The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2025 has undergone significant changes, impacting exam pattern, subject choices, and university admission criteria. If you’re appearing for CUET UG 2025, it’s crucial to understand these modifications to ensure proper preparation.
This blog covers all the latest updates, including changes in subject selection, marking scheme, and new rules at the University of Delhi (DU)
Major Changes in CUET 2025 (Latest Updates)
✅ 1. Change in Exam Format, Number of Questions & Structure
🔹 Exam Mode: CUET 2025 will be conducted only in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, eliminating any offline/hybrid format.
🔹 Reduced Number of Questions: The total number of questions per subject has been reduced, making the exam more structured and less time-consuming.
Number of Subjects Reduced:
- Students can now choose up to 5 subjects (earlier it was 6).
- Total available subjects reduced from 63 to 37. Admissions for the removed subjects will rely on the General Aptitude Test (GAT).
🔹 Mandatory Questions: Unlike previous years, all questions will be compulsory, with no optional questions for internal choices.
🔹 Duration & Shifts Modified: - Each subject will now have a fixed duration of 60 minutes.
- The exam will be conducted in multiple shifts between May 8 and June 1, 2025.
✅ 2. Exam to Be Conducted Only in CBT Mode
- Unlike previous years, CUET 2025 will be conducted only in an online (computer-based) format across all subjects.
- The decision to remove the pen-and-paper mode ensures a standardized testing experience.
🔹 What This Means for Students?
- Better accessibility & uniformity in evaluation.
- Students must practice computer-based mock tests to adjust to the new format.
✅ 3. Introduction of Negative Marking
- Negative marking has been introduced to prevent random guessing.
- Expected marking scheme:
- ✅ +5 marks for the correct answer
- ❌ -1 mark for incorrect answers
- 0 marks for unanswered questions
🔹 Why This Change?
- Previous CUET exams had inflated cutoffs due to excessive guessing.
- Negative marking ensures that students focus on accuracy over guesswork.
✅ 4. Changes in Subject Selection Rules
- Students can now choose subjects irrespective of their Class 12 stream.
- General Test (GT) is now renamed to the General Aptitude Test (GAT).
- Subjects like Entrepreneurship, Fashion Studies, Tourism, and Legal Studies have been removed.
🔹 How Does This Benefit Students?
- You are not restricted to your 12th-grade subjects and can apply for diverse courses.
- You must check specific university requirements before selecting subjects.
✅ 5. Major Changes in Delhi University (DU) Admission Criteria
The University of Delhi (DU) is one of the most sought-after institutions among CUET-UG aspirants. This year, there are some key changes in DU’s admission policies, as reflected on the CUET-UG 2025 official site:
1️⃣ B.Com (Honours) – Mathematics Now Mandatory
- Mathematics is now a compulsory subject for B.Com (Honours) admissions.
- Until last year, students could opt for either Mathematics or Accountancy, but now only Mathematics is accepted.
- Students who took Commerce without Mathematics in Class 12 are NOT eligible for B.Com (Honours) at DU.
📌 Why This Change is Controversial?
- Many believe that students should be informed of such major changes at least two years in advance so that those desirous of pursuing B.Com (Honours) at DU can opt for Mathematics in Class 11.
- Some sources suggest that DU may reconsider this rule, but no official confirmation has been provided yet.
- The university has not yet issued its official undergraduate admissions bulletin, and students are hopeful that some rational modifications will be made.
2️⃣ New Option for Language & Domain Subjects
- For many courses, students can now opt for two language papers and two domain subjects, instead of rigidly choosing multiple domain subjects.
3️⃣ Removal of Subject Categories (B1 & B2 Lists)
- Previously, CUET divided domain subjects into B1 and B2 categories.
- This classification has now been removed, giving students more flexibility in subject selection.
4️⃣ CUET-UG Subject Selection Rule for DU Remains the Same
- Students must take only those subjects in CUET-UG (except for language and GAT papers) that they studied in Class 12.
- This rule ensures alignment between higher secondary education and university-level studies.
✅ 6. Fixed Exam Duration & Language Options
- Each subject will have a standardized 60-minute duration (1 hour).
- Unlike previous years, there will be no variation in time for different subjects.
- CUET 2025 will be conducted in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and regional languages.
✅ 7. CUET 2025 Exam Dates & Registration Schedule
📅 CUET UG 2025 Exam Dates:
- The exam will take place from May 8 to June 1, 2025.
📝 Registration Process:
- CUET 2025 registrations will be open from March 1 to March 22, 2025.
- Students must apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
📌 How to Prepare for CUET 2025 Based on These Changes?
Since CUET 2025 now has negative marking, reduced questions, and a stricter format, students need to adjust their preparation strategies:
✔ Avoid Guesswork – Negative marking means accuracy is crucial.
✔ Focus on NCERT-Based Questions – Stick to NCERT textbooks for conceptual clarity.
✔ Practice on Computer-Based Mock Tests – Since the exam is CBT-only, students must get comfortable with the online format.
✔ Time Management is Key – Since all subjects have a fixed 60-minute duration, practice time-bound tests.
🎯 CUET 2025 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
❓ Is CUET 2025 Harder Than CUET 2024?
🔹 Yes, because of negative marking, reduced subject options, and more focus on accuracy. However, it will also be more structured, preventing inflated cutoffs.
❓ Will CUET 2025 Be Fully Computer-Based?
🔹 Yes, all subjects will be conducted in CBT mode only.
❓ Is the General Aptitude Test (GAT) Mandatory?
🔹 Some universities may remove GAT, but others will still require it. Always check university-specific admission criteria.
❓ Can I Choose Subjects Different from My 12th Stream?
🔹 Yes! Students are now allowed to select subjects irrespective of their Class 12 stream.
🔹Though the general rule is to select any subject, it’s important to verify if there are any specific restrictions or prerequisites set by DU for certain courses.
❓ What Is the Impact of Fewer Subjects & Questions?
🔹 With fewer subjects (max 5) and reduced questions, students must be more selective and prepare deeply for each subject.
📢 Final Thoughts – Be Ready for CUET 2025!
The CUET UG 2025 exam is undergoing significant changes, including negative marking, a reduced number of subjects, reduced number of questions, and a stricter format.
👉 Start your preparation early by focusing on NCERT-based conceptual learning and practicing in a computer-based format.
🚀 Stay tuned for official updates, and good luck with your CUET 2025 preparation!
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