CUET UG 2025 Paper Analysis: May 20th Shift 2

cuet-ug-2025-paper-analysis

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) Undergraduate 2025, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), continued with its Shift 2 examination on May 20, 2025. This shift has the General Aptitude Test (GAT), English, History, Physics, and Biology papers. The exam aimed to assess candidates’ proficiency across various domains, serving as a gateway to undergraduate programs in numerous central universities across India.

In this comprehensive analysis of CollegeDost, we delve into each subject’s paper, examining the types of questions presented, their difficulty levels, and the topics emphasised. This breakdown will offer valuable insights for future aspirants and educators aiming to understand the evolving patterns of the CUET UG examinations.

Check out CollegeDost for a detailed breakdown of the exam, including subject-wise difficulty levels, question types, and student feedback!

CUET UG 2025 Exam Overview

Below is the exam overview of CUET UG 2025.

Exam Particulars Exam Details
Total Subjects Offered 37 (13 Languages + 23 Domain Subjects + 1 General Aptitude Test) 
Medium13 Indian languages (Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu)
Subjects to Choose
Up to 5 subjects 
Total Marks of CUET Exam250
Questions per Subject 50 Compulsory Questions
Marking Scheme +5 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, and no marks for unattempted questions
Exam Mode
CBT Mode 
Duration 60 minutes per subject

Where To Check CUET UG 2025 Paper Analysis

You can check the CUET UG 2025 exam analysis right here on CollegeDost. We provide a detailed and comprehensive review of the exam, covering the difficulty level of each section, the types of questions asked, and valuable feedback from students who appeared for the test.

Our analysis is designed to help aspirants understand the exam pattern better and identify key areas to focus on for their preparation. Stay connected with us through our website to get the latest updates, in-depth exam insights, and expert guidance for CUET UG 2025.

👉 Check CUET UG 2025 Exam Analysis on CollegeDost

CUET UG 2025 Exam: Shift Timings

Check the CUET UG 2025 exam shift timings in the table below.

CUET UG 2025 Slot Time for 20th May
Reporting Time Gate Closing Time Shift Timing
CUET UG 2025 Shift 1
7 AM 8.30 AM 9 AM to 12 PM
CUET UG 2025 Shift 2
1 PM 2.30 PM 3 PM to 6 PM

CUET UG 2025 Exam Analysis: Based on Number of Attempts

Candidates can check the number of good attempts that they can expect in the exam from the following table.

SubjectsGood Attempts (Safe Range) Difficulty Level 
General Aptitude Test (GAT) 38-42 Easy to Moderate 
English 40-44 Easy to Moderate 
History 40-45Moderate
Physics 40-45Moderate
Biology 48-50Easy to Moderate 

CUET UG 2025 Exam Analysis: May 20 2025, Shift 2

The CUET exam date 2025 was conducted on May 20th, shift 2, for the General Aptitude Test (GAT), English, History, Physics, and Biology. As per the initial reaction of the students, the exam for the Shift 2 is considered to be Moderate. Check out the subject-specific analysis and weightage of each chapter.

CUET UG 2025 GAT Paper Analysis

The General Aptitude Test (GAT) paper in CUET UG 2025 placed greater emphasis on General Knowledge (GK) and Quantitative Ability, with these two sections carrying the most weightage. Reasoning questions accounted for around 10 to 15 items, providing a balanced challenge for the students without being overly difficult. Notably, the General Knowledge and General Studies (GK/GS) section had more questions in the evening shift. Overall, Students found the GAT paper was rated as easy to moderate in difficulty. The mix of straightforward GK questions combined with moderate quantitative problems made the paper engaging but fair, requiring both conceptual clarity and quick thinking to manage time effectively.

