CUET PG Registrations Declining Year by Year: What’s Behind This Trend?

Registrations for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate (CUET PG) have shown a notable decline over the years. In 2023, the total number of registrations approached 9,00,000, but by 2024, that figure dropped to around 7,00,000. According to the latest data from the National Testing Agency (NTA), only 4,12,024 unique registrations have been recorded for the 2025 PG-level entrance examination. 

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the Common University Entrance Test for postgraduate (CUET-PG) exam for admission to PG level courses in Central Universities, State Universities, and other Participating Universities/ Institutions/Organizations across India. The CUET PG is a national-level entrance examination that provides equal opportunities to candidates from across the country who are interested in getting admissions to programs such as MA, MSc, MCA, MCom, MFA, MBA, LLB, LLM, BEd, MEd and other courses.

However, in recent years, the number of registrations for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate (CUET PG) has seen a significant decline. In 2023, nearly 9,00,000 people registered for the exam, but in 2024, that number dropped to about 7,00,000. The latest data from the National Testing Agency (NTA) shows that only 4,12,024 unique registrations have been received for the 2025 PG-level entrance exam.

Reasons for Declining CUET PG Registrations: 

Provided below are several reasons that may have caused a decline in CUET PG registration over the years: 

Availability of Alternative Examination: A probable reason for the declining registrations could be the rise of alternative admission methods. Many universities are now opting for direct admission based on undergraduate performance or other entrance exams, making the CUET PG less of a necessity. 

IIT JAM for MSc Admission: Since IIT JAM is considered a preferred examination for postgraduate admissions in science-related fields, students may prefer to take IIT JAM rather than CUET PG to get admission to top-tier institutions.

CAT for MBA Admission: Similar to IIT JAM, Many students interested in pursuing management studies might prefer to prepare for and appear for CAT rather than CUET PG as the CAT exam provides a better opportunity for students to get admission in prestigious management colleges across the country. 

Other Professional Courses - In the year 2023, a total of 3,23,909 students enrolled for common subject examination, which significantly decreased in the year 2024 to 3,02,667. A reason for such a decline is the selection of state-level/national-level entrance tests over CUET PG for admission to their desired program. For example, several RIE institutes across the country conduct their own entrance test. Students who wish to pursue BEd often directly appear for the entrance examination and avoid appearing for CUET PG, as giving the institute-level test allows them direct admission to their desired institute. 

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