Best Entrance Exams after 12th: Science, Commerce & Arts Guide 2025

Do you also land here with a question in your mind? “Best entrance exams after 12th”. No worries!, I’ve got you covered. We’ve seen that in today’s time, every student like you has huge dreams, enough potential, and courage, but they are confused with the direction they need to follow so that they can reach to their goal on time and efficiently.

Many of the students studying in 11th or 12th standard have the same problem about the entrance exams after 12th that’ll lead them to their dream college or career. 

By the end of this article, you’ll be familiar with the Best Entrance exams after science, commerce, or humanities, because we need to remember that “Why settle for Best, If you can go better”.

Why Entrance Exams Matter After 12th:

Entrance exams after 12th are the first step in your career journey and shape your future life(I don’t mean without these exams you won’t get success). They help you get into top colleges, which can later lead to your dream career, better salaries, and yes, better personality!. Some exams give you entry into professional courses like law, CA, or engineering, while others help you get into top universities like DU, IIMs, or NLU.

Best Entrance exams after 12th

1. Science Stream:

There’s a strong perception in people’s minds that the science stream students are smarter than others and they are good in studies. This isn’t correct because smartness is different in different domains. But this perception has a reason that entrance exams after 12th for science stream are considered in the top 5 toughest exams in the world with a great competition. Also, the graduations after these exams have high salary packages. That's why the students who'll crack these exams are considered as top 2%.

So, let’s dive into the entrance exams after 12th for Science students:.

Exams For PCM

Exam Name	Subjects Asked	Career Options	Exam Pattern	Focus Areas	Top Colleges/Institutes
JEE Main (Paper 1) For Engineering (NITs, IIITs)	Physics Chemistry Mathematics	B.Tech/B.E in CS, Mech, Civil, ECE, etc. Jobs in Tech, PSU, or Private Sector	Total Marks: 300 90 Questions (30 per subject) 3 hours Negative marking for MCQs	Problem Solving Time Management Conceptual Understanding	NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, many private top colleges
JEE Main (Paper 2) For Architecture & Planning	Mathematics Aptitude Test Drawing/Planning (based on choice)	B.Arch, B.Plan Architect, Urban Planner	B.Arch: 82 Qs B.Plan: 105 Qs 3 hours total Separate drawing or planning section	Visualization Skills Spatial Awareness Drawing Aptitude	SPA Delhi, NITs, Jadavpur, CEPT, top architecture colleges
JEE Advanced	Physics Chemistry Mathematics	B.Tech in IITs Research, PSU Jobs, Startups, Foreign Study	2 Papers (3 hrs each) Total Marks vary each year MCQ + Numerical + Paragraph-based Qs	Deep Logical Thinking Speed + Accuracy High IQ	IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Madras, etc.), IISc (via JEE Advanced)
CUET (UG - PCM domain)	Physics Chemistry Mathematics English + General Test (if needed)	B.Sc. (Hons), B.Tech (in some central universities) Pathway to UPSC, Research, Data Science	Language: 200 Marks PCM Subjects: 300 Marks General Test: 300 Marks Conducted in slots	Basic Understanding Accuracy in Theory Reading Speed	DU, BHU, JNU, JMI, Central Universities
NDA (National Defence Academy)	Maths GAT (English, GK, Science, History, Polity, Geo, CA)	Officer in Army, Navy, Air Force Training at NDA Khadakwasla	Written: 900 Marks • Maths: 300 • GAT: 600 SSB Interview: 900 Marks	Discipline Leadership Physical & Mental Fitness	NDA Khadakwasla (Pune), then IMA, AFA, or INA

1. JEE Mains Paper 1:

This exam is the most popular and is the first preference of all the PCM students. Nearly 13.8 lakh students appeared in this exam in 2025. This exam allows you to take admission in best colleges in engineering like Nit’s and Indian navy academy through TES scheme. Due to the intense competition, this exam is all about your speed and accuracy on the analytical problems. It’s all about how you calculate and assume different cases..

