Students in 11th and 12th grades with a science background, along with their parents, often find themselves asking, “What should we pursue next?” and “How can we gain admission to the best colleges in India?” This question is particularly important for those considering a career in engineering.

Entrance exams are one of the most reliable ways for students to enrol in their desired engineering colleges in India, as they also provide opportunities for scholarships and other forms of financial aid. Depending on one’s goals and aspirations, there are several engineering entrance exams that students can take after completing 12th grade. While JEE Main and JEE Advanced are the most prominent, there are also various national, state-level, and university-specific exams as well. Knowing these options early on can make the process smoother and help with preparation.

In this blog, you will learn about some of the major engineering entrance exams in India and how students can determine which ones are worth taking.

Complete List of all Engineering Entrance Exams After 12th in India

Engineering entrance exams are conducted to assess students’ understanding of subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, although the exact pattern varies from exam to exam. For PCM students, these examinations nearly over 25 in India that provide routes to engineering colleges. Some are conducted nationally, while others are limited to a particular state or university.

Here are a few major exams students should appear for after Class 12, depending largely on the college, course, and difficulty level.

S No.	Exam Name	Purpose	Eligibility	Test Date
1	JEE Main- Paper 1 (Joint Entrance Examination)	For admission in B.E. / B.Tech Courses in NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, State Engineering Colleges	10+2 with PCM	January and April
2	JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Examination)	For admission in Bachelor’s or Integrated Master’s Dual Degree in Engineering at IIT’s	Candidate must rank in the top 2.5 lakh in JEE Main 2026, be born on or after October 1, 2001, and have a maximum of two consecutive attempts	May and June
3	BITSAT (BITS Aptitude Test)	For admission in BE at Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad and Dubai campus	10+2 with PCM	April, May
4	VITEEE (VIT-Engineering Entrance Exam)	For admission in B.Tech. at VIT Multicampus	10+2 with PCM/B	3rd week of April
5	SRMJEEE (UG) (SRM-Joint Engineering Entrance Exam)	For admission in B.Tech. Programs at SRM Group of Institutes, Multicampus	10+2 with PCM/B	April, June & July
6	NMIMS-CET (Common Entrance Test)	For admission in B.Tech+MBA programs at Narsee Monjee, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Indore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Shirpur Campuses	10+2 PCM	Multiple dates as per application between January to May
7	MET (Manipal Entrance Test)	For admission in B.Tech. at at MAHE, Multicampus	Must secure average of 50% marks combined in Physics, Mathematics and English as compulsory subjects and Chemistry or Biotechnology or Biology or any technical vocational subject.	Last week of April & May
8	MHT-CET (Maharashtra Technical Common Entrance Test)	For admission in B.E. & B.Tech. in all Govt., Govt. Aided, & Affiliated Pvt. Engineering Colleges in Maharashtra	10+2 with PCM	2nd and 3rd week of May
9	KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)	For admission in B.E. & B.Tech. in all Govt. & Affiliated Engineering Colleges in Karnataka	10+2 with PCM	third or fourth week of April
10	KIIT-EE (KIIT- Entrance Test)	For admission B. Tech. courses at KIIT- Bhubaneshwar	10+2 with PCM	April, May
11	AP-EAPCET (Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture &Pharmacy Common Entrance Test)	For admission in all B. Tech. courses across engineering colleges in Andhra Pradesh	10+2 with PCM	May
12	WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam)	For admission in all B. Tech. courses across engineering colleges in West Bengal	10+2 with PCM	Last week of April
13	UPESEAT (UPES Engineering Aptitude Test)	For admission in B.Tech. at UPES Dehradun	10+2 with PCM	April, May, June, July
14	BV-BTECH CET (Common Entrance Test)	For admissions in B.Tech. programs at Bharati Vidyapeeth, Multicampus	10+2 with PCM	First week of August
15	TS-EAMCET E (Engineering Agriculture & Medical Common Entrance Test) Engineering	For admission in BE / B.Tech. across Universities in Telangana	10+2 with PCM	3rd week of May
16	GUJCET (Gujarat Common Entrance Test)	For admission in B.E programs across Engineering Colleges and Universities in Gujarat	10+2 with PCM	1st week of April
17	CUET (Christ University Entrance Test)	For admission in B.Tech. Programs at Christ University-Bangalore Kengeri Campus	10+2 with PCM	Multiple cycles from February to
18	KALSEE (Kalinga Scholastic Entrance Examination)	For admission in B.Tech. Programs at Kalinga University, Chhattisgarh	10+2 with PCM	Multiple Dates as per Application
19	AMU-ET (Aligarh Muslim Univ. Entrance Test)	For admission in B.Tech. Programs at Aligarh Muslim University	10+2 with PCM	Mid May
20	PAU-CET (Common Entrance Test)	For admission in B.Tech. Biotechnology and Food Technology at Punjab Agriculture University	10+2 with PCM	Last week of July
21	CG-PET (Pre-Engineering Test)	For admission in B.Tech. Dairy Technology Course at Colleges in Chhattisgarh	10+2 with PCM	Last week of June
22	SNUSAT +APT (Scholastic Aptitude Test + Academic Proficiency Test)	For admission in B.Tech. Programs at Shiv Nadar University,, Delhi & Chennai	10+2 with PCM	April, May and June
23	SITEEE (Engineering Entrance Exam)	For admission in B.Tech Programs at Symbiosis	10+2 with PCM	Multiple dates in May
24	MITWPU-CET (MITWPU – Common Entrance Test )	For admission in 6 year Integrated B.Tech programs at MITWPU, Pune	10+2 with PCM	Multiple dates as per application
25	SRU-AIEE (SRU All India Entrance Examination)	For admissions in B.Tech Programs at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai	10+2 with PCM	Mid April
26	SPPU–OEE (Online Entrance Exam)	For admission in B.Tech.(Aviation) at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune	10+2 with PCM	4th week of June
27	KEAM (Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical	For admission in B.Tech. Degree courses affiliated to various Universities in Kerala	10+2 with PCM	3rd week of May

