The completion of secondary education marks an important milestone in every student’s life. As they bid farewell to their school years, the next crucial step awaits them – choosing the right career path. For those aspiring to pursue higher education and secure a promising future, competitive exams after 12th play a pivotal role. These exams provide opportunities to gain admission to top colleges, universities, and professional courses across India. In this article, we will explore various competitive exams available in India after the 12th grade.
- Engineering Entrance Exams:
a) Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main: Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE Main is the gateway to undergraduate engineering programs at prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other centrally funded technical institutions.
b) JEE Advanced: Only candidates who qualify JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. Successful performance in this exam offers admission to the undergraduate engineering programs at the IITs.
c) BITSAT: The Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT) is conducted for admissions to undergraduate engineering courses at BITS Pilani, BITS Goa, and BITS Hyderabad.
d) VITEEE: Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) is held for admission to various undergraduate engineering programs at VIT University.
- Medical Entrance Exams:
a) National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET): NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is the primary exam for admissions to undergraduate medical (MBBS) and dental (BDS) courses in India.
b) All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) MBBS: AIIMS conducts its entrance exam for admission to its prestigious MBBS program.
c) Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) MBBS: JIPMER conducts its entrance exam for admission to its undergraduate medical program.
- Common Law Admission Test (CLAT):
CLAT is a centralized national entrance exam conducted for admission to undergraduate law programs (LLB) at prestigious law universities in India, including the National Law Universities (NLUs).
- National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam:
The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Successful candidates receive training at the NDA before joining the respective academies.
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam:
The CDS exam is also conducted by the UPSC and is open to graduates. It is a gateway to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA).
- National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA):
NATA is a national level exam for candidates seeking admission to undergraduate architecture programs across India.
- Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED):
CEED is conducted for admission to postgraduate programs in design at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other participating institutions.
- Hotel Management Entrance Exams:
a) National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination (NCHM JEE): This exam is conducted for admission to undergraduate programs in hotel management and catering technology at various participating institutes.
b) All India Hotel Management Entrance Exam (AIHMCT): AIHMCT is conducted for admission to undergraduate hotel management programs at institutes affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT).
- Management Entrance Exams:
a) Common Admission Test (CAT): CAT is conducted for admission to postgraduate management programs, including MBA, at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other participating institutions.
b) Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT): XAT is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission to its postgraduate management programs and other participating institutes.
c) Common Management Admission Test (CMAT): CMAT is a national level entrance exam for admission to postgraduate management programs at various participating institutions.
Conclusion:
Competitive exams after 12th offer a platform for students to compete and secure admission to esteemed colleges, universities, and professional courses in India. They serve as a stepping stone towards a successful career and a bright future. It is essential for students to explore their interests, evaluate their strengths, and make informed decisions about the exams they wish to pursue. With dedication, perseverance, and proper guidance, students can excel in these exams and unlock numerous opportunities for higher education and professional growth.
