CUET UG 2025 Exam on May 8 Postponed – Here’s Why the Schedule Changed

CUET UG 2025 Exam on May 8 Postponed: The CUET UG 2025 exam, originally scheduled to begin on May 8, has been officially postponed by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The new exam start date is May 13, giving both students and administrators some much-needed breathing room. This change has sparked questions among the 13.5 lakh students registered for this important undergraduate entrance test — Why the sudden shift? How does it affect the rest of the exam calendar? And what should students do now?

Let’s break down everything you need to know, whether you’re a student, parent, or education professional.

CUET UG 2025 Exam on May 8 Postponed

The CUET UG 2025 postponement might seem like a setback, but it’s a practical decision that ensures better organization and fairness for students. While the delay disrupts some plans, it offers an opportunity for candidates to better prepare. As long as students, parents, and educators stay informed and proactive, this shift can be turned into a strategic advantage.

Why Was CUET UG 2025 Postponed?

The NTA, which oversees the CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduates), had earlier planned to begin the exam process on May 8. However, several operational delays — most notably the non-release of city intimation slips — prompted a reevaluation of the timeline.

What are City Intimation Slips?

These slips are vital for students. They inform candidates about their exam city and center, allowing them to make travel and lodging arrangements, especially those attending exams outside their hometowns. Ideally, they should be released 10 days before the exam, but this timeline wasn’t met.

This logistical bottleneck was a key reason for the change.

What Is CUET UG and Why Is It Important?

Introduced by the UGC in 2022, CUET UG serves as a single-window entrance exam for admission to undergraduate programs at over 250 central, state, and private universities across India, including prestigious institutions like Delhi University, BHU, and JNU.

This exam levels the playing field by standardizing the admission process, reducing the dependence on individual board marks and allowing students to showcase subject-specific competence.

CUET UG 2025: Detailed Exam Structure

Let’s break down how the exam works for students preparing for it:

Subjects and Format

• Languages (Section 1): Choose from 13 languages (e.g., Hindi, English, Tamil, Bengali).
• Domain-Specific Subjects (Section 2): Pick up to 6 from 23 available subjects.
• General Test (Section 3): Includes logical reasoning, general knowledge, current affairs, and basic mathematics.

Each section comprises:

• 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• 60 minutes per subject
• All sections are computer-based

Shift Timings

Based on logistical factors and center availability, candidates will be assigned one of:

• Morning Shift
• Afternoon Shift
• Evening Shift

How the Delay Impacts Students and Institutions

A delay like this doesn’t just push back the test date. It ripples across various aspects of the exam process:

1. Travel Plans Disrupted

Many students, especially those from rural areas or Tier 2/3 cities, make travel bookings well in advance. Without intimation slips, they can’t plan effectively.

2. Extended Study Period

On the bright side, students now get five extra days to prepare, revise weak topics, and practice mock tests. It’s crucial that this time is used wisely.

3. University Admission Timeline Shift

Universities typically align their admission calendars with the CUET schedule. A delay in exam dates could push counselling and admission rounds into July or even August.

What Should Students Do Now?

If you’re a student or parent affected by the postponement, here’s what you should do next:

Step 1: Keep Checking the Official Website

The NTA will release:

• Revised city intimation slips
• New admit card download dates
• Updated shift schedules

Step 2: Update Your Travel and Stay Arrangements

Once your city is confirmed, rebook or cancel tickets and hotels as needed. This is especially important if your new exam date falls on a weekday, affecting parents’ or guardians’ work schedules.

Step 3: Use the Extra Time for Targeted Revision

• Focus on NCERT textbooks, which remain the primary source.
• Take mock tests via the NTA website or official app.
• Revise PYQs (Previous Year Questions) for your domain subjects.

Advice for Parents and Educators

This situation can feel frustrating, but your support is critical. Here’s how you can help:

• Reassure your child: Remind them that the delay gives them an advantage if used wisely.
• Communicate with schools: Teachers can help restructure study plans during the extension period.
• Avoid panic: There’s still time, and the process remains transparent.

Professional Insights: How This Affects the Education Sector

The CUET delay reflects the challenges of mass-level computer-based exams. Over 13 lakh candidates across 300+ cities, including remote areas, make logistics extremely complex.

Institutional Impacts:

• Universities may have to revise academic calendars.
• Counseling timelines could shift, affecting faculty workload and planning.

Policy Recommendation:

To avoid such disruptions in future, authorities could:

• Release provisional city lists earlier
• Have backup test windows for affected regions
• Improve communication channels with students

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FAQs About CUET UG 2025 Postponement

Why was the CUET UG 2025 exam postponed?

The exam was postponed due to delays in the release of exam city intimation slips, which are crucial for logistical planning.

What is the new date for CUET UG 2025?

The exam will now begin on May 13, 2025, instead of May 8.

Will the admit card be delayed too?

Yes, the admit card release will also be updated. Check the official website regularly for announcements.

How many subjects can I choose?

You can choose up to 6 domain subjects, along with 1 language and the general test.

Will this affect university admissions?

Yes, the admissions process may start later than expected, but it will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate all candidates.