The Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate programmes (CUET-UG) 2025, initially set to commence on May 8, will now begin on May 13, 2025, as announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. This change comes as the NTA aims to accommodate the overwhelming number of candidates who have registered for the exam this year.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the NTA confirmed that city intimation slips for candidates will be released on May 7, 2025. These slips will provide students with crucial information about their exam centers ahead of time, allowing them to plan their travel accordingly.
The CUET-UG is recognized as the second-largest entrance exam in India, with over 13 lakh students expected to participate annually. This exam serves as a single-window opportunity for admission to undergraduate programmes across more than 250 universities, including prominent institutions like Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Originally, the CUET-UG was supposed to be conducted between May 8 and June, but the NTA has now rescheduled it to start on May 13. This adjustment aims to streamline the admission process and reduce the pressure of multiple entrance exams on students, a goal that aligns with the NTA's broader mandate.
Students are urged to regularly check the official NTA website for updates regarding the exam and to download their city slips on May 7. Following the release of the city intimation slips, candidates can expect their admit cards to be available shortly thereafter.
In 2025, the NTA has received an unprecedented number of applications for the CUET UG exam, with reports indicating that 13.5 lakh candidates have successfully registered. This surge in applications underscores the growing importance of the CUET-UG as a pathway for students seeking higher education opportunities in India.
The CUET UG exam will be conducted entirely in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format for all 37 subjects, marking a significant shift in how examinations are administered. Each subject will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions, with candidates given a total of 60 minutes to complete them. This format is designed to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the examination process.
Moreover, the CUET UG exam will be available in 13 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. This multilingual approach aims to accommodate the diverse linguistic backgrounds of candidates across the country.
For the CUET UG 2025 exam, candidates are permitted to choose a maximum of five subjects, which can include languages and the General Aptitude Test. However, it is essential for candidates to meet the eligibility criteria for the specific programmes they are applying to.
The marking scheme for the CUET UG exam is straightforward: candidates will receive five marks for each correct answer, while an incorrect answer will result in a deduction of one mark. Unanswered questions or those marked for review will not affect the overall score.
As the exam date approaches, the NTA will release the city intimation slip approximately 10-12 days prior to the examination. This slip will detail the city of the exam and the scheduled timings, allowing candidates to plan their travel arrangements effectively.
Additionally, after downloading the city intimation slip, candidates will be able to access their admit cards 3-4 days before the examination. The admit card is an essential document that candidates must present at the examination centers; without it, they will not be permitted to enter.
In summary, the CUET-UG 2025 exam is set to begin on May 13, 2025, following a postponement from its original date. With a record number of registrations and a commitment to providing a streamlined admission process, the NTA is poised to facilitate a significant step for many students in their educational journeys.
As preparations continue, candidates are reminded to stay updated through the NTA’s official channels and to ensure they have all necessary documents ready for the examination day. The CUET-UG represents a vital opportunity for aspiring students across India, and the NTA's efforts to manage this process effectively are crucial for its success.