TopicsDifficulty Level 
General Knowledge (GK)
Arya Samaj Establishment Moderate (Founded in 1875 by Swami Dayanand Saraswati)
Partition of Telangana & Andhra Pradesh Moderate 
Myanmar (Neighboring States) Moderate 
Sports Awards (Arjun Award, etc.) Moderate (Focus on sports awards like Dhyan Chand Award, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award)
Doha Diamond League Moderate 
National Parks Moderate 
Chemical Formulas Moderate 
Rivers Moderate 
Act-based Questions Moderate 
State Capitals Moderate 
Historical Wars (Panipat, Khanwa, etc.) Moderate (Focus on medieval wars (e.g., Panipat) and battles like Khanwa, Chanderi, Ghagra)
Books and Authors Moderate 
Assets and Nicknames Moderate 
Capital & Currency Matching Moderate 
Boundaries and Cities on Riverbanks Moderate 
Telangana Formation (2 June 2014) Moderate 
Current Affairs (2024–2025) Moderate (Focus on current sports and other major awards)
Reasoning
Clock (Angle Calculation) Easy to Moderate 
Series (Double Series) Moderate 
Coding-Decoding Moderate 
Blood Relations (Equation-based) Moderate 
Ranking Moderate 
Calendar (Day Calculation) Moderate 
Mirror Image Moderate 
Non-Verbal Reasoning Moderate  (Significant weightage in NTA exams, with embedded picture and sitting arrangement questions)
Embedded Picture Moderate 
Sitting Arrangement Moderate 
Quantitative Aptitude
CI and SI (Compound Interest and Simple Interest) Easy to Moderate (Questions on finding principal, simple and compound interest calculations )
Profit and Loss Easy to Moderate (Questions on normal profit/loss, successive profit, and combining percentage with profit )
Time and Work Easy 
Circle (Area) Easy 
Mensuration (Formulas) Easy 
Coordinate Geometry (m:n Ratio) Easy 
Mean, Median, Mode Easy 
Train Problems Moderate 
Triangle Moderate 
Probability Moderate 
Number System Moderate

General Awareness-Chapterwise Weightage

CategoryExpected Questions
Geography7
Science4
Personalities4
Polity3
Defence2
Awards2
Sports1
Currency1
Miscellaneous1

Logical reasoning-Chapterwise Weightage

TopicExpected Questions
Visual Reasoning4
Series2
Coding-Decoding2
Arrangement2
Clocks2
Analogy1
Family Tree1
Calendar1
Data Sufficiency1
Directions1
Statement-Conclusion1

Numerical Ability-Chapterwise Weightage

TopicExpected Questions
Time and Work2
Ratio2
Simplification1
Fractions1
HCF-LCM1
Problems on Age1
Percentage1
Profit, Loss & Discount1
Simple Interest1
Area1
Volume1
Speed, Time, Distance1
Mean & Mode1
Triangle1
Trigonometry1

CUET UG 2025 History Paper Analysis

In the History paper of CUET UG 2025, students found that the maximum number of questions, from the Harappan Civilization. They found questions from the Mauryan Period focused on the order of events, especially during that time. Questions about the framing of the Constitution were mostly about dates and years, and students found them a bit difficult. There was a question about Ashoka’s Dhamma policy, specifically about Dhamma Mahamatta. Students also pointed out 2-3 questions from the chapter on Akbar’s reign, including the Ain-i-Akbari. Questions about the Vijayanagara Empire asked about Raya and its capital city. The 1857 Revolt was mentioned as a possible topic, but was not confirmed in the exam. Chronological order questions were common and required students to arrange events correctly. A question from the Partition chapter was also asked. Many students found that reviewing Previous Year Questions (PYQs) helped because similar questions often come up. Overall, students felt the exam covered many important history topics with a mix of easy and challenging questions.

TopicsDetails/Notes 
Harappan CivilizationA maximum number of questions were asked from this chapter. 
Mauryan Period Questions on chronological order, especially related to the Mauryan period. 
Framing the Constitution Questions based on dates and years, slightly tough. 
Ashoka (Dhamma Policy) A paragraph related to Ashoka’s Dhamma policy (Dhamma Mahamatta). 
Peasants, Zamindars, and the State (Akbar’s reign) Questions from the chapter on Akbar’s reign, including Aine-i-Akbari (2-3 questions). 
Vijayanagara Empire (Raya’s and Capital) Questions about Raya’s and the capital of Vijayanagara. 
Books and Authors in History Recurring pattern in exams; possibly related to historical books and their authors. 
Chronological Order Questions Common in CUET exams, requiring events to be arranged in chronological order. 
Partition A question from the Partition chapter was asked. 
PYQs Review Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are repeating; reviewing them is emphasized. 

CUET History Chapterwise Weightage

Unit/Chapter Number of Questions 
Case Studies (2 total, 5 questions each) 10 (5 in each) 
An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara
3–4 
Kings and Chronicles
3–4 
The Mughal Courts
3–4 
Framing the Constitution
2–3 
Thinkers, Beliefs, and Buildings
2–3 
Bhakti-Sufi Traditions
2–3

CUET UG 2025 English Paper Analysis

The English Paper was generally good, although some students faced difficulties with Antonym/Synonym questions involving new words. Some passages were also described as lengthy. Students focused on attempting the easy and doable questions, like Reading Comprehension and Sentence Rearrangement, to achieve good accuracy, rather than getting stuck on difficult vocabulary.

