There are many students applying for CUET every year, but only a few can qualify. There are many reasons, but one of the main reasons is not understanding the CUET Exam Pattern properly, and then they fail to qualify for the exam.
Before starting preparation for any exam, it is important to understand its exam pattern and section-wise weightage. This plays an important role in the preparation for the examination.
If you are also going to appear for the CUET exam this time, this blog may be perfect for you, as this blog will tell you the CUET Exam Pattern 2025 – Section-Wise Format, to make your preparation a bit easier. So let’s begin with understanding the CUET exam.
Overview of CUET UG Exam Pattern 2025
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Registration | Online at https://cuet.nta.nic.in |
Total Subjects | 37 Subjects: 13 Languages + 23 Domain-Specific Subjects + 1 General Aptitude Test |
Medium of Exam | Available in 13 Indian languages: Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu |
Choice of Test Papers | Students can choose up to 5 subjects (including languages and the General Test), regardless of what they studied in Class 12 |
Total Questions | 50 questions per subject (all compulsory) |
Duration | 60 minutes per subject |
Syllabus | Languages: Reading Comprehension, Literary Aptitude, Vocabulary Domain Subjects: As per the NCERT Class 12 syllabus General Test: GK, Current Affairs, Reasoning, Maths (basic), Logical & Analytical Reasoning |
Marking Scheme |
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Exam Shifts | Conducted in multiple shifts depending on number of candidates and subject choices |
Section-Wise CUET Exam Pattern 2025
Section | Description |
Section IA | Language Test (Choose one language) |
Section IB | Language Test (Choose another language) |
Section II | Domain-Specific Subjects (Main Subjects) |
Section III | General Test (General Knowledge & Reasoning) |
The Language Test in CUET 2025 allows you to choose one or two languages. You can pick from a total of 33 languages offered in two parts: Section IA (13 languages) and Section IB (20 languages). The languages tested in this section include both Indian and foreign languages.
Section IA: Languages (13 Languages)
This section includes 13 languages, and here are the codes and names of the languages:
Code | Language |
101 | English |
102 | Hindi |
103 | Assamese |
104 | Bengali |
105 | Gujarati |
106 | Kannada |
107 | Malayalam |
108 | Marathi |
109 | Odia |
110 | Punjabi |
111 | Tamil |
112 | Telugu |
113 | Urdu |
Section IB: Languages (20 Languages)
In this section, you can choose from 20 additional languages, which include international languages and regional Indian languages:
Code | Language |
201 | Arabic |
202 | Bodo |
203 | Chinese |
204 | Dogri |
205 | French |
206 | German |
207 | Italian |
208 | Japanese |
209 | Kashmiri |
210 | Konkani |
211 | Maithili |
212 | Manipuri |
213 | Nepali |
214 | Russian |
215 | Santali |
216 | Sindhi |
217 | Spanish |
218 | Tamil |
219 | Telugu |
220 | Urdu |
*Topics Covered in the Language Test:
- Reading Comprehension: Passages (300-350 words) may be factual, narrative, or literary.
- Verbal Ability: Grammar, sentence correction, and choosing the right words.
- Rearranging Sentences: Arrange jumbled sentences or paragraphs.
- Choosing the Correct Word: Select the right word for the sentence context.
- Synonyms & Antonyms: Identify words with similar or opposite meanings.
Vocabulary: Test your understanding of word meanings and usage.
Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects
This section is for the subjects you want to study in college. You can also choose subjects even if you didn’t study them in Class 12. But before choosing, make sure to check the university’s brochure or official website to know which subjects they require for the course you’re applying for.
List of Domain Subjects You Can Choose From
- Accountancy / Bookkeeping
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science / Informatics Practices
- Economics / Business Economics
- Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Commercial Arts
- Geography / Geology
- Home Science
- History
- Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India
- Environmental Science
- Mathematics
- Physical Education / NCC / Yoga
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Mass Media / Mass Communication
- Performing Arts
- Sanskrit
Section III General Aptitude Test
The CUET General Test assesses your general knowledge, reasoning, and mathematical ability. Here are the key topics:
- General Knowledge Topics: History, Geography, Politics, Science, Sports, Culture, etc.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated on national and international events, politics, economy, and more.
- General Mental Ability & Numerical Ability: Topics: Arithmetic, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Simple Interest, Profit and Loss, Average.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Simple application of basic mathematics concepts (Grade 8 level): Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Data interpretation.
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning: Topics: Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams.
Major Changes in CUET UG 2025
- The total number of subjects has been reduced from 63 to 37 (13 languages, 23 domain-specific subjects, and 1 General Test).
- The exam will be conducted only in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode; no paper-based exam.
- All subject tests will have a uniform duration of 60 minutes.
- Candidates can choose any subject for the exam, regardless of whether they studied it in Class 12 or not.
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has removed 26 subjects from CUET 2025 onwards, including some foreign languages and domain subjects.
- The marking scheme is: +5 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect answer
Marking Scheme Of CUET UG 2025
The total marks for the CUET exam are 250. According to the National Testing Agency (NTA):
- For every correct or most appropriate answer, candidates will be awarded five marks.
- One mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
- No marks will be given or deducted for unanswered or marked-for-review questions.
- If a question has more than one correct option, candidates who select any one of the correct options will receive five marks.
- If all options of a question are correct, then all candidates who attempt that question will get five marks.
- If a question is found to be incorrect or dropped, all candidates who attempted that question will be awarded five marks.
Preparation Tips For CUET Exams
- Understand the Exam Pattern:
Familiarize yourself with the CUET 2025 exam pattern, including sections, number of questions, marking scheme, and time duration. - Choose Your Subjects Wisely:
Pick subjects you are comfortable with and that align with your desired university course. - Make a Study Plan:
Create a realistic timetable, dividing your time between language tests, domain-specific subjects, and general tests. - Practice Reading Comprehension:
Since the language section focuses on reading comprehension, practice reading different types of passages like factual, literary, and narrative. - Revise NCERT Books:
For domain-specific subjects, concentrate on the NCERT syllabus of Class 12, as most questions come from here. - Stay Updated on Current Affairs:
For the General Test, read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow monthly current affairs summaries. - Practice Mock Tests:
Take as many online mock tests and previous year papers as possible. This will help you manage time and improve accuracy. - Work on Time Management:
Learn to balance speed and accuracy since every section has a 60-minute time limit. - Avoid Guesswork:
Because of Negative marking, guessing answers can reduce your score, so attempt questions only if you’re confident.
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Conclusion
The CUET 2025 exam pattern is made to give every student a fair chance to get into top universities in India. If you understand how the exam is divided, what types of questions are asked, and how the marking works, you’ll be able to prepare better. Just make sure you pick your subjects carefully, make a proper study plan, and keep practising. With the right effort and preparation, you can do well in the CUET exam.
FAQs
Q1. What is the total duration of the CUET exam for each subject?
Ans: Each subject test in CUET 2025 will last for 60 minutes.
Q2. How many questions are there in each section of CUET?
Ans: Each section has 50 compulsory questions.
Q3. Can I choose any subject for the CUET exam regardless of my Class 12 subjects?
Ans: Yes, you can choose any subject offered in CUET, even if you didn’t study it in Class 12.
Q4. How many languages can I choose for the language test in CUET?
Ans: You can choose up to two languages: one from Section IA and one from Section IB.
Q5. Is there negative marking in CUET?
Ans: Yes, 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
