Top 31 All India Entrance Exams After 12th – Complete Guide for Students (Engineering, Medical, Law, Design & More)

All India Entrance Exams After 12th – Full Guide With Official Links

After Class 12, students in India face numerous entrance exams that determine their higher education and career paths. Whether you’re from a Science, Commerce, or Arts background, there are national-level tests for every field. Below is a detailed list of major entrance exams, with 5-line summaries and official websites to help students and parents explore options with clarity.

1. JEE Main

JEE Main is conducted by NTA for admission to B.E./B.Tech courses in NITs, IIITs, and other top engineering colleges. It is held twice a year and is the first stage to qualify for JEE Advanced. The exam tests Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It is highly competitive and lakhs of students appear every year. It also serves as a qualifying exam for many state-level colleges.

Website: www.jeemain.nic.in

2. JEE Advanced

JEE Advanced is the second level of the JEE system, exclusively for students aiming to get into the IITs. Only top performers in JEE Main can appear for JEE Advanced. The questions are concept-heavy and test deep analytical and problem-solving skills. It opens the gateway to elite institutions like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, etc. Preparation for this exam starts from Class 11.

Websites: www.jeemain.nic.in , www.jeeadv.ac.in

3. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

NEET is the only medical entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, and veterinary science across India. Conducted by NTA, it is a pen-paper test based on NCERT syllabus of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Lakhs of students appear for it every year to get seats in government and private medical colleges. NEET also applies to AIIMS and JIPMER from 2020 onwards. It is one of the most sought-after exams in India.

Websites: www.cbseneet.nic.in , www.aipmt.nic.in

4. AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College)

AFMC Pune offers MBBS to students who want to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Admission is through NEET, followed by a ToELR test, interview, and medical exam. The college is known for strict discipline, high academic standards, and compulsory military service. Only a few hundred students are admitted each year. It’s ideal for students with both academic and patriotic ambitions.

Website: www.afmc.nic.in

5. NID (National Institute of Design)

The Design Aptitude Test (DAT) conducted by NID assesses creativity, drawing, and problem-solving. It offers entry into prestigious Bachelor of Design programs. Students are tested for innovation, visual sense, and design thinking. The exam has Prelims and Mains stages, including a studio test. NID campuses are in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, and others.

Website: www.nid.edu

6. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

CLAT is the national-level law entrance exam for admission into 22 National Law Universities (NLUs). It includes sections like Legal Aptitude, English, Logical Reasoning, GK, and Math. The exam is very competitive and tests a student’s analytical and reasoning ability. It is conducted once a year and is essential for anyone pursuing law as a career. There’s also a PG CLAT for LLM courses.

Website: www.clat.ac.in

7. BITSAT

BITSAT is the entrance exam for admission to Birla Institute of Technology and Science campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. It is a computer-based test with subjects including PCM, English, and Logical Reasoning. Known for its high-quality education and placements, BITS is a private alternative to IITs and NITs. Students are required to have at least 75% in PCM in their board exams. The exam has a unique question pattern with bonus questions.

Website: www.bits-pilani.ac.in

8. NCHMCT JEE

This exam is conducted for admission to B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration in top IHMs. It is held annually by the National Testing Agency. The paper includes Reasoning, English, Aptitude, and Current Affairs. It is ideal for students interested in hotel management, travel, and tourism careers. After graduation, students get opportunities in five-star hotels, airlines, and cruise lines.

Website: www.nchm.nic.in

9. NDA and NA

The NDA exam is conducted by UPSC for entry into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. It includes a written exam and SSB interview. Students can apply after 12th, and selection is based on overall personality, academics, and fitness. NDA is a full-time training program for young men aiming to become military officers. The Naval Academy has a similar entry path through this exam.

Website: www.nda.nic.in

10. IIST (Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology)

IIST, supported by ISRO, trains future scientists and engineers in space technology. Admission is through JEE Advanced. It offers BTech in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, and Engineering Physics. Students can get absorbed into ISRO after graduation. The institute is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and is highly prestigious.