This exam takes at least 5-6 months of preparation to crack. But it’s preferable to start its preparation from 11th class.

To know more about this exam, you can Check out [JEE GUIDE HERE]

2. JEE Mains Paper 2 (for Architecture)

If you’ve ever dreamed of designing this world into a whole new world with your insane creativity, then JEE Mains Paper 2 might just be your gateway. Unlike the regular JEE Paper 1, this exam is for students who want to pursue Architecture or Planning courses in good colleges. Around 1.5 lakh students appear for it every year. The exam is based on your creativity level, mathematical skill, and how passionate you are about designing. It’s a perfect mix of logical and creative thinking. If you love solving geometry problems and also enjoy sketching portraits and arts in your free time, then you are a good fit for this.

For this, you can also start your preparation from 11th grade because whoever is applying for this has a deep passion. So, to stand out, you need polished skills and have to be better than competition.

3. JEE Advanced

This is the elite stage exam. It is considered as the second toughest exam in the world (after GAOKAO). So, after getting your jee mains rank under 2.5 lakh, you will get the ticket to appear in this exam. This exam lands you in India’s most prestigious engineering colleges IITs. To crack this exam you need to get a rank under 16k in JEE Advanced, which takes alot of practice and hardwork.

This exam isn’t just about formulas; it’s about how deeply you understand concepts. The questions are Complex and long. It’s the exam where you need to develop insane critical thinking and deep knowledge of concepts.

If you're passionate about engineering, JEE Advanced is the best option for you. Since you have to cover a long syllabus you need at least 2 years to crack this exam.

4. CUET (for PCM Students)

You know it doesn’t mean if you’ve done PCM then you are only an engineer. The CUET (Common University Entrance Test) gives you a chance to enter Good central universities like Delhi University, BHU, JNU, and more after 12th. It includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Math, along with optional sections like English or General Test. The paper is MCQ-based and focuses on NCERT-level conceptual clarity, making it slightly less intense than JEE. But don’t take it lightly—the competition is very high because of the number of students aiming for BSc, BCA, Economics Hons, or even Data Science courses. It can be a smart backup and also a top preference for many. It is Best entrance exam after 12th if you want to open all the career options in very less time.

5. NDA (for PCM Students)

It is the entrance to the best academy in India. NDA is not just an exam; it’s a call to serve the nation. If you're from a PCM background, you’re eligible for all three forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exam consists of Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) and is followed by an intense SSB interview. It’s not only just about academics; it tests your leadership quality, confidence, physical stamina, and mental sharpness. That’s why the students who get selected for this are considered as best personalities. If you want a uniform, honor, and an adventurous life, NDA is for you. Also, it is considered the Best exam after 12th Science for many students.

Exams For PCB

Exam Name	Subjects Asked	Career Options	Exam Pattern	Focus Areas	Top Colleges/Institutes
NEET (UG)	Physics Chemistry Biology (Botany + Zoology)	MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BPT, BSc Nursing, Veterinary, etc. Doctor, Surgeon, Medical Officer	Total: 720 Marks 200 Questions (180 to attempt) +4 for correct, -1 for wrong Time: 3 hrs 20 mins	Strong Biology Base Speed & Accuracy Memory Power	AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, Maulana Azad, KGMU, GMCs
CUET (UG - PCB)	Biology Chemistry Physics Optional: English, General Test	B.Sc. (Hons) in Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, etc. Research, Biotech, Govt. Jobs	Language: 200 Marks Domain: 300 Marks General Test: Optional Conducted in Slots	Conceptual Understanding Exam Strategy Reading Speed	DU, BHU, JNU, JMI, Central & State Universities
IAT (IISER Aptitude Test)	Physics Chemistry Biology Mathematics	BS-MS Dual Degree Scientific Research Academia, R&D Sector	60 Questions (15 from each PCBM) 3 Hours +3 Correct, -1 Wrong	Scientific Aptitude Conceptual Depth Research Focus	IISERs (Pune, Kolkata, Mohali, Bhopal, Thiruvananthapuram, etc.)
AFMC (MBBS Admission)	Same NEET Syllabus (PCB)	MBBS in Armed Forces Doctor in Army, Navy, Air Force	NEET Score + ToELR (English & Logic) Interview + Medical Test Strict Screening Process	Discipline Fitness Academic Excellence	Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
NEST	Physics Chemistry Biology Mathematics (Best 3 considered)	Integrated B.Sc. in Sciences Researcher DRDO, ISRO, BARC, PhD Route	4 Sections (50 marks each) 180 mins Adaptive Marking	Logical Reasoning Analytical Skills Research Interest	NISER Bhubaneswar UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai

