The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced significant changes to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for the 2025 academic session, signaling a transformative phase in India’s higher education system. UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar recently announced a reduction in the total number of CUET subjects from 63 to 37, along with other reforms to streamline the exam process and enhance its efficiency.
Key Changes in CUET 2025:
Reduction in Subjects:
One of the most notable changes is the reduction in available subjects. The number of language subjects has been trimmed by 20, leaving only 13 languages for the CUET language test. Admissions for courses related to the excluded languages will now rely on General Aptitude Test (GAT) scores instead.
Similarly, domain-specific subjects have been reduced from 29 to 23. Among the subjects removed are Entrepreneurship, Fashion Studies, Tourism, Legal Studies, Teaching Aptitude, and Engineering Graphics. This reduction reflects an effort to streamline the exam while focusing on core disciplines, but it has sparked concerns about limiting academic opportunities for students interested in specialized areas.
Changes in Exam Format:
The UGC has introduced several reforms to standardize the structure and scoring of CUET:
Uniform Test Duration: Each test paper will now have a fixed duration of 60 minutes, unlike previous years when durations varied depending on the subject.
Standardized Question Paper: Each paper will contain 50 mandatory questions, eliminating the previous option of selective answering. This change aims to create a more uniform assessment process for all candidates.
Revised Marking Scheme: To ensure precision in evaluation, five marks will be awarded for each correct answer, while one mark will be deducted for each incorrect response. This updated scheme encourages accuracy and discourages guesswork.
Operational Adjustments:
These changes are the result of recommendations by an expert committee tasked with assessing the CUET framework. The revisions are designed to align the exam with modern requirements and simplify logistics, ensuring smoother implementation for both students and exam administrators.
The Purpose of CUET:
Launched in 2022, CUET was envisioned as a standardized, technology-driven entrance exam to unify the admission process for central universities across India. By offering a common platform, CUET seeks to eliminate discrepancies arising from varying board examination patterns and grading systems. The test levels the playing field for students from diverse socio-economic and academic backgrounds, making admissions more equitable.
CUET’s objective extends beyond just access—it also prioritizes transparency. It reduces the reliance on sky-high board exam cut-offs and provides universities with a uniform metric to evaluate students. These recent changes, particularly the reduction in subjects and updated exam patterns, are seen as steps toward refining this vision.
Future Prospects and Proposed Reforms:
The UGC has also introduced draft regulations for public feedback, outlining future changes that could further shape India’s education landscape:
Biannual Admissions: Proposals include offering students the opportunity to apply twice a year, giving more flexibility to candidates.
Program Flexibility: The framework encourages interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to select courses across disciplines in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Multiple Entry and Exit Points: This system, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, enables students to enter or exit programs at different stages, fostering lifelong learning opportunities.
These proposals aim to make India’s higher education system more inclusive and globally competitive.
Broader Implications of the CUET Changes:
The reduction in subjects and standardized exam format are expected to simplify the CUET process, benefiting both students and universities. By narrowing the scope of subjects, the UGC seeks to streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure a more focused evaluation of candidates. However, this move has also drawn criticism. Education experts and stakeholders worry that cutting niche subjects like Fashion Studies or Tourism may limit opportunities for students aspiring to pursue unconventional careers.
On the operational side, the uniform duration and mandatory question structure are likely to make the exam more predictable and manageable. Students can now prepare with greater clarity, knowing exactly what to expect. However, the introduction of negative marking may create added pressure, requiring students to be more cautious with their responses.
Another concern is the potential impact on rural and marginalized students. The reduction in language subjects may disproportionately affect candidates who excel in regional languages. Although the GAT scores can compensate, some argue this could inadvertently disadvantage non-mainstream language speakers.
Broader Context:
CUET has been a cornerstone of India’s effort to modernize its education system. The test not only aligns with global standards but also supports the vision of the NEP 2020, which emphasizes universal access, equity, and quality in higher education. The 2025 reforms reflect a commitment to continuous improvement, addressing logistical challenges faced during the initial years of CUET while ensuring the process remains inclusive.
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The changes also underline the UGC’s focus on ensuring fairness in admissions while balancing the operational needs of universities. As CUET becomes more streamlined, it is expected to set a benchmark for entrance exams in India, influencing state-level and private university admission processes.
The CUET 2025 reforms mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of India’s higher education system. While the reduction in subjects and changes in exam format aim to improve efficiency and accessibility, they also raise questions about inclusivity and the future of specialized disciplines. As the UGC continues to refine the framework, it will need to balance operational efficiency with the diverse aspirations of India’s student population. These changes, however, reflect a broader commitment to aligning India’s education system with global standards, ensuring it remains robust and future-ready.