After completing Class 12, students can choose from various entrance exams for admission to undergraduate programmes in India, depending on the course, institution, and admission requirements.
Some of the main entrance exams after 12th include NEET UG, JEE Main, JEE Advanced, KEAM, and CUET UG. There are also entrance exams for law, architecture, design, management, hotel management, defence, science, teaching, and other fields.
Here’s a quick guide to the important entrance exams after Class 12, their eligibility, courses, and other details.
Important Entrance Exams After 12th
NEET UG
NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-UG) is a national-level entrance exam for students aiming for admission to undergraduate medical and other specified healthcare programmes in India. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Who Can Apply for NEET?
Students who have completed or are appearing for Class 12 or an equivalent examination can apply based on the eligibility criteria specified for the relevant examination year. Candidates generally need to have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as the required subjects.
For the latest eligibility criteria and official updates, candidates should refer to the official NEET website: neet.nta.nic.in
What Courses Can You Join Through NEET?
NEET UG is used for admission to MBBS and BDS programmes. It is also used for admission to many AYUSH courses, such as BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, and BUMS, depending on the admission requirements.
NEET Subjects and Exam Pattern
The NEET syllabus is based mainly on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the Class 11 and 12 level. Candidates should check the latest official syllabus and information bulletin before starting their preparation.
Students preparing for NEET can also consider Xylem’s online and offline NEET coaching programmes. Under the Vidyarambham Offer 2026, selected NEET online courses are available at 15% off with code VDM15. The FAST TRACK NEET 2027 batch is also available at 15% off with code FTN15.
JEE Main & JEE Advanced
JEE Main is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is used for admission to undergraduate engineering programmes at participating institutes and also serves as the qualifying examination for JEE Advanced.
JEE Main includes Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech., Paper 2A for B.Arch., and Paper 2B for B.Planning.
Who Can Apply for JEE Main?
Students who have completed or are appearing for Class 12 or an equivalent examination can apply according to the eligibility conditions specified for the relevant examination year. For B.E./B.Tech. programmes, Physics and Mathematics are among the required subjects, along with the applicable subject requirements.
For the latest eligibility criteria and official updates, candidates should refer to the official JEE Main website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
What Is JEE Advanced?
JEE Advanced is the entrance examination used for admission to undergraduate, integrated master’s, and dual-degree programmes at the IITs. Indian candidates generally need to qualify through JEE Main and satisfy the other eligibility requirements to appear for JEE Advanced.
JEE Advanced eligibility includes conditions related to JEE Main performance, Class 12 appearance, age, number of attempts, and previous admission to an IIT. These requirements can change from year to year.
Admission processes and participating institutions can vary by academic year, so candidates should check the latest official admission information.
Ready to Crack Your Entrance Exam in 2027?
Join Xylem Learning today and start your entrance exam preparation!
Register NowJEE Main vs JEE Advanced
| JEE Main | JEE Advanced |
|---|---|
| Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) | Conducted by an IIT designated as the organising institute |
| Used for admission to NITs, IIITs and other participating institutes | Used for admission to undergraduate, integrated master’s and dual-degree programmes at the IITs |
| Includes B.E./B.Tech., B.Arch. and B.Planning papers | Used for IIT undergraduate admissions and other specified programmes |
| Also serves as the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced for eligible Indian candidates | Requires separate eligibility criteria, including qualification through JEE Main for eligible Indian candidates |
For B.Arch. Admission through IITs, candidates must qualify for JEE Advanced based on their performance in JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) and then appear for the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT). JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch.) does not qualify candidates for JEE Advanced. Therefore, students who only appear for Paper 2A cannot qualify for JEE Advanced or appear for the AAT.
Students looking for structured JEE preparation with experienced mentors can consider Xylem’s online coaching programmes. Selected Xylem JEE online courses are available at 15% off under the Vidyarambham Offer 2026 with code VDM15. The XPL – JEE 2027 batch is also available at 10% off with the code XPLJ10.
CUET UG
CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate) is a national-level entrance examination for undergraduate admissions to participating universities. It allows students to apply for various UG programmes through a common entrance process.
Who Can Apply for CUET UG?
Students who have completed or are appearing for Class 12 can apply, subject to the eligibility requirements of the university and programme they choose. Since universities can have different subject and admission requirements, students should check the eligibility criteria for their preferred course.
For the latest eligibility criteria and official updates, candidates should refer to the official CUET (UG) website: cuet.nta.nic.in
What Subjects Are Included in CUET?
CUET UG includes language subjects, domain-specific subjects, and the General Aptitude Test, depending on the examination structure and the requirements of the participating university and programme for the relevant year.
The available subjects include options such as English, Accountancy, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology, among others.
Candidates should check the latest CUET UG information bulletin and the requirements of their preferred universities before selecting subjects.
What Courses Are Available Through CUET?
CUET UG can be used for admission to a wide range of undergraduate programmes offered by participating universities. The available courses and required CUET subjects vary between universities.
Students preparing for CUET UG can also consider Xylem’s CUET Express Batch 2027, which is available in CUET General, CUET PCMB, and CUET Combo options. The programme includes live classes, study materials, mock tests, and mentorship to support CUET preparation. Students can now enrol and get 10% off with the early bird coupon code XCT10.
KEAM
KEAM (Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical) is an entrance examination and admission process conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, for admission to various professional degree courses in the state.
CEE Kerala handles admissions to courses including engineering, architecture, medical, pharmacy, agriculture, and other professional programmes, but the entrance examination and admission requirements vary depending on the course.
