The National Testing Agency has also announced changes to the CUET UG Exam Pattern. Such changes will also be applied for the CUET 2025 exam. Those students seeking undergraduate programs in 2025 must study the same changes so that they can prepare better. The test is divided into four sections - two language sections, one domain-specific subject, and the general test. This new pattern ensures a smooth evaluation process for varied academic requirements.
CUET UG Exam Pattern 2025 -Highlights
Here is the summary of the new CUET UG 2025 exam details:
Category | Details |
Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
CUET Full Form | Central University Entrance Test |
Exam Name | CUET 2025 |
Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) and Offline (Pen-and-Paper Mode) |
Medium | Available in 13 languages |
Test Pattern | Objective, Multiple-Choice Questions |
Number of Sections | Four |
Exam Timing | Slot I: 9:00 am - 11:00 am, Slot II: 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm, Slot III: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm |
Marking Scheme | +5 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect answer |
Total Marks | 800 marks |
Maximum Tests Allowed | Six |
Detailed CUET Exam Pattern 2025
CUET 2025 exam pattern consists of four different sections.
- Section IA – Language Proficiency: This is the section testing the candidate's proficiency in one of 13 languages, such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, English, Hindi, and Urdu.
- Section IB – Additional Languages: Candidates can take up to three languages from a list of 20 additional options, including French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Sanskrit.
- Section II – Domain-Specific Subjects: There are 27 subjects within this section across a range of different disciplines. Candidates may select a maximum of six subjects based on their desired university's requirements.
- Section III – General Test: This assessment represents a general test to assess candidates' knowledge and reasoning of logical and numerical abilities.
Examination Pattern and Time
Section | Subjects/Tests | No. of Questions | Questions to Attempt | Duration |
Section IA | 13 Languages | 50 per language | 40 per language | 45 minutes per language |
Section IB | 20 Languages | 50 per language | 40 per language | 45 minutes per language |
Section II | 27 Domain Specific Subjects | 45/50 | 35/40 | 45 minutes each |
Section III | Common Test | 60 | 50 | 60 minutes |
Key Variations of CUET 2025
- The examination will be conducted in two phases. Online - CBT and Offline - pen and paper.
- Students can opt for six subjects, while initially ten could be opted.
- For the correct response +5 marks would be given, and for every wrong answer, -1 mark shall be deducted.
Domain Specific Subjects of CUET 2025
Choose a maximum of six from the given below list
- Accountancy/Book Keeping
- Biology/Biotechnology/Biochemistry
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science/Informatics Practices
- Economics/Business Economics
- Engineering Graphics
- Entrepreneurship
- Geography/Geology
- History
- Home Science
- Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India
- Legal Studies
- Environmental Science
- Mathematics
- Physical Education/NCC/Yoga
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Teaching Aptitude
- Agriculture
- Mass Media/Communication
- Anthropology
- Fine Arts/Visual Arts/Commercial Arts
- Performing Arts (Dance, Drama, Music)
- Sanskrit
Section-Wise CUET Exam Pattern 2025
Section | Question Types |
Section IA – Language | Reading Comprehension (Factual, Literary, and Narrative passages), Literary Aptitude, Vocabulary |
Section II – Domain Specific | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) based on the NCERT Class 12 syllabus |
Section III – General Test | General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, Numerical Ability, and Quantitative Reasoning |
CUET Exam Pattern 2025: Important Points to Note
Language Choice:
A candidate can choose up to three languages from Section I.
One of the chosen languages must be a domain-specific language.
Subject Choice (Section II):
A candidate can choose up to five domain-specific subjects out of 23.
General Test (Section III):
The General Test is compulsory for all candidates.
See University Requirements
Always check the specific university requirements while choosing languages and subjects as each university has its preferences or restrictions on the subject combinations.
Marks per Subject
Every subject in the CUET exam carries 200 marks.
Minimum Passing Marks
Candidates need to secure the minimum passing marks to get admission.
Specific Patterns for Commerce & Science Students
Commerce Students must refer to the CUET pattern for commerce-related subjects.
Science Students should focus on the CUET exam structure for science disciplines.
CUET 2025 Marking Scheme
The CUET 2025 follows a clear marking system:
- Correct Answer: +5 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
- Unanswered/Marked for Review: No marks awarded or deducted
Key Points
Negative Marking: Incorrect answers will result in a deduction of 1 mark, so attempt questions carefully.
No Penalty for Unanswered Questions: Leaving questions blank will not affect your score.
CUET 2025 Exam Timings
The exam will be held in three slots:
Slot | Timing | Reporting Time | Gate Closing Time |
Slot 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 7:15 AM | 8:00 AM |
Slot 2 | 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM | 11:00 AM | 11:30 AM |
Slot 3 | 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 2:15 PM | 3:15 PM |
Candidates should reach much ahead of the reporting and gate-closing times.
CUET Syllabus 2025
Gaining an acquaintance of the CUET syllabus is necessary for proper preparation.
Important Tips For Preparation
Know the Syllabus: Go through the contents in each part properly.
Time Table: Adequate time to all subjects, concentrating on weaker portions.
Emphasize on NCERT: Since the syllabus is exactly following the NCERT curriculum, mainly for the subjects that have domains.
CUET Mock Tests
Mock tests conducted regularly improve scores significantly.
It also enhances efficiency in problem solving.
Test Interface Familiarization: This can save time as the interface would not be an unfamiliar one during the exam.
Weak Spots: Identify areas where more practice is needed.
CUET Question Papers
Solving question papers of previous years is very helpful.
Practice under timed conditions to maximize performance in the exam.
Be aware of frequently asked topics and trends.
It is recommended to practice question papers of the last five years to get a thorough practice.
CUET 2025 Exam Day Essentials
Must Have Items - Admit Card and ID Proof: Carry your CUET 2025 admit card and a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, passport, voter ID).
Reporting Time: Arrive at the exam center at least 1 hour before the reporting time.
Additional Tips
Dress Code: Wear simple, comfortable clothing without metal items or excessive pockets. Avoid jewelry and accessories.
Light Breakfast: Eat a light meal to maintain energy without feeling sluggish.
Technical Problems: In case of any problem, report it to the invigilator.
Negative Marking: Answer questions wisely to avoid negative marking.
Items Not Allowed
Electronic devices,
study materials,
geometry boxes, and
other unapproved items.
Health Protocol
Adhere to any health and safety protocol, such as wearing masks, if applicable.
Exam Procedure
Relax: Manage stress levels and keep the mind focused on the task.
No Malpractice : Any malpractices or dishonesty will exclude the participant from the competition for three years.
Tips to Prepare for CUET 2025
Plan your approach towards CUET UG 2025, the exam, if followed, guarantees results.
Try this:
Understanding of syllabus and Weightage of Marks: Knowing every detail in syllabus along with giving an overview of maximum marks of individual sections.
Sensible Time Management: Practice solving problems within the set time to build speed and accuracy.
Quality Study Materials: Complement school text books with the reference books advised by teachers or subject experts
Study Plan: Allocate study time according to difficulty of the subjects and your area of strength
Focus on Weak Areas: Concentrate on challenging topics and put extra time for mastering them.
Past Paper Solutions and Mock Tests: Attempt previous years' question papers and do mock tests to gain confidence along with understanding the pattern of exams.
Physique: Proper sleep and proper diet while taking a small break during study hours.
Following these updated exam patterns and preparation tips, students will be able to maximize their opportunities for doing well in the CUET UG 2025 exam.