28 National & State Entrance Guides

Competitive Entrance Exams Guide

Comprehensive breakdowns of exam patterns, scoring schemes, syllabus weightage, cutoff percentiles, and preparation tips for JEE, NEET, CUET, CLAT, and more.

JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination Main)
EngineeringJanuary (Session 1) & April (Session 2)
National Testing Agency (NTA)

JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination Main)

The largest engineering entrance exam in India with 12+ lakh candidates annually. Serves as the single gateway for admission into 31 NITs, 26 IIITs, and ~38 GFTIs, and serves as the qualifying screening test for the top ~2.5 lakh candidates to appear in JEE Advanced for IITs.

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration3 Hours
Top: NIT TrichyPattern & Syllabus
JEE Advanced (IIT Entrance)
EngineeringMay / June
One of the 7 Zonal IITs on a rotatory basis

JEE Advanced (IIT Entrance)

Widely considered one of the most intellectually demanding undergraduate entrance examinations in the world. Tests deep conceptual physics, multi-concept mathematical calculus, and intricate reaction mechanisms. The sole gateway to all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration6 Hours Total
Top: IIT BombayPattern & Syllabus
BITSAT (BITS Pilani Admission Test)
EngineeringMay & June
BITS Pilani

BITSAT (BITS Pilani Admission Test)

Speed and accuracy based entrance exam for admission into B.Tech, B.Pharm, and M.Sc Integrated degrees across BITS Pilani (Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses). Features unique bonus questions for candidates who finish early.

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration3 Hours
Top: BITS Pilani (Pilani Campus)Pattern & Syllabus
VITEEE (VIT Engineering Entrance Exam)
EngineeringApril
VIT Vellore

VITEEE (VIT Engineering Entrance Exam)

Entrance examination for admission to B.Tech programs across VIT Vellore, VIT Chennai, VIT AP (Amaravati), and VIT Bhopal campuses, known for massive multinational IT placements and modern campus infrastructure.

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration2 Hours 30 Minutes
Top: VIT Vellore (Main Campus)Pattern & Syllabus
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
EngineeringFebruary
IISc Bangalore & 7 IITs on rotatory basis

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)

High-stakes national examination for admission into M.Tech and Ph.D. programs at IISc and IITs with MHRD monthly stipends (₹12,400/month), and the primary screening test for direct recruitment into top-paying Maharatna/Navratna PSUs (IOCL, ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, BARC, ISRO).

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration3 Hours
Top: IISc BangalorePattern & Syllabus
NIMCET (NIT MCA Common Entrance Test)
EngineeringJune
One of the participating NITs on rotatory basis

NIMCET (NIT MCA Common Entrance Test)

The national entrance exam for admission into the prestigious Master of Computer Applications (MCA) program across 10 National Institutes of Technology (NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, NIT Warangal, NIT Allahabad, etc.). NIT MCA graduates enjoy campus placement packages equal to B.Tech CS.

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration2 Hours
Top: NIT Trichy MCAPattern & Syllabus
MHT-CET (Maharashtra State CET)
State CETsApril - May
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra

MHT-CET (Maharashtra State CET)

The largest state-level entrance exam in Maharashtra for admission into prestigious engineering and pharmacy colleges including COEP Pune, VJTI Mumbai, SPIT Mumbai, and ICT Mumbai.

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration3 Hours
Top: VJTI MumbaiPattern & Syllabus
KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)
State CETsApril
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)

KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)

The primary state entrance exam for undergraduate Engineering, Technology, B.Pharm, Farm Science (B.Sc Agriculture), and Veterinary courses across Karnataka government, aided, and private engineering institutions.

Exam ModePen & Paper
Duration2 Days
Top: University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE Bangalore)Pattern & Syllabus
WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination)
State CETsApril
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board (WBJEEB)

WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination)

State-level engineering entrance for premier universities in West Bengal, most notably Jadavpur University (world-renowned for ultra-low tuition of ~₹10,000 for 4 years and median packages exceeding ₹20 LPA).

Exam ModePen & Paper
Duration4 Hours Total
Top: Jadavpur University KolkataPattern & Syllabus
COMEDK UGET (Karnataka Engineering Entrance)
State CETsMay
COMEDK Karnataka

COMEDK UGET (Karnataka Engineering Entrance)

Premier national-level entrance exam for admission into 190+ top private engineering colleges in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru's vibrant tech hub (RV College of Engineering, BMS College of Engineering, MS Ramaiah).