Note: Please keep in mind that the information can change, so it’s a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date details and to make sure everything is accurate.

Top 10 Engineering Entrance Exams In India After 12th Grade

The list is not exhaustive, but some of the top engineering entrance exams that students commonly consider.

1. JEE Main

JEE Main is one of the key engineering entrance examinations in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is used for admission to several centrally funded engineering institutions, including NITs and IIITs.

For students aiming at India’s most recognised engineering institutes, JEE Main is often the first examination they prepare for. It also plays an important role. Performance in JEE Main is used to determine eligibility for JEE Advanced.

For the 2026 examination, the official JEE Advanced criteria required candidates to be among the top 2,50,000 successful candidates in the BE/BTech paper of JEE Main, subject to the other eligibility conditions.

Students should always check the latest NTA information bulletin before applying because eligibility, dates, and other requirements change from year to year.

2. JEE Advanced

If IITs are your target, JEE Advanced is the examination you need to know about.

JEE Advanced is conducted for admission to undergraduate programmes at the Indian Institutes of Technology. It is not an examination that every Class 12 student can directly take. Students first need to meet the JEE Main-based eligibility requirements and then fulfil the remaining criteria prescribed for that particular year.

The exam is known for its challenging questions and tests how well students can apply concepts rather than simply remember formulas. For students aiming for the best engineering entrance exam, there is no universal answer.

But for someone specifically targeting an IIT, JEE Advanced is clearly one of the most important exams to consider. The official 2026 website also lists the participating IITs and the admission process through JoSAA.

3. BITSAT

BITSAT is the entrance examination for undergraduate programmes at the Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) campuses. It is a popular alternative for students who want to explore engineering options beyond the IIT-NIT route.

The examination tests subjects including Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, along with other components as prescribed for the examination. One advantage of keeping BITSAT on your list is that you are preparing for a university-specific examination while also keeping another strong engineering admission route open.

Students interested in BITS should check the official BITS admission information for the latest eligibility criteria, application schedule, and examination details.

4. VITEEE

VITEEE stands for VIT Engineering Entrance Examination and is conducted for admission to undergraduate engineering programmes at the VIT group of institutions.

For the 2026 admission cycle, VIT states that VITEEE is mandatory for BTech admission and that JEE Main or Class 12 board scores are not considered in place of VITEEE for its BTech admissions.

The examination is computer-based and includes sections covering Mathematics or Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Aptitude and English. The official 2026 information lists 125 questions and a duration of two and a half hours.

This makes VITEEE an important option for students who are specifically considering VIT campuses.

5. MHT CET

MHT CET is an important state-level examination for students looking at engineering admissions in Maharashtra. The exam is particularly relevant to students who want to study in Maharashtra and are considering the wide range of government, autonomous, and private engineering institutions participating in the state’s admission process.

MHT CET should not be treated simply as a “backup” to JEE Main. For students who have a clear preference for Maharashtra, it can be a major part of their admission strategy.

The 2026 admission cycle also shows why students need to keep track of the counselling process after the examination. Maharashtra’s final merit list for BE/BTech admissions was released in July 2026, followed by the Centralised Admission Process (CAP).

