The registration for the Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduates (CUET UG) 2025 is in full swing, but prospective candidates are encountering significant hurdles. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has set the closing date for registrations as March 22, 2025, with payments accepted until 11:50 PM on March 23, 2025. The exam is scheduled to be held between May 8 and June 1, 2025. This year’s exam marks a pivotal change as it will be conducted entirely in a computer-based format, moving away from the hybrid model utilized in previous years.
As candidates flock to register, they face a multitude of technical challenges. Reports indicate issues such as not receiving the One-Time Password (OTP) required to finalize registrations, captcha images failing to display, and server downtimes causing frustration among applicants. Many students are calling for an extension of the registration deadline to alleviate these pressing problems.
Specific to the registration details, candidates must ensure completeness and accuracy when filling out the application. The NTA has also made it clear that those who require modifications to their applications can do so during the correction window from March 24 to March 26, 2025. The single-window admission process offered by the CUET allows students to apply for admission to not only central universities but also participating state, deemed, and private universities across India.
Regarding the application fees, students applying for three subjects must pay Rs 1000 for the general category, Rs 900 for OBC/EWS, and Rs 800 for SC/ST/PH candidates. Any additional subject registrations will incur further charges, with Rs 400 for the general category and lesser amounts for others. Notably, students applying from outside India face a fee of Rs 4500, plus extra charges for additional subjects.
Students have expressed concern via social media about the NTA’s ability to manage registration effectively. Many have highlighted specific issues, such as the failure to receive the OTP required for completing registrations and the visibility of captcha, which are preventing them from moving forward. These frustrations are prevalent as the need for the NTA to address these issues becomes increasingly urgent in the face of the approaching deadline.
In light of these challenges, it is crucial for candidates to act promptly. With registration set to close in less than a week, those experiencing issues must seek assistance immediately or consider alternate arrangements to ensure their applications are submitted on time. The imperative for timely action cannot be understated, as the NTA has clarified that after the deadline, no applications will be accepted.
In addition to the operational hurdles, CUET UG 2025 will be held in 13 languages, providing a platform for candidates from diverse backgrounds to participate. This inclusive approach aligns with the exam's mission to facilitate access to education through a more streamlined admission process.
As for the exam format, the NTA has reduced the number of subjects from 63 to 37 this year, offering greater flexibility in subject choices irrespective of Class 12 streams. Additionally, the duration of all subject papers will now be standardized to 60 minutes and will feature only compulsory questions, eliminating optional questions that previously existed. This significant adjustment aims to provide a more uniform experience for all candidates.
Looking ahead, the question remains whether the NTA will heed the calls for an extension of the registration deadline in light of the widespread technical issues. Students continue to voice their frustrations and seek reassurance that their concerns will be addressed. The process for admissions through CUET UG is critical, with seats in numerous universities hanging in the balance, and the NTA needs to ensure that all applicants have a fair chance to complete their registration.
As students brace for this year’s CUET UG amid ongoing technical difficulties, the implications of effective solutions extend beyond individual candidates—they signify the commitment to equitable access to higher education. Timely action and responsiveness from the NTA will determine the ease with which thousands of students can realize their academic ambitions.