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration3 Hours
Top: R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE Bengaluru)Pattern & Syllabus
NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
MedicalMay
National Testing Agency (NTA)

NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

The single unified national medical entrance exam for admission into all 1,00,000+ MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, B.V.Sc, and AIIMS medical seats across India. Over 24 lakh medical aspirants compete annually in a single-day OMR test.

Exam ModePen & Paper
Duration3 Hours 20 Minutes
Top: AIIMS New DelhiPattern & Syllabus
NID DAT (National Institute of Design Aptitude Test)
Design & MediaJanuary (Prelims) & April/May (Mains)
National Institute of Design (NID Admissions Cell)

NID DAT (National Institute of Design Aptitude Test)

The pinnacle entrance examination for India’s premier design institution, the National Institute of Design (NID). Serves as the gateway for 4-Year Bachelor of Design (B.Des) across NID Ahmedabad, NID Bengaluru, NID Gandhinagar, NID Haryana, NID MP, NID Andhra Pradesh, and NID Assam.

Exam ModePen & Paper + Studio Test / Material Simulation
DurationPrelims: 3 Hours
Top: NID Ahmedabad (Main Heritage Campus)Pattern & Syllabus
UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design - IITs)
Design & MediaJanuary
IIT Bombay on behalf of participating IITs

UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design - IITs)

Conducted by IIT Bombay, UCEED is the premier technology-meets-design entrance for Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs at IIT Bombay (IDC), IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur, plus 30+ top private design colleges.

Exam ModeHybrid
Duration3 Hours
Top: IDC School of Design (IIT Bombay)Pattern & Syllabus
NIFT Entrance Examination
Design & MediaFebruary (Written) & April (Situation Test)
National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of NIFT

NIFT Entrance Examination

The definitive entrance exam for the 19 campuses of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) across India for degrees in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Knitwear, Fashion Communication, and Apparel Production.

Exam ModeHybrid
Duration5 Hours Total
Top: NIFT New DelhiPattern & Syllabus
NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)
Design & MediaApril - July
Council of Architecture (COA)

NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)

Mandatory national aptitude test administered by the Council of Architecture for admission into the 5-Year B.Arch degree across all accredited architecture colleges in India (excluding NITs/IITs which use JEE Paper 2).

Exam ModeHybrid
Duration3 Hours
Top: CEPT University AhmedabadPattern & Syllabus
NDA & NA Examination (UPSC)
Defence & Armed ForcesApril (NDA-I) & September (NDA-II)
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

NDA & NA Examination (UPSC)

The premier tri-service military academy entrance in India. Selected cadet officers undergo a 3-year joint training curriculum in Pune followed by specialized finishing academy training, commissioned as Lieutenants, Sub-Lieutenants, or Flying Officers.

Exam ModePen & Paper
Duration5 Hours Total
Top: National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla, Pune)Pattern & Syllabus
CDS Examination (Combined Defence Services - UPSC)
Defence & Armed ForcesApril (CDS-I) & September (CDS-II)
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

CDS Examination (Combined Defence Services - UPSC)

UPSC CDS is the premier competitive entrance exam for graduates seeking commissioned officer ranks in the Indian Armed Forces through the Indian Military Academy (IMA Dehradun), Indian Naval Academy (INA Ezhimala), Air Force Academy (AFA Dundigal), and Officers Training Academy (OTA Chennai).

Exam ModePen & Paper
DurationIMA/INA/AFA: 6 Hours
Top: Indian Military Academy (IMA Dehradun)Pattern & Syllabus
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
Defence & Armed ForcesFebruary (AFCAT 1) & August (AFCAT 2)
Indian Air Force (IAF)

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

Conducted by the Indian Air Force to recruit Class-1 Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. Shortlisted candidates attend the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview and Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS).

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration2 Hours
Top: Air Force Academy (AFA Dundigal, Hyderabad)Pattern & Syllabus
CA Foundation (ICAI Chartered Accountancy)
Commerce & ProfessionalJanuary, June, September
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)

CA Foundation (ICAI Chartered Accountancy)

The mandatory national entry-level examination for embarking on the prestigious Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification path in India. Tests accounting principles, corporate business laws, quantitative mathematics, and business economics.

