List of Engineering, Medical, and Other Entrance Exams After Class 12 in India (2025 Edition)

A wide array of competitive exams are available for students in India after completing Class 12. These exams act as a gateway to top colleges and universities across various disciplines, including engineering, medicine, law, and management. Choosing the right exam is crucial for a student’s career path.

Engineering Entrance Exams

Engineering remains one of the most popular career choices for science students. Admissions to the most prestigious institutions like the IITs and NITs are highly competitive and are based on national-level exams.

• JEE Main: The Joint Entrance Examination (Main) is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It’s the first step for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). The exam is held twice a year (January and April), giving students multiple opportunities to improve their scores.
• JEE Advanced: Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates from JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. This is the sole entrance exam for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It is known for its challenging and conceptual questions.
• BITSAT: Conducted by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), this exam is for admission to B.E., B.Pharma, and M.Sc. programs at its campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. BITSAT is a computer-based test with a focus on logical reasoning and English proficiency, in addition to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• State-Level Exams (e.g., MHT CET, WBJEE, KCET): Many states conduct their own Common Entrance Tests (CETs) for admission to engineering colleges within the state. Examples include the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET), the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE), and the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET). These exams are essential for students who want to study in a specific state.

Medical Entrance Exams

For students aspiring to a career in medicine, a single national-level exam is now the primary pathway.

• NEET-UG: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) is the sole entrance exam for admission to MBBS and BDS programs in all government and private medical and dental colleges across India. The exam is conducted by the NTA and also serves as the admission criteria for various AYUSH courses (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).

Beyond engineering and medicine, several other fields have their own entrance exams for undergraduate admissions.

Law Entrance Exams

• CLAT: The Common Law Admission Test is a national-level exam for admission to the 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. The exam tests a student’s legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and general knowledge.
• AILET: The All India Law Entrance Test is conducted for admission to the prestigious National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi).

Architecture, Design, and Arts Entrance Exams

• NATA: The National Aptitude Test in Architecture is mandatory for admission to the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program in many colleges.
• NIFT Entrance Exam: The National Institute of Fashion Technology conducts this exam for admission to its design and fashion technology programs.

Management and Commerce Entrance Exams

• IPMAT: The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test is for admission to the five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) offered by some Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
• CUET: The Common University Entrance Test is a relatively new but very important exam for admission to undergraduate programs in all Central Universities (like Delhi University, BHU, and others), as well as many state and private universities. It covers a wide range of subjects, making it a crucial exam for commerce and arts students.

Defense Entrance Exams

• NDA Exam: The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for those who want to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force. The exam is held twice a year and includes a written test followed by a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.

How to Make a Decision

Choosing the right exam and career path after Class 12 can be daunting. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Your Stream and Interest: The first and most important step is to identify your interest. Are you passionate about problem-solving (engineering), life sciences (medicine), or critical thinking (law)? Your stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) will naturally narrow down your options.
2. Research the Exams: Understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility criteria for each exam. For example, some exams like JEE have two sessions, while others are held once a year.
3. National vs. State vs. Institutional: Decide whether you want to aim for national-level institutions (IITs, AIIMS) or prefer colleges within your state. National exams are more competitive but open up opportunities across the country, while state-level exams are often less competitive but limit your options to a particular state.
4. Practice and Preparation: Most of these exams are objective-based and require strategic preparation. Start with your NCERT textbooks for a strong foundation, and then move on to specialized study materials and mock tests. Consistency is key.