CUET-UG set for a makeover. But can NTA deliver?

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Candidates search for seat arrangements as they arrive to appear for the Common University Entrance Test - Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2025 exam, in New Delhi. | ANI Photo

Common University Entrance Test (CUET)-UG seems poised to change with several proposals in the pipeline. To make the exam more student-friendly, candidates can expect a shorter examination duration, fewer subjects, and a new grouping system to ensure they can finish the entire entrance exam in a single day without the hassle of making repeated visits to the exam centres. The Ministry of Education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA) are working on a strategy to shorten the overall examination cycle and make it more convenient for the students.

Currently, candidates can appear for up to five subjects with each paper of 60 minutes duration. As per reports, one proposal mooted the idea that the duration of individual papers could be reduced so that even a student taking five subjects can complete all tests within around 180 to 200 minutes. Another proposal is the possibility of reducing the number of subjects from five to four. While reviewing the proposed changes, the education ministry, UGC and NTA have asked officials to examine how the examination could be compressed without compromising university admission requirements.

“Any proposed overhaul of CUET-UG is a part of its continued improvement. Improving the entrance exam requires a holistic approach that focuses on subject choices, test duration, and the eligibility requirements used by universities for admissions. Like every year, as part of continuous improvements, some changes may be considered for 2027. However, such changes are introduced only after giving sufficient time for students to prepare,” said Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, Review Committee for NEP 2020, Ministry of Education, Chairman, BoG, IIM Calcutta, and formerly, Vice-chancellor, JNU and Chairman, UGC, while talking to The Hindu .

Though CUET-UG needs operational reforms, its fundamental purpose of providing a common admission platform should remain intact. According to the NTA, registrations increased from 13,54,699 in 2025 to 15,68,867 in 2026, representing nearly 16% growth. The 2026 examination involved approximately 67.56 lakh registered subject tests and 12,906 distinct subject combinations.

“Managing this scale creates enormous scheduling challenges. Multiple examination days, travel expenses and uncertainty place additional burdens on families, particularly in rural areas. The proposed changes for 2027 are encouraging, but no final implementation decision has been officially announced. Universities must be consulted, and any revised examination pattern should undergo rigorous testing before implementation. A one-day examination arrangement would reduce repeated travel and associated expenditure, benefiting economically weaker students. Clear subject grouping could also simplify preparation.