The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially postponed the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate programs to May 13, 2025, citing a lack of preparedness for the exam. Initially scheduled to commence on May 8, the decision to delay has caused significant confusion and concern among the approximately 13 lakh candidates who have registered for this crucial examination.
According to sources, the NTA informed the University Grants Commission (UGC) of its inability to conduct the CUET-UG as per the previously announced schedule. A formal announcement regarding the new exam dates is expected following a meeting between the NTA and UGC, which took place on May 6, 2025. This delay is largely attributed to the agency's recent focus on the NEET-UG entrance test, which was held on May 4, 2025, leaving insufficient time to prepare for the CUET.
The CUET-UG is a vital stepping stone for students seeking admission into various central, state, and private universities across India. The exam format has evolved since its inception in 2022, with this year’s test being conducted solely as a computer-based test (CBT) rather than the hybrid model used previously. This change aligns with the testing methods used in 2023 and 2022, which were also computer-based.
In March 2025, the NTA had initially communicated that the CUET-UG would take place from May 8 to June 1. However, the lack of a formal date sheet or city slips ahead of the scheduled exam date prompted rising anxiety among students and educators alike. The NTA has since announced that the city intimation slip, which will detail the exam center locations, will be made available on May 7, 2025.
The CUET-UG exam will cover 37 subjects, each consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, and candidates will have 60 minutes to complete each section. The exam's structure includes 13 languages, 23 domain-specific subjects, and a general aptitude test, making it one of the largest entrance exams in India.
The postponement has sparked frustration among students, many of whom had already made travel and accommodation arrangements based on the original schedule. The abrupt change not only disrupts their plans but also raises concerns about the potential impact on the academic calendar of the participating universities. Students have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, highlighting the challenges posed by such last-minute changes.
As the CUET-UG is set to be conducted in 13 Indian languages, including English, Hindi, and several regional languages, it aims to provide a more inclusive testing environment. This year's examination will be crucial for students aiming to enter fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and digital marketing, which are increasingly relevant in today's job market.
Furthermore, the NTA has not released a detailed marking scheme or exam pattern for this year's CUET-UG, leading to further uncertainty among candidates. The marking scheme is expected to award five marks for each correct answer, with a penalty of one mark for incorrect responses. This structure aims to encourage careful consideration in answering questions, which is particularly important given the competitive nature of university admissions.
In light of the recent developments, students are advised to stay updated through the official NTA website, cuet.nta.nic.in, where they can access the latest information regarding the exam schedule, city slips, and admit cards. The NTA has emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines provided in the information bulletin available on its website.
Despite the challenges posed by the postponement, the NTA is committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient examination process. The agency's focus on conducting a fair and error-free examination is paramount, especially given the high stakes involved for students seeking higher education opportunities.
In summary, the CUET-UG 2025 exam has been rescheduled to May 13, 2025, following a decision by the NTA due to a lack of preparation. The city intimation slip will be available on May 7, and candidates are encouraged to remain vigilant for further updates. As the examination approaches, the NTA's commitment to providing a comprehensive and fair testing experience remains a priority, despite the logistical challenges presented by the recent changes.
