Preparing for Higher Education Entrance Exams in India

After schooling, a good course from a reputed institute insures better future prospects and well developed skills for futue career options. But getting admission in goods courses in best institutes is mostly possible only through competing for limited seats available. Navigating the landscape of higher education in India can be exciting, with numerous entrance exams opening doors to diverse fields of study. These exams are typically categorized based on the academic stage at which students appear for them: after 10+2 (intermediate), after graduation, and specialized exams for particular disciplines.

Following is a list of some of the main such competitive exams in India. Explore about the right strategy and guidance about the exam and its preparations. We also provide option to prepare for some of these competitions through our platform guided by our team and mentors.

After 10+2 (Intermediate/Class 12)

These exams are your first major step towards undergraduate degrees in different streams and courses.

1. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main & Advanced

The JEE Main is a national-level entrance examination for for engineering stream aspirents to get admission in undergraduate engineering programs at NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and other state-funded technical institutions. Qualified candidates can then appear for JEE Advanced, which is the gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Both exams test knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at a deep analytic level of knowledge of concepts with ability to perform with proper time and paper management skills.

Explore JEE Main Explore JEE Advanced
Student studying for JEE Exam

2. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG

NEET UG is the sole entrance examination for Medical Stream aspirents for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) and certain other allied medical courses across India. It assesses your understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). To get admission aspirents needs not only to work on their strength subjects but also on weak subjects too at least in concept level to perform well in competitions.

Explore NEET UG
Stethoscope on a medical book

3. Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG

The CUET UG is a relatively newer exam that provides a single window opportunity for students to seek admission to various undergraduate programs in Central Universities and participating Deemed/Private Universities across the country. It aims to reduce the burden of multiple entrance exams. Best Universities with best courses are offered through this exam.

Explore CUET UG Prepare for CUET UG General Aptitude Test
Students on a university campus

4. National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)

NATA is a national-level aptitude test for admission to undergraduate courses in Architecture (B.Arch) at various institutions. It evaluates a candidate's aptitude through drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, and critical thinking.

Explore NATA
Architectural blueprints and tools

5. National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam

The NID Entrance Exam is conducted for admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs at the National Institutes of Design. It comprises a Design Aptitude Test (DAT) which assesses creativity, observation skills, logical reasoning, and general knowledge.

Explore NID Exam
Design sketches and creative work

After Graduation

These exams are for students aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies, whether it's an MBA, M.Tech, law, or other specialized fields.

1. Common Admission Test (CAT)

The CAT is one of the most popular and competitive entrance exams for admission to postgraduate management programs (MBA/PGDM) at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. It tests quantitative ability, verbal ability and reading comprehension, and data interpretation and logical reasoning.

Explore CAT
Business professionals in a meeting

2. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

GATE is a national-level examination primarily for admissions to postgraduate engineering and technology programs (M.Tech/M.E.) at IITs, NITs, and other renowned institutions. It also serves as a qualifying exam for some Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) recruitment.

Explore GATE
Engineering symbols or circuit board

3. Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) PG

CLAT PG is conducted for admission to postgraduate law programs (LL.M.) offered by the National Law Universities (NLUs) and other affiliated law colleges. It assesses legal aptitude, reasoning, and knowledge.

Explore CLAT PG
Legal gavel and law books

4. NEET PG

NEET PG is the entrance examination for admission to various MD/MS/PG Diploma courses across India. It's a highly competitive exam for medical graduates aspiring for specialization.

Explore NEET PG
Medical instruments or doctor's office

Other Specialized Exams

Beyond the general streams, there are specific exams for niche fields or research.

1. CSIR-UGC NET (Joint CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test)

This exam determines the eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professorship in Indian universities and colleges in the fields of Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.

Explore CSIR HRDG Explore UGC NET
Scientific lab equipment

2. UGC NET (National Eligibility Test)

The UGC NET is conducted to determine the eligibility for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. It covers a vast array of subjects in humanities, social sciences, computer science, electronic science, etc.

Explore UGC NET
Academic books or a classroom

3. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B Exam

The RBI Grade B exam is a highly sought-after competitive examination for recruitment to the post of Grade B officers in the Reserve Bank of India. It involves phases of online examinations and an interview.

Explore RBI Grade B
RBI logo or financial graph