February 14, 2026 
Entrance Exams after 12th 2026
Opting for the right career after Class 12 is one of the crucial academic decisions in a student’s life. At this level, the students are confused quite well as there is also a chance regarding options among science, commerce and arts streams. There are many well-crafted options to enter into a profession or higher education, and one of those structures is entrance exams after 12th. These examinations are gateways to universities, professional courses, government jobs, and prestigious institutions throughout India.
Competitive exams after 12th in India are conducted at the national, state and institutional levels. Some are aimed at professional degrees in engineering, medicine, law and design, while others help students secure entry into the defence forces or early-stage government jobs. There are also some Government exams after 12th which the students can give and start their career immediately after school.
This blog offers a detailed and structured explanation of the Entrance exam list after 12th, categorised by academic streams and career goals. Whether you are interested in science, commerce, arts, medicine, engineering, or defence services, this guide will help you understand the exams, eligibility, and future opportunities in simple and academic language.
Importance of Entrance Exams after 12th
Entrance exams after 12th are very important for a student as it helps in shaping the future of an individual. Such exams are meant to check both subject knowledge, aptitude, reasoning ability and analytical skills. Since seats in premier colleges were limited, there was a need to have an unbiased selection system, and entrance examinations satisfied those needs.
There are many reasons why entrance exams matter:
- They afford equal opportunities to students across various education boards.
- They help institutions select the most deserving candidates.
- They open doors to professional courses as well as government jobs.
- They encourage students to engage in targeted preparation.
List of Entrance Exams After 12th
1. Entrance Exams After 12th (Science)
- Engineering Entrance Exams after 12th (Science – PCM)
- Medical Entrance Exams after 12th (Science – PCB)
- Defence and Allied Science Pathways
- Other Science Stream Exams
2. Exams after 12th (Commerce)
- Professional and Business Entrance Exams after 12th Commerce
- Competitive and Career-Focused Commerce Exams
3. Exams after 12th (Arts)
- Main Arts and Law Entrance Exams
- Creative and Design Centre Exams for Arts Students
4. Government Exams after 12th
5. Competitive Exams after 12th
Entrance Exams After 12th (Science)
1. Engineering Entrance Exams after 12th (Science – PCM)
For science students, the most common career choice is Engineering, and for that, students have to appear for Engineering entrance exams after 12th, which mainly check students’ aptitude in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Here are some of the most popular engineering exams for science students:
Exam Name | Conducting Body | Purpose / Courses Offered | Eligibility |
JEE Main | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Admission to B.E./B.Tech/B.Arch/B.Planning across NITs, IIITs & CFTIs | 12th with PCM and board eligibility |
JEE Advanced | Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) | Entrance to IITs, IISc & others (only after qualifying JEE Main) | Top rank in JEE Main + PCM |
BITSAT | BITS Pilani | Admission to BITS campuses (Pilani, Hyderabad, Goa) | 12th with PCM |
VITEEE | VIT University | Engineering undergrad courses | 12th PCM |
SRMJEEE | SRM University | B.Tech admissions | 12th PCM |
State CETs (e.g., MHT-CET, WBJEE) | State Boards (Maharashtra, West Bengal, etc.) | Admission to state-based engineering colleges | 12th with PCM |
Details and Preparation
- Scope of Subjects: These tests include more difficult topics from Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compared to the class 11th and 12th syllabus.
- Difficulty: Varies by exam; JEE Advanced is internationally recognised as one of the toughest.
- Application Format: The majority are online with MCQs (multiple choice questions) which test on subject knowledge, analytical reasoning and time management.
There are exams for architecture as well in which we need arts side, and those are NATA and JEE Paper 2, with minium of mathematical reasoning & design aptitude.
2. Medical Entrance Exams after 12th (Science – PCB)
Medical sciences were still another of the popular career options. Medical entrance exams after 12th or graduation or post-graduation is required to get admission in medical programs like MBBS, BDS, BHMS, and BAMS. One has to appear for the Medical entrance exams.
