This ultimate resource provides you with the list of best entrance exams after 12th for each stream and assists you in identifying the appropriate entrance exam to realize your professional dreams.

Why Entrance Exams Are Important After 12th

Entrance exams are standardized that measure the knowledge, aptitude, and preparedness of students for higher education. The best colleges in India, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, select students on the basis of entrance exams.

Advantages :

Top Entrance Exams After 12th Science

Science students have the broadest spectrum of job opportunities, such as engineering, medicine, defense, research, and aviation.

1. JEE Main and JEE Advanced (Engineering)

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is the most sought – after engineering entrance exam in India & is the entrance exam for some of the most prestigious technical institutions in the country such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, National Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Information Technology. The exam is held in two phases : JEE Main and JEE Advanced. The  exam aims to test the conceptual knowledge, analytical skills and problem-solving skills of the students.

Key highlights:

• JEE Main is Organize for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges
• JEE Advanced is required for admission into IITs
• Subjects : Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
• Career options : Engineer, researcher and technologist

2. NEET (Medical)

NEET is the only national medical entrance exam for MBBS, BDS & other medical courses.

Key highlights:

• Mandatory for admission into medical colleges
• Covers Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• Career options: Doctor, dentist and medical researcher

3. CUET (Central Universities Entrance Test)

CUET is utilized for admission in central universities for different undergraduate course.

Key highlights :

• Accepted by top central universities
• Provide courses in science, management and other interdisciplinary streams

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) (2026) is a significant turning point in the ever-changing landscape of higher education entrance processes in India. Organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA), a body of the Ministry of Education, CUET is now the single-window entrance exam for undergraduate admissions to Central, State, Deemed, and Private universities in India.

4. NDA (National Defense Academy)

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for students who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.

Career options:

• Army officer
• Air Force pilot
• Navy officer

Top Entrance Exams After 12th Commerce

Commerce students can pursue careers in finance, law, management and business.

1. CA Foundation (Chartered Accountant)

Commerce students can opt for finance, law, management, and business related jobs.

Career options:

• Chartered Accountant
• Auditor
• Financial advisor

2. CUET (For B.Com and Management Courses)

CUET is a gateway to top universities for B.Com, BBA, and Economics programs.

Career options:

• Accountant
• Business manager
• Economist

3. CLAT (Law Entrance Exam)

CLAT is organized by the Consortium of National Law Universities.

Career options :

• Lawyer
• Legal advisor
• Judge (after further exams)

Top Entrance Exams After 12th Arts

Arts stream students have the option to choose a career in law, design, civil services, journalism, and many more.

1. CLAT (Law)

Arts streams students usually opt for law as a career in their CLAT.

Career options:

• Corporate lawyer
• Legal consultant

2. NIFT Entrance Exam (Fashion Design)

Conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology.

Career options:

• Fashion designer
• Fashion stylist
• Fashion entrepreneur

3. NID Entrance Exam (Design)

Conducted by the National Institute of Design.

Career options:

• Product designer
• Graphic designer
• UI/UX designer

4. CUET (Arts Courses)

CUET provide admission to BA course such as :

• BA English
• BA Psychology
• BA Political Science
• BA Journalism

Other Popular Entrance Exams for All Streams

These exams are open to students from various streams:

1. Hotel Management Entrance Exams (NCHMCT JEE)

Career options there are :

• Hotel manager
• Chef
• Hospitality manager

2. Mass Communication Entrance Exams

Career options there are:

• Journalist
• News anchor
• Media professional

3. Aviation Entrance Exams

Career options there are :

• Commercial pilot
• Aviation manager

How to Select the Best Entrance Exam

Follow these steps to choose the best entrance exam:

1. Selecting according to interest

Choose based on your interest:

• Engineering → JEE
• Medical → NEET
• Law → CLAT
• Commerce → CA

2. Understand Eligibility

Verify the subject and percentage needed.

3. Check Competition Level

Some entrance exams like JEE and NEET are very competitive.

4. Consider Career Growth and Salary

Select a career with high future demand.

Future Career Opportunity After Entrance Exams

Entrance exams assist you build careers in developing sectors:

• Engineering (AI, Robotics, Software)
• Medical and healthcare
• Finance and accounting
• Law and corporate world
• Design and creative sectors
• Defense and government services

The growing economy of India  is creating a demand for skilled professionals in all these sectors.

Conclusion

Entrance exams after 12th are the Key to a successful career and top colleges. Science students have an option of engineering, medicine, and defense, while commerce students can consider finance, law, and management. Arts students have tremendous opportunities in law, design, media, and civil services.

Selecting the correct entrance exam according to your interest, talent, and goal will lead you to success. Prepare well in advance, work dedicatedly, and go for the best opportunities available.

FAQs

1. Which entrance exam is best after 12th?

The best entrance exam depends on your career goal. JEE is best for engineering, NEET for medical, CLAT for law, and CA Foundation for commerce students.

2. Can commerce and arts students apply for CUET?

Yes, CUET is open to science, commerce, and arts students for admission into various undergraduate programs.

3. Which entrance exam has the highest salary potential?

Engineering (JEE), medical (NEET) and CA Foundation provide some of the highest salary career opportunities.

4. Is CUET compulsory after 12th?

CUET is compulsory for admission in many central universities, but private universities may have their own admission procedure.

5. How many entrance exams can I apply for after 12th?

You can apply for multiple entrance exams as per  depending on your eligibility and interest.