In a bid to alleviate academics stress and streamline the examination process with greater efficiency, the UGC announced several reforms with regard to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2025. Speaking to Education Times exclusively, UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar explained why these reforms came about. “We did this so that students should have the best experience and assessment.”.

One of the major format changes introduced by CUET-UG is shifting towards a Computer-Based Test, which would be put in place by 2025. After all the hassles regarding paper-based tests, with the threats of leakage and loss of answer sheets along with errors by humans while evaluating the results, such a step was taken by the governing authorities. The CBT format will ensure quicker and more accurate assessment, reducing processing times and minimizing the need for manual interventions, which might introduce biases. The UGC is transitioning to digital testing as part of a broader goal to use technology to make the exam process more secure and standardized. Kumar stated that massive investments are being made to strengthen digital infrastructure at the examination centers, especially in rural areas, to ensure high-speed internet connectivity and sufficient computer facilities.

Another major reform is allowing students to choose subjects in CUET-UG that they may not have studied in class XII. Kumar explained that this move will provide students with greater freedom, flexibility, and choice in their higher education paths. The UGC intends for this process to lead to students getting a grasp on their career interests while taking up certain subjects. Such an inter-disciplinary process will motivate students to overcome the restrictions of discipline. Universities should change the mode of entrance for that specific reason, as most would be required to give them admission within their jurisdictional limits.

The number of papers in CUET-UG has now been reduced to 37 from 63, streamlining the process of examinations. This is based on an analysis of data related to previous cycles of CUET, where it had been found that many of the domain-specific subjects, such as Entrepreneurship, Fashion Studies, and Tourism, were hardly attempted at all. This is why the UGC has decided to carry out specific language tests only in 13 core languages, including English, Hindi, and Tamil. Rest of the subjects will have a General Aptitude Test (GAT) carried out across disciplines.

Also, the number of papers a student can appear has been restricted to five now, compared to six the previous year. This is going to reduce academic pressure, he said, and students would be able to focus on fewer subjects, which increases their chances of better performance. The students will have the option to choose between one language, two domain subjects, and one optional subject. The choice depends on the eligibility criteria of the universities they wish to get into.

The standard duration of exams is also going to change. Different subjects have durations varying between 45 to 60 minutes. It will be uniformed 60 minutes for all papers of CUET-UG starting from 2025. Though it sounds almost opposite to the diversity of the subject, according to Kumar, the move is based on a comprehensive report and data analysis of responses that made the strategy achievable for the students.

Finally, the UGC has zeroed optional questions in CUET-UG, thus making every question compulsory. Kumar confirmed that this won’t amount to undue pressure on the students as it is taking place after board exams where students have time enough. The compulsory answer format shall ensure a wholesome evaluation of a student’s comprehension capability across all the subjects where the candidate had registered him/herself and so, a fair deal will be there with every student.

These reforms to CUET-UG are still in the draft stage, and the UGC is actively seeking feedback from students, parents, and educators to ensure that the changes meet the needs of all stakeholders. The UGC hopes that these changes will not only reduce student stress but also create a more efficient and equitable exam system.