CUET Exam Pattern 2025 - Marking Scheme, Section-wise Pattern, Total Marks, Duration

Common University Entrance Test

Last Date to Apply
22nd March, 2025

Avantika Bhardwaj
Avantika Bhardwaj

Table of Content

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exam pattern for CUET UG 2025?

The CUET UG 2025 exam is structured into three sections: Section 1A: Language Test – This section assesses a candidate’s proficiency in one of the 13 major languages, such as English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and others. Section 1B: Additional Languages – Candidates who wish to opt for languages other than the ones in Section 1A can choose from 20 additional languages, including Sanskrit, Arabic, French, and German. Section 2: Domain-Specific Subjects – This section consists of 27 subjects from various streams like Science, Commerce, and Humanities. Candidates can select up to six subjects depending on their target universities’ admission requirements. Section 3: General Test – This section evaluates a candidate’s reasoning ability, general knowledge, numerical aptitude, and current affairs awareness.

What is the mode of the CUET UG 2025 exam?

The CUET UG 2025 exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across designated test centers in India. Candidates will be required to answer the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on a computer screen within a fixed time frame.

What is the duration of the CUET UG 2025 exam?

The duration of the CUET UG exam depends on the number of subjects selected: Language Tests (Sections 1A & 1B) – 45 minutes per language, Domain-Specific Subjects (Section 2) – 45 minutes per subject, General Test (Section 3) – 60 minutes

What are the languages available in CUET UG 2025?

CUET UG 2025 allows candidates to choose from a total of 33 languages, divided into two categories: Section 1A (Mandatory Languages): English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, Punjabi, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, and Urdu. Section 1B (Additional Languages): Sanskrit, Arabic, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Nepali, Persian, Italian, Sindhi, Kashmiri, and others.

How many domain subjects can I choose in CUET UG 2025?

Candidates can choose up to six domain subjects from a list of 27 available subjects. These include: Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology Commerce subjects like Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics Humanities subjects like History, Political Science, Psychology. The choice of domain subjects should align with the eligibility criteria of the universities and programs the candidate is applying for.

What type of questions are asked in CUET UG 2025?

CUET UG follows a Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) format for all sections. Each question comes with four options, and candidates must select the correct answer. The test is conducted in a time-bound manner, so speed and accuracy are key.

Can I attempt the CUET UG exam in multiple languages?

No, candidates must select a single language in which they will attempt the exam. However, domain-specific subjects and the General Test will be available in multiple languages, allowing candidates to choose their preferred medium of instruction.

How many questions are asked in CUET UG 2025?

The number of questions varies by section: Language Test (Sections 1A & 1B): 50 questions per language (candidates must attempt 40), Domain-Specific Subjects (Section 2): 50 questions per subject (candidates must attempt 40), General Test (Section 3): 60 questions (candidates must attempt 50). Candidates should focus on answering the required number of questions correctly to maximize their scores.

What is the marking scheme for CUET UG 2025?

The marking scheme is as follows: +5 marks for every correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect answer (negative marking applies), No marks are deducted for unanswered questions. Candidates should be careful while selecting answers, as incorrect responses will lead to a deduction in their total score.

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