1. NEET UG

If you’ve always wanted to wear that white coat and want to be a Doctor, then NEET UG is the gateway for you to pursue your dream. This is the most competitive & best entrance exam after 12th for PCB students, because over 21 lakhs of aspirants take this exam. It enable students to choose courses MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BPT, and other medical courses across India.
This exam tests your knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, but biology carries the heaviest weight, so make sure you know you know each and every minute detail of your NCERT. Time management, accuracy, and clarity are the things which helps you to crack this exam.
The syllabus of NEET UG is very lengthy, so you need to remember alot of things from your 11th and 12th standard. So, make sure you are studying extra with your school to beat competition. But, personally neet ug gives you one of the best career after 12th science among other streams.

You can Checkout Best NEET UG Guide HERE

2. CUET (for PCB Students)

Cuet is commonly a backup plan for students from the science stream because it offers general and research courses, not professional ones. That’s why Cuet is pretty easy as compared to NEET UG. After Cuet, you can get courses like BSc(Biology, Zoology, Botany), Environmental Studies etc. If you love life sciences but don’t necessarily want to be a doctor, CUET is your key to a strong science career.

3. IAT (IISER Aptitude Test)

If you’ve ever dreamt of becoming a scientist or want to contribute to new research projects, then IAT is one of the best exam for you after 12th PCB. This exam is conducted by IISERs(Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research), and this exam provides you integrated BS-MS dual degree programs. This exam is about depth of topics, not tricks. So if you want to crack this exam, you need to have a mindset like JEE ADVANCED.

4. AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College - Pune)

This opportunity is somewhat the same as NDA; after cracking neet, screening, interview and medical test, you get to study in AFMC Pune. If you truly want to wear a uniform but with the dream of becoming a doctor. This will be best opportunity for you which fulfills your both dreams. Those who make it will get all fees concession and will receive stipend per month. The life in this is fully adventurous as you live disciplined, structured and life of respect. It’s not just an college it’s a way of life. It’s harder than any other exam, but it’s totally worth it. It is the entrance exam similar to NDA.

5. NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)

This exam is only for students who are pursuing PCMB stream in 12th class. If you’re someone who’s curious about science, research, and discovery, then NEST is exam you can’t ignore. This exam is the entry point to NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CBS Mumbai—two prestigious institutions supported by the Government of India for high-level scientific research and training. It will allow you to work in high-tech labs, contributing to national projects in India. Also, it’ll give you direct chance to get into services in sectors like DRDO etc.

2. Commerce Stream

Now, here comes a stream that contains people passionate about money and businesses. As Commerce is the stream of fast and organized people. So their exams are also structured in the same way. There are a lot of Entrance exams after 12th for Commerce, including the most popular course, MBA. That’s why to pursue an MBA dream, many people choose commerce. Here are the best entrance exams 12th for commerce students.

