What After Class 12? Explore These Top Entrance Exams for a Successful Career

Completing Class 12 is a proud milestone—but it also brings one of the biggest questions for every student:
What next after Class 12?

Whether you're a student from Science (PCM or PCB), Commerce, or Arts, there are several entrance exams after 12th that can open doors to top universities and successful careers. From engineering and medicine to law, design, management, and social sciences—there’s a path for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top entrance exams after Class 12, across all major streams, including exciting new options like Olympiad-based IIT admission, CUET UG, and more.

Top Entrance Exams After Class 12 – Science Stream (PCM & PCB)

For PCM Students (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)

1. JEE Main & JEE Advanced

For: Engineering (B.Tech, B.Arch)
Institutes: IITs, NITs, IIITs, GFTIs

New opportunity: Top-performing Olympiad students can now get direct admission in IIT through Olympiad-based IIT admission such as IIT Kanpur Olympiad admission or IIT Madras Olympiad mode—a unique alternative to JEE Advanced.

2. BITSAT

For: B.Tech at BITS Pilani (Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad)
Known for: World-class placements & innovation

3. VITEEE / SRMJEEE / AEEE / COMEDK

For: Admission into top private engineering universities

4. IISER Aptitude Test

For: BS-MS dual degree in science and research
Ideal for: Research-focused students

5. NDA Exam

For: Entry into Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force
Conducted by: UPSC

For PCB Students (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

1. NEET (UG)

For: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BPT, and allied health courses
Top Colleges: AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, state & private medical colleges

2. AIIMS B.Sc. Nursing

For: Nursing courses at AIIMS institutes

3. ICAR AIEEA UG

For: B.Sc. in Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Science, etc.

4. CUET UG (Biology-Based Programs)

For: B.Sc. in Biology, Biotechnology, Zoology, Microbiology, and more
Colleges: DU, BHU, JNU, and other top universities

5. State CETs (MHT CET, KCET, etc.)

For: State-level medical, paramedical, and agriculture courses

Top Entrance Exams After Class 12 – Commerce Stream

1. CUET UG (Commerce Programs)

For: B.Com, BBA, BA Economics
Universities: Central & state universities across India

2. IPMAT (IIM Indore, Rohtak, Ranchi)

For: 5-year Integrated Management Program (BBA+MBA)

3. CA Foundation

For: Students aspiring to become Chartered Accountants

4. CSEET

For: Entry into Company Secretary course

5. CLAT

For: Law programs; also popular among commerce students interested in corporate or business law

Top Entrance Exams After Class 12 – Arts & Humanities Stream

1. CUET UG (Arts & Humanities)

For: BA in History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, English, and more
Top Universities: Delhi University, JNU, BHU, and others

2. CLAT

For: 5-Year Integrated Law programs (BA LLB, BBA LLB)

3. NIFT / NID / UCEED

For: Fashion design, product design, interior design, communication design

4. TISS BAT

For: BA in Social Sciences at Tata Institute of Social Sciences

5. Hotel Management – NCHMCT JEE

For: B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration

Entrance Exams Open to All Streams

CUET UG: Unified entrance test for a variety of UG programs across central universities
SAT / ACT: For students planning to study abroad (especially in the USA)
Olympiads & Research-Based Admissions: International Olympiad achievers can now apply for direct admission in IIT through Olympiad-based IIT admission
DUET / JNU UG Entrances: For niche undergraduate programs in social sciences, languages, etc.

How to Choose the Right Entrance Exam After Class 12

Identify your strengths & interests
Research the scope and growth of careers in your chosen field
Don’t limit yourself—appear for multiple entrance exams
Stay updated on deadlines and syllabus through official sites
Explore newer options like Olympiad-based IIT admission and CUET UG

Conclusion: Your Career, Your Choice

Class 12 isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. Whether your dream is to become a doctor, engineer, lawyer, designer, researcher, or entrepreneur, there’s an entrance exam tailored for your aspirations.

With modern changes like CUET UG and Olympiad-based IIT admission offering direct admission in IITs without JEE Advanced, students now have more opportunities than ever to carve out a career that reflects their passion and potential.

Choose smart. Prepare well. Your journey to success starts now