CUET Exam Pattern 2025: The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is one of the most crucial exams for students seeking admission to undergraduate courses in India’s central universities. With the University Grants Commission (UGC) revising the CUET Exam Pattern for 2025, it is essential for candidates to stay updated with the new changes. The CUET 2025 Exam will follow a structured pattern, which is critical to know in order to prepare efficiently. This guide aims to break down the exam pattern, sections, marking scheme, syllabus, and exam-day guidelines, along with preparation tips.
CUET Exam Pattern 2025 – Overview
| 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 |
Key Highlights of CUET Exam Pattern 2025
The UGC has introduced several significant changes to the CUET Exam Pattern for 2025, aiming to streamline the examination process while ensuring that it remains fair and balanced for all students. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and features:
- Mode of Examination:
- CUET 2025 will be conducted in online mode as a Computer-Based Test (CBT), similar to previous years. This change is intended to make the exam more accessible and adaptable to the modern era.
- Section Structure:
- The exam will consist of three main sections: Section I, Section II, and Section III.
- Section I: Language Test
- Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects
- Section III: General Test (General Aptitude)
- The exam will consist of three main sections: Section I, Section II, and Section III.
- Subject Selection:
- Candidates are required to choose five subjects, reduced from the previous limit of six subjects.
- The total number of subjects on offer has been reduced from 63 to 37. This includes 13 languages, 23 domain subjects, and the general test.
- Duration and Timing:
- The exam duration for each subject has been standardized at 60 minutes (1 hour).
- The exam will be held in three different slots during the day:
- Slot 1: Morning session (8:30 AM to 10:30 AM)
- Slot 2: Afternoon session (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM)
- Slot 3: Evening session (3:30 PM to 6:30 PM)
- Marking Scheme:
- +5 marks will be awarded for each correct answer.
- -1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer (negative marking).
- 0 marks will be awarded for unanswered questions.
- Languages Offered:
- CUET 2025 will offer 13 languages in Section I. These languages include regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and Gujarati, along with national languages like Hindi, English, and Urdu.
- Total Marks:
- The CUET 2025 exam will have a total of 800 marks, with each subject contributing 200 marks.
CUET 2025 Exam Pattern – Section-Wise Breakdown
The CUET 2025 exam will be divided into three sections, each designed to assess candidates’ proficiency in different areas. Below is the detailed breakdown of each section:
| Section | Subjects/Tests | Number of Questions | Duration | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Languages (13 languages) | 50 questions | 60 minutes per language | Reading Comprehension, Literary Aptitude, Vocabulary |
| Section II | Domain-Specific Subjects (23 subjects) | 50 questions | 60 minutes | MCQs based on NCERT Class 12 syllabus |
| Section III | General Aptitude Test | 60 questions | 60 minutes | General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude |
Section I: Language Test
Section I of the CUET exam assesses the language proficiency of candidates. It offers 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and others. Each language section will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions based on reading comprehension, literary aptitude, and vocabulary. The test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to understand and analyze different types of texts, such as factual, literary, and narrative passages.
Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects
Section II consists of 23 domain-specific subjects. These subjects are available based on the course or program that the candidate is interested in. The subjects covered in this section include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Accountancy, Business Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, and more. Candidates are allowed to choose up to 5 domain subjects based on the specific requirements of the universities they are applying to.
All the questions in this section are based on the NCERT Class 12 syllabus, and candidates are expected to answer 50 multiple-choice questions within a span of 60 minutes.
Section III: General Test
The General Test is designed to assess the candidate’s general aptitude. This section covers areas such as general knowledge, current affairs, mental ability, logical reasoning, and numerical ability. The questions will be based on concepts taught in basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and reasoning (up to Grade 8 level). There will be 60 questions in this section, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
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| Official website: CUET (UG) | CUET (PG) |
| CUET Eligibility Criteria 2025 |
| CUET Exam Pattern 2025 Revised |
| CUET Syllabus 2025 |
| CUET Subject List & Section-Wise Syllabus 2025 |
CUET 2025 Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for CUET preparation. The exam will follow a strict marking system to maintain fairness and accuracy in evaluating candidates. Here’s how the marking works:
| Answer Type | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +5 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark (Negative marking) |
| Unanswered Question | 0 Marks (No penalty) |
Important Points Regarding Marking:
- Correct Answer: Each correct answer will be awarded +5 marks.
- Incorrect Answer: A -1 mark penalty will be applied for each incorrect answer, so candidates should only attempt questions they are confident about.
- Unanswered Questions: No marks will be awarded or deducted for unanswered questions, so it’s a safer option to leave difficult questions unanswered if unsure.
CUET Exam Timings and Slot Details
The CUET 2025 will be conducted in three slots to accommodate the different subject combinations chosen by candidates. The timings for each slot are as follows:
| 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 must be aware of the specific slot in which they are scheduled to appear and plan their arrival at the exam center accordingly. It’s advised to reach the center at least 1 hour before the reporting time to avoid any last-minute hassle.
CUET 2025 Preparation Tips
To excel in CUET 2025, candidates must prepare strategically. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively for the exam:
- Understand the Syllabus:
- Begin by studying the CUET syllabus for each subject. Focus on NCERT textbooks for domain-specific subjects, as the exam follows the Class 12 syllabus.
- Practice Mock Tests:
- Taking regular mock tests helps you improve your speed, accuracy, and time management. This also familiarizes you with the exam interface.
- Revise Regularly:
- Revision is key to retaining information. Make sure to revise key concepts, especially from Section III (General Test), which tests general knowledge and reasoning.
- Focus on Important Topics:
- In Section I, work on improving your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and literary aptitude.
- For Section II, focus on understanding the core concepts of the subjects you have chosen.
- Section III requires practice in general knowledge, current affairs, and logical reasoning.
- Time Management:
- Practice solving questions under timed conditions to get a sense of how to manage time effectively during the exam. It will help you avoid spending too much time on any one question during the actual test.
CUET Exam Day Guidelines
The exam day can be stressful, but being prepared will help you stay calm and perform your best. Here are some essential guidelines for the exam day:
- Admit Card and ID Proof:
- Bring your CUET 2025 admit card along with a valid photo ID (Aadhar card, voter ID, passport, etc.) to the exam center.
- Arrive Early:
- Plan to reach the exam center at least 1 hour before the reporting time to avoid any rush.
- Dress Comfortably:
- Wear comfortable clothes without too many pockets or metallic items. Avoid wearing jewelry or accessories that might raise security concerns.
- Health Precautions:
- Follow any health protocols in place, such as wearing a mask if required, and maintain proper hygiene.
- Avoid Prohibited Items:
- Do not carry electronics, study materials, or prohibited items into the exam hall.
Conclusion
CUET 2025 is a comprehensive and competitive exam that requires thorough preparation. By understanding the CUET exam pattern, marking scheme, and subject structure, you can approach your preparation with confidence. Follow the preparation tips, practice regularly, and be mindful of the exam day guidelines to ensure a smooth experience.
Good luck with your CUET 2025 preparation! Stay focused and dedicated, and you will be on the path to success.
