Choosing a career after Class 12 can feel overwhelming — and one of the most common questions students ask is: “How many entrance exams are there after 12th?” The answer isn’t a simple number — it depends on your stream, your career goals, and whether you want to study in India or abroad.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll break it down clearly and stream-wise to help you understand the diverse entrance exams available after 12th, so you can plan your next steps with confidence.
🔬 Entrance Exams for Science Students
Students from the Science stream have a wide range of entrance exams available after 12th, covering everything from engineering and medicine to defense services.
🚀 Engineering Entrance Exams
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JEE Main & Advanced – For admission to NITs, IITs, and other top engineering colleges.
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BITSAT – For BITS Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses.
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VITEEE, SRMJEEE, MET – Private university engineering exams.
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MHT CET, WBJEE, KCET – State-level engineering entrance exams.
🏥 Medical Entrance Exams
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NEET (UG) – Mandatory for MBBS, BDS, and other medical fields in India.
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AIIMS, JIPMER – Previously separate exams, now merged under NEET.
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ICAR AIEEA UG – For admission in agriculture and allied sciences.
🪖 Defense Exams
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NDA (National Defense Academy) – For entry into Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
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Indian Navy B.Tech Entry Scheme – For students aspiring to join as engineers in the Navy.
If you’re wondering how many entrance exams are there after 12th science, the number easily crosses 20+ major national and state-level options.
📊 Entrance Exams for Commerce Students
Commerce students have a variety of professional and management paths to pursue through entrance exams.
📚 Professional Course Exams
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CA Foundation – Entry-level exam for Chartered Accountancy.
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CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) – For Company Secretary course.
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CMA Foundation – For becoming a Cost & Management Accountant.
🏢 Business & Management Exams
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DU JAT (Delhi University Joint Admission Test) – For BBA/BMS programs.
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IPMAT (IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak) – For 5-year Integrated MBA programs.
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NPAT (NMIMS) – For BBA, B.Com, B.Sc Finance, etc.
⚖️ Law Exams for Commerce Students
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CLAT – For integrated BBA+LLB programs.
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AILET, LSAT India – For other top law colleges.
So, how many entrance exams are there after 12th commerce? At least 15 major exams open the door to professional, legal, and business careers.
🎨 Entrance Exams for Arts/Humanities Students
Students from Arts and Humanities also have a range of competitive exams to choose from.
⚖️ Law Exams
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CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) – For top National Law Universities.
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AILET, SLAT, LSAT India – Other law school entrance exams.
🧵 Design & Fashion Exams
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NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) – For fashion design courses.
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NID (National Institute of Design) – For product/industrial design.
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UCEED – For design courses at IITs.
🎤 Media & Communication Exams
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IIMC Entrance Exam – For journalism and mass communication.
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CUET – Offers programs in journalism, education, psychology, and more.
So, how many entrance exams are there after 12th arts? Easily over 15 prominent exams, each offering a unique career direction.
🌐 Common Entrance Exams Open to All Streams
🎓 CUET (Common University Entrance Test)
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Applicable for students of all streams.
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Required by central universities like Delhi University, BHU, JNU, and more.
✈️ International Exams
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SAT, ACT – For admission to universities abroad.
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IELTS, TOEFL – For English language proficiency.
These exams cater to students asking not only “how many entrance exams are there after 12th in India”, but also those who wish to study abroad.
🧭 Tips to Choose the Right Entrance Exam
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✅ Assess Your Interests & Strengths – Don’t just follow trends.
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✅ Research Career Outcomes – Know what each course leads to.
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✅ Check Eligibility & Deadlines – Stay updated on age limits and subjects required.
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✅ Plan for Multiple Exams If Needed – Some students prepare for 2-3 exams simultaneously.
📌 Conclusion:
So, How Many Entrance Exams Are There After 12th?
There isn’t one fixed number. Depending on your stream, interests, and goals, there are 30+ major entrance exams after 12th — and many more niche or state-level tests. This guide has given you a comprehensive overview, and now it’s up to you to decide the path that best fits your passion and ambition.
Whether it’s NEET, JEE, CLAT, CUET, or SAT, the opportunities are endless — you just have to take the first step.