolving needs of higher education, allowing students to explore various fields without being confined to their previous studies.
As CUET UG prepares for these changes, it promises a more inclusive and flexible examination process that caters to the diverse interests of students entering higher education.
