Top 50 Entrance Exams After 12th [2025] Engineering, Medical, Commerce

Many students choose their higher studies or career paths based on peer pressure or parental influence rather than their true interests. Without proper knowledge and guidance, they often miss out on crucial entrance exams after 12th, either because they were unaware of them or didn’t prepare in time.

Understanding competitive exams after class 12 early—preferably while still in Class 11—gives students a better chance to explore career options, plan their studies accordingly, and prepare for the best opportunities available. Whether it’s engineering entrance exams like JEE, medical entrance exams like NEET, or government competitive exams after 12th, knowing about these exams in advance helps in setting clear career goals.

This guide provides a complete list of entrance exams after 12th based on different career paths, ensuring that students and parents can make informed decisions and allow sufficient time for preparation.

1. Engineering Entrance Exams

Engineering remains one of the most sought-after career paths for students after 12th, especially in the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) stream. These entrance exams help secure admission into top B.Tech and B.E programs across India. If you’re aiming for a career in mechanical, civil, electrical, or computer engineering, these exams are crucial.

1. JEE Main – For admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs.
2. JEE Advanced – For admission to IITs.
3. BITSAT – For BITS Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses.
4. VITEEE – For VIT Vellore and other campuses.
5. SRMJEEE – For SRM University.
6. MET (Manipal Entrance Test) – For Manipal Institute of Technology.
7. WBJEE – For West Bengal engineering colleges.
8. COMEDK UGET – For private engineering colleges in Karnataka.
9. AMUEEE – For Aligarh Muslim University B.Tech.
10. KIITEE – For KIIT University, Odisha.

2. Medical & Allied Science Entrance Exams

Students from the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) stream who aspire to become doctors, dentists, pharmacists, or healthcare professionals must clear these medical entrance exams. Apart from MBBS and BDS, options like BPT (Physiotherapy), BAMS (Ayurveda), and BHMS (Homeopathy) are also available.

11. NEET-UG – The only entrance exam for MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS across India.
12. AIIMS Nursing Entrance – For B.Sc. Nursing at AIIMS.
13. JIPMER Nursing Entrance – For B.Sc. Nursing at JIPMER.
14. ICAR AIEEA – For agricultural and veterinary sciences.
15. AIPVT – For veterinary sciences admissions.
16. CUET (Medical Courses) – For paramedical courses in central universities.

3. Science & Research Entrance Exams

If you’re passionate about pure sciences, space research, biotechnology, or environmental science, these entrance exams open doors to prestigious institutions like IISc, IISERs, and NISER. They are ideal for students interested in B.Sc, integrated M.Sc, and research-oriented programs.

17. IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) – For admission to IISERs’ BS-MS programs.
18. NEST – For admission to NISER Bhubaneswar & CEBS Mumbai (Integrated MSc).
19. ISI Admission Test – For B.Stat and B.Math at Indian Statistical Institute.
20. IISC Bangalore UG Admission – Based on JEE Advanced, NEET, KVPY.

4. Law Entrance Exams

A career in law requires more than just an interest in legal studies. These entrance exams help students enter top NLUs (National Law Universities) and other reputed law schools offering BA LLB, BBA LLB, and LLB programs. With growing demand in corporate law, criminal law, and international law, the legal profession is evolving rapidly.

21. CLAT – For NLUs and top private law colleges.
22. AILET – For admission to NLU Delhi.
23. LSAT India – For private law universities.
24. SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test) – For Symbiosis Law School.

5. Management & Business Entrance Exams

If you have leadership skills and a business mindset, BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) and other management programs are a great choice. These exams lead to top business schools offering degrees in finance, marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship. Many students also use this pathway as a stepping stone to MBA programs.

25. IPMAT – For Integrated BBA+MBA at IIM Indore & Rohtak.
26. DU JAT – For BMS/BBA (FIA) at Delhi University.
27. SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test) – For BBA at Symbiosis University.
28. CUET (Management Courses) – For central university BBA/BMS courses.
29. NCHMCT JEE – For Hotel Management programs.
30. AIMA UGAT – For BBA, BCA, Hotel Management.

