Explore Your Options Beyond School Boards

After Class 12, choosing the right entrance exam is a big step toward your future career. Whether you’re aiming for a degree in science, commerce, humanities, or engineering, here are the top entrance exams you should know about.

 

  1. CUET – Common University Entrance Test

A single entrance test for admission to central universities and many top colleges.

  • CUET is a national-level exam introduced under the New Education Policy (NEP)for admissions in Central Universities and other prominent universities.
  • Conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) for undergraduate programs in Humanities, Commerce, Science, and even Law.
  • 260+ universities participated in CUET 2025—including Delhi University, BHU, and more.

How CUET Works:

CUET combines 3 different tests into one:

  • Section 1: English Language Test
    It Includes grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension (different from CBSE Board English).
  • Section 2: Domain Subjects
    Based on Class 12 NCERT syllabus. You can choose subjects even if you didn’t study them in school.
  • Section 3: General Test
    Includes basic math, reasoning, GK, and mental ability.

 Students can choose up to 5 subjects from three sections.

 Students need to be very careful while choosing subjects as the admission criteria of each university is different.

 Results are given separately for each subject.

 After result students have to apply for counselling process separately in universities of their choice.

 Note: Most schools don’t teach General Test or CUET English skills, so you may need extra preparation outside regular classes.

 

 Winds of Change: NEP 2020 Highlights

The New Education Policy is transforming education in India:

  • Four-Year UG Degrees: Choose between a 3-year general degree or a 4-year Honours degree with research.
  • Mix and Match Courses: Want to study Humanities + Engineering? Now you can!
  • Academic Bank of Credit (ABC): Store credits earned from different colleges and transfer them easily.
  • Compulsory Indian Language in Class 12: Promotes Indian languages and culture (likely Hindi for most schools).
  • No Coaching Below Age 16: To reduce early pressure and focus on learning in schools.

 

  1. BITSAT – BITS Admission Test

For students aiming to study at the prestigious BITS Pilani, Goa, or Hyderabad campuses.

Key Facts:

  • Online test conducted twice a year.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & English Proficiency.
  • Minimum eligibility: 75% in PCM (Class 12 Boards).
  • Board Toppers get direct admission, regardless of BITSAT scores.
  • Difficulty: Moderate.

 Results are given as raw scores (marks).

 

  1. JEE – Joint Entrance Exam

For students aiming to study Engineering at IITs, NITs, IIITs, or other top colleges.

Two Stages:

  • JEE Main
    • Conducted twice a year (Jan & May).
    • Duration: 3 hours, online.
    • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Math.
    • Difficulty: Moderate.
    • Result: Percentile scores (normalized, not actual marks).
  • JEE Advanced
    • Only for those who qualify JEE Main.
    • Required for admission to IITs & IISc.
    • Held once a year.
    • Difficulty: High.

 

 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re aiming for top colleges through CUET, BITSAT, or JEE, the key is to understand the exam pattern early and start preparing smartly. With the new changes under NEP, students now have more flexibility, more choices, and better mobility in their higher education journey.