TopicsDetails/Notes 
Vocabulary Challenging for some students with difficult, unfamiliar words; examples include Narcissist, Antiquated, and Luxurious. 
Reading Comprehension (RC) 5 passages included; topics included a story and Global Warming & Environment; generally easy and doable. 
Sentence Rearrangement (SR) Easy and doable questions. 
Synonyms and Antonyms Some words were tricky; examples include Narcissist, Antiquated, and Luxurious. 
Grammar Generally easy; 4-5 questions, including fill-in-the-blank (e.g., “She is suffering from ______ fever”). 
Model Verbs Explicitly mentioned topic to study (e.g., Will, Would, Shall, Should, Can, Could, May, Might, Used to, Ought to, Must). 
Idioms Examples include “Put oil in troubled water” (calm a situation) and “Bed of roses” (easy/pleasant living). 
Phrasal Verbs Several questions on verbs like ‘bit’ and ‘back’ (e.g., back out, back off, backup); “Call off” and “get up” also appeared. 
Homonyms One question related to homonyms; recommended for review. 

CUET English Chapterwise Weightage

TopicsNumber of Questions
Comprehension
15
Parts of speech
3–4
Para jumbles
3–4
Synonyms and antonyms
2–3
Active/passive voice
3–4
Fill in the blanks
3–4
Incorrect/correct statement
3–4
Phrases and meaning
5–6

CUET UG 2025 Physics Paper Analysis

The Physics paper was in the Moderate range according to students. The paper was similar to papers on 13-14 May, after being slightly tougher in some intermediate shifts. There is a higher proportion of numerical questions compared to conceptual ones, although the numerical problems were generally easy. Check out the detailed analysis given in the table.

TopicsDetails/Notes 
Overall Difficulty Described as Easy to moderate, students who studied found it manageable. One student attempted 49 out of 50 questions. 
PN Junction A diagram-based question was included. 
Spherical Ball in Cylindrical Vessel A question related to calculating volume change involving a spherical ball and a cylindrical vessel. 
Modern Physics Weightage increased, with a non-uniform distribution across subtopics: 
Dual Nature 4-5 questions. 
Atom Approximately 3 questions. 
Nuclei Only 1 question. 
Semiconductor 1-2 questions. 
Ray Optics Several questions from this chapter. 
AC (Alternating Current) Approximately 3-4 questions. 
Potential Many questions on this topic. 
Syllabus Coverage No out-of-syllabus questions were included. 

CUET Physics – Chapterwise Weightage

SectionsNumber of Questions
Electrostatics8
Current Electricity7
Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism8
Electromagnetic Induction & A.C.6
Electromagnetic Waves1
Optics8
Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation5
Atoms and Nuclei4
Electronic Devices3

CUET UG 2025 Biology Paper Analysis

The Biology paper in shift 2 was considered Easy to moderate, with most students finding it Easy. The questions were from the NCERT books. Students found many questions from RNA Polymerase III’s role in tRNA formation, with questions on reproductive health focusing on female reproductive parts, male accessory ducts, and copper-releasing IUDs, etc. Disease-related questions featured the malaria life cycle, phenylketonuria, and disease-pathogen matching. Evolution topics included human evolution and the repeated theme of homologous and analogous organs. The molecular basis of inheritance and biotechnology was highlighted through passages on DNA fingerprinting and gene therapy. Sexual reproduction in flowering plants includes questions on pollen formation and the nutritional function of the tapetum. Check the detailed analysis in the given table.

TopicsDetails/Notes 
RNA Polymerase III Function (forms tRNA); compared to RNA Polymerase II, asked in the morning shift. 
Reproductive Health 
– Female Reproductive Parts Question asked. 
– Male Accessory Ducts Question asked. 
– Copper Releasing IUDs Question asked: other types like Hormone Releasing and Non-Medicated IUDs suggested for future shifts. 
Disease
– Malaria Life Cycle Question asked. 
– Phenylketonuria Asked from Disorders. 
– Match the Following Questions matching Diseases and their Pathogens. 
Evolution
– Human Evolution Question included, indicating a trend change. 
– Homologous and Analogous Organs Repeated topic. 
Molecular Basis of Inheritance/Biotechnology
– DNA Fingerprinting A complete passage based on this topic. 
– Gene Therapy Another passage based on this topic. 
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
– Pollen Formation Question asked. 
– Tapetum (Function) Question on Nutrition/Nourishment. 
Microbes in Human Welfare Focused on Biofertilisers, specifically microbes (like Anabaena, Nostoc, Oscillatoria) in Paddy Fields. 
Ecology
– Logistic Growth Equation Question asked. 
– Biodiversity Diversity Gradient (how diversity changes from poles to equator and vice versa). 
– Ecosystem Functional Role of Ecosystem (e.g., Decomposition, Productivity, Nutrient Cycle, Energy Flow); likely a question on which function is NOT a role.