Exam Name	Subjects Asked	Career Options	Exam Pattern	Focus Areas	Top Colleges/Institutes
CA (Chartered Accountant) 3 Stages: Foundation, Intermediate, Final	Accounting Business Laws Quantitative Aptitude Economics Taxation	CA, CFO, Tax Consultant Auditor, Financial Advisor	Foundation: 4 Papers (2 Objective, 2 Subjective) Intermediate: 8 Papers (2 Groups) Final: 8 Papers with electives	Conceptual Clarity Analytical Thinking Consistency	ICAI (Professional Body)
CS (Company Secretary)	Legal Aptitude Business Communication Logical Reasoning Current Affairs	Company Secretary Legal Advisor, Compliance Officer	CSEET: 4 Sections + Viva Executive & Professional: Next Stages	Legal Understanding Communication & Drafting	ICSI (Professional Body)
CMA (Cost & Management Accountant)	Accounting Economics Laws & Ethics Mathematics & Stats	Cost Accountant Financial Controller Budget Analyst	Foundation: 4 Papers (MCQs) Intermediate & Final: Descriptive + Practical	Numerical Skills Time & Cost Management	ICMAI (Professional Body)
CUET (UG)	Business Studies Accountancy Economics English General Test	B.Com, BBA, BA Eco Govt Jobs, MBA Pathway	Language: 200 Marks Domain: 300 Marks General Test: 300 Marks	Conceptual Understanding Speed & Accuracy	DU, BHU, JNU, JMI, Ambedkar University
IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test)	Quantitative Aptitude Logical Reasoning Verbal Ability	Integrated MBA (IIMs) Corporate Manager, Analyst	IIM Indore: QA (MCQ + SA), VA IIM Rohtak: QA, VA, LR + Personal Interview	Math Aptitude English Fluency Personality Test	IIM Indore, Rohtak, Ranchi, Jammu, Bodh Gaya

1. CA (Chartered Accountancy)

CA is the king of all commerce exams. It’s a way to becoming one of the most respected finance professionals in India. Honestly it is the most popular among course among relatives in India. The journey starts with the CA Foundation exam, followed by CA Intermediate, and finally CA Final. The exams test everything from accounting and economics to taxation and law. This exam is very difficult, but those who make it through are rewarded with excellent job. Most students start preparing for CA Foundation right after 12th. If you’re someone who enjoys balance sheets more than a long essays then CA is the best entrance exam for you after 12th commerce.

To know more about CA check out [CA GUIDE]

2. CS (Company Secretary)

If you like corporate law, governance, and business strategy, then CS is the thing you can consider. The CS journey is just like CA and has three stages—CSEET (Entrance), Executive, and Professional. It’s not just about paperwork; a Company Secretary is a vital part of any major company. You’ll learn about legal frameworks, compliance, and corporate ethics. The course is flexible and great for students who are interested in law + commerce. Basically this exam tests your speed and the accuracy of your decision making.

3. IPMAT (for Commerce)

If you're a commerce student dreaming of entering a top IIM right after 12th , then IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) is made for you. This exam is your way into IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and other top B-schools for their 5-year integrated MBA program. The exam checks your skills in quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and verbal ability—a mix of math and English with a bit of aptitude. It’s challenging but If you crack it, you’ll be studying in India’s top-tier business schools, which is nowadays a dream of any engineer graduate. For job if you’ll complete MBA, then you’ll get a heavy amount of package just after graduation. Most of people don’t know about this exam, but it’ll a good opportunity.

4. CMA (Cost and Management Accounting)

If you love playing with numbers but don’t want to go down the CA route? Then, CMA is the Best exam for you after 12th. It focuses on cost accounting, budgeting, and internal management, and it's perfect for those who want to work within organizations to make them financially efficient. Just like CA and CS, CMA also has three levels—Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. It’s highly respected in industries like manufacturing, logistics, production, and even in public sector units. The best part is that you can pursue this along with graduation.

