CUET-UG to Be Fully Online: Key Changes Announced by UGC
The Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate (CUET-UG) is set to undergo significant changes starting next year. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that the exam will shift entirely to a computer-based format, offering students greater flexibility in subject selection and a streamlined exam process.
Major Changes to CUET-UG
- **Reduction in Subjects**
– The number of available subjects will decrease from 63 to 37.
– Admissions for programs in dropped subjects will now rely on General Aptitude Test (GAT) scores.
- **Flexible Subject Choice**
– Students can now opt for subjects they haven’t studied in Class 12. This change aims to break down rigid disciplinary boundaries in higher education, fostering a multidisciplinary approach.
- **Streamlined Exam Format**
– The exam duration will be standardized to 60 minutes for all papers.
– The number of questions will be uniform across all subjects.
– Optional questions will be eliminated, making all questions compulsory.
- **Language Tests**
– Language tests will be reduced from 33 to 13, including Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
- **Domain-Specific Papers**
– The number of domain-specific subjects will drop from 29 to 23.
– Papers in Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, Fashion Studies, Tourism, Legal Studies, and Engineering Graphics will no longer be offered.
Rationale Behind the Changes
The UGC’s decision follows recommendations by an expert panel tasked with improving the CUET-UG experience. UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar stated, “Based on feedback from past years, we are continuously working to improve the exam process and provide a better, more efficient, and conducive environment for students.”
Key benefits of the new computer-based test (CBT) format include:
– Faster result processing.
– Enhanced security to ensure the integrity of the exam.
– A uniform assessment process with all candidates answering the same set of questions.
Challenges in Previous CUET-UG Editions
The CUET-UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), serves as the gateway for undergraduate admissions across 46 central universities, including Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, and Allahabad University. However, past editions of the exam have faced challenges:
– **2024 Exam:** Delayed results due to logistical issues; originally scheduled for June 30, results were postponed.
– **2023 Exam:** Results delayed until mid-July to accommodate students from Manipur amid ethnic conflicts.
– **2022 Exam:** Technical glitches caused significant delays, with results announced in September.
A Step Toward Uniformity and Accessibility
The UGC believes that these changes will enhance the CUET-UG’s efficiency and fairness. The move to make all questions compulsory and standardize test durations aims to provide a level playing field for all candidates.
“A compulsory-answer format offers a more comprehensive and uniform assessment of students’ knowledge and abilities,” said Kumar. “This encourages students to adopt well-rounded preparation strategies.”
Looking Ahead
As the CUET-UG evolves, the emphasis remains on creating a fair, secure, and efficient system for students. These reforms align with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP), which promotes flexibility and interdisciplinary learning.
With these changes, CUET-UG 2025 promises to be a more robust and student-friendly examination, paving the way for smoother undergraduate admissions across India.
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