6. Design & Fashion Entrance Exams

Creativity and innovation are at the heart of design careers. These exams help students enter prestigious institutes like NIFT, NID, and Pearl Academy, offering courses in fashion design, interior design, communication design, and product design. If you dream of a career in luxury fashion, branding, or UX/UI design, these exams are for you.

31. NID DAT – For B.Des at National Institute of Design.
32. UCEED – For B.Des at IITs.
33. NIFT Entrance Test – For Fashion Design at NIFTs.
34. SEED (Symbiosis Institute of Design Exam) – For Design courses.
35. FDDI AIST – For Footwear and Leather Design courses.
36. NATA – For B.Arch admissions.

7. Humanities & Social Science Entrance Exams

Students interested in psychology, mass communication, political science, sociology, and international relations can explore these exams. They provide access to top universities and specialized programs that prepare students for careers in media, government services, research, and academia.

37. CUET (Humanities Courses) – For BA programs in central universities.
38. HSEE IIT Madras – For 5-year Integrated MA in Humanities.
39. TISS BAT – For BA Social Sciences at TISS.
40. JNU Entrance Test – For BA Foreign Language courses.

8. Defence & Government Services Entrance Exams

For students who aspire to serve the nation, defence entrance exams offer opportunities to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. Apart from NDA (National Defence Academy), various government competitive exams provide career paths in civil services, banking, and railways.

41. NDA & NA Exam – For admission to NDA (Army, Navy, Airforce).
42. Indian Maritime University CET (IMU CET) – For Merchant Navy.
43. SSB Interview (For NDA Qualified Candidates) – Selection process for NDA aspirants.
44. CDS Exam (After Graduation) – Entry into IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

9. Agricultural & Food Science Entrance Exams

India’s agriculture sector is evolving with advancements in biotechnology, food technology, and agribusiness management. These entrance exams lead to degrees in B.Sc Agriculture, Dairy Technology, and Agricultural Engineering, opening doors to careers in farming technology, food production, and research institutes.

45. ICAR AIEEA UG – For B.Sc. Agriculture & related courses.
46. GAT-B (Graduate Aptitude Test – Biotechnology) – For B.Tech in Biotechnology.

10. Culinary Arts & Hospitality Entrance Exams

If you have a passion for cooking, hotel management, and hospitality, these exams can help you enter top institutes like IHM, Le Cordon Bleu, and WGSHA. Careers in culinary arts, restaurant management, event planning, and luxury hospitality are booming in India and abroad.

47. IHM Entrance Exam – For Hotel Management at IHM colleges.
48. IIHM eCHAT – For IIHM Hotel Management courses.
49. Culinary Academy of India Entrance Exam – For Culinary Arts.
50. NCHMCT JEE – For Hospitality & Hotel Management courses.

11. Commerce & Finance Entrance Exams

Commerce students have multiple professional career paths beyond traditional degree courses. These exams are essential for those looking to enter accounting, finance, taxation, and corporate law fields. A career in Chartered Accountancy (CA), Company Secretary (CS), or Cost & Management Accountancy (CMA) is highly rewarding and offers excellent job prospects in India and abroad.

• CA Foundation – Entry-level exam for Chartered Accountancy.
• CS Foundation – First stage for becoming a Company Secretary.
• CPT (Common Proficiency Test) – Initial stage for CA aspirants.
• CMA Foundation – First step for becoming a Cost and Management Accountant.

FAQs on Competitive & Entrance Exams After 12th

Final Words: Plan Early for a Bright Future

Success in competitive exams after 12th doesn’t happen overnight. Proper planning, timely preparation, and awareness of all available opportunities are key to securing a bright future. Many students, unfortunately, realize their options too late, limiting their choices.

To avoid this, I strongly recommend that parents introduce their children to entrance exam options by Class 11 or even earlier. This allows students to align their interests with suitable career paths, reducing stress and last-minute decisions.

Now that you have a detailed list of entrance exams after 12th, take the next step! Research the exams that match your interests, start preparing early, and give yourself the best chance at a successful career.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on the latest available details for 2025. Exam dates, eligibility criteria, and application timelines are subject to change. Candidates are advised to check the official websites for the most accurate and updated information.

💬 Did I miss any important entrance exams in this list? Drop your suggestions in the comments so I can compile and update the list with all the relevant options!