3. Humanities Stream

This is the stream of artists which contains exams for people’s passionate about designing, civil services, philosophy, law and many more domains. Arts is the stream which has a lot of career options due to it’s flexibility in courses. But only if you get into right colleges that’ll build your personality and mindset. Here are the Best entrance exams after 12th for humanities students.

Exam Name	Subjects Asked	Career Options	Exam Pattern	Focus Areas	Top Colleges/Institutes
TISS-BAT	Reading Comprehension Logical Reasoning Social Awareness	BA in Social Sciences, Social Work Careers in NGOs, Policy Making, Development Sector	Part 1: MCQs (60 Marks) Part 2: Descriptive Writing (40 Marks)	Writing Skills Socio-political Awareness Critical Thinking	TISS Campuses (Mumbai, Hyderabad, Tuljapur, Guwahati)
Mass Communication (IIMC/JMI)	Current Affairs English Language Media & Communication Aptitude	Bachelor in Journalism & Mass Communication Journalist, News Anchor, PR, Advertising	Objective + Subjective Questions Writing + Interview Round (for JMI)	Media Awareness Writing Fluency Current Events	IIMC Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, Symbiosis Pune
Hotel Management (NCHMCT JEE)	Numerical Ability English Reasoning GK Service Aptitude	BSc in Hospitality & Hotel Administration Hotel Manager, Chef, Event Planner	200 Questions 4 Sections 3 Hours +4 for correct, -1 for wrong	Customer Service Communication Time Management	IHM Delhi, IHM Mumbai, IHM Bangalore, IHM Hyderabad
Delhi University Entrance (for some courses)	Depends on Course: English, GK, Quant, Reasoning	BMS, BBA (FIA), BA (Hons.) in Business Economics Management, Finance, Economics	100 MCQs 2 Hours +4 for correct, -1 for wrong	Quantitative Aptitude Communication Skills GK	Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, DU Colleges
Fine Arts (Entrance - Various)	Drawing Test Color Composition Object Drawing	Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) Illustrator, Artist, Animator, Art Director	Drawing & Design Test Sometimes includes Interview or Portfolio	Artistic Skills Creativity Observation	College of Art Delhi, BHU, Jamia Millia Islamia

1. CUET (Humanities)

It is the most popular exam among students of the humanities stream. This exam allows aspirants to get into good universities like DU, BHU, and other central universities. It covers subjects like History, political science, and Sociology. Preparing with NCERTs is enough for this, and it's ideal for future UPSC or civil services aspirants. This exam is Best entrance exam after 12th humanities due to insane no. of colleges and courses available under this.

2. IPMAT (Humanities)

Sometimes arts student think that they have missed an opportunity to get into management career. but even without commerce or math, students with decent aptitude student can crack this exam and can get into BBA+MBA degree from IIMs. It’s perfect for early risers in management.

3. NIFT

If design, fashion, or creativity is your hobby and area of interest, NIFT is the best route. The entrance exam tests your imagination, drawing skills, and awareness of trends. If you are also a rising entrepreneur, dreaming to build a clothing brand then these skills might help you in your journey.

4. CLAT

The CLAT exam is your path to India’s top law universities from which you can pursue a career into government. Sector courts. If you’re good at reasoning, language, and current affairs, this can lead to becoming a lawyer or judge in court of India. This entrance exam after 12th can lead you to most respectable job.

5. NDA (Humanities)

Open to non-science students aiming to join the Indian Army. With basic math, English, and general studies in the test, NDA offers a respected life in defense.

Reason for them to be best & challenging

We all have a concern as a student, and that is why these entrance exams are so challenging?. Let me explain it to you. We all understand that to complete any certain task, we need specific skills to do that, and also, different people have their own interests and areas of talent where they can give their best. That’s the point; for every course and university, there are specific types of skills that they need the student to have so that they can fit in and give their 100%.

That’s why these entrance exams after 12th are designed in a way so that candidate should fulfills all the pre requisite to purse specific course smoothly.

