So, you’ve powered through 12th grade with science – awesome job! Now you’re probably thinking, “What’s next?” One of the big steps is often taking an entrance exam to get into the college or program you want. There are tons of options out there depending on what you want to study. Let’s break down some of the most common and important entrance exams you can take after finishing 12th grade with a science background.
Engineering Entrance Exams
If you love building things, solving problems, and figuring out how things work, engineering might be for you. Here are some key entrance exams for engineering programs:
JEE Main & JEE Advanced
JEE Main is the big one! It’s the entrance exam for getting into National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other government-funded engineering colleges. If you do really well on JEE Main, you get a chance to take JEE Advanced. JEE Advanced is for getting into the super prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Think of JEE Main as the stepping stone to JEE Advanced and the IITs.
BITSAT
The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) conducts its own entrance exam called BITSAT. If you’re aiming for BITS Pilani, BITS Goa, or BITS Hyderabad, this is the exam you need to crack. BITSAT tests your knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Proficiency, and Logical Reasoning.
VITEEE
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) also has its own entrance exam, VITEEE. VIT has campuses in Vellore, Chennai, Andhra Pradesh, and Bhopal. This exam is your ticket to studying at any of these campuses. The syllabus is similar to JEE Main, focusing on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
State-Level Engineering Entrance Exams
Many states in India have their own engineering entrance exams. These exams are for admission into engineering colleges within that specific state. Examples include MHT CET (Maharashtra), KCET (Karnataka), and WBJEE (West Bengal). Check your state’s education board website for details.
Medical Entrance Exams
Do you dream of becoming a doctor, dentist, or another type of healthcare professional? Then you’ll need to take a medical entrance exam:
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
NEET is the only entrance exam you need to take to get into medical and dental colleges across India (both government and private). It covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) from the 11th and 12th grade syllabus. Scoring well on NEET is super competitive, so get ready to study hard!
AIIMS Entrance Exam (Now replaced by NEET)
Previously, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) conducted its own separate entrance exam. However, starting from 2020, admission to AIIMS is also through NEET. So, NEET is now the single gateway for medical aspirants.
Pharmacy Entrance Exams
If you’re interested in the science of medicines and drugs, pharmacy could be a great career path. Here are some entrance exams for pharmacy programs:
GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test)
While GPAT is primarily for admission into Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) programs, some colleges might use it for undergraduate admissions as well, although it is less common. Check with the specific colleges you are interested in.
State-Level Pharmacy Entrance Exams
Similar to engineering, many states conduct their own pharmacy entrance exams for admission into B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) programs. Look into the specific exams conducted by your state’s education board.
Other Science-Related Entrance Exams
Science isn’t just limited to engineering, medicine, and pharmacy. There are many other exciting fields! Here are some other entrance exams you might consider:
NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam
If you have a passion for serving your country and a knack for science, the NDA exam could be perfect. It’s conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) and leads to a career in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force). The exam includes sections on Mathematics, General Ability, and English.
IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)
The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are top-notch institutions for basic science research. To get into an IISER, you’ll need to take the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). The test assesses your understanding of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)
NEST is for admission into the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar and the Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CBS) Mumbai. These institutions offer integrated M.Sc. programs in basic sciences. The exam tests your knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission)
If you’re interested in agriculture, forestry, or related fields, the ICAR AIEEA is the exam to take. It’s conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate programs in agricultural sciences.
Tips for Choosing the Right Entrance Exam
With so many options, how do you choose the right entrance exam(s) for you? Here are a few tips:
- Think about your interests: What subjects do you enjoy studying? What kind of career do you envision for yourself?
- Research different career paths: Explore different fields related to science and see what excites you.
- Consider your strengths and weaknesses: Are you good at math, science, or both? Choose a field that aligns with your strengths.
- Check the eligibility criteria: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the exams you’re interested in (e.g., minimum marks in 12th grade).
- Look at the syllabus: Understand the syllabus for each exam and see which one you feel most comfortable with.
- Practice, practice, practice: Solve previous years’ question papers to get a feel for the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m not sure what I want to study?
That’s totally okay! Many students feel unsure after 12th grade. Talk to your teachers, counselors, and family members for guidance. You can also explore different career options online or through career counseling sessions.
Can I take multiple entrance exams?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, it’s 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.
When should I start preparing for entrance exams?
Ideally, you should start preparing as early as possible, preferably from the beginning of your 11th grade. This will give you ample time to cover the syllabus and practice.
What are some good resources for preparing for entrance exams?
There are tons of resources available, including textbooks, online courses, coaching centers, and practice papers. Choose the resources that best suit your learning style and budget.
How important is coaching for entrance exams?
Coaching can be helpful, but it’s not mandatory. If you’re disciplined and can study on your own, you can definitely crack entrance exams without coaching. However, coaching can provide structured guidance, doubt clearing sessions, and mock tests.
Choosing the right career path and preparing for entrance exams can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting time! Take your time, explore your options, and work hard. With dedication and the right preparation, you can achieve your goals and build a successful career in science.