CUET-UG 2027 may get shorter, simpler

The Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2027 may undergo significant changes, including shorter examination periods and a new subject-grouping system. The aim is to streamline the process for students and reduce the time spent at examination centers. Currently, candidates can choose up to five subjects, each lasting 60 minutes.

Proposals suggest reducing the number of subjects to four and shortening the time for individual papers, potentially allowing candidates to complete the exam in 180 to 200 minutes.

The Ministry of Education, UGC, and NTA are working on a plan to make the entrance examination more efficient. One proposal involves creating subject groups based on commonly selected combinations, allowing students to complete their exams in one sitting or on the same day. For example, a group consisting of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology could be scheduled for students applying to science-related programs, with a fourth paper, such as General Studies, covering university admission requirements.

This new grouping system could also reduce travel for students, as subjects selected by a student could be scheduled together, requiring a single visit to an examination center. The final changes will depend on further discussions with universities and the testing agency, ensuring that any reduction in subjects or examination time does not interfere with the admission criteria specified by individual universities and courses.