So, you have just qualified for your 12th class with average marks and want to move further in academics? Then you must know that, now most of the universities and institutions are taking admissions based on entrance exams, not on your merit.
So, if you have not performed well in your boards, then no worries, you can still get admission in one of the top institutions of your choice; you just need to appear for the suitable exam. The entrance exams provide a fair judgment of a candidate.
As many popular entrance exams serve different purposes, which one should you choose? To clear all your doubts, we have come up with a List of Top Entrance Exams After 12th, to give you an understanding of some of the popular exams. So, let’s begin with the blog.
Importance of Entrance Exams
- It Opens Doors to Top Colleges
Entrance exams like JEE, NEET, and CLAT are some of the important exams to take admission in some of the top institutes of India; thus, scoring good marks means that you can get admission into top government and private colleges, which often offer better faculty, infrastructure, and placement opportunities.
- It helps in Fair Selection
These exams give every student a fair chance to prove their abilities. No matter if they are from a rural background or an urban background, everyone sits for the same paper, and selections are mostly merit-based, which keeps the process transparent and fair.
- It Helps You Discover Your Strengths
Preparing for entrance exams often helps students figure out what they’re good at. Whether it’s problem-solving, communication, logic, or creativity, the process itself gives you clarity on your strengths and interests.
- It Builds Discipline and Focus
Entrance exam prep requires planning, time management, and consistency — skills that are useful not just for exams but for college life and future jobs too.
- It Acts as a Career Filter
Entrance exams also help you test your interest in a particular field. For example, if you’re preparing for NEET and find yourself loving biology, that’s a sign you’re on the right path.
List of top entrance exams after 12th
Below is the list of top entrance exams after 12th:
1. CUET UG
CUET UG is the ideal way to take admissions into undergraduate programs in central and many state universities. It primarily tests your language skills, domain knowledge, and general aptitude. The exam standardises the admission process and helps students get into top universities like DU, BHU, and JNU by appearing for a single common test.
Below is the exam pattern:
Section | Details |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Sections | Language, Domain-Specific, General Test |
Total Duration | 60 mins per section |
Marking Scheme | +5 for correct, -1 for wrong |
2. NEET
NEET is one of the most important national-level exams for admission into MBBS, BDS, and many other medical courses in India. This exam is conducted by the NTA and is mandatory if you want to take admission in any of the medical colleges, whether it is a government or private medical college. The exam tests your subjective knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and the syllabus is based on the 11th and 12th syllabi.
Below is the exam pattern:
Section | Details |
Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
Total Questions | 180 |
Duration | 3 hours |
Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong |
3. JEE Mains
JEE Main is the entry-level exam for engineering aspirants who are aiming for top engineering institutes like NITs, IIITs, and other top colleges. It tests your knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The exam syllabus is based on the 11th and 12th NCERT syllabi. It also serves as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which leads to IIT admissions.
Below is the exam pattern:
Section | Details |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
Total Questions | 75 to be attempted |
Duration | 3 hours |
Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong |
4. JEE Advanced
The JEE Advanced is the next step after the JEE Main for students who want to take admission in IITs, India’s top engineering colleges. This exam is conducted every year by one of the IITs. The exam is quite tough and checks how well you understand and apply different concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It is known as one of the hardest exams in India.
Below is the exam pattern:
Section | Details |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
Papers | Paper 1 & Paper 2 (both compulsory) |
Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
Duration | 3 hours per paper |
Marking Scheme | Varies – includes partial & negative |
5. CLAT
CLAT or Common Law Admission Test is an entrance exam for taking admission in top national Law Universities in India. This entrance exam tests your English skills, reasoning skills, general knowledge and understanding of legal principles. Qualifying for CLAT with good marks can open doors to the reputed law colleges in India.
Below is the exam pattern:
Section | Details |
Exam Mode | Offline |
Sections | English, GK, Legal & Logical Reasoning, Quant |
Total Questions | 120 |
Duration | 2 hours |
Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong |
6. NIFT
NIFT is the entrance test conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology for students who want to study fashion design, technology, or management at the NIFT institute. The exam asses your creativity skills, designing skills, and your knowledge about fashion. Doing well in NIFT can help you build a career in the exciting world of fashion and design.
