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CUET UG 2025 Changes In Exam Pattern Increases Difficulties In Subject Combination

The changes in the CUET UG 2025 exam pattern have led to confusion among students regarding subject combinations, eligibility criteria, and reduced paper options. Learn about the challenges students are facing in their preparation journey.
authorImageAnanya Gupta18 Mar, 2025
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CUET UG 2025 Change In Exam Pattern

CUET UG 2025 : CUET UG 2025 has introduced significant changes in its cuet exam pattern, which has led to increased difficulties for students concerning subject combinations. According to the revised structure, the number of papers has been reduced from 63 to 37, with domain subjects reduced from 29 to 23, and language papers cut down from 33 to 13. 

 

While the National Testing Agency (NTA) now allows students to appear for exams in subjects other than those they studied in Class 12, several universities have clarified that admissions will be granted only based on subjects studied in Class 12. This mismatch between NTA’s guidelines and university admission policies has created confusion among students about which subjects to choose for the exam. The absence of a detailed FAQ list from NTA, which was usually provided in previous years, has further complicated the situation, leaving students unclear about the application process and cuet eligibility criteria.

Changes Introduced in CUET-UG 2025

The CUET UG 2025 has brought several changes to its exam pattern, creating challenges for students in selecting the right subject combinations. These changes aim to align with the National Education Policy 2020 but have led to increased confusion among aspirants.

  1. Reduction in Subjects and Papers:  One of the most notable changes is the reduction in the number of subjects and papers. The total number of subjects has been brought down from 63 to 37. Similarly, the number of domain subjects has been reduced from 29 to 23, while the language papers have dropped from 33 to 13. This significant cut has limited students’ choices and increased the complexity of selecting the right subjects.

  2. Flexibility with Limitations:  Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students can now appear for exams in subjects other than those studied in Class 12. While this change was intended to provide flexibility, it has instead created confusion as many universities have made it clear that admissions will be given only in subjects studied during Class 12. This mismatch between the examination and admission criteria has left students unsure of how to proceed.

Challenges Faced by Students

The changes in the CUET UG 2025 exam pattern have left many students confused about which subjects to choose for the exam. Some of the major challenges faced by students include:

  1. Subject Combination Confusion :  Students are finding it challenging to choose the appropriate subjects for the entrance test. With universities having different admission criteria, many students are unable to determine which subjects to opt for to maximize their chances of admission.

  2. Lack of Clarity from NTA :  The National Testing Agency (NTA) has not yet released a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list for CUET-UG 2025. In the previous year, the FAQ list included answers to 127 questions, helping students understand the exam and admission process. The absence of a similar guide this year has added to the confusion.

  3. University-Specific Admission Rules :   Several universities, including Delhi University (DU), have made it clear that students should appear for CUET only in subjects they studied in Class 12. This directly contradicts the flexibility offered by NEP 2020, leaving students uncertain about how to select cuet subjects that align with their preferred universities’ criteria.

Expert Advice and Student Concerns

Experts recommend that students carefully review the admission criteria of each university before selecting subjects for CUET UG 2025. They also advise students to stay updated with official cuet notifications and visit university websites to avoid making mistakes during the registration process. The NTA has urged students to be cautious and well-informed about the rules before applying. In the absence of an FAQ document, students must seek guidance from reliable sources to avoid confusion and errors in subject selection.

 

CUET UG 2025 Change In Exam Pattern FAQs

Q.1 : What changes have been made to the CUET-UG 2025 exam pattern?

Ans. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reduced the total number of subjects from 63 to 37, including 13 languages and 23 domain-specific subjects. Students now have the flexibility to choose subjects for the exam, regardless of their Class 12 background, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Q2. How does this flexibility in subject selection affect university admissions?

Ans. While NTA allows students to select any subject for the exam, many universities require that admissions be based on subjects studied in Class 12. This discrepancy has led to confusion among students about which subjects to choose for the CUET UG 2025.

Q.3. What are some common issues students face with subject mapping?

Ans. Many institutions, especially private, state, and some deemed universities, have not updated their CUET subject mapping for the 2025- 2026 academic year. This lack of updated information leaves students uncertain about which subjects to choose for the exam.

Q4. How can students select the appropriate subject combinations for CUET UG 2025?

Ans. Students should consult the specific admission criteria of their desired universities. For instance, the University of Delhi has outlined preferred subject combinations for various courses. Aligning CUET subject choices with these guidelines can enhance admission prospects.
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