Deciding on a career path after Class 12 can be confusing. With countless courses and entrance exams available, students often struggle to figure out the right direction. No matter what your goal is—be it engineering, medicine, law, design, management, or pure sciences—there’s a specific entrance exam to help you get there.
Each exam has its own eligibility criteria, syllabus, and selection process, so it's important to choose wisely based on your interests and strengths. Some exams are held at the national level, while others are state-specific or college-specific. Preparing early and understanding the exam structure can improve your chances of success. To help you begin, here’s a simple overview of the top entrance exams in India after Class 12.
Engineering Entrance Exams
If you’re interested in building things or solving technical problems, engineering might be the right choice. These are the most popular entrance exams for engineering aspirants:
Exam | Conducting Body | Accepted By | Application Period |
JEE Main | NTA | NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges | Nov – Jan |
JEE Advanced | IITs | IITs only | After JEE Main results |
BITSAT | BITS Pilani | BITS Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad | Feb – April |
VITEEE | VIT University | VIT Campuses | Nov – March |
SRMJEEE | SRM Institute | SRM Campuses | Nov – April |
Medical Entrance Exams
Individuals aiming to pursue medical careers like MBBS, BDS, Ayush, Homoeopathy, or Nursing, can appear for the following set of medical entrance exams.
Exam | Conducting Body | Courses | Accepted By |
NEET-UG | NTA | MBBS, BDS, AYUSH | All Govt. & Pvt. Medical Colleges |
AIIMS B.Sc. Nursing | AIIMS | B.Sc. Nursing | AIIMS Institutes |
CUET (Science Subjects) | NTA | B.Sc. (Biology-related) | Central Universities |
Law Entrance Exams
Generally, the students who love debating and have a keen interest in law, can appear for the following law entrance exams:
Exam | Conducting Body | Accepted By | Courses |
CLAT | Consortium of NLUs | National Law Universities | 5-year LLB |
AILET | NLU Delhi | NLU Delhi only | 5-year LLB |
LSAT India | LSAC India | Private Law Colleges (Jindal, etc.) | 5-year LLB |
CUET (Law) | NTA | Central Universities | Integrated Law Programs |
Design, Fashion & Architecture Entrance Exams
Creatives and visual thinkers can consider careers in design, fashion, or architecture.
Exam | Field | Accepted By | Conducting Body |
NID DAT | Design | NID Campuses | NID |
UCEED | Design | IIT Bombay, Guwahati, etc. | IIT Bombay |
NIFT Entrance Exam | Fashion | NIFT Campuses | NIFT |
NATA | Architecture | B.Arch colleges | CoA |
JEE Main (Paper 2) | Architecture/Planning | NITs, SPAs | NTA |
Management & General Aptitude Exams
For students interested in business, management, or general studies, these are popular options:
Exam | Accepted By | Courses |
IPMAT | IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak | Integrated BBA+MBA |
CUET (UG) | Central Universities | BA, B.Com, BBA, B.Sc., etc. |
SET (Symbiosis) | Symbiosis University | BBA, Liberal Arts, Law |
DU JAT (Now CUET-based) | Delhi University | BMS, BBA(FIA), BBE |
Other Popular Exams After 12th
Apart from the regular options like opting for engineering, medical, management, students can appear for Indian Army, NDA types of examinations.
Exam | Stream | Courses | Institutions |
Indian Army TES | Defence | Technical Entry | Indian Army (after PCM) |
NDA | Defence | Army, Navy, Air Force | UPSC |
Hotel Management (NCHMCT JEE) | Hospitality | B.Sc. in HM | IHMs |
ICAR AIEEA UG | Agriculture | B.Sc. Agriculture | ICAR Colleges |
How to Choose the Right Exam?
- Know Your Interests: Do you enjoy science, problem-solving, art, or debates? Your interests can help guide your path.
- Explore Career Options: Look into what kind of jobs and lifestyle different careers offer.
- Check Exam Dates: Many exams overlap, so plan your preparation and applications carefully.
- Talk to Mentors: Teachers, career counselors, or seniors can offer useful advice.
Conclusion
The journey after Class 12 is full of exciting opportunities—whether you want to become a doctor, engineer, lawyer, designer, join the Indian Army, or even start your own business. The key is to explore your interests early, stay informed, and work consistently toward your goals. Each entrance exam opens a different door, and your choice should match your passion, skills, and long-term vision.
Platforms like KollegeApply make this process easier by providing accurate information, application guidance, and exam updates all in one place. With the right support and preparation, your dream career is just a few steps away.