CUET Biology Chapterwise Weightage

TopicsNumber of Questions
Applications of Biotechnology
4
Biodiversity and Its Conservation
5
Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
4
Ecosystem
4
Evolution
4
Human Health and Diseases
4
Human Reproduction
3
Microbes in Human Welfare
3
Molecular Basis of Inheritance
5
Organisms and Populations
3
Principles of Inheritance and Variation
3
Reproductive Health
5
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
3
Total
50

General Preparation Advice Based on the CUET May 20 Shift 2 Analysis

  • Focus on PYQs: PYQs are repeating across subjects and are highly recommended for practice and review.
  • Adhere to NCERT: For domain subjects, NCERT is the primary and most important source. Avoid relying on isolated topics.
  • Practice GAT: Especially for Math/Quant and numerical questions in Physics, practice is crucial for success.
  • Time Management: It is important to manage time during the exam to ensure all questions are attempted and mistakes are avoided.
  • Mock Tests: Taking mock tests is recommended for practice and getting an exam-like feeling. Mock tests can provide a large pool of questions for practice.
  • Review GK: Reviewing past GK classes and marathon sessions is advised for the GK section. Do not focus on new current affairs; revise existing GK.

CUET UG 2025: NTA Revises Accountancy Paper Pattern

The accounting paper pattern for CUET UG 2025 has been updated by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates can now select questions from “Unit V: Analysis of Financial Statements” or “Optional Unit V: Computerised Accounting System” starting on May 22, 2025.

Applicants who took the test between May 13 and May 16, 2025, will have the option of keeping their score or retaking the test using the updated format. NTA will soon release comprehensive opt-in instructions.

CUET UG 2025 Accountancy Unit 5 Syllabus

TopicsSubtopics / Details 
Analysis of Financial Statements
Financial Statements of a Company – Preparation of simple financial statements
– Prescribed format with major headings only 
Financial Analysis – Meaning, significance, purpose, limitations 
Tools for Financial Analysis – Comparative Statements
– Common Size Statements 
Accounting Ratios – Meaning and objectives
– Types:
• Liquidity Ratio
• Solvency Ratio
• Activity Ratio
• Profitability Ratio 
Cash Flow Statement – Meaning and objectives
– Preparation with adjustments for:
• Depreciation
• Dividend & Tax
• Sale & Purchase of Non-Current Assets (as per revised ICAI standards) 
Optional: Computerised Accounting System (CAS)
CAS Overview – Concepts and types
– Features, advantages, limitations 
Structure of CAS – Chart of accounts
– Codification
– Hierarchy of account heads 
Electronic Spreadsheet Applications – Features and uses in accounting
– Generating accounting information
– Preparing:
• Depreciation Schedules
• Loan Repayment Schedules
• Payroll Accounting
– Use of Graphs and Charts 

Student Reviews For CUET UG 2025 May 20th Shift 2 Exam

Most students from different states found CUET UG 2025 Shift 2, which was held on May 20th, was moderate. Here is a summary of what students perceived about the exam.

One student found the General Aptitude Test (GAT) section was of moderate difficulty, with most questions focused on reasoning and some quantitative problems. Many students felt time management was important, as the last few questions were slightly tricky.

Another student felt the English section had lengthy comprehension passages but was generally straightforward. Vocabulary and grammar questions were rated easy to moderate, making it manageable for students with decent language skills.

History questions mainly covered modern Indian history, along with some world history topics. The mix of factual and analytical questions made it a fair challenge, though a few students found questions related to dates and events a bit tougher.

Students found the Physics difficulty level was moderate, with application-based questions primarily from mechanics and electricity. Some conceptual problems required a deeper understanding, making this section a bit challenging for some students.

Biology was comparatively easier, with questions mostly aligned with the NCERT syllabus. Topics like Genetics and Ecology were emphasized, and many students felt more confident answering Biology than Physics.

CUET UG 2025 Exam Day Guidelines

Given below are a few CUET UG 2025 exam day guidelines that students need to follow.

