The CUET UG 2025 paper pattern change has been officially announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA), bringing in a new format and marking scheme for undergraduate entrance tests. This update will be applicable from the 2025 academic year, and students appearing for CUET UG must now prepare as per the revised structure. The new paper pattern has already been implemented on the official CUET portal, and mock tests are available for students to familiarize themselves with the changes.
The CUET UG 2025 paper pattern change is aimed at making the exam more inclusive, concept-driven, and skill-oriented. The number of questions, sections, difficulty levels, and evaluation metrics have been carefully adjusted to match the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision. These changes apply to all participating central, state, and deemed universities using CUET scores for admissions.
Updated CUET UG 2025 Paper Structure
The following table summarizes the updated structure after the CUET UG 2025 paper pattern change:
| Section | Description | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section IA | Language (English/Hindi/Other) | 40 out of 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section IB | Additional Languages (Optional) | 40 out of 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section II | Domain-Specific Subjects | 35 out of 45 | 45 minutes |
| Section III | General Test (Aptitude + GK + Math) | 50 out of 60 | 60 minutes |
All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and there is negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.
Key Highlights of the Paper Pattern Change
The CUET UG 2025 paper pattern change introduces several improvements for a smoother examination process:
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Flexibility in Question Choice: Students can now attempt fewer questions from a larger question bank.
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Reduced Time Pressure: Better time allocation per section to reduce stress and improve performance.
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Focus on Understanding: More weightage given to application-based questions rather than rote memory.
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General Test Made Optional: Not mandatory for all courses; universities can choose to consider it or not.
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Language Diversity: Paper available in 13 Indian languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali.
This change empowers students from various academic backgrounds to perform better in a national-level exam.
Marking Scheme and Score Calculation
The CUET UG 2025 paper pattern change also brings adjustments in the evaluation method:
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Correct Answer: +5 Marks
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Wrong Answer: –1 Mark
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Unattempted: 0 Mark
The normalized score will be used for merit ranking, ensuring fairness even if the exam is conducted in multiple shifts. Students will receive section-wise percentile scores and an overall CUET percentile that universities will use for admissions.
How Students Should Prepare Now
With the new CUET UG 2025 paper pattern change, students should shift their focus to smart preparation:
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Practice with updated mock tests based on the new format
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Choose subjects wisely based on university requirements
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Use NCERT textbooks and domain-specific guides
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Focus on time management and sectional practice
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Revise concepts and current affairs for the General Test section
The NTA has already uploaded a revised syllabus and sample papers for each domain subject and section.
FAQs
What is the CUET UG 2025 paper pattern change all about?
It is a revised structure of the CUET UG exam introduced by NTA for 2025, including new sections, fewer questions, and a flexible format.
How many sections are there in CUET UG 2025?
There are four sections: Section IA (Language), Section IB (Optional Language), Section II (Domain Subjects), and Section III (General Test).
Is the General Test mandatory for all students?
No, the General Test is optional and depends on the university or course applied for.
What is the marking scheme under the new paper pattern?
+5 for correct answers, –1 for incorrect answers, and 0 for unanswered questions.
Has the syllabus changed due to the paper pattern revision?
The core syllabus remains largely the same, but the question format and time allocation have been updated.
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