Exam ModePen & Paper
Duration4 Papers across 4 Days
Top: ICAI (Enables direct progression to CA Intermediate Level & Articleship)Pattern & Syllabus
ICSI CS (Company Secretary - CSEET & Executive)
Commerce & ProfessionalJanuary, May, July, November (CSEET)
Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)

ICSI CS (Company Secretary - CSEET & Executive)

The premier professional credential for corporate governance, board compliance, securities law, mergers & acquisitions, and legal advisory across corporate India. Administered by ICSI under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980.

Exam ModeRemote Proctored / Computer Based
Duration2 Hours
Top: ICSI (Direct admission to CS Executive Programme followed by Management Training)Pattern & Syllabus
ICMAI CMA (Cost & Management Accountant)
Commerce & ProfessionalJune & December
Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)

ICMAI CMA (Cost & Management Accountant)

The statutory professional qualification for corporate cost management, pricing strategy, operational auditing, managerial accounting, and GST compliance across public and private sector enterprises in India.

Exam ModePen & Paper / Offline Centre Based
Duration4 Papers
Top: ICMAI (Direct eligibility to CMA Intermediate and mandatory 15-month practical corporate training)Pattern & Syllabus
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test - NLUs)
Law & GovernanceDecember
Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs)

CLAT (Common Law Admission Test - NLUs)

The premier entrance test for admission into 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India for the 5-Year Integrated BA LLB / BBA LLB programs. Renowned for its reading-intensive comprehension passages testing legal reasoning, logical deduction, and critical reading.

Exam ModePen & Paper
Duration2 Hours
Top: NLSIU Bangalore (Rank #1 NLU)Pattern & Syllabus
CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test)
University & GeneralMay - June
National Testing Agency (NTA)

CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test)

India’s largest multi-disciplinary university entrance exam. Gateway to 250+ Central, State, and Deemed Universities including Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jamia Millia Islamia, and Allahabad University.

Exam ModeHybrid / Multi-stage CBT & OMR
DurationSlot-based
Top: SRCC Delhi (B.Com Hons)Pattern & Syllabus
IPMAT (IIM Integrated Programme in Management Test)
ManagementMay
IIM Indore & IIM Rohtak (Conducted as separate respective tests)

IPMAT (IIM Integrated Programme in Management Test)

Prestigious undergraduate entrance test that allows 12th standard students to secure a seat at India's premier Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for an elite 5-Year Integrated BBA+MBA degree, bypassing the post-graduate CAT exam.

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration2 Hours
Top: IIM IndorePattern & Syllabus
CAT (Common Admission Test - IIMs)
ManagementNovember
One of the top IIMs on rotatory basis

CAT (Common Admission Test - IIMs)

India’s most competitive MBA entrance exam with 3.3+ lakh applicants competing for ~5,500 seats across all 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and top B-schools like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon.

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration2 Hours
Top: IIM AhmedabadPattern & Syllabus
UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS/IPS)
Civil Services & GovMay/June (Prelims) & September (Mains)
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS/IPS)

The most prestigious and competitive examination in India with over 10 lakh applicants competing for ~1,000 top bureaucratic positions including IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. Known for testing comprehensive knowledge, constitutional ethics, and leadership temperament.

Exam Mode3-Stage Examination
DurationYear-long 3-Stage Process
Top: LBSNAA Mussoorie (IAS Academy)Pattern & Syllabus
NCHMCT JEE (National Hotel Management Entrance)
Hospitality & ServicesMay
National Testing Agency (NTA)

NCHMCT JEE (National Hotel Management Entrance)

The national entrance examination for admission into the 3-Year B.Sc. in Hospitality & Hotel Administration (HHA) offered jointly by NCHMCT and IGNOU across 75+ premier Central, State, and Private Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs).

Exam ModeComputer Based
Duration3 Hours
Top: IHM Pusa (New Delhi - #1 Ranked IHM)Pattern & Syllabus
ICAR AIEEA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research Entrance)
Agriculture & Allied SciencesMay - June
National Testing Agency (NTA) through CUET UG

ICAR AIEEA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research Entrance)

The definitive all-India gateway for admission into 4-Year B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Community Science, Sericulture, Food Nutrition, and B.Tech Agricultural Engineering across 75+ State and Central Agricultural Universities (SAUs). Top rankers receive National Talent Scholarships (NTS).

Exam ModeComputer Based
DurationSlot-based Subject Tests
Top: IARI New Delhi (Indian Agricultural Research Institute)Pattern & Syllabus