CollegeVision
A Comprehensive Guide to Entrance Exams in India
1. Engineering
About the Exam:
JEE Main is a national-level computer-based test (CBT) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the gateway for admission to undergraduate engineering programs (B.E./B.Tech) and architecture programs (B.Arch). It is held in multiple sessions during the year.
Courses Offered:
B.E., B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Planning.
Primary Gateway For:
- National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
- Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
- Other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs)
Qualifying Exam For:
It serves as the eligibility test for JEE Advanced. Only the top ~2.5 lakh rank holders in JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.
About the Exam:
This is the exclusive entrance exam for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It is known for its high difficulty level and rigorous testing of concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Courses Offered:
B.Tech, B.S., B.Arch, Dual Degree (B.Tech-M.Tech), Integrated M.Sc.
Top Colleges:
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
2. Medical
About the Exam:
NEET-UG is the sole entrance examination for admission to all undergraduate medical, dental, and AYUSH courses in India. It is a pen-and-paper based exam conducted by the NTA.
Courses Offered:
MBBS, BDS, BAMS (Ayurveda), BHMS (Homeopathy), BUMS (Unani).
Top Colleges:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai
- JIPMER, Puducherry
3. Management (MBA)
About the Exam:
CAT is the premier entrance exam for admission to postgraduate management programs (MBA). It is conducted annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. The exam tests candidates on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
Courses Offered:
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP).
Top Colleges:
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) - Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, etc.
- Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University
- S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
- Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
4. Law
About the Exam:
CLAT is a national-level entrance exam for admissions to 5-year integrated undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. It is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities.
Courses Offered:
B.A. LL.B., B.B.A. LL.B., B.Sc. LL.B., LL.M.
Top Colleges (National Law Universities - NLUs):
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- National Academy of Legal Study and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
5. Design
About the Exam:
Conducted by the National Institute of Design, this two-stage exam (Prelims and Mains) tests creativity, drawing skills, and observation for admission to design courses.
Courses Offered:
Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Design (M.Des).
Top Colleges:
NID campuses in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru.
About the Exam:
This exam is for admission to design and fashion technology programs at NIFT campuses across India. It consists of a Creative Ability Test (CAT) and a General Ability Test (GAT).
Courses Offered:
B.Des (Fashion Design, Accessory Design, etc.), B.F.Tech (Apparel Production).
Top Colleges:
NIFT campuses in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Top State-Level Entrance Exams
Many states conduct their own entrance exams for admission to engineering, pharmacy, and other professional courses in colleges within that state.
- MHT CET (Maharashtra): For admissions to engineering and pharmacy courses.
- WBJEE (West Bengal): For admissions to undergraduate engineering, pharmacy, and architecture courses.
- KCET (Karnataka): For admissions to engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy courses.
- GUJCET (Gujarat): For admissions to degree engineering and pharmacy courses.
- TS EAMCET / AP EAPCET: For engineering, agriculture, and medical courses in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.