Exam Name | Conducting Authority | Courses Offered | Eligibility |
NEET-UG | National Testing Agency (NTA) | MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, B.Sc Nursing | 12th PCB/PCM with Biology |
AIIMS MBBS / JIPMER | AIIMS / JIPMER (via NEET) | MBBS programmes | NEET qualification |
ICAR AIEEA-UG | Indian Council of Agricultural Research | B.Sc Agriculture, Dairy Science, etc. | 12th PCB |
CUET UG (Bio specialisations) | NTA | B.Sc life sciences | 12th PCB |
Details and Insights
- Compulsory requirement: From now on, NEET-UG will be compulsory for Indian MBBS/BDS in both government and private colleges.
- Syllabus Focus: Biology has a heavy weightage, so it is a must.
- University and state-specific: Specific universities or states might implement their respective selection tests or counselling processes.
3. Defence and Allied Science Pathways
Science students also have the option to join the Defence forces through Defence exams after 12th or with science and engineering, as well.
Exam | Authority | Purpose | Eligibility |
NDA / NA | UPSC | Commissioned Officer entry to Army, Navy, Air Force | 12th pass (with PCM for Air Force/Navy) |
Indian Navy 10+2 B.Tech Entry | Indian Navy | Technical entry to Navy | 12th PCM |
These include written exams, PET and SSB to test leadership qualities, including physical criteria.
4. Other Science Stream Exams
In addition to the mainstream engineering and medical entries, science students can also appear for:
- IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) — for integrated science degrees (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics & research focus).
- NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) — for pure sciences and research-oriented courses.
- IMU CET — for maritime and nautical sciences programmes.
- Architecture and Design Aptitude Tests, such as NID DAT and UCEED.
Exams after 12th (Commerce)
The Exams after 12th commerce with Professional, Business Studies, and law Economies and Finance, Entrepreneurship, Management development program offerings of IIM in India. Commerce stream students can have a combo of both academics and job-oriented higher education courses after class 12.
1. Professional and Business Entrance Exams after 12th Commerce
Following is the list of entrance exams after 12th for commerce students:
Exam Name | Conducting Body | Purpose / Course | Eligibility |
CA Common Proficiency Test (CPT) | ICAI | First stage for Chartered Accountancy | 12th pass |
CSEET | ICSI | Company Secretary certification | 12th pass |
NMIMS NPAT | NMIMS | BBA / B.Com / B.Sc admissions | 12th pass |
DU JAT | NTA | BBA, BMS, BA economics | 12th pass |
SET | Symbiosis Univ. | Management and commerce courses | 12th pass |
IPMAT | IIM Indore (and others) | 5-yr Integrated BBA + MBA | 12th pass |
CUET UG (Commerce) | NTA | Admission to B.Com / BBA / Economics | 12th pass |
Important Aspects
- Skill Focus: Entrances to Commerce entrance exams stress quantitative aptitude, reasoning ability, English language orientation, sense of business and data interpretation rather than heavy science-oriented topics.
- Professional examination: The CA exams and the CS exams are Professional entry tests for which serious battles have to be fought beyond your graduation.
- University-Based Exams: There are several universities that conduct exams for integrated management and commerce courses.
2. Competitive and Career-Focused Commerce Exams
Commerce students can also consider these competitive exams after 12th to build careers directly:
Exam | Purpose / Career Path |
AIMA UGAT | Undergraduate aptitude test for management related UG courses |
ACT (Actuarial Common Entrance Test) | For actuarial science and risk analysis careers |
These exams develop analytical reasoning skills that lead students into careers in finance, analytics, consulting, and risk management.
Exams after 12th (Arts)
Exams after 12th arts, this category consists of creative, law, holistic and social sciences exams. Arts (or humanities) students have the most flexibility in terms of what they can choose within the various disciplines.
1. Main Arts and Law Entrance Exams
Exam Name | Conducting Body | Purpose / Course | Eligibility |
CLAT | Consortium of NLUs | Undergraduate Law degrees (BA LLB) | 12th pass |
AILET | NLU Delhi | Law programmes | 12th pass |
LSAT India | Law School Admissions Council | Law UG courses | 12th pass |
CUET UG | NTA | Admission to BA / BFA / BA (Hons) | 12th pass |
In the arts section, it is also possible to pursue Journalism & Mass Communication, fine arts, design, psychology and social sciences courses.
2. Creative and Design Centre Exams for Arts Students
Exam | Purpose |
NID DAT | Design aptitude test for national institutes |
UCEED | Undergraduate design programs |
NIFT Entrance Exam | Fashion Institute admissions |
Government Exams after 12th
Not all examinations after Class 12 are academic; many are Government exams after 12th which lead directly to early career jobs in the public sector, defence, railways, police, clerical and administrative areas.
