So, you’ve finished 12th grade with science! Congratulations! It’s a big accomplishment. Now you’re probably wondering, “What’s next? What exams can I take?” Don’t worry; there are tons of options depending on what you want to study in college. Let’s explore some popular paths.
Medical Field Entrance Exams
If you dream of becoming a doctor, dentist, or another healthcare professional, you’ll need to take entrance exams for medical colleges. These exams test your knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (usually Botany and Zoology).
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
NEET is the big one! It’s 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 Homoeopathy) and other medical/dental colleges across India. Scoring well on NEET is crucial for getting into a good medical college.
Key Facts about NEET:
- What it tests: Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology (based on the 11th and 12th-grade syllabus)
- Who conducts it: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- What it’s for: Admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India.
AIIMS Entrance Exam (Previously)
Previously, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) conducted its own entrance exam for admission to its various campuses. However, now admissions to AIIMS are also through NEET.
Engineering Entrance Exams
For aspiring engineers, there are numerous entrance exams to choose from, opening doors to various engineering disciplines like Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, and more.
JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination Main)
JEE Main is a national-level exam for admission to undergraduate engineering programs like B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) and B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) at NITs (National Institutes of Technology), IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology), and other government-funded engineering institutions. It also serves as an eligibility test for JEE Advanced.
Key Facts about JEE Main:
- What it tests: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (based on the 11th and 12th-grade syllabus)
- Who conducts it: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- What it’s for: Admission to B.E./B.Tech programs at NITs, IIITs, and other institutions in India. Also, it’s the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced.
JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Examination Advanced)
JEE Advanced is a more challenging exam than JEE Main. Only the top performers in JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. Clearing JEE Advanced is essential for admission to the prestigious IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology).
Key Facts about JEE Advanced:
- What it tests: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (at a higher difficulty level than JEE Main)
- Who conducts it: One of the IITs conducts the exam each year, on a rotational basis.
- What it’s for: Admission to B.Tech programs at the IITs.
State-Level Engineering Entrance Exams
Many states in India conduct their own engineering entrance exams for admission to engineering colleges within the state. Examples include MHT CET (Maharashtra), WBJEE (West Bengal), and KCET (Karnataka). Check your state’s education board website for information.
Other Science-Related Entrance Exams
Beyond medicine and engineering, there are many other exciting fields you can explore with your science background. These often have specific entrance exams.
NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam
If you’re interested in joining the armed forces (Army, Navy, or Air Force), the NDA exam is the gateway. This exam tests your knowledge of Mathematics, General Ability (which includes Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events). Passing this exam, along with a physical fitness test and SSB (Services Selection Board) interview, will get you into the NDA.
Key Facts about NDA:
- What it tests: Mathematics, General Ability (Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events)
- Who conducts it: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- What it’s for: Admission to the National Defence Academy.
NEET-UG (for AYUSH Courses)
Even if you don’t score high enough on NEET for MBBS or BDS, you can still use your NEET score for admission to AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) courses.
ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission)
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts the AIEEA for admission to undergraduate programs in agriculture and allied sciences. This exam is for those interested in fields like agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries, and veterinary science.
NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)
If you have a creative side and an interest in designing buildings, NATA is the exam for you. It tests your drawing skills, observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, and general aptitude for architecture.
What If I Don’t Want to Take an Entrance Exam?
Not all courses require entrance exams. Some colleges admit students based on their 12th-grade marks. You can explore options like:
- B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) degrees in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, etc.
- BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
- Other specialized science-related programs offered by private colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I’m not sure what I want to study?
That’s okay! Many students feel unsure after 12th grade. Take some time to explore your interests. Talk to career counselors, attend workshops, and research different fields to find what excites you.
How should I prepare for these exams?
Start early! Create a study plan, focus on understanding the concepts, practice regularly, and take mock tests to assess your preparation. Use good study materials and seek help from teachers or tutors when needed.
What if I don’t get into my dream college?
Don’t lose hope! There are many good colleges out there. You can also consider taking a drop year to prepare better for the entrance exams or explore alternative career paths.
Are coaching classes necessary for these exams?
Coaching classes can be helpful, but they are not always necessary. If you are disciplined and can study effectively on your own, you can succeed without coaching. However, coaching classes can provide structured guidance, study materials, and mock tests.
Choosing a career path after 12th science is a big decision, but don’t feel pressured to decide everything right now. Explore your options, understand your strengths and interests, and make an informed choice that aligns with your goals. Good luck!