Website: www.iist.ac.in

11. JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University)

JNU conducts entrance exams for various UG and PG programs including languages, international relations, and science. For UG courses, CUET is now used as the entry point. The university is known for its academic excellence, especially in social sciences and humanities. It provides excellent hostel and scholarship facilities. Admission is highly competitive and attracts students from all over India.

Website: www.jnu.ac.in

12. EFLU (English and Foreign Languages University)

EFLU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, and other languages. Students need to appear for the university’s entrance exam or CUET, depending on the course. The university has campuses in Hyderabad, Shillong, and Lucknow. It is ideal for students looking to build careers in teaching, translation, media, or international relations. Hostel and merit scholarships are also available.

Website: www.efluniversity.ac.in

13. ISI (Indian Statistical Institute)

ISI offers admission to highly specialized courses in Statistics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Entry is through a national-level written test followed by interviews. The institute has campuses in Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Chennai. ISI graduates are in high demand in sectors like data science, research, and analytics. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in India.

Website: www.isical.ac.in www.iiseradmissions.in

14. IISER (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research)

IISERs are autonomous institutions under the Government of India for science education and research. They admit students through KVPY, JEE Advanced, and IISER Aptitude Test. Courses include BS-MS in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Biology, and interdisciplinary sciences. These institutes aim to promote high-end research and scientific careers. Campuses are located in Pune, Mohali, Kolkata, Bhopal, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Websites: www.iiser.ac.in , www.iiseradmissions.in

15. NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)

NATA is a national-level entrance exam for admission to B.Arch programs in India. It tests drawing ability, visual perception, mathematics, and general aptitude. Conducted by the Council of Architecture, it is required for admission in most architecture colleges except IITs and NITs. Students can appear for multiple attempts in a year. It’s a must for aspiring architects and designers.

Website: www.nata.in

16. IISc Bangalore

The Indian Institute of Science offers research-driven courses in science and engineering. Admission to UG programs like B.Sc. (Research) is based on JEE Advanced, NEET, KVPY, or IISER scores. It is one of the top-ranked institutes in India for science studies. The campus life is focused on academic rigor and innovation. Students interested in R&D careers should consider IISc.

Website: www.iisc.emat.in

17. AIPVT (All India Pre-Veterinary Test)

AIPVT was previously the entrance test for B.V.Sc. and Animal Husbandry courses. Now, admission is mostly through NEET-UG, and counselling is conducted by the Veterinary Council of India. The course prepares students for veterinary services and animal care. Students are placed in veterinary hospitals, farms, or government roles. It is ideal for those interested in biology and animal sciences.

Website: www.vci.nic.in

18. AIIMS MBBS Entrance Test

Previously conducted separately, AIIMS MBBS admission is now done through NEET-UG. It is one of the most prestigious medical programs in India. AIIMS campuses are located in New Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh, and more. It offers top-class education, research facilities, and hospital training. The competition is extremely high due to limited seats.

Website: www.aiimsexams.org

19. AIEEA and ICAR

The All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA) is conducted by ICAR for B.Sc. in Agriculture, Horticulture, and allied sciences. Students are selected for top agricultural universities across India. It tests subjects like Agriculture, Biology, and Mathematics. ICAR scholarships are awarded to meritorious students. This exam is ideal for those aiming for a career in food production and rural development.

Website: www.icar.org.in

20. AIIMS (General Website)

Besides MBBS, AIIMS conducts entrance exams for paramedical, B.Sc. Nursing, and M.Sc. courses. These programs are career-focused and offer practical training in AIIMS hospitals. Admissions are based on entrance exams and merit lists. Students enjoy world-class infrastructure and medical exposure. It remains a dream institute for medical aspirants.

