The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2025, a pivotal gateway for undergraduate admissions in India, kicks off today, May 26, 2025, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) releasing admit cards for this phase of the exam. As 13.5 lakh students prepare to take this computer-based test (CBT) across 285 cities in India and 15 international locations, the release of admit cards marks a crucial step toward securing a spot in top universities. This blog explores the latest updates on CUET UG 2025, its significance for students, practical preparation tips, and its transformative impact on higher education access in India.

Admit Card Release: Key Details

The NTA announced the release of CUET UG 2025 admit cards for exams scheduled from May 26 to June 3, 2025, via its official website, cuet.nta.nic.in, on May 23, 2025. Candidates can download their hall tickets by logging in with their application number and date of birth, following these steps:

1. Visit cuet.nta.nic.in.

2. Click the “Download Admit Card” link on the homepage.

3. Enter your Application Number, Date of Birth, and Security PIN.

4. Download the admit card in PDF format and print multiple colored copies.

5. Verify details like name, roll number, exam date, shift, subject, and exam center address.

The admit card is mandatory for entry to the exam hall, alongside a valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, passport, or school ID). Candidates must also bring a passport-sized photograph and a self-declaration form, as noted in NTA guidelines. The NTA advises arriving 90 minutes early, as exam halls close one hour before the test begins. In case of discrepancies, candidates can contact the NTA helpline (011-40759000) or email cuet-ug@nta.ac.in between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Notably, exams in 15 cities across Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, and Rajasthan were rescheduled due to recent India-Pakistan tensions, with new dates to be announced soon.

A significant update for the Accountancy paper emerged recently. Due to syllabus-related issues, the NTA revised the exam pattern starting May 22, 2025, allowing candidates to choose questions from either Unit 5 or an optional unit. A retest for the Accountancy paper, conducted between May 13–16, was offered, with the consent deadline extended to May 23, 2025. Candidates who appeared for the initial test can apply for the retest via the NTA portal.

Significance for Students

Introduced in 2022, CUET UG is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the NTA to streamline admissions to undergraduate programs across 282+ participating institutions, including 47 central universities (e.g., Delhi University, JNU, BHU), 41 state universities, 30 deemed universities, and 154 private universities. With a record 13.5 lakh registrations for 2025, CUET offers a single-window opportunity for students to apply to multiple universities, reducing the burden of multiple entrance exams and leveling the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds.

For students, CUET UG 2025 is a game-changer. It provides access to prestigious institutions without relying solely on Class 12 board marks, which vary across boards. The exam’s standardized format ensures fairness, assessing competency through 63 subjects, including 33 languages, 29 domain subjects, and a general test. Candidates can select up to five subjects, tailoring their choices to university-specific requirements (e.g., English, Accountancy, and General Test for B.Com at Allahabad University). This flexibility empowers students to pursue diverse fields like B.A., B.Com, B.Sc., B.Tech, and integrated programs, regardless of their regional or economic background. The absence of an age limit and eligibility for Class 12 students (or those awaiting results) further broadens access, with relaxed mark requirements for SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates (45% vs. 50% for general).

Preparation Tips for Success

With the exam underway, here are practical tips to ace CUET UG 2025:

• Understand the Syllabus and Pattern: Focus on the NCERT-based syllabus for domain subjects and review the revised exam pattern (e.g., Accountancy changes). Each subject carries 250 marks, with +5 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect ones. Most papers last 45 minutes, except for Mathematics, Accountancy, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Computer Science, which are 60 minutes.

• Practice with Mock Tests: Solve CUET previous-year papers and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the CBT format and time management. Platforms like testbook.com offer tailored resources.

• Prioritize Time Management: With multiple subjects and shifts, create a study schedule to cover key topics. Focus on weaker areas while revising strengths.

• Check Admit Card Details: Verify exam center, shift timings (three shifts daily), and subject details. Arrive early to avoid delays, as gates close 60 minutes before the exam.

• Stay Updated: Monitor cuet.nta.nic.in for updates, especially for rescheduled exams in affected regions. Follow NTA’s helpline for clarifications.

• Stay Calm and Healthy: Get adequate rest, eat well, and practice relaxation techniques to manage exam stress. Carry only permitted items (admit card, ID, water bottle) to the center.

For students with disabilities (PwD/PwBD), the NTA offers a dedicated email for grievances and a portal to opt for scribes, ensuring inclusivity.

Impact on Higher Education Access

CUET UG 2025 is reshaping India’s higher education landscape by promoting equity and accessibility. By centralizing admissions, it reduces disparities caused by varying board exam standards, offering a merit-based pathway to top universities. The exam’s reach—conducted in 13 languages across 380 cities, including 26 international locations—ensures students from rural areas, smaller towns, and abroad can compete for seats at institutions like JNU, BHU, and Delhi University.

The inclusion of private and deemed universities expands options for students who may not secure seats in central universities, while the hybrid mode (CBT and pen-and-paper for some subjects) accommodates diverse needs. The exam’s scale, with 388 exam centers (24 abroad), reflects its commitment to accessibility. However, challenges like the postponement of exams in 15 cities due to geopolitical tensions highlight logistical hurdles, particularly in conflict-prone regions like Jammu & Kashmir.

CUET’s impact extends to social equity. By allowing SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates to apply with lower Class 12 marks, it supports underrepresented groups. The counseling process, conducted individually by universities, further ensures tailored admissions, though students must stay vigilant about university-specific merit lists and interview requirements. The expected result announcement in late June 2025 will be a critical milestone, with merit lists determining final admissions.

Looking Ahead

As CUET UG 2025 unfolds, it remains a cornerstone of India’s push for inclusive, merit-based higher education. The release of admit cards for May 26–June 3 exams is a call to action for students to stay focused and prepared. By streamlining admissions and fostering fairness, CUET empowers millions to pursue their academic dreams. For updates, keep checking cuet.nta.nic.in, and if you’re an aspirant, best of luck—you’ve got this!