Hey there, future scientists and engineers! Finished your 12th grade exams with Science? Awesome! Now’s the time to think about what’s next. Lots of cool and exciting career paths are open to you, but many require doing well on entrance exams. Let’s explore some of the important entrance exams coming up in 2022 (and beyond, as things change a bit each year!) after finishing 12th Science, to help you get into the college or course of your dreams.
Engineering Entrance Exams
If you love building things, solving problems with technology, or creating the next big innovation, engineering might be for you. These are some of the main entrance exams for engineering colleges in India:
- JEE Main: This is probably the most popular engineering entrance exam. It’s the first step for getting into NITs (National Institutes of Technology), IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology), and other government-funded engineering colleges. Plus, doing well in JEE Main is also a requirement for appearing for the JEE Advanced exam.
- JEE Advanced: If you’re aiming for the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology), this is the big one. JEE Advanced is known to be a tough exam, so start preparing early!
- State Engineering Entrance Exams: Many states have their own engineering entrance exams. Examples include MHT CET (Maharashtra), WBJEE (West Bengal), KCET (Karnataka), and UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh). Check the specific requirements and dates for the state you’re interested in.
- BITSAT: If you’re interested in Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, BITS Goa, or BITS Hyderabad, you’ll need to take the BITSAT exam.
- VITEEE: This exam is for Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT). VIT has several campuses, and VITEEE scores are used for admission to all of them.
Medical Entrance Exams
Interested in becoming a doctor, dentist, or other healthcare professional? Then you’ll likely need to take the NEET exam.
- NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test): This is the single entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy), and other medical/dental courses in India. NEET is a national-level exam, so doing well on it can open doors to medical colleges all over the country.
Other Science-Related Entrance Exams
Engineering and medicine aren’t the only options! There are plenty of other interesting fields you can explore with a science background.
- NDA (National Defence Academy): If you dream of serving your country in the armed forces, you can join the NDA after your 12th. The NDA exam includes subjects from your 11th and 12th grade syllabus.
- IISER Aptitude Test (IAT): Want to dive deep into pure science and research? The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are fantastic institutions. You’ll need to take the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) to get in.
- NEET (for BSc Nursing): Some colleges now use NEET scores for admission to BSc Nursing programs. Check the admission criteria of the specific colleges you are interested in.
- ICAR AIEEA: If agriculture, horticulture, or fisheries are your passion, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA) is the exam to take.
Tips for Preparing for Entrance Exams
Okay, so you know about the exams. Now, how do you prepare for them? Here are a few tips:
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying. The sooner you begin, the more time you’ll have to cover the syllabus and practice.
- Know the Syllabus: Understand exactly what topics will be covered in the exam. This will help you focus your studying efforts.
- Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study time effectively. Break down the syllabus into smaller chunks and allocate specific time slots for each topic.
- Practice Regularly: Solve practice questions and mock tests regularly. This will help you get familiar with the exam pattern, improve your speed and accuracy, and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- NCERT is Key: Your NCERT textbooks are super important. Make sure you understand the concepts thoroughly. Many entrance exams are based on the NCERT syllabus.
- Stay Healthy: Don’t forget to take care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious food, and exercise regularly. A healthy body and mind will help you perform better on the exam.
- Seek Guidance: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers, mentors, or older students who have already taken the exams. Coaching classes can also be helpful, but they are not mandatory.
- Stay Positive: Believe in yourself and stay positive throughout your preparation. A positive attitude can make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start preparing for entrance exams?
Ideally, you should start preparing as early as possible, preferably from class 11th. This gives you ample time to understand the concepts and practice regularly. However, if you haven’t started yet, don’t worry! You can still prepare effectively by creating a focused study plan and dedicating enough time to each subject.
Are coaching classes necessary for cracking entrance exams?
Coaching classes can be helpful in providing structured guidance and support. They can also provide you with valuable study materials and mock tests. However, they are not essential. Many students have successfully cracked entrance exams through self-study. The key is to have a clear understanding of the concepts, a disciplined study plan, and regular practice.
Which books should I refer to for entrance exam preparation?
Your NCERT textbooks are the most important resource. In addition to NCERT, you can refer to other standard textbooks and reference books for a deeper understanding of the concepts. You can also find a variety of study materials and practice questions online.
How can I manage stress during entrance exam preparation?
Stress is a normal part of the preparation process. To manage stress, it’s important to take regular breaks, get enough sleep, eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. You can also talk to your friends, family, or a counselor about your concerns.
What if I don’t get the rank I was hoping for?
It’s important to remember that your rank on an entrance exam doesn’t define your worth. There are many other options available to you. You can consider taking a drop year and preparing again, explore alternative career paths, or join a college or course that you are still interested in. The most important thing is to stay positive and keep learning.
Good luck with your entrance exam preparation! Remember to stay focused, work hard, and believe in yourself. You’ve got this!