One Test to Rule Them All: CUET Revolutionizes University Admissions in India

New Delhi, 1st June 2023: In a groundbreaking development, the recently announced National Education Policy (NEP) is set to revolutionize the higher education system in India. 

Under the NEP, a novel initiative known as the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) has been proposed for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. This transformative measure aims to streamline the admissions process by eliminating the need for students to apply separately and appear for multiple entrance examinations. The implementation of CUET is expected to save students precious time, energy, and financial resources, providing them with a more efficient and convenient pathway to higher education.

Commencing from the upcoming academic year (2024-25), all public, private, and deemed universities throughout the country will be encompassed within the ambit of CUET. However, it should be noted that individual universities possess the discretion to decide whether or not to consider CUET scores during their admission processes. Presently, a multitude of common entrance tests (CET) are conducted independently by central, public, and deemed universities nationwide, necessitating students to appear for multiple examinations.

Aligned with the provisions set forth by the NEP, CUET will adopt standardized principles across all participating institutions. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will assume responsibility for conducting the CUET, ensuring consistency and fairness throughout the process. The test itself will consist of two main sections: a high-quality general aptitude section and a specialized subject section encompassing a diverse range of disciplines such as science, humanities, languages, arts, and vocational subjects. By evaluating students’ conceptual understanding and their ability to apply knowledge, the CUET aims to gauge their aptitude comprehensively.

The new CUET will encompass several key features:

• It will cater to undergraduate, postgraduate, and fellowship programs.
• Students will have the flexibility to select the subjects in which they wish to be examined.
• Universities will have the option to review students’ individual subject portfolios.
• Admissions may be granted based on an assessment of individual interests and talents.
• The NTA will function as an autonomous testing organization, responsible for administering the entrance exams.

With the introduction of CUET, the higher education landscape in India is poised for a significant transformation. By simplifying the admissions process and providing a standardized evaluation platform, CUET promises to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and fairness in higher education admissions, benefiting students across the nation.