Major Government Exams after 12th
Exam Name | Conducting Body / Sector | Purpose / Job Role | Eligibility |
NDA | UPSC | Commissioned officer in Army, Navy, Air Force | 12th pass (some PCM for technical) |
SSC CHSL | Staff Selection Commission | Clerk, DEO roles | 12th pass |
SSC MTS | Staff Selection Commission | Multi-tasking / Group C posts | 10th/12th pass |
State Police Constables | State PSCs | Police personnel | 12th pass |
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Exams | Indian Railways | Clerk, ALP, Technical Assistant | 12th pass |
Coast Guard Exams | Indian Coast Guard | Defence maritime roles | 12th pass |
Additional Government CareerÂ
- Most of the government job exams after 12th check for general knowledge, reasoning, quantitative aptitude and English in order to select the candidates for administrative as well as clerical posts.
- New steps, such as the Common Eligibility Test (CET) launched for recruitment to central government and public sector jobs, will further streamline that process.
- Some government exams are conducted for a written examination and a physical test (like in the Defence or police).
Competitive Exams after 12th
Some of the high-impact competitive exams after 12th are structured to develop leadership quality, critical thinking and reasoning at levels for all classes and streams, be it science, commerce or arts.
Examples of Competitive Exams after 12th
- National Defence Academy (NDA) – Written + SSB for defence.
- IMU CET – Related to careers in maritime sciences.
- Research Aptitude & Science Tests (IISER IAT, NEST) – For degrees with an orientation in science research.
- General management aptitude tests such as IPMAT, DU JAT, SET BBA – Interdisciplinary competitive examinations for aspiring managers/entrepreneurs.
Competitive exams generally test reasoning ability, quantitative aptitude, data analysis, comprehension, and decision-making. They are crucial for multidisciplinary careers as they help in shaping broader competencies beyond mere subject knowledge.
Conclusion
After completing Class 12, Indian students are spoilt for choice, academic, that is, professional, as well as vocational and career options. If it is Entrance Exams After 12th, such as Engineering entrance exams after 12th, or the Medical entrance exams after 12th, Government exams After 12th; the scope is wide and tough. Students need to be selective, according to their interests and future career objectives.
Competitive exams after 12th need to be made with better preparation and strategic planning, and can provide you access not only in prestigious institutions but also government jobs, a stable career from science and technology to business & creative arts, as well as in law & social service fields. With focus, good coaching, and knowing the exam format clearly, success can be reached.
FAQs
What are the most important Entrance exams after 12th for students in India?
The importance Entrance exams after 12th is based on the student’s stream and career preferences. Professional courses for Science stream students, like Medical entrance exams after 12th and Engineering Entrance exams after 12th are the preferred among students, while commerce and arts students take Management, Law and Humanities exams. Moreover, students also get ready for Competitive exam after 12th to get into top colleges and government jobs.
Which Competitive exams after 12th are available for all streams?
Many Competitive exams after 12th are also held for the students of the Science, Commerce and Arts streams. The likes of defence exams, general aptitude-based university entrance examinations and some Government exams after 12th place greater emphasis on reasoning, general knowledge and aptitude over stream-specific subjects. There may be different eligibility criteria for different exams.
What are the main Exams after 12th science students can appear for?
Students from the science stream can take various Exams after 12th in science, which include Medical entrance exams after 12th for medical courses and Engineering entrance exams after 12th for technical courses. Besides these, science candidates can also sit for the entrance tests in research, architecture, defence and other professional courses as per their subject combination.
Are there good career options through Exams after 12th commerce and Exams after 12th arts?
Yes, Exams after 12th commerce and Exams after 12th arts have a lot of scope. Commerce students have the option of choosing careers in business, finance, management and law or professional courses while Arts students can go for law, design, journalism and social sciences, besides public administration. Several of these entry options are through organised tests.
How do Government exams after 12th and Defence exams after 12th help in building early careers?
Government exams after 12th and Defence exams after 12th are very tempting, and students can commence their career at a tender age with job security & systemised growth. These exams provide employment options such as administration, railways, police forces, army recruits and various other public service jobs. They are perfect for students looking for long-term security and structured career planning.
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