Tips to study for that exam

To crack any of these entrance exam after 12th, some great tips will ensure that you’ll able to crack that any exam with ease. But only if you are following these tips:

1. Make a proper Daily Schedule

We all know that consistency is the key to doing any task, and the same applies here. If you have a great working routine daily, then your brain will automate the functioning, and your 1st step, which is to sit at your study desk, will be removed.
But how can you do that? Remember everyone starts from some point. You also have to start from where you can either it’ll be studying for half an hour or 1 hour. The only thing of matter is to make daily schedule one night before, so that you have a clear morning. Then do it in day so that you can feel the pump at the end of the day. This will transform your preparation into next level.

2. Focus on studying syllabus effectively

Most of students make mistake here that they do not complete the syllabus in effective way. Remember you have to ensure that you’ll study whole syllabus only one time and there’s no need to start any topic from bottom ever again. By doing this your 50% game is done already.

3. Revise everyday

It’s impossible to remember all big syllabus for these exams, but there’s a super method that is like a miracle known as Revision. If you are not following this till now you’ve missed alot. If you’re revising what you’ve studied in whole day then your knowledge will be unbeatable and you do not have to open your notes again, Its that powerful.

4. Practice the problems asked in exams

Bruce lee once said “I’m scared of a person who has practiced one punch 1000 times, not of a person who practiced 1000 punches one time.” that’s true for these exams. If you are practicing what the exam is asking you. You’ll feel familiar and the external factors which come in you way while exam will be gone like nervousness, lack of confidence, brain wash out. Also your brain’s critical thinking will involve by doing practice of PYQ’s and related sample questions.

[Imp. Tip: In almost all of these exams nearly 10% of the questions are repeated from last 15 year of PYQ.]

Conclusion

No matter which stream you belong to- Science, Commerce, or Arts, the future is full of exciting opportunities. The Best entrance exams after 12th we discussed are not just tests; they’re gateways to your dream career. Whether you dream of becoming a CA, studying at an IIM, cracking NEET to become a doctor, or getting into a top university through CUET. So don’t stress about choosing the “perfect” exam right away. Take time to explore, understand what excites you, and start with small steps. Remember, clarity comes from action. The sooner you begin, the easier it gets.

If this guide helped you, feel free to share it with your friends. Got doubts or confused about any exam? Drop your questions in the comments—we’re here to help you win! 🚀

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is everything about the JEE Mains, Advanced, and NEET?

JEE Mains is for engineering aspirants (Physics, Chemistry, Math). JEE Advanced is the next level for IITs. NEET is for medical aspirants (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). These are top entrance exams after 12th Science. Use our JEE Guide and NEET Guide to get started.

2. What is the best exam in India, the JEE or NEET?

It depends on your career goal. JEE is for engineers, NEET is for doctors. Check our JEE and NEET difference to find your fit.

3. How do I practice problems for the JEE?

Start with NCERT, then practice with HC Verma, DPPs, mock tests, and follow a structured JEE Guide with Chemistry, Physics, and Math.

4. How do I prepare for the NEET 2025 at home?

Use NCERT for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Follow a NEET Guide, create a schedule, solve PYQs (Previous Year Questions), and watch free YouTube lectures.

5. How do I prepare for the NEET in coaching?

Use coaching notes, follow the timetable, revise NCERT daily, and take regular tests to track progress.

6. What are some best free resources to prepare for JEE/NEET?

You can try Physics Wallah, Khan Academy, NTA mock tests, and Unacademy. Look for free JEE Guide and NEET Guide online.

Detailed free Resources:

• Physics- From YT channel named Physics Galaxy.
• Chemistry- From YT channel of PW. (Old videos or New)
• Maths- From YT channel Neha Ma'am & PW teachers.

7. What is the best entrance exam after 12th?

It depends on your stream.

• Science: JEE/NEET
• Commerce: CA, IPMAT
• Arts: CUET, NID