So, you’ve finished your 12th grade! Congratulations! It’s a big accomplishment. Now comes the exciting (and maybe a little scary) part: figuring out what’s next. For many, that means preparing for entrance exams to get into their dream college or university. It can feel overwhelming to sort through all the different tests out there. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! This article will give you a rundown of some of the most common entrance exams after 12th grade, categorized by the fields they lead to. Let’s dive in!
Engineering Entrance Exams
If you’re passionate about building things, solving technical problems, and maybe even inventing the next big gadget, engineering might be the right path for you. These are some of the major entrance exams for engineering programs in India:
JEE Main & JEE Advanced
These are probably the most well-known engineering entrance exams. JEE Main is the first step. If you score well in JEE Main, you become eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. JEE Main is the gateway to NITs (National Institutes of Technology), IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology), and other government-funded engineering colleges. JEE Advanced is specifically for admission to the prestigious IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology).
What they test: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the 11th and 12th grade level (CBSE syllabus).
BITSAT
The Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT) is for admission to BITS Pilani, BITS Goa, and BITS Hyderabad. BITS is a highly regarded private engineering institute.
What they test: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Proficiency, and Logical Reasoning.
VITEEE
The Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Exam (VITEEE) is for admission to VIT Vellore and its other campuses.
What they test: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English and Aptitude. (Some streams may also include Biology instead of Math).
State-Level Engineering Entrance Exams
Many states in India also conduct their own engineering entrance exams for admission to engineering colleges within the state. Examples include MHT CET (Maharashtra), KCET (Karnataka), and WBJEE (West Bengal). Check your state’s education board website for details.
Medical Entrance Exams
If you’re interested in healthcare, helping people, and understanding the human body, a career in medicine might be a good fit. The primary entrance exam for medical colleges is:
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
NEET is the single entrance exam for admission to MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) and other medical/dental courses in India. It’s a highly competitive exam.
What it tests: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) at the 11th and 12th grade level (primarily based on the NCERT syllabus).
Law Entrance Exams
If you enjoy arguing your point, analyzing complex issues, and upholding justice, a career in law could be right up your alley. Here are a few law entrance exams:
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
CLAT is for admission to National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. NLUs are considered some of the best law schools in the country.
What it tests: English Language, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.
AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)
AILET is conducted specifically for admission to the National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi), which does not accept CLAT scores.
What it tests: English, General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Reasoning and Elementary Mathematics.
LSAT—India
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT)—India is accepted by many private law colleges in India.
What it tests: Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.
Design Entrance Exams
If you have a creative flair, an eye for aesthetics, and love to design and create, a career in design could be perfect. Here are some popular design entrance exams:
NID DAT (National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test)
NID DAT is for admission to the National Institute of Design (NID), a premier design institute in India. There are two stages: DAT Prelims and DAT Mains.
What it tests: Visual and spatial ability, logical reasoning, creative thinking, and general awareness.
NIFT Entrance Exam (National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam)
NIFT conducts its own entrance exam for admission to its various design programs, including fashion design, textile design, and more.
What it tests: General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT). Some programs also include a Situation Test and Interview.
UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)
UCEED is 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: Visualization and spatial reasoning, observation and design sensitivity, environmental and social awareness, analytical and logical reasoning, language, creativity.
Commerce & Management Entrance Exams
If you are interested in business, finance, and management, these exams might be relevant for you:
CUET (Common University Entrance Test)
CUET is now used by many central universities in India for admission to undergraduate programs, including B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce), BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), and other related courses. The specific subjects you need to take in CUET depend on the requirements of the university and program you’re applying to. So, research the specific universities and programs you want to attend before registering for CUET.
IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test)
IPMAT is for admission to the 5-year integrated MBA programs offered by IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Bodh Gaya, and IIM Jammu. These programs allow you to earn a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA in five years.
What it tests: Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability.
NPAT (National Programme for Aptitude Test)
NPAT is conducted by NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) for admission to its undergraduate programs, including BBA, B.Com (Hons), and B.Sc. Economics.
What it tests: Quantitative & Numerical Ability, Reasoning & General Intelligence and Proficiency in English Language.
Other Important Considerations
- Eligibility Criteria: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for each exam, including age limits, minimum marks in 12th grade, and required subjects.
- Syllabus: Carefully review the syllabus for each exam and create a study plan.
- Exam Pattern: Understand the exam pattern, including the number of questions, marking scheme, and time duration.
- Preparation: Start your preparation early and dedicate enough time to studying. Use good quality study materials, solve mock tests, and practice previous year’s question papers.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest information about the exams, including application deadlines, exam dates, and admit card release dates. Websites like Shiksha.com, Careers360.com, and the official websites of the respective exam conducting bodies are great resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know what I want to study after 12th?
That’s perfectly okay! Many students feel the same way. Take some time to explore your interests, talk to people in different professions, and consider taking career aptitude tests to help you identify your strengths and interests. You can also look at diploma courses as an alternative to degree programs for some additional exploration and a more skills-focused approach.
How much time should I dedicate to studying for entrance exams?
The amount of time you need to dedicate to studying depends on your individual learning style, your current level of preparation, and the difficulty level of the exam. However, a general guideline is to dedicate at least 2-3 hours of focused study per day for each exam.
Are coaching classes necessary for entrance exam preparation?
Coaching classes can be helpful, but they are not always necessary. They can provide structured guidance, comprehensive study materials, and mock tests. However, if you are disciplined and motivated, you can also prepare for entrance exams on your own using self-study materials and online resources.
Choosing the right career path and preparing for entrance exams can seem daunting, but with careful planning, dedicated effort, and the right information, you can achieve your goals. Good luck!