Below is the exam pattern:
Section | Details |
Exam Mode | Computer Based Test |
Sections | General Aptitude, Creative Ability Test, |
Total Questions | 100 |
Duration | 2 Hours |
Marking Scheme | 1 Mark for correct answer and -0.25 for every incorrect answer |
7. NATA
NATA or National Aptitude Test in Architecture is an important entrance exam for those students who want to study architecture after the 12th. This exam tests your drawing skills, creativity skills, and basic understanding of architecture concepts. Qualifying for NATA can help you get admission into some of the best architecture colleges and start a career in designing buildings and spaces.
Below is the exam pattern:
Section | Details |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based + Drawing Test |
Parts | Part A: Drawing, Part B: MCQs |
Total Marks | 200 |
Duration | 3 hours |
Marking Scheme | No negative marking |
8. UGAT
UGAT or Under Graduate Aptitude Test is conducted by AIMA, which is an entrance exam for taking admission into courses like Integrated MBA, BBA, BCA, BHM, and other undergraduate programs in management and hospitality. This exam tests your English skills, reasoning skills, general knowledge, and numerical skills. The toughness level of the exam is easy to moderate, while the syllabus is quite easy as compared to other exams like IPMAT.
Below is the exam pattern:
Section | Details |
Exam Mode | Paper-based-Test |
Sections | English Language, Numerical & Data Analysis, Reasoning & General Intelligence, and General Knowledge |
Total Questions | 130 |
Duration | 2 hours |
Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, Negative marking, but the exact deduction per wrong answer is not specified. |
9. BITSAT
BITSAT is the entrance exam for admission to BITS Pilani and its other campuses. It is for students who want to take admission in courses in the engineering, science, or pharmacy fields. The exam tests your knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, Math (or Biology), English, and logical reasoning. A good score can get you into one of India’s top private tech institutes.
Below is the exam pattern:
Section | Details |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
Subjects | PCM/Biology, English, Logical Reasoning |
Total Questions | 130 |
Duration | 3 hours |
Marking Scheme | +3 for correct, -1 for wrong |
10. VITEEE
VITEEE is the entrance exam for admission to engineering courses at VIT campuses like Vellore and Chennai. The entrance exam tests your knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, Math (or Biology), and English. It’s a computer-based test known for its balanced difficulty level and focus on concept clarity.
Below is the exam pattern:
Section | Details |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
Subjects | PCM/Biology, English, Aptitude |
Total Questions | 125 |
Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Marking Scheme | No negative marking |
How to Prepare for the Entrance Exams?
- The first step is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus before you start studying.
- Make a simple yet practical timetable that you can and follow and stick to it.
- Start your preparation with basic concepts and then move to tougher topics.
- Always use NCERT books to build a strong foundation for any of the entrance exams.
- Solve sample papers and past-year questions regularly to check your preparation.
- You can take mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Make revision sessions to keep concepts fresh in your mind.
- To increase your focus, you can try the Pomodoro technique: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
- You can use a few useful apps to stay away from distractions.
- Eat healthy food, sleep well, and exercise a little to keep your mind active.
- Ask teachers or friends whenever you get stuck — don’t wait too long.
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Conclusion
I hope, you have understood the list of top entrance exams after 12th, these all exams are designed for test different skillset and knowledge, for example if you want to enter in any UG course in university you need to appear for CUET UG exam while if you want study law further, you need to appear for CLAT exam and for medical courses like MBBS, you need to apply for NEET exams.
However, there are many entrance exams for admission in engineering courses, few are VITEEE, JEE Mains and Advanced and BITSAT, etc. understanding your interest, career goal, and academic background will help you to choose the right entrance exam.
FAQs
Q.1 How can I prepare for entrance exams after 12th?
Ans. To prepare for entrance exams, focus on understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and practising with sample papers and mock tests.
Q.2 Can I appear for multiple entrance exams after 12th?
Ans. Yes, you can appear for multiple entrance exams after 12th, but make sure to check the exam dates and eligibility criteria for each exam.
Q.3 When should I start preparing for entrance exams after 12th?
Ans. It’s recommended to start preparing for entrance exams at least 6-12 months before the exam date to ensure thorough preparation and practice.
Q.4 How do I know which entrance exams are required for my desired course?
Ans. Research the course and institution you’re interested in to find out which entrance exams are required.
Q.5 How can I get more information about entrance exams after 12th?
Ans. You can get more information by visiting the official websites of the exam conducting authorities, colleges, or universities.
