Parliamentary Panel Raises Concerns Over CUET’s Current Format
A standing parliamentary committee has voiced significant concerns regarding the existing structure of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), questioning its suitability for disciplines such as humanities and social sciences. The committee has formally recommended a comprehensive review of both the examination’s design and the quality of its question papers.
MCQ-Based Model Deemed Unsuitable for Certain Disciplines
The committee, which oversees education, women, child development, youth, and sports, submitted a report highlighting a fundamental mismatch between the test’s multiple-choice question (MCQ) format and the nature of subjects that rely heavily on independent thought and analytical reasoning. According to the findings, disciplines within the humanities and social sciences are rooted in subjective expression and critical evaluation. A purely MCQ-driven assessment, the report argues, is incapable of measuring a candidate’s true intellectual depth or their ability to construct nuanced arguments.
Call for Alignment with National Education Policy 2020
In its recommendations, the panel has urged authorities to revisit the examination blueprint to ensure it aligns with the broader objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The report emphasises that the testing mechanism should be refined to better reflect the distinct academic requirements of various subject areas, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. The committee believes that a more tailored evaluation method is essential for accurately gauging student potential.
Concerns Over Uniformity for Universities Like JNU
While acknowledging the logistical benefits of a single, unified entrance examination—such as simplifying the application process for students from different educational boards—the committee also pointed out potential drawbacks. It specifically cited the case of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), whose admission framework was historically designed to foster social, economic, and regional diversity. The report notes that JNU, under its governing act, carries a mandate to maintain inclusive representation. The committee expressed apprehension that a rigid, uniform test format might not adequately accommodate such institution-specific objectives and indicated that further deliberation on this matter is planned.
Government’s Response to the Recommendations
In its action-taken report, the government has acknowledged the committee’s observations. Officials have stated that the suggestions have been duly noted and that both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA) have been suitably advised regarding the concerns raised by the panel.
Background: The Purpose Behind CUET’s Introduction
The government reiterated that CUET was launched to streamline admissions into central universities and other participating institutions. The primary goal was to offer students a single-window opportunity—allowing them to apply for multiple universities through one application form and one examination, thereby reducing the burden of appearing for numerous separate tests.
CUET’s Rapid Rise as India’s Second-Largest Exam
Since its inception in the 2022-23 academic session, CUET has witnessed remarkable growth. The report highlights that within just two years of its launch, it became the second-largest entrance examination in the country. In 2025 alone, a staggering 13,54,699 candidates registered for the test, underscoring its widespread acceptance and scale.
Recent Modifications and Improvements
The parliamentary report also acknowledged that the examination’s structure has undergone certain refinements based on feedback from the initial three editions of CUET (UG). For instance, the 2025 iteration offered a total of 37 subjects. Additionally, there was a notable operational improvement, with results being declared more than three weeks earlier than in the previous year, marking a significant step towards greater efficiency in the admission cycle.
Future Outlook and Potential Reforms
At this stage, the committee has stopped short of recommending the abolition of CUET or demanding immediate, drastic changes to its current framework. However, the observations put forth in the report are likely to intensify discussions among educators, policymakers, and students regarding the future of the examination pattern, the standard of question papers, and the overall effectiveness of the assessment methodology. The coming months may witness renewed debate on how to strike a balance between standardised testing and the diverse academic needs of India’s higher education landscape.
