Top Entrance Exams After 12th: A Complete Overview

This comprehensive guide explores the most sought-after entrance exams after Class 12, including JEE, NEET, CUET, CLAT, and BBA, offering insights into eligibility, exam patterns, and preparation strategies. Whether you're aiming for engineering, medicine, law, or business, this overview helps you navigate the diverse pathways to higher education.
Guidance & Strategy

Choosing the right career path after completing 12th grade is a pivotal decision for students. India offers a plethora of entrance exams catering to various fields such as engineering, medicine, law, design, and more. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the top entrance exams after 12th, along with essential details to help you make informed decisions.


💼 Management Entrance Exams

1. JEE Main

  • Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
  • Purpose: Admission to B.Tech and B.Arch programs in NITs, IIITs, and other central institutions.
  • Eligibility: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • Frequency: Twice a year (January and April).
  • Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in

2. JEE Advanced

  • Conducted by: IITs (rotational basis)
  • Purpose: Admission to B.Tech programs in IITs.
  • Eligibility: Top 2.5 lakh JEE Main qualifiers.
  • Frequency: Annually.
  • Website: jeeadv.ac.in

3. BITSAT

  • Conducted by: Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani
  • Purpose: Admission to B.Tech programs in BITS campuses.
  • Eligibility: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • Frequency: Annually.
  • Website: bitsadmission.com

4. VITEEE

🩺 Medical Entrance Exams

1. NEET UG

  • Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
  • Purpose: Admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India.
  • Eligibility: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • Frequency: Annually.
  • Website: neet.nta.nic.inWikipedia

2. AIIMS Entrance Exam

  • Conducted by: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
  • Purpose: Admission to MBBS programs in AIIMS institutions.
  • Eligibility: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • Frequency: Annually.
  • Website: aiimsexams.ac.in

3. JIPMER MBBS Entrance Exam

  • Conducted by: Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)
  • Purpose: Admission to MBBS programs in JIPMER campuses.
  • Eligibility: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • Frequency: Annually.
  • Website: jipmer.edu.in

⚖️ Law Entrance Exams

1. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

  • Conducted by: Consortium of National Law Universities
  • Purpose: Admission to 5-year integrated LLB programs in NLUs.
  • Eligibility: Class 12 in any stream.
  • Frequency: Annually.
  • Website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in

2. AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)

  • Conducted by: National Law University, Delhi
  • Purpose: Admission to BA LLB programs.
  • Eligibility: Class 12 in any stream.
  • Frequency: Annually.
  • Website: nludelhi.ac.in

3. LSAT India

  • Conducted by: Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
  • Purpose: Admission to various law schools in India.
  • Eligibility: Class 12 in any stream.
  • Frequency: Annually.
  • Website: discoverlaw. in

🎨 Design Entrance Exams

1. UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)

  • Conducted by: IIT Bombay
  • Purpose: Admission to B.Des programs in IITs.
  • Eligibility: Class 12 in any stream.
  • Frequency: Annually.
  • Website: uceed.iitb.ac.in

2. NID DAT (National Institute of Design – Design Aptitude Test)

  • Conducted by: National Institute of Design
  • Purpose: Admission to B.Des and M.Des programs.
  • Eligibility: Class 12 in any stream.
  • Frequency: Annually.
  • Website: admissions.nid.edu


Navigating the multitude of entrance exams available after completing 12th grade can be overwhelming. However, understanding the options tailored to your academic interests and career aspirations can significantly streamline your decision-making process. Whether you aim to pursue engineering, medicine, law, design, or management, each field offers specialized entrance exams that serve as gateways to esteemed institutions.

For instance, engineering aspirants can consider exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, and VITEEE. Medical hopefuls often opt for NEET UG, AIIMS, and JIPMER. Those inclined towards law might look into CLAT, AILET, or LSAT India. Design enthusiasts can explore UCEED and NID DAT. Business-minded individuals may prepare for exams like CAT, MAT, or XAT.

It's essential to research each exam's eligibility criteria, syllabus, and application procedures to ensure a well-informed approach. Platforms like SATHEE, developed by IIT Kanpur in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, offer free resources and mentorship to assist students in their preparation for exams such as JEE, NEET, and SSC .

Remember, the journey post-12th is not just about choosing an exam but aligning it with your passion and long-term goals. With dedication, strategic planning, and the right resources, you can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career.



Read more articles in Guidance & Strategy