CUET UG 2025 Exam Pattern: Subjects-wise Exam Structure & Negative Marking

The CUET UG 2025 exam pattern has undergone significant updates. Aspirants aiming for admission to various undergraduate programmes must familiarise themselves with the revised structure and marking scheme. This webpage outlines the updated exam format, subject choices, exam duration, negative marking, and other crucial details to help students prepare efficiently.

Table Of Contents−

CUET UG 2025 Exam Pattern - Highlights

The CUET UG exam pattern 2025 has been restructured by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It now consists of multiple sections designed to assess the knowledge of candidates in specific domains, languages, and general aptitude. Key highlights include: 

  • Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
  • Number of Sections: 3 
  • Test Duration: 60 minutes for each subject and 180 minutes overall
  • Total Marks: 800 marks 
  • Marking Scheme: 5 marks for every correct answer and minus 1 for every incorrect answer.

Language Options: 13 languages

CUET UG 2025 Exam Pattern- Section Wise

The CUET UG 2025 exam pattern is divided into four main sections. These sections aim to test candidates in different areas of knowledge, which include language skills, domain-specific subjects, and general awareness. The exam pattern breakdown is as follows:

Section Language/Subjects Mode Duration Number of Questions Total Marks Marking Scheme
Section 1A & 1B 1A: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, English, Hindi, Urdu.
1B: French, Spanish, German, Nepali, Persian, Italian, Arabic, Sindhi, Kashmiri, Konkani, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Santhali, Tibetan, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Sanskrit. 		CBT 45 minutes per language 40 out of 50 to be attempted in both sections 250 Correct Answer: +5, Incorrect Answer: -1, Unattempted Answer: 0
Section II Accountancy, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and other domain-specific subjects aligned with the candidate’s desired undergraduate programme. CBT 45 minutes per subject 40 out of 50 to be attempted 250 Correct Answer: +5, Incorrect Answer: -1, Unattempted Answer: 0
Section III General awareness, reasoning ability, logical thinking, and general knowledge CBT 60 minutes 50 out of 60 to be attempted 250 Correct Answer: +5, Incorrect Answer: -1, Unattempted Answer: 0

CUET UG Subjects & Language Mapping: Important Guidelines

As part of the CUET UG paper pattern, candidates should carefully consider their choice of languages and domain subjects, as these selections align with their intended undergraduate programme. Below is a detailed guide for subject and language mapping:

  1. Section IA (Languages):
    • Candidates may select up to two languages from the 13 languages available in this section.
    • The languages include regional Indian languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Odia, Marathi, Punjabi, Assamese, Bengali and Urdu as well as widely spoken languages like English and Hindi.
  2. Section IB (Additional Languages):
    • Candidates can select only one language from the 20 additional language options in Section IB.
    • This section offers a wider variety of languages, including international languages such as French, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Chinese and Russian, along with regional languages like Kashmiri, Nepali, Persian, Sindhi, Konkani, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Santhali, Sanskrit and Tibetan.
  3. Section II (Domain-Specific Subjects):
    • Up to six subjects can be chosen by candidates from a list of 27 domain-specific subjects.
    • The domain subjects are linked to the academic courses candidates wish to pursue. For instance, candidates intending to study Physics or Mathematics in undergraduate courses can select those subjects from this section.
    • This section provides a broad horizon of subjects, including Science, Commerce, Arts, and Vocational subjects, such as Accountancy, Biology, Business Studies, History, and Computer Science.
  4. Section III (General Test):
    • This section is mandatory for all candidates and evaluates general aptitude through questions related to reasoning, general awareness, and logical thinking.
    • No subject selection is required for this section which assesses the candidate’s general knowledge and reasoning ability according to the CUET paper pattern.

CUET UG Syllabus 2025

The CUET UG 2025 syllabus is divided into three main sections: Language Papers (Section IA and IB), Domain-Specific Subjects (Section II), and General Test (Section III). 

For candidates appearing in Section IA and IB, the syllabus is focused on language proficiency. In Section IA, candidates can choose from 13 Indian languages (such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Odia, Marathi, Punjabi, Assamese, Bengali and Urdu, Hindi, and English). In Section IB, candidates can choose one language from the 20 foreign languages (including French, Spanish, German, Nepali, Persian, Italian, Arabic, Sindhi, Kashmiri, Konkani, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Santhali, Tibetan, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Sanskrit). The syllabus in both sections typically includes:

  • Grammar: Understanding the rules of syntax, tenses, and sentence formation.
  • Vocabulary: Identifying word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and contextual usage.
  • Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting the passage, drawing inferences, and answering related questions.
  • Writing Skills: Composing essays, letters, and précis writing.
  • Translation: Translating sentences from one language to another.

Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects

Section II of the CUET UG 2025 exam pattern allows candidates to select up to six domain-specific subjects based on their chosen undergraduate programme. This section tests the candidate’s knowledge and understanding in specific areas. The syllabus for this section will vary depending on the subject selected. MCQs based on NCERT Class XII syllabus are asked in the examination which can be accessed on NCERT’s official website here.

Section III: General Test (Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Knowledge)

Section III of the CUET UG 2025 exam pattern assesses general aptitude, reasoning abilities, and general knowledge. The syllabus for this section covers:

  • General Knowledge and Current Affairs
  • General Mental Ability
  • Numerical Ability
  • Quantitative Reasoning (Basic applications of mathematical concepts such as Quantitative Reasoning (Basic applications of mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and statistics)
  • Logical and Analytical Reasoning

Candidates should cover the entire syllabus, prioritise topics based on their strengths and weaknesses, and practice sample papers to enhance total marks of CUET exam.

CUET UG 2025 Preparation Tips

Preparing as per the CUET UG 2025 exam pattern requires a strategic approach to ensure success. Here are 5 key tips to help you perform your best:

  1. Understand the CUET UG 2025 Syllabus

    Familiarising yourself with the CUET UG exam pattern and syllabus is the first step towards efficient preparation. The exam consists of three sections: Language (Section IA & IB), Domain-Specific Subjects (Section II), and the General Test (Section III). By understanding the weightage of each subject and focusing on key areas, you can plan your study accordingly.

    Refer to reliable study materials like those from Oswal Publishers, which provide a comprehensive breakdown of the syllabus and practice questions aligned with the marking scheme of CUET.
  2. Time Management Is Crucial

    Practice solving cuet ug mock tests on oswal.io and previous year’s questions within the allocated time to improve speed. Use a timer during your practice sessions to track your progress and identify areas where you need to work on time control. This will help you manage the actual exam better and avoid spending too much time on any one question.
  3. Use the Right Reference Books

    Along with NCERT textbooks, incorporating question banks from Oswal Publishers can significantly enhance your CUET UG preparation. These books are fully updated with the latest CUET exam details, offering chapter-wise revision notes, mind maps, and concept videos to clarify difficult concepts. With 300 to 900+ practice questions from previous years and mock papers, Oswal Publishers will help you improve your speed, accuracy, and exam strategy and reach a perfect score.
  4. Practice with Previous Year’s Papers

    Solving previous year’s question papers is an excellent way to get acquainted with the format and question types. This will also help you understand the CUET negative marking system, allowing you to draw closer to a better score.
  5. Stay Healthy

    Your physical and mental well-being plays the most important role in your exam performance. Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate rest, and take regular breaks to stay focused. A healthy lifestyle prior to the examination will enhance concentration and overall exam performance.

Resources for CUET UG 2025 Exam Preparation

Having the right study material is important for securing admission to your desired college and ensuring a successful future. With so many options available in the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming! But what if we told you we've found the perfect choice?

Oswal Publishers offers quality question bank bundles to boost your CUET UG preparation that is aligned with latest NTA exam pattern and syllabus and: 

  • Covers PCM, PCB, Humanities, Commerce, English, and General Test
  • Chapter-wise summaries and mind maps for quick revision
  • Extensive MCQs and PYQs (2022-23)
  • Question paper analysis (2022-24)
  • Study techniques to improve time management
  • Proven strategies to ace the new exam pattern

By practising with these resources, you’ll be well-prepared to master the CUET total marks structure on your first attempt!

CUET UG Bundles-01

FAQs on CUET UG Exam Pattern

Ans: Yes, the CUET UG 2025 exam pattern has been revised. There are updates in the number of sections, exam duration, and subjects. Notably, 6 domain-specific subjects have been dropped, including Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, and Fashion Studies. Section III has also been renamed from GT to GAT (General Aptitude Test).

Ans: The updated CUET UG 2025 exam pattern consists of four sections: two language sections (Section IA & IB), one domain-specific subject section (Section II), and one general test section (Section III).

Ans: Under the CUET UG 2025 exam pattern, candidates can select up to six subjects. This includes a maximum of three languages from Section IA and IB, domain-specific subjects, and the general test as mentioned above.

Ans: Yes, the CUET UG 2025 exam pattern includes negative markings. For every wrong answer, one mark is deducted. Candidates should be cautious and attempt only the questions they are confident about.

Ans: While NCERT textbooks are a reliable asset for building a strong foundation, they may not be sufficient on their own to excel in the CUET UG 2025 exam pattern. It is recommended to use NCERT materials with additional reference books, question banks, and oswal.io cuet mock tests to cover all aspects of the syllabus and ensure comprehensive preparation.

Ans: Yes, according to the CUET UG 2025 exam pattern, candidates can choose subjects regardless of their Class 12th subjects. However, one should select subjects that align with the requirements of the university or programme they are applying to.

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