Completing 12th grade marks a crucial turning point in a student’s life, setting the stage for their career aspirations. Cracking competitive exams paves the way for admission into prestigious universities, professional courses, and government jobs. From engineering and medicine to law, management and defence, students have a wide array of entrance exams to choose from based on their interests and career aspirations. These exams determine their academic and professional journey, making them one of the most significant milestones in their lives.
With the 2025 Board Exams around the corner, students must be aware of the top entrance exams after the 12th in India, their eligibility, exam format, and importance. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help students prepare for their dream careers.
Engineering Entrance Exams
For students aspiring to become engineers, clearing a national-level engineering entrance exam is essential. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is the most popular among these, conducted in two phases: JEE Main, which serves as the qualifying test for National Institute of Technology (NITs), Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs) and Government Funded Technical Institute (GFTIs), and JEE Advanced, the gateway to admission in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and covers subjects like Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. (Kind of examination)
JEE Main is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, while the Drawing section of the B.Arch paper is held in pen-and-paper mode. On the other hand, JEE Advanced is conducted in a fully Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode by one of the IITs on a rotational basis.
Apart from JEE, the BITS Admission Test (BITSAT) is another prominent engineering entrance exam conducted by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science for admission into its Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses. This computer-based test evaluates a student’s mathematical and logical abilities, along with their command over English proficiency.
Medical Entrance Exams
For students aiming to pursue Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) courses, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is the most critical exam. Conducted by NTA, NEET is the sole entrance examination for admission into All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) and other top medical institutions. The exam follows a strict Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format pen-and-paper-based test, covering topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Given the intense competition, students must start their preparation early and stay updated on exam notifications.
Law Entrance Exams
With an increasing number of students choosing law as a career, the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) has become one of the most sought-after entrance exams. Conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), CLAT is a gateway to 22 NLUs across India. It evaluates students on English comprehension, general knowledge, legal reasoning, logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude. The exam is conducted offline (pen-and-paper-based test).
Apart from CLAT, students who aspire to study at National Law University, Delhi must appear for the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET). This university-specific entrance exam tests students’ analytical skills, reasoning abilities and legal knowledge. AILET is also conducted offline (pen-and-paper-based test).
Defence Entrance Exams
For students who dream of serving the nation, the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) exam is one of the most prestigious exams conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) . This national-level exam recruits young cadets into the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The selection process involves a written test conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode, followed by a rigorous physical and medical examination. Those who clear this exam join the NDA in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra or the Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala, where they undergo training before being commissioned as officers.
Management Entrance Exams
For students interested in business and management, the Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is an essential examination, designed for admission into the Five-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) of Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Each participating IIM has its own IPMAT exam, and the application processes are managed separately. These exams assess candidates on quantitative ability, verbal ability, and logical reasoning. IPMAT is conducted in a computer-based (online) mode.
Design and Fashion Entrance Exams
Creatively inclined students who wish to pursue careers in design and fashion can apply for the NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT) and the NIFT Entrance Exam. These exams grant admission into prestigious institutions like the National Institute of Design (NID) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). The exams assess a candidate’s artistic and design abilities, creativity and problem-solving skills.
The NID DAT is conducted in two stages, Prelims (offline pen-and-paper test) and Mains (studio test and interview). Similarly, the NIFT Entrance Exam consists of two written tests, the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT) conducted in offline mode, followed by a Situation Test.
Government Job Exams After 12th
For those who wish to secure government jobs immediately after 12th grade, there are several opportunities. The SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) exam, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), is one of the most popular choices. It offers clerical and assistant positions in various government ministries and departments. The exam is conducted online and computer-based. Students looking for railway jobs can appear for the Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories (RRB NTPC) exam, which offers positions in India’s railway sector. The RRB NTPC exam is also conducted in an online computer-based mode, followed by skill tests and document verification. These exams provide job security, a stable income and long-term benefits.
Scholarship and Financial Assistance Exams
Many students from economically weaker sections (EWS) can benefit from scholarship-based competitive exams. The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) helps financially struggling students pursue higher education by offering monetary assistance. The NMMS exam is conducted in an offline (pen-and-paper) mode, assessing students on the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Similarly, the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research – Scholarship for Higher Education (INSPIRE-SHE) encourages students to take up careers in scientific research and innovation. Unlike traditional entrance exams, INSPIRE-SHE does not have a direct examination, instead, it awards scholarships based on academic performance in Class 12 board exams and national-level competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
The Importance of Competitive Exams
Competitive exams play a pivotal role in shaping a student’s career by providing them with access to premier institutes, better job opportunities and financial security. Whether a student aims to become an engineer, doctor, lawyer, government officer or designer, these exams open pathways to success. More importantly, for students from underprivileged backgrounds, scholarships and government job exams provide a level playing field to achieve their aspirations.
At Narayana Schools, we believe that every student has the potential to excel and we are committed to nurturing that potential through structured academic programmes, expert mentorship and intensive training. Our age-appropriate integrated curriculum and specially designed preparatory strategies ensure that students are well-equipped to tackle competitive exams with confidence. From early exposure to Olympiads and foundational coaching for JEE, NEET and other competitive exams to personalised guidance we prepare students for success at every stage. Through regular assessments, AI-driven analytics and an unwavering focus on concept clarity, we nurture young minds in choosing the right exam and preparing diligently to achieve their dream careers, as at Narayana Schools, your dreams are our dreams.