6. WBJEE

The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination, commonly known as WBJEE, is another important state-level examination. It is primarily relevant to students seeking admission to engineering, technology and related undergraduate programmes in participating institutions in West Bengal.

Students who want to study in the state should check the current WBJEE eligibility rules, syllabus and participating colleges before deciding whether to apply.

7. KCET

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is another major option among engineering entrance exams in India. It is particularly relevant for students looking for engineering admissions in Karnataka.

The exam covers subjects such as Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for engineering aspirants.

Students should remember that qualifying an examination is only one part of the process. College choices, counselling, eligibility and seat availability also play an important role in final admission.

8. COMEDK UGET

COMEDK UGET is conducted for admission to participating engineering colleges in Karnataka. It can be particularly useful for students who want to explore private engineering colleges in the state. Since it is a separate admission route, students may consider it alongside JEE Main and other relevant examinations.

Before applying, candidates should check the current list of participating institutions and the admission rules for the year in which they are seeking admission.

9. MET

The Manipal Entrance Test (MET) is another university-level entrance examination that engineering aspirants can consider. It is associated with engineering admissions under Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Students interested in Manipal’s programmes should look at the specific campuses, branches, eligibility requirements and admission process rather than choosing the exam simply because it is popular.

10. SRMJEEE

SRMJEEE is the entrance examination associated with BTech admissions at SRM institutions.

It is another option for students who want to keep university-level engineering admissions open while preparing for larger national or state examinations.

As with other university-specific exams, students should compare the programme, campus, fees, placements and branch options before making a final decision.

Upcoming Engineering Entrance Exams: Important Details for Students to Keep in Mind

Simply knowing the exam names is not enough; they should also stay informed about important timelines and admission requirements to avoid missing valuable opportunities.
Another important point is that exam patterns, eligibility criteria, and schedules can change from year to year. Therefore, students and parents should always verify details through the official websites of the respective examination authorities.
It is wise to identify target colleges early and prepare a list of the entrance exams that align with those goals.
Entrance exam preparation should go hand in hand with Class 11 and 12 academics.
With proper planning, regular preparation, and timely tracking of important dates, students can approach the engineering admission process with greater confidence

Which Engineering Entrance Exam Is Best After 12th?

This is probably one of the first questions students ask, but there isn’t one best engineering entrance exam after 12th science for everyone.

If your goal is an IIT, JEE Advanced is the relevant route.
If you are targeting NITs, IIITs and other participating institutions, JEE Main is important.
If you have a particular university in mind, its own entrance examination may be more relevant.
Similarly, students who want to study in a particular state may benefit from appearing for that state’s entrance examination.
In other words, the best entrance exam after 12th science is usually the one that matches your preferred colleges and courses.

How Many Engineering Entrance Exams Should You Take?

You don’t have to appear for every examination you hear about.

A better approach is to create three categories:

Primary exams: The exams linked to your first-choice colleges.
Secondary options: Exams that give you access to other good colleges and branches.
Backup options: Exams that provide additional admission opportunities if your first choices don’t work out.

For example, a student could prepare seriously for JEE Main while also applying for one or two university-level exams and a relevant state-level examination.

The idea is not to collect application forms. It is to create realistic options.

How Should PCM Students Prepare?

For students looking for an entrance exam for PCM students, the good news is that there is considerable overlap in the syllabus of many engineering examinations. Start with the basics of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Once your concepts are clear, move towards previous-year questions, timed practice and mock tests.

Don’t prepare for every exam as though it has a completely different syllabus. Instead, understand the common concepts first and then spend some time learning the specific pattern of each examination.

Most importantly, don’t ignore your Class 12 studies while preparing for entrance tests. A strong understanding of school-level concepts can help with competitive examinations too.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an engineering entrance exam can feel overwhelming due to the numerous names, dates, and admission rules to keep track of. However, the process becomes much simpler when you start by focusing on the college and course you actually want to pursue.

While JEE Main and JEE Advanced are major national-level examinations, they are not your only options. Other exams you might consider include BITSAT, VITEEE, MHT CET, WBJEE, KCET, COMEDK, MET, and SRMJEEE.

Instead of asking which exam is the best engineering entrance exam, it’s more useful to ask: Which examination provides the right path to the college and engineering branch I want?

This slight shift in perspective can make your preparation more focused and clarify your college options. If you’re seeking more insights, Boardingschoolsofindia.com offers valuable information on this topic. Additionally, if you want a supportive study environment with peers and full assistance from education professionals, you should explore some of the best boarding schools known for competitive exam preparation or consult our counsellors for personalised guidance on these institutions.