  • Carry Only Required Items: Only take your printed admit card (with passport-size photograph), your valid photo ID (Aadhaar or PAN card), a transparent ballpoint pen, and a transparent water bottle. Candidates can check all the CUET exam details on the admit card and are advised to adhere to the instructions.
  • Be On Time: Report to the exam center well in advance relative to your reporting time (7:00 AM for Shift 1 and 1:00 PM for Shift 2). If you are late, you will not be allowed to enter. 
  • Prohibited Items: Do not bring mobile phones, smart watches, electronic devices, bags, books, or food if not medically required (with documentation). 
  • Maintain Discipline: Be seated in your assigned seat, only do rough work on the sheets provided, and do not perform any unfair practice or make any noise in the exam hall.
  • Time Management: It is a critical challenge across subjects, especially with lengthy sections like RC or Quant. It’s advised to tackle easy questions first.
  • The Normalisation Factor: This factor will account for variations in difficulty across shifts. The focus should be on attempting as many questions with 100% accuracy.

CUET Dress Code For Females

CategoryAllowed Not Allowed
ClothingHalf-sleeved, simple kurtis/tops Full-sleeved, heavily embroidered, or layered clothing 
Bottom Wear Simple leggings, trousers, salwar Skirts, jeans with extra pockets 
Footwear Slippers, flat sandals Heels, closed-toe shoes, boots 
Accessories None Jewelry (earrings, rings, bangles, bracelets, belts) 
Electronic Items None Smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, and wired accessories 

CUET Dress Code 2025 for Males

Category Allowed Not Allowed 
ClothingHalf-sleeved, plain shirts or t-shirts Full-sleeved shirts, layered clothing, and embroidery 
Bottom Wear Light trousers, simple jeans Cargo pants, jeans with too many pockets 
Footwear Slippers, sandals Shoes, sneakers, boots 
Accessories None Watches, belts, caps, sunglasses, metallic items 
Electronic ItemsNone Smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, and wired accessories 

Things Allowed Inside the Examination Hall

  • Transparent Water Bottle
  • Admit Card (printed copy)
  • Face Mask & Gloves (if applicable)
  • Personal Hand Sanitiser (50 ml)
  • Rough Sheets (provided by the exam centre)
  • Passport-size Photograph (same as uploaded in the application)
  • Simple Black/Blue Ballpoint Pen (if specified)
  • Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, etc.)

Things Not Allowed Inside the Examination Hall

  • Books, Notes, or Any Study Material
  • Mobile Phones & Smartwatches
  • Wallets, Handbags, Sunglasses
  • Bags, Pouches, or Any Items with Metal Components
  • Electronic Gadgets (earphones, calculators, etc.)
  • Jewellery, Caps, or Hats
  • Food or Drinks (except water)
  • Any Written or Printed Papers

What’s New In CUET UG 2025?

Check out some new changes introduced by UGC and which will be implemented from CUET UG 2025 onwards.

  • Students can now take CUET UG exams in any subject, regardless of their Class 12th subjects.
  • CUET UG will be conducted solely in CBT mode.
  • CUET subjects have been reduced to 37 from 63. Teaching Aptitude, Entrepreneurship, and Legal Studies subjects has been removed.
  • The duration of the test is 60 minutes for all the subjects.
  • The GAT scores will decide the admission for the removed CUET subjects.
  • There will be no optional questions.

Get CUET Exam Materials / Topper Notes directly on Whatsapp

🚀 Get CUET Exam Updates/ Materials 📖– Topper Notes directly on WhatsApp.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What subjects were covered in the May 20th Shift 2 CUET UG exam?

The exam included General Aptitude Test (GAT), English, History, Physics, and Biology.

2.  How difficult was the General Aptitude Test (GAT) section?

It was moderately difficult with reasoning and quantitative questions, requiring good time management.

3.  Were the English questions easy in CUET UG 2025?

Yes, the English section had manageable comprehension passages and easy-to-moderate vocabulary and grammar questions. Some students faced difficulties with Antonym/Synonym questions involving new words.

4. What topics were emphasized in the History section of CUET UG 2025?

 Mainly modern Indian history and some world history topics, with a mix of factual and analytical questions. The topics emphasised were Mauryan Period, Framing the Constitution, Ashoka (Dhamma Policy), Peasants, Zamindars, and the State (Akbar’s reign), Vijayanagara Empire (Raya’s and Capital), and Harappan Civilization.

5. What is the CUET exam syllabus?

CUET exam syllabus has a language subject which has various types of passages, such as factual, literary, and narrative, etc. 5 domain subjects, and a section of GAT which assesses General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, etc.


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