The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened registrations for the 2025 Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG), setting the stage for prospective students aiming for admission to various universities across India. The application window commenced on March 1, 2025, and will remain open until 11:50 PM on March 22, 2025.
According to the NTA's announcement, the CUET UG will be conducted from May 8 to June 1, 2025. This examination serves as a standardized assessment, allowing students to gain admission to central, state, and private universities, thereby streamlining the university entry process.
The timing for the examination is particularly relevant as it follows the controversies faced by the NTA last year, where allegations of question paper leaks marred the integrity of significant assessments like NEET and CUET. This year, the NTA aims to conduct the CUET UG entirely through computer-based testing (CBT), deviated from the hybrid model used previously.
Here's the timeline for registration and examination: applications can be submitted until March 22, followed by the last date for fee payment on March 23. Corrections to application particulars will be allowed from March 24 to March 26, with exact details on examination centers and admit card downloads to be announced later.
Notably, the CUET UG will cater to candidates by providing the exam in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, and Bengali, among others. This multilingual approach reflects the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility within the framework of the examination.
For 2025, the CUET UG aims to involve candidates taking assessment sessions for as many as five subjects. The scope of subjects has also seen modifications, with some being removed from this year’s list, such as ‘Tourism,’ ‘Legal Studies,’ and ‘Engineering Graphics.’ This change emphasizes the NTA's intention to streamline the examination content to focus on core subjects.
Last year, approximately 13.47 lakh candidates registered for the CUET UG, which posed significant challenges for the NTA. The agency is now hoping for smoother operations this year after facing scrutiny and criticism during the 2024 evaluations.
To assist candidates with the registration process, here are the steps they should follow:
1. Visit the official website of CUET at cuet.nta.nic.in.
2. Click on the registration link for CUET UG 2025.
3. Fill out the CUET application form and pay the required fees.
4. Save the application PDF for future reference and make sure to take a printout.
Essential documents required during the application process include:
- Mark sheets and certificates from Classes 10 and 12.
- Aadhar card, voter ID, or another photo identification proof.
- Bank account details for fee transactions.
- Category certificate, if applicable.
- Recent passport-sized photographs and signatures.
To successfully complete registration for the CUET UG, students must also be aware of the eligibility criteria outlined by the NTA:
- Candidates must have passed the 12th examination from recognized boards or universities.
- Those with diplomas recognized by relevant educational authorities are also eligible.
- Students from the Joint Services Wing of NDA who have completed their two-year course are eligible to apply.
This comprehensive structure of the CUET UG not only highlights the NTA's commitment to improving the examination framework but also signifies the growing competitiveness among aspiring university students across the nation. Educational institutions and candidates alike will be observing the NTA's initiatives closely, anticipating changes, and adapting to the new norms of examination.
Overall, the registration for CUET UG 2025 is marked by significant structural changes aimed at simplifying the process and enhancing the examination's integrity. With the first applicants already preparing their materials, the NTA anticipates another intense round of evaluations set against the backdrop of their drive for reform and improvement in educational assessments.