Who Can Apply for KEAM?
Eligibility depends on the course. For engineering admissions, candidates must satisfy the specified academic and nativity requirements and appear for the KEAM Engineering Entrance Examination.
For medical and medical-allied courses, candidates must qualify through NEET-UG. Architecture admissions require a valid NATA score.
For B.Pharm admissions, candidates must appear for the Pharmacy Entrance Examination conducted as part of the KEAM admission process. The examination covers Physics and Chemistry, with 30 Physics questions and 45 Chemistry questions to be answered in 90 minutes.
For the latest eligibility criteria and official updates, candidates should refer to the official KEAM website: cee.kerala.gov.in
What Courses Are Covered Under KEAM Admissions?
CEE Kerala handles admissions to different professional courses, including:
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Pharmacy
- Medical and medical-allied courses
- Agriculture and related programmes
- Other professional degree programmes
However, the entrance examination and admission requirements differ between these courses. For example, engineering admissions use the KEAM Engineering Entrance Examination, B.Pharm admissions are based on the Pharmacy Entrance Examination conducted as part of the KEAM admission process, medical admissions are based on NEET-UG, and architecture admissions use NATA scores.
KEAM Exam Pattern and Preparation
For engineering aspirants, the KEAM Engineering Entrance Examination is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. In the 2026 examination pattern, it consists of 75 Mathematics, 45 Physics, and 30 Chemistry questions, to be answered in 180 minutes.
For B.Pharm aspirants, the Pharmacy Entrance Examination conducted as part of the KEAM admission process consists of 45 Chemistry and 30 Physics questions, to be answered in 90 minutes.
Other Entrance Exams After 12th
Apart from NEET, JEE, KEAM, and CUET UG, students can also consider several other entrance exams depending on their preferred course and institution. Eligibility, subjects, age limits, and admission rules can vary by examination and academic year. Students should check the latest official notification or information bulletin of the respective examination before applying.
| Entrance Exam | Course/Field | Basic Eligibility | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| NATA | Architecture | Class 12/equivalent | nata.in |
| CLAT | Law | Class 12/equivalent | consortiumofnlus.ac.in |
| AILET | Law | Class 12/equivalent | nationallawuniversitydelhi.in |
| NIFTEE | Fashion & Design | Class 12/equivalent | exams.nta.nic.in/niftee |
| NCET | Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) | Class 12/equivalent | exams.nta.nic.in/ncet |
| NID DAT | Design | Class 12/equivalent | admissions.nid.edu |
| UCEED | Design | Class 12/equivalent, subject to criteria | uceed.iitb.ac.in |
| IPMAT | Management | Class 12/equivalent | iimidr.ac.in |
| NCHM JEE | Hotel Management | Class 12/equivalent | exams.nta.nic.in/nchm-jee |
| NDA | Defence | Class 12/equivalent; requirements vary by wing | upsc.gov.in |
| IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) | Science & Research | Class 12/equivalent with required subjects | iiseradmission.in |
| CUSAT CAT | Engineering and other UG programmes | Course-specific | admissions.cusat.ac.in |
Entrance Exams After 12th Based on Stream
The entrance exam you can apply for depends on your Class 12 stream and the course you want to study.
Science Stream
Students from the science stream can consider exams such as NEET, JEE Main, JEE Advanced, KEAM, CUET UG, NATA, and IISER IAT, depending on their subjects and preferred course.
PCM
Students with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics can consider JEE Main, JEE Advanced, KEAM, NATA, CUET UG, and IISER IAT, along with other course-specific entrance examinations.
PCB
Students with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology can consider NEET, CUET UG, and IISER IAT, along with other university- or course-specific entrance examinations.
Students considering IAT should note that the test includes Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. The current IISER eligibility criteria require candidates to have studied at least three of these four subjects in Class 12. Therefore, PCB students can be eligible, but those without Mathematics may need to prepare separately for the Mathematics section of the examination.
Commerce Stream
Commerce students can consider CUET UG, IPMAT, CLAT, and other university-specific entrance exams depending on their preferred course.
Arts and Humanities
Students from Arts or Humanities can consider CUET UG, CLAT, NIFTEE, NID DAT, and other course-specific entrance examinations.
FAQ's
B.Arch admissions may be based on NATA or JEE Main Paper 2A, depending on the institution. For IITs, candidates need to qualify JEE Advanced and then pass the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT).
Yes. Commerce and Arts students can apply for certain government and defence exams after 12th, subject to the eligibility criteria. For NDA, students from any stream can apply for the Army, while Physics and Mathematics are required for the Air Force and Navy.
Students interested in design can consider entrance exams such as NID DAT and UCEED. NIFTEE is another option for students interested in fashion and related design programmes.
KEAM is an important exam for engineering admission in Kerala. Candidates applying for engineering admission through CEE Kerala need to satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements and appear for the KEAM Engineering Entrance Examination.
No. Medical and medical-allied admissions in Kerala are based on NEET UG. KEAM does not conduct a separate medical entrance examination.
NCET is an entrance examination for students who have completed or are appearing for Class 12 and are applying for admission to the 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) offered by participating institutions.
Commerce students can appear for entrance exams such as CUET UG and IPMAT and can also consider exams such as CLAT, depending on the course and eligibility requirements.
NEET UG has no fixed attempt limit. For JEE Main and JEE Advanced, the number of attempts depends on the eligibility rules applicable to the respective examination year. Candidates should check the official 2027 information bulletins for the latest attempt-related rules.