Education & Career Trends: December 26
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Excerpts are taken from an article published on economictimes.indiatimes.com
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced significant modifications to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) admissions starting in 2025. The changes, introduced after a thorough review by an expert panel and announced by UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar, aim to streamline the process and improve reliability.
Key updates include a shift to an entirely computer-based test (CBT) format, a standardized 60-minute duration for all papers, mandatory answering of all questions, and a reduction in the number of foreign language papers. The UGC, in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA), finalized these measures to simplify operations and boost credibility.
Key Changes for 2025:
- CUET-UG will have a uniform 60-minute duration for all papers, eliminating optional questions.
- The number of CUET-UG subjects will increase to 63 from the current 37.
- Exams will exclusively be conducted in CBT mode.
- Students can choose to appear for CUET-UG in any subject, regardless of their Class 12 subjects.
Currently, CUET-PG exams are 105 minutes long with 75 questions, including 12 foreign language options. For CUET-UG, the duration varies—45 minutes for domain and language papers and 60 minutes for the general test. In 2024, the exam used a hybrid model, combining CBT for 48 subjects and pen-and-paper tests for 15. Officials noted that the upcoming changes aim to unify the testing format and reduce logistical challenges associated with hybrid models.
Addressing Past Challenges
Since its launch in 2022, CUET has faced various issues, including technical glitches, last-minute changes in exam centers, delays in results, and dissatisfaction over score normalization. Errors in the 2023 answer keys, coupled with a fee of Rs 200 per challenge, further drew criticism. In 2024, allegations of a NEET-UG paper leak delayed CUET results, while sudden cancellations in Delhi underscored logistical shortcomings.
Expert Review and Recommendations
To address these challenges, the UGC established an expert committee to assess the exam’s structure, duration, syllabus alignment, and logistical operations. The committee’s recommendations were recently discussed in a UGC meeting, and a draft proposal for the 2025 changes will soon be shared for feedback from students, parents, and educators.
Growing Role of CUET
Despite its challenges, CUET has become a vital tool for standardizing university admissions. By 2024, 283 universities had adopted the test, with over 13.47 lakh registrations. The proposed changes aim to enhance the exam’s efficiency and strengthen its role as a unified admission gateway.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced significant modifications to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) admissions starting in 2025. The changes, introduced after a thorough review by an expert panel and announced by UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar, aim to streamline the process and improve reliability.
Key updates include a shift to an entirely computer-based test (CBT) format, a standardized 60-minute duration for all papers, mandatory answering of all questions, and a reduction in the number of foreign language papers. The UGC, in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA), finalized these measures to simplify operations and boost credibility.
Key Changes for 2025:
- CUET-UG will have a uniform 60-minute duration for all papers, eliminating optional questions.
- The number of CUET-UG subjects will increase to 63 from the current 37.
- Exams will exclusively be conducted in CBT mode.
- Students can choose to appear for CUET-UG in any subject, regardless of their Class 12 subjects.
Currently, CUET-PG exams are 105 minutes long with 75 questions, including 12 foreign language options. For CUET-UG, the duration varies—45 minutes for domain and language papers and 60 minutes for the general test. In 2024, the exam used a hybrid model, combining CBT for 48 subjects and pen-and-paper tests for 15. Officials noted that the upcoming changes aim to unify the testing format and reduce logistical challenges associated with hybrid models.
Addressing Past Challenges
Since its launch in 2022, CUET has faced various issues, including technical glitches, last-minute changes in exam centers, delays in results, and dissatisfaction over score normalization. Errors in the 2023 answer keys, coupled with a fee of Rs 200 per challenge, further drew criticism. In 2024, allegations of a NEET-UG paper leak delayed CUET results, while sudden cancellations in Delhi underscored logistical shortcomings.
Expert Review and Recommendations
To address these challenges, the UGC established an expert committee to assess the exam’s structure, duration, syllabus alignment, and logistical operations. The committee’s recommendations were recently discussed in a UGC meeting, and a draft proposal for the 2025 changes will soon be shared for feedback from students, parents, and educators.
Growing Role of CUET
Despite its challenges, CUET has become a vital tool for standardizing university admissions. By 2024, 283 universities had adopted the test, with over 13.47 lakh registrations. The proposed changes aim to enhance the exam’s efficiency and strengthen its role as a unified admission gateway.
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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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