UGC unveils new CUET-UG test structure with fewer subjects, no optional questions

M Jagadesh Kumar, the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC), announced on Dec 10 that the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) will be a computer-based test (CBT) starting next year, replacing the previous hybrid format, in accordance with the recommendations of an expert panel.

Students will be allowed to take the test for any subject, regardless of what they studied in Class 12.

Additionally, the UGC announced that admissions to programs in discontinued disciplines will be based on the results of the General Aptitude Test (GAT), and the number of courses will be reduced from 63 to 37.

“Based on feedback from previous years, we are continuously working to improve the exam process and provide a better, more efficient, and conducive environment for students taking the CUET,” said Kumar.

“The committee has examined various aspects of the test, including its structure, the number of papers, duration, syllabus alignment, and operational logistics. The commission considered these recommendations in its meeting held on November 13, 2024,” he added.

“Candidates will also be allowed to choose subjects in CUET-UG that they did not study in Class 12, enabling them to cross rigid disciplinary boundaries in higher education,” said the UGC chief.

Kumar continued, “CBT allows faster result processing and provides enhanced security, ensuring the integrity of the exam process. Making all questions compulsory ensures a level playing field for all candidates, testing their overall proficiency.”

“A compulsory-answer format offers a more comprehensive and uniform assessment of candidates' knowledge and abilities, as all are evaluated on the same set of questions,” he added. “It also encourages students to adopt well-rounded preparation, as they must be ready to address all topics covered in the test.”

Tests will be available in only 13 languages instead of 33, including Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and Assamese.

Additionally, the number of domain-specific subjects has been reduced to 23 from 29. Subjects like Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, Fashion Studies, Tourism, Legal Studies, and Engineering Graphics have been discontinued.

According to Kumar, the exam duration has been standardized to 60 minutes, which will be the same for all papers.

The number of questions has also been kept consistent across all papers. The option for optional exam questions has been removed, and all questions are now compulsory.

Delhi University, BHU, Allahabad University, and 46 other central universities use CUET-UG, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), as the sole entrance exam for undergraduate admissions.

The exam was conducted online and on paper in 2024 in multiple shifts from May 15–31. However, the results announcement, initially planned for June 30, was postponed.

When the test was first conducted in 2022, results were delayed until September due to logistical and technical difficulties.

Last year, results were moved to mid-July to accommodate candidates from Manipur due to ethnic tensions.