Must-Know Exams After 12th (2025) – Don’t Miss These Career Launchers!

Choosing the right exams after 12th is crucial for shaping your future. This article explores the top 15 entrance and competitive exams across Science, Commerce, and Arts streams. From JEE and NEET to CLAT and NIFT, each exam opens doors to top colleges, careers, and a life you dream of.

Every year, over 12 million students in India complete their Class 12 board exams. And for most of them, the biggest question isn’t just “What’s next?” but “Which entrance exam should I prepare for?” Choosing from the overwhelming number of competitive exams after 12th can feel like navigating a maze.

Whether you’re from Science, Commerce, or Arts, the path ahead is filled with opportunities—but only if you know where to look.

According to a 2024 MHRD report, nearly 68% of Class 12 pass-outs appear for at least one national-level entrance test within six months of their results. That means you’re not alone—and the competition is real.

Competitive exams after 12th aren’t just tests—they’re gateways to top institutes and dream careers. Whether you aim for IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NLU, or NIFT, clearing the right entrance exam is your ticket in.

Quick Fact: Many top universities in India don’t offer admission based on Class 12 marks alone. They require entrance test scores, interviews, or aptitude assessments.

If you want a stable, respected, and well-paying job, exams after 12th are your launch pad.

Choosing the right exam begins with knowing your options. Here’s a quick, handy list of the top competitive exams after 12th for each stream—Science, Commerce, and Arts. Save this. Bookmark it. Share it with friends. Because this list is your starting point.

If you studied PCM or PCB, these are some of the top 10 competitive exams after 12th Science:

• Purpose: Engineering admissions (IITs, NITs, IIITs)
• Eligibility: PCM stream, 12th pass
• Frequency: Twice a year

Why it matters: Cracking JEE Advanced gets you into the IITs—India’s most prestigious engineering institutions.

• Purpose: MBBS, BDS, AYUSH admissions
• Eligibility: PCB stream
• Seats Available: Over 1.8 lakh (2024)

This is your gateway to becoming a doctor.

• Conducted by: BITS Pilani
• Focus: Engineering and sciences
• Highlight: Separate from JEE

• Private college engineering entrances
• Great backups if JEE doesn’t go your way

• For: Entry into Indian Army, Navy, Air Force
• Stream: Open to Science students (PCM)
• Bonus: Prepares you for a disciplined, prestigious life

Commerce students have no shortage of exams either. If you’re interested in finance, business, or law, these are the best picks.

• Scope: Central universities like DU, BHU, JNU
• Accepted by: 250+ universities
• Why It’s Hot: Reduces board exam pressure

• Start of the Chartered Accountancy journey
• Highly respected profession
• Requires dedication and numerical aptitude

• For students interested in cost accounting and management

• For budding Company Secretaries who want to manage corporate laws and governance

• For: 5-year Integrated Management courses (IIM Indore, Rohtak, Ranchi)
• Skillset Needed: Maths, reasoning, English
• Tip: Appealing for those who want an early start in business leadership

Arts is no longer limited to teaching or humanities. There are powerful competitive exams after 12th Arts that open dynamic, well-paying careers.

• For: Top law universities (NLUs)
• Scope: BA LLB
• Bonus: Great placement packages and international exposure

• For: Fashion design and technology
• Creative field, practical exposure

• Design aspirants’ top choice
• Highly competitive, but incredibly rewarding

• For: Students who want to join the hospitality industry
• Perks: Travel, hotel chains, cruise lines

• Yes, again. Arts students can use CUET to get into top liberal arts and social sciences programs.

Knowing which colleges accept each exam is just as important as knowing the exam itself. Because let’s be real—what’s the point of cracking an exam if you don’t know where it can take you?

Here’s a helpful breakdown of top colleges linked to the most popular exams after 12th—across Science, Commerce, and Arts streams.

📝 This also helps answer the question: “What are the best options after cracking these exams?”

Riya from Delhi, a PCB student, didn’t make it through NEET in her first attempt. “It shattered me,” she says. But she found a passion in forensic science through CUET and is now pursuing her BSc with a scholarship.

Arjun from Mumbai, wanted to join the army. Despite failing NDA once, he kept trying and finally made it through in his third attempt. “The uniform was worth every sleepless night,” he smiles.

Thousands of Indian students switch paths, reappear for exams, or discover new passions—all because they chose exams after 12th that aligned with their core.

Choosing the right exam after Class 12 isn’t about pressure or competition—it’s about discovery. Whether you’re from Science, Commerce, or Arts, there’s no one-size-fits-all. But if you start early, explore your interests, and stay consistent, your path will unfold—step by step.

The key is not just hard work, but the right direction. And your direction begins with the right entrance exam.

Want help choosing your best fit among exams after 12th? Drop your stream and interests in the comments, and we’ll help you out. 🎓