CUET 2025 Eligibility Criteria: CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is an essential entrance examination for students seeking admission to undergraduate programs across universities in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam allows candidates to apply for undergraduate courses at various central, state, private, and deemed universities in India. It is a national-level exam held annually and serves as a gateway for students to secure a place in some of India’s prestigious institutions.
CUET 2025 is expected to be held in May 2025, and as the date approaches, it is crucial for prospective candidates to understand the eligibility criteria thoroughly. This guide outlines all the key details regarding the CUET Eligibility Criteria 2025, including educational qualifications, age limits, nationality, and other essential requirements. In addition, we will explore the examination pattern, the reservation system, and some important dates you must keep in mind to ensure your successful application.
CUET 2025: Exam Overview
Before diving into the eligibility requirements, let’s take a quick look at the CUET 2025 exam overview to give you a clearer idea of what to expect:
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test (CUET 2025) |
| Exam Pattern | Objective type with Multiple Choice Questions |
| CUET 2025 Exam Date | Second to Last Week of May 2025 |
| Medium | 13 languages |
| Test Pattern | Objective type with Multiple Choice Questions |
| Number of Sections | 3 sections |
| Marking Scheme | +5 mark for each correct answer-1 mark for each incorrect answer |
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| Official Website | CUET (UG)| India CUET (PG)| India |
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test (CUET) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Questions | 50 questions (answer any 40) |
| Languages Available | 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Bengali, and more |
| Frequency of Exam | Annually |
| Marking Scheme | +5 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes for each subject |
| Participating Universities | 270+ (central, state, private, and deemed universities) |
As you can see, CUET is a computer-based exam with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is available in multiple languages to cater to students across different regions of India.
Changes in CUET UG 2025: What You Need to Know
In a bid to streamline the examination process and improve the efficiency of CUET, several key changes have been introduced for the 2025 examination. Here are the major changes you should be aware of:
- Reduction of Subjects: The total number of subjects for the CUET exam has been reduced from 63 to 37. Now, candidates can select up to five subjects, down from six in the previous years. This reduction includes the removal of several language and domain-specific subjects.
- Exclusive Computer-Based Testing: The exam format has shifted to an entirely computer-based testing (CBT) mode. This eliminates the previous hybrid model, which used both computer-based and pen-paper (OMR) modes.
- Standardized Duration: The duration for each subject has been standardized to 60 minutes, replacing the varying durations for different subjects in previous years.
- Mandatory Question Attempt: Unlike earlier years when candidates could skip certain questions, the CUET 2025 exam will require candidates to attempt all questions. Optional questions have been removed from the exam pattern.
- Flexibility in Subject Selection: Students now have more flexibility in choosing subjects for the exam, even if they did not study them in Class 12. This change is aimed at providing interdisciplinary options and broadening the scope for students.
These changes reflect a more streamlined and uniform approach to the examination, benefiting both candidates and the universities.
CUET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualifications
The educational qualification is one of the most critical components of the CUET eligibility criteria. Below are the details regarding the required educational qualifications for candidates applying for CUET 2025:
| Category | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| General Category | Candidates must have secured at least 50% marks in their Class 12 examination from a recognized board. |
| SC/ST Candidates | For candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), a minimum of 45% marks is required. |
| Appearing Candidates | Candidates who are currently appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2025 are eligible to apply, provided they can submit their passing certificate during the counseling process. |
It is important to note that students who are in their final year of Class 12 can apply for the exam but must have the required documentation (mark sheets and certificates) ready by the time the counseling process begins.
Age Limit for CUET 2025
Unlike many other entrance exams, the CUET 2025 has no upper age limit for candidates. This means that students of any age can apply for the exam, as long as they fulfill the required educational qualifications.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| All candidates | No upper age limit for CUET 2025 |
Nationality Criteria
The eligibility for CUET 2025 also depends on the nationality of the candidate. Here is a breakdown of the eligibility based on nationality:
| Category | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizens | Must be citizens of India. |
| Nepal and Bhutan Nationals | Eligible to apply for CUET 2025. |
| Tibetan Refugees | Eligible if they settled in India before January 1, 1962. |
| Other Nationals | Citizens of countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, who have permanently settled in India, can also apply. |
This ensures that a wide range of students from both within India and abroad can take part in the examination.
Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the CUET exam. As long as you meet the educational and nationality eligibility criteria, you are free to apply for the exam multiple times.
CUET 2025 Reservation Guidelines 2025
As part of the Government of India’s guidelines, CUET follows a reservation system for candidates belonging to certain categories. This system ensures equal opportunities for all students and provides certain relaxations for underprivileged categories. The reservation percentages for CUET 2025 are as follows:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 5% |
These reserved categories ensure that candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and PwD backgrounds receive the benefits and relaxations prescribed by the government for admission to undergraduate courses.
CUET 2025 Exam Dates (Tentative)
Here’s a quick look at the tentative dates for the CUET 2025 exam. Keeping track of these dates is essential to ensure timely submission of applications and preparation for the exam:
| Event | Dates (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| CUET Application Form Release | Last week of February 2025 |
| Application Form Deadline | First week of April 2025 |
| Correction Window for Application | Second week of April 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Second week of May 2025 |
| CUET 2025 Exam Date | Third week of May 2025 onwards |
| Answer Key Release | Fourth week of June 2025 |
| CUET Result Announcement | Last week of June 2025 |
| Counseling for Admission | Last week of July 2025 onwards |
It is important to monitor these dates and stay updated on any changes announced by the NTA.
How to Fill CUET 2025 Application Form
To apply for the CUET 2025 exam, candidates must fill out the online application form. The process involves several important steps, which are detailed below:
- Registration: Visit the official NTA CUET portal and click on “New Candidate Registration.”
- Personal Details: Fill in your name, date of birth, gender, contact details, and verification details (like Aadhaar number).
- Educational Details: Provide your academic qualifications (Class 10th and 12th).
- Subject Selection: Choose the subjects you want to appear for in the exam.
- Upload Documents: Upload your passport-sized photograph and signature.
- Payment: Pay the application fee using online payment methods like credit/debit cards, UPI, or net banking.
- Review: Double-check all the entered details for accuracy before submission.
- Download: After submission, download and keep a printout of the application form for future reference.
Conclusion
The CUET 2025 is an important examination for students looking to pursue higher education in India. Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process
, and exam details is crucial for successful participation in the exam. By following the guidelines provided in this article, candidates can ensure that they meet the requirements and are well-prepared for the exam.
If you are preparing for CUET 2025, make sure to stay updated on all the changes and deadlines. Good luck with your preparations!
