Competitive exams after 12th can open up a world of opportunities for you. They are a gateway to prestigious courses, esteemed professions, and promising careers. According to recent statistics, the number of students appearing for competitive exams after 12th has been steadily increasing over the years.
Whether you aspire to be an engineer, doctor, or architect, or pursue any other field of your interest, competitive exams can pave the way forward. In this article, we will focus on the popular competitive exams after 12th and the career prospects they offer.
Competitive Exams After 12th: Highlights
Engineering Entrance Exams
If you have a passion for engineering and wish to pursue it as your career choice after class 12th, there are several popular entrance exams you can take. These exams evaluate your aptitude and knowledge in subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
- Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main: Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE Main is considered one of the toughest engineering entrance examinations in India.
- JEE Advanced: Only those who qualify for JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. It is conducted by one of the IITs on a rotational basis.
- BITSAT: Conducted by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), this exam offers admissions to integrated first-degree programmes at BITS campuses.
- VITEEE: Vellore Institute of Technology conducts this exam for admission into various B.Tech. programmes offered by the institute.
- SRMJEEE: SRM Institute of Science and Technology conducts this exam for admission into its B.Tech. programmes.
- WBJEE: The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board conducts this exam for admission to engineering colleges in the state of West Bengal.
- COMEDK UGET: This entrance exam is conducted by the Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) for admissions to engineering colleges in Karnataka.
Medical Entrance Exams
If you aspire to become a doctor or work in the healthcare industry, there are several competitive exams after 12th that you can take. These exams assess your knowledge in subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and aptitude for medical sciences.
- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET): NEET is one of the most sought-after medical entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It offers admissions to undergraduate medical and dental courses across various institutions in India.
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) MBBS Entrance Exam: AIIMS conducts its own entrance examination for admission to its prestigious MBBS programme.
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) MBBS Entrance Exam: JIPMER conducts its own entrance examination for admission into its MBBS programme.
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Entrance Exam: Conducted by AFMC, this exam provides admissions to students who wish to pursue their medical education in defence institutions.
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU) PMT: BHU PMT is conducted by Banaras Hindu University for admission into its undergraduate medical courses.
- Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET): This state-level exam is conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority for admissions to medical and dental colleges in Karnataka.
- Uttar Pradesh Combined Pre-Medical Test (UPCPMT): Conducted by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, this exam is the gateway for admissions to medical and dental colleges in Uttar Pradesh.
Paramedical and Pharmacy Entrance Exams
If you have a passion for healthcare and want to pursue a career in the medical field, there are several paramedical and pharmacy entrance exams that you can consider after completing class 12. These exams will not only help you secure admission into top colleges but also provide you with a strong foundation for your career.
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Entrance Exam: AIIMS offers various paramedical courses such as Bachelor of Optometry, Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, and B.Sc. Nursing. The AIIMS entrance exam is highly competitive and tests your knowledge in subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and general knowledge.
- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET): NEET is a common entrance exam for both private and government colleges across India. Clearing NEET opens up opportunities to pursue courses like Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.).
- Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main: While JEE Main is primarily known for engineering admissions, it also offers entrance to Bachelor of Pharmacy programmes at reputed institutions like the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government-Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). Clearing this exam can help you secure admission into reputable pharmacy colleges.
- Manipal University Online Entrance Test (MU-OET): Manipal University is known for its quality education in the field of healthcare. The MU-OET is conducted for admission to their pharmacy programs. The exam assesses your knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology, and English.
- Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT): The GPAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is primarily conducted for admission into postgraduate pharmacy programs like M.Pharma.
- Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED): CEED is an entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). It is mainly for those aspiring to pursue a career in design-related fields, including pharmaceutical design.
- Uttar Pradesh Combined Pre-Medical Test (UPCPMT): UPCPMT is conducted by the Uttar Pradesh government for admission into various medical courses, including pharmacy, in colleges within Uttar Pradesh.
Law Entrance Exams
If you have a strong interest in the legal field and want to pursue a career in law, there are several prestigious law entrance exams that you can appear for after completing class 12. These exams will not only help you secure admission into top law colleges but also provide you with a solid foundation for your legal career.
- Common Law Admission Test (CLAT): CLAT is one of the most sought-after law entrance exams in India. It is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes offered by participating universities.
- All India Law Entrance Test (AILET): AILET is conducted by the National Law University, Delhi, for admission into its undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. It is known for its rigorous selection process and comprehensive syllabus.
- Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law (MH CET Law): MH CET Law is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, for admission into undergraduate law programmes offered by colleges within Maharashtra.
- Delhi University LLB Entrance Exam: Delhi University conducts its own entrance exam for admission into its three-year LLB program. The exam tests candidates' aptitude in subjects like English language comprehension, general knowledge, reasoning abilities, and legal aptitude.
- Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET)-Law: SET-Law is conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission into its undergraduate law programme offered at Symbiosis Law School Pune and Noida campuses.
Commerce Entrance Exams
If you have a knack for numbers and a keen interest in business, pursuing a commerce-related career can be a rewarding choice. There are several entrance exams that you can consider after completing class 12 to secure admission into top commerce colleges and universities.
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Common Proficiency Test (CPT): The CPT is the first level of examination conducted by ICAI for students aspiring to become Chartered Accountants (CA). Clearing this exam is a prerequisite for pursuing the CA course.
- Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CS Executive Entrance Test): The CS Executive Entrance Test is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) for admissions into their Company Secretary (CS) course at the executive level.
- Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI)—Foundation Course: ICAI also conducts an entrance exam for its Foundation Course, which is the first level of examination for those aspiring to become cost accountants.
- Delhi University Joint Admission Test (DU JAT): DU JAT is conducted by Delhi University for admissions into its Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Investment Analysis), and BA Business Economics programmes offered by various colleges affiliated with DU.
- Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET-BBA): SET-BBA is conducted by Symbiosis International University for admissions into its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme offered by various institutes under its umbrella.
- Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH CET): MAH CET is conducted for admission into undergraduate management programmes offered by various colleges in Maharashtra. Clearing this exam opens up opportunities to pursue courses like Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS).
- Christ University BBA Entrance Exam: Christ University, located in Bengaluru, conducts an entrance exam for admission to its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program. The exam assesses your aptitude in areas such as English language, reasoning, data analysis, general knowledge, and mathematical skills.
Defence and Marine Entrance Exams
If you have a passion for serving your country and are seeking a career in the defence or marine industry, there are several competitive exams that you can pursue after completing class 12. These exams not only test your knowledge but also evaluate your physical fitness and mental aptitude.
- National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam: The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. It is open to candidates who have completed their 10+2 education. Successful candidates join the Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers.
- Indian Navy B.Tech. Entry Scheme: This entrance exam is specifically for students who wish to pursue engineering in the Indian Navy. Candidates must have completed their class 12 with physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Successful candidates undergo training at the Indian Naval Academy.
- Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET): IMU CET is an entrance exam for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the field of maritime education and training. It is conducted by the Indian Maritime University (IMU), which offers programmes such as B.Sc., B.Tech., MBA, M.Tech., etc.
- Coast Guard Navik Exam: The Coast Guard Navik Exam is conducted by the Indian Coast Guard for recruitment to the post of Navik (General Duty). Candidates must have completed class 12 with math and physics and should be between 18 to 22 years of age.
- Indian Army Technical Entry Scheme (TES): This exam is exclusively for male candidates who have completed their class 12 with PCM. The TES is conducted twice a year for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. Selected candidates undergo a five-year training programme leading to a permanent commission in the Army.
- Indian Navy Sailor Recruitment: The Indian Navy conducts sailor recruitment exams for various trades such as artisan apprentice (AA), senior secondary recruit (SSR), and matric recruiter (MR). These exams offer opportunities to join the Indian Navy as sailors in different branches like technical, aviation, logistics, etc.
- Merchant Navy Entrance Exams: To pursue a career in the merchant navy, there are various entrance exams conducted by different maritime institutes and shipping companies in India.
Fashion and Design Entrance Exams
If you have a flair for creativity, an eye for design, and aspire to make a mark in the fashion industry, pursuing fashion and design entrance exams after class 12 can be a great way to kickstart your career. These exams not only evaluate your artistic abilities but also assess your aptitude for design concepts.
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam: NIFT conducts an entrance exam every year for admissions into its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fashion design, textile design, accessory design, fashion communication, fashion technology, and knitwear design.
- National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam: For those interested in pursuing a career in industrial design, communication design, or textile and apparel design, NID offers bachelor's and master's programmes through its entrance exam.
- Pearl Academy Entrance Exam: Pearl Academy is one of India's leading institutions offering courses in fashion design, media communication, product design, interior and spatial design, and more. They conduct their own entrance exam for admissions.
- National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA): While not specifically focused on fashion and design, NATA is the entrance exam for admission into undergraduate architecture programmes across India. Architecture often intersects with design and can be a stepping stone towards a career in the industry.
- All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED): AIEED is conducted by ARCH College of Design and Business for admissions into undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fashion design, interior design, jewellery design, graphic design, and more.
- Symbiosis Institute of Design Entrance Exam (SEED): SEED is conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission to its undergraduate programme in design.
Arts and Humanities Entrance Exams
If you have a passion for literature, history, philosophy, or any other field within the arts and humanities domain, numerous competitive exams can help you pursue a career in these fields after class 12. These exams evaluate your knowledge of the subject matter along with your critical thinking abilities.
- Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET): DUET is conducted by the University of Delhi for admission to various undergraduate programmes, including BA (Hons) English, BA (Hons) History, BA (Hons) Political Science, etc.
- Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination (JNUEE): JNUEE is conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru University for admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts and humanities.
- Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test (BHU UET): BHU UET is conducted by Banaras Hindu University for admission to various undergraduate programmes, including BA (Hons) Arts, BA (Hons) Social Sciences, etc.
- Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam (AMU Entrance Exam): AMU conducts entrance exams for admission to various undergraduate courses in arts and humanities such as BA (Hons), BFA, etc.
- Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Entrance Exam: FTII conducts an entrance exam for admissions into its courses in film direction, editing, cinematography, sound engineering, acting, screenwriting, and more.
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test (TISSNET): TISSNET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences for admission to its undergraduate social sciences programmes.
- Xavier's College Mumbai Entrance Exam: St. Xavier's College Mumbai conducts an entrance exam for admission to various undergraduate programmes in arts and humanities.
Agriculture Entrance Exams
If you have a passion for agriculture and want to pursue a career in this field, there are several competitive entrance exams that you can consider. These exams not only test your knowledge but also evaluate your aptitude for various aspects of agriculture.
- ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission): Conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), this exam is the gateway to undergraduate courses in agriculture and allied sciences. It covers subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and agricultural sciences.
- BHU UET (Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test): Banaras Hindu University offers undergraduate courses in agriculture through its Institute of Agricultural Sciences. The BHU UET is conducted for admission to these programmes and evaluates candidates on subjects like physics, chemistry, mathematics/biology, and general awareness.
- PAU CET (Punjab Agricultural University Common Entrance Test): PAU CET is conducted by Punjab Agricultural University for admission to undergraduate programmes in agriculture and related fields. The exam assesses candidates' knowledge in subjects like physics, chemistry, biology/mathematics, and agriculture.
- JCECE (Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination): JCECE is conducted by the Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board for admission to various professional courses, including agriculture.
- OUAT (Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology Entrance Exam): OUAT conducts an entrance exam for admission to undergraduate programmes in agriculture and allied disciplines.
Hotel Management Entrance Exams
If you have a flair for hospitality and aspire to work in the dynamic hotel industry, pursuing a hotel management course can be a great choice. To secure admission into reputed hotel management institutes across India, you need to clear specific entrance exams.
- NCHM JEE (National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Exam): NCHM JEE is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It offers admission to undergraduate programmes in hotel management across participating institutes, including the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management (IHMs).
- IHM CET (Institute of Hotel Management Common Entrance Test): The Institute of Hotel Management Common Entrance Test (IHM CET) is conducted by various IHMs across India. This institute-level exam provides admission to their undergraduate programmes in hotel management.
- AIMA UGAT (All India Management Association Under Graduate Aptitude Test): While primarily conducted for admission to various undergraduate programmes, including BBA, AIMA UGAT also serves as an entrance test for some hotel management institutes.
- MAH CET HM (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Hotel Management): The Maharashtra Hotel Management Common Entrance Test (MAH HM CET) is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, for admissions into hotel management programmes in participating institutes across Maharashtra.
- CCHM CT (Christ College of Hotel Management Common Entrance Test): This entrance exam is conducted by Christ University for admission to its hotel management program. Candidates are evaluated on subjects like English language skills, reasoning ability, general awareness, and numerical ability.
Unlock Your Potential With Competitive Exams
Preparing for competitive exams requires a comprehensive understanding of the concepts covered in the syllabus, along with regular practice and mock tests. It is advisable to refer to previous years' question papers and enrol in coaching programmes or online courses to enhance your preparation.
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FAQs
1. Do competitive exams guarantee a high salary?
While competitive exams lay the foundation for a successful career in respective fields, salaries vary based on factors like specialisation, experience level, and industry demand. However, these professions generally offer attractive salary packages with scope for growth.
2. Are there any additional benefits to pursuing competitive exams?
Apart from enhanced career prospects, competitive exams also offer opportunities for personal growth, networking, and the chance to make a positive impact in your chosen field.
3. What should I consider when choosing a competitive exam after 12th?
When choosing a competitive exam after 12th, consider your interests, aptitude, career prospects, and the reputation of the institute offering the course.
4. Can I pursue multiple competitive exams simultaneously?
Yes, it is possible to appear for multiple competitive exams simultaneously if they align with your interests and career goals. However, make sure you manage your time effectively to avoid burnout.
5. Are there any scholarships available for competitive exam aspirants?
Yes, many institutes and organisations offer scholarships to meritorious students appearing for competitive exams. Research scholarship opportunities specific to the exam you are preparing for.