Website: www.aiimsexams.org

21. UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design)

Conducted by IIT Bombay, UCEED is for BDes admission at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur. The exam focuses on design aptitude, logical reasoning, observation skills, and creativity. It is suitable for students passionate about product design, interaction design, and visual communication. Students must qualify both written and studio tests for final selection.

Website: www.uceed.in

22. FDDI AIST (All India Selection Test)

FDDI conducts AIST for B.Des and BBA programs in Footwear Design, Retail, and Fashion Merchandising. It has campuses across India and offers 100% placement support. The test includes English, Aptitude, Design Skills, and General Knowledge. Students with creative skills and business interest will find this a strong career option. Internships and industry exposure are part of the curriculum.

Website: www.fddiindia.com

23. NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)

NEST is conducted for admission into the 5-year integrated M.Sc. program in basic sciences at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CBS Mumbai. It includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology. The exam is research-focused and backed by the Department of Atomic Energy. Students selected here are eligible for INSPIRE fellowships and government support. It’s great for those interested in scientific research.

Website: www.niser.ac.in

24. RIE CEE (Regional Institute of Education Common Entrance Exam)

NCERT conducts RIE CEE for admission into teaching-focused integrated courses like B.Sc.-B.Ed., B.A.-B.Ed., and M.Ed. Programs are offered at RIEs in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysore, and Shillong. The test assesses general knowledge, reasoning, and teaching aptitude. It’s ideal for students aiming to enter the teaching profession with quality training. RIEs also provide stipends and hostel facilities.

Website: www.neajmer.raj.nic.in

25. CUET (Common University Entrance Test)

CUET is conducted for admission into undergraduate programs at central and selected state universities. It tests language, domain subjects, and general ability. It has become mandatory for admission into top universities like DU, BHU, JNU, and more. The test is computer-based and held in multiple shifts. It provides a single-window opportunity to apply for multiple universities.

Website: www.cucet.co.in

26. HSEE (Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Exam)

HSEE is conducted by IIT Madras for admission into the five-year Integrated MA program. It is ideal for students interested in Economics, Development Studies, English, and Sociology. The exam covers English, Analytical Ability, and Essay Writing. It is one of the few IIT-level programs in the humanities field. The program opens up careers in academics, civil services, and policy research.

Website: www.hsee.iitm.ac.in

27. TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences)

TISS offers a BA Honors program in Social Sciences at its campuses through its entrance exam. The program focuses on humanities, public policy, and development studies. Students learn through fieldwork, discussions, and research. TISS is well-known for its social orientation and progressive education system. Hostel and scholarships are available for deserving students.

Website: www.tiss.edu.in

28. NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology)

NIFT conducts a national entrance test for admission into B.Des and B.FTech courses. It is India’s premier institute for fashion education and design. The test includes Creative Ability Test, General Ability Test, and Situation Test. Students are trained in fashion design, technology, and management. The institute has multiple campuses with industry-aligned curriculum.

Website: www.nift.ac.in

29. CA (Chartered Accountancy)

The ICAI conducts the CA Foundation exam for students after 12th who want to pursue Chartered Accountancy. The course includes subjects like Accounting, Law, Taxation, and Auditing. It offers lucrative job opportunities in finance, banking, and business. The program includes Foundation, Intermediate, and Final stages. Students also undergo articleship training during the course.

Website: www.icai.org

30. CS (Company Secretary Program)

The ICSI offers the CS course which includes Foundation, Executive, and Professional levels. The course focuses on corporate law, company compliance, and secretarial practice. It is ideal for students interested in business governance and legal systems. CS professionals work in companies, law firms, and regulatory bodies. Entrance begins after 12th through the CSEET exam.

Website: www.icsi.edu

31. IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)

IMU CET is the entrance exam for B.Tech Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, and other maritime courses. The test is held by Indian Maritime University which has campuses in Chennai, Kochi, Mumbai, and more. It prepares students for merchant navy and shipping careers. Physical fitness and medical tests are also mandatory. A great choice for adventurous students who love the sea.

Website: www.imu.edu.inj