So, you’ve just finished your 12th grade – congrats! That’s a huge accomplishment. Now, you’re probably wondering, “What’s next?” A big part of figuring that out is understanding the different entrance exams you can take. These exams can open doors to all sorts of exciting career paths, from engineering to medicine to design. Let’s break down some of the most popular and important exams you can take after your 12th, making your future a little clearer.
Engineering Entrance Exams
If you love math, science, and building things, engineering might be a great fit for you. To get into top engineering colleges, you’ll likely need to take one of these exams:
JEE Main & JEE Advanced
JEE stands for Joint Entrance Examination. JEE Main is the first step, and if you do well enough, you can take JEE Advanced. JEE Main is your ticket to NITs (National Institutes of Technology), IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology), and other top engineering colleges. JEE Advanced is for getting into the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology), which are considered some of the best engineering schools in India.
What it tests: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Who should take it: Aspiring engineers who want to study at NITs, IIITs, IITs, and other top engineering colleges.
BITSAT
BITSAT is the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test. This exam is for getting into BITS Pilani, one of the most prestigious private engineering colleges in India, as well as its other campuses.
What it tests: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Proficiency, and Logical Reasoning.
Who should take it: Students aiming for BITS Pilani and its other campuses.
VITEEE
VITEEE stands for Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Exam. This exam is for admission into VIT University’s various campuses.
What it tests: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology (depending on the course you choose), and English.
Who should take it: Those interested in studying engineering at VIT University.
Medical Entrance Exams
If you’re passionate about helping people and have a strong interest in science and the human body, medicine could be your calling. The main entrance exam for medical colleges is:
NEET
NEET stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. It’s the only entrance exam you need to take to get into MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) programs in India, whether they’re government or private colleges.
What it tests: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology).
Who should take it: Anyone who wants to become a doctor or dentist in India.
Design Entrance Exams
Are you creative, artistic, and have a good eye for detail? A career in design might be perfect for you. Here are some design entrance exams:
NIFT Entrance Exam
NIFT stands for National Institute of Fashion Technology. The NIFT entrance exam is for getting into NIFT’s various undergraduate design programs, like fashion design, textile design, and accessory design.
What it tests: General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT), and Situation Test/Interview (depending on the program).
Who should take it: Aspiring fashion and design professionals.
NID DAT
NID DAT stands for National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test. This exam is for admission into NID’s Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs.
What it tests: Design Aptitude Test (DAT) – tests visual perception, creative problem-solving, and drawing skills.
Who should take it: Students interested in pursuing design at NID.
UCEED
UCEED stands for Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design. It’s for admission to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad and IIITDM Jabalpur.
What it tests: Visual and spatial reasoning, observation and design sensitivity, environmental and social awareness, analytical and logical reasoning, language, and creativity.
Who should take it: Students aiming for design programs at participating IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur.
Law Entrance Exams
If you enjoy arguing your point, are good at research, and have a strong sense of justice, law might be a good career path. The main law entrance exams are:
CLAT
CLAT stands for Common Law Admission Test. It’s used for admission into the National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.
What it tests: English Language, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.
Who should take it: Students wanting to study law at NLUs.
AILET
AILET stands for All India Law Entrance Test. It’s conducted by National Law University (NLU), Delhi, for admission to its BA LLB (Hons) program.
What it tests: English Language, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Legal Aptitude, Reasoning, and Elementary Mathematics.
Who should take it: Those specifically targeting NLU Delhi.
Other Important Exams
Besides the main fields like engineering, medicine, design and law, other specialized fields have their own entrance exams.
NDA Exam
NDA stands for National Defence Academy. This exam is for those who want to join the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force).
What it tests: Mathematics and General Ability Test (English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography).
Who should take it: Aspiring officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
CUET
CUET stands for Common University Entrance Test. This is used for admissions into various undergraduate programs offered by central universities across India.
What it tests: Varies depending on the course. It includes a language test, domain-specific subjects, and a general test.
Who should take it: Students seeking admission to undergraduate courses in central universities.
How to Choose the Right Exam
Choosing the right exam depends on what you want to study and what career you’re aiming for. Here’s a simple guide:
- Identify your interests: What subjects do you enjoy? What kind of work do you see yourself doing in the future?
- Research career options: Look into different careers related to your interests and see what qualifications they require.
- Explore colleges and universities: Find out which colleges offer the programs you’re interested in and what entrance exams they require.
- Check eligibility criteria: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the exams you’re considering.
- Prepare effectively: Once you’ve chosen your exams, start preparing early and stay consistent with your studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know what I want to do yet?
That’s totally okay! Many students feel the same way. Try exploring different subjects and activities to see what sparks your interest. Talk to teachers, counselors, and professionals in different fields to get their insights. You can also take career aptitude tests to get a better understanding of your strengths and interests.
Can I take more than one entrance exam?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s often a good idea to take multiple exams to increase your chances of getting into a good college. Just make sure you can manage the preparation for all the exams you’re planning to take.
When should I start preparing for these exams?
The earlier, the better! Starting in 11th grade is ideal, but even if you start in 12th, you can still do well with focused preparation. Create a study plan, gather study materials, and stay consistent with your efforts.
Where can I find more information about these exams?
You can find detailed information on the official websites of the exam conducting bodies. These websites usually provide information about the syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, important dates, and application process.
Choosing what to do after your 12th grade can feel overwhelming, but understanding the different entrance exams available is a great first step. Take your time, explore your options, and choose the path that aligns with your interests and goals. Good luck!