Top Engineering Entrance Exams in India After 12th | A Complete Guide

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Engineering entrance exams are one of the most sought-after entrances after 12th boards. The mere fact that engineering has numerous disciplines governing the job market is what makes this particular entrance exam popular amongst students. With a rapid rise in technological advancements, new interdisciplinary options are emerging for engineering students to experiment in. This makes it an exciting and progressive career.

This article talks about top engineering entrance exams in India for students after completing their 12th standard, with a few preparation tips and a few other things to keep in mind.

What Are Engineering Entrance Exams after 12th?

Engineering entrance exams after 12th are competitive tests conducted to select candidates for undergraduate engineering programs (like B.E., B.Tech) across government and private institutions in India. These exams assess a student’s proficiency in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main

JEE Main is a national-level engineering entrance exam for admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and eligibility screening for JEE Advanced (for IITs).

Conducting Body

Organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA), usually held twice a year (January & April sessions).

Eligibility

• Passed Class 12 (or appearing) with Physics, Chemistry, and Math
• Maximum 3 consecutive years of attempts (6 attempts if all sessions used)

Exam Pattern of JEE Main 

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Paper 1 – B.E./B.Tech (for engineering aspirants)
• Paper 2A – B.Arch
• Paper 2B – B.Planning
• Subjects (Paper 1): Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Question Types: MCQs & Numerical Value Type
• Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, −1 for wrong MCQ

Syllabus

• Based on NCERT Class 11 & 12 syllabus in PCM subjects.
• Focuses on speed, accuracy, and application of concepts.

Difficulty Level

• Moderate to high; less conceptual depth than JEE Advanced but tests accuracy, speed, and conceptual clarity.

Admission Scope

• Entry to 31 NITs, 26 IIITs, and 38 GFTIs
• Also used by many private and state-level engineering colleges
• Acts as a gateway to JEE Advanced

Counselling

• Conducted via Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) and Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) based on JEE Main All India Rank.

Why It Matters? 

JEE Main is India’s largest engineering entrance exam, offering access to top technical institutes and diverse career paths in engineering.

Stay updated! Head over to the official JEE Main website for the most recent news and information.

Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced

JEE Advanced is a national-level engineering entrance exam conducted annually in India for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and a few other top engineering institutes.

Who Conducts It?

It is conducted by one of the IITs on a rotational basis under the supervision of the Joint Admission Board (JAB).

Eligibility Criteria

Only the top 2.5 lakh rank holders of JEE Main are eligible to appear. Candidates must have:

• Qualified JEE Main
• Passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in the previous or current year
• Not attempted JEE Advanced more than twice in consecutive years

Exam Pattern

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Papers: 2 compulsory papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Question Types: MCQs, Numerical Answer Type, and Matching-type questions
• Marking Scheme: Varies each year (including negative marking in some sections)

Syllabus

Covers Class 11 and Class 12 topics from:

• Physics (e.g., Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism)
• Chemistry (Physical, Organic & Inorganic)
• Mathematics (Algebra, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, etc.)
  

(Note: Syllabus slightly differs from JEE Main; JEE Advanced is conceptually deeper.)

Difficulty Level

• Known for being highly challenging and concept-intensive
• Focuses more on analytical thinking, problem-solving, and depth of understanding

Admission Scope

Admission to 23 IITs, including top ones like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras. Also accepted by institutes like:

• IISc Bangalore (via JoSAA counseling)
• IISERs, IIST, and some foreign universities

Counselling & Admission

• Through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority)
• Based on All India Rank (AIR) in JEE Advanced

Importance of JEE Advanced

It is India’s most competitive and prestigious engineering exam. Cracking it can open doors to world-class engineering education, research opportunities, and high-paying jobs and placements. 

Stay updated! Head over to the official JEE Advanced website for the most recent news and information.

Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Exam (VITEEE)

VITEEE is an entrance exam conducted by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) for admission into B.Tech (Engineering) programs offered at its various campuses:

• VIT Vellore (Tamil Nadu)
• VIT Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
• VIT Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
• VIT-AP (Andhra Pradesh)

Conducting Body

The exam is conducted by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) annually in online mode (Computer-Based Test).

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for VITEEE, candidates must:

• Have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent)
• Have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology
• Have scored at least 60% aggregate (50% for SC/ST and certain state board students)

Exam Pattern

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Questions: 125
• Mathematics / Biology: 40 questions
• Physics: 35 questions
• Chemistry: 35 questions
• English: 5 questions
• Aptitude: 10 questions
• +1 for each correct answer
• No negative marking

Syllabus

The VITEEE syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum of Class 11 and 12, covering:

• Physics: Laws of Motion, Electromagnetism, Optics, etc.
• Chemistry: Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry topics
• Math/Biology: Algebra, Calculus / Genetics, Human Physiology (respectively)
• English: Grammar, Reading Comprehension
• Aptitude: Logical and analytical reasoning

Difficulty Level

• Generally easier than JEE Main
• Focuses on speed, accuracy, and concept clarity
• No negative marking allows students to attempt more freely

Admission Scope

• Admission to various B.Tech programmes at VIT Vellore (most competitive), VIT Chennai, VIT Bhopal and VIT-AP (Amaravati).
• Campus and branch allocation depends on the rank/score and preference filling.

Counselling & Admission Process

• After results, VIT conducts online counselling based on VITEEE rank
• Candidates choose their preferred course and campus during the process
• Seats are allotted based on rank, preferences, and availability

Importance of VITEEE

• Offers a high-quality private engineering education without needing JEE Main
• VIT is NAAC A++ accredited, has strong placement records, and international collaborations
• Ideal for students aiming for top private engineering colleges in India

Stay updated! Head over to the official VITEEE website for the most recent news and information.

Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT)

BITSAT is an online computer-based entrance exam conducted by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani for admission into its integrated first-degree programs (like B.E., B.Pharm, and M.Sc) at campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad.

Conducting Body

Conducted annually by BITS Pilani, one of India’s premier private institutes.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (for engineering courses) or Biology (for pharmacy).
• Minimum aggregate marks required in PCM or PCB (usually 75% overall and 60% in each subject) from a recognized board.

Exam Pattern

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (online)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Total Questions: 150
• Sections & Questions:
• Physics: 40 questions
• Chemistry: 40 questions
• Mathematics/Biology: 45 questions (depending on the course)
• English Proficiency: 15 questions
• Logical Reasoning: 10 questions
• +3 marks for correct answers
• −1 mark for incorrect answers
• No marks for unattempted questions

Syllabus

• Based on NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
• Includes English proficiency and logical reasoning to test communication and analytical skills.

Difficulty Level

• Considered moderately difficult — more application-oriented than JEE Main but less conceptually deep than JEE Advanced.
• Tests speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills.

Admission Scope

• Admission to BITS campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad.
• Programs offered include various B.E., B.Pharm, and M.Sc degrees.
• BITSAT scores are not used for other colleges; admission is strictly to BITS campuses.

Counselling & Admission

• Admission is based solely on BITSAT scores and Class 12 marks.
• Candidates must also meet minimum marks criteria in their qualifying exams.
• There is a separate admission process for direct admission to board toppers.

Importance of BITSAT

• Provides a gateway to one of India’s most prestigious private engineering institutes known for academic excellence and research.
• Strong placements, campus facilities, and global collaborations.
• Unique test format combining technical and aptitude sections.

Stay updated! Head over to the official BITSAT website for the most recent news and information.

SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Examination (SRMJEEE)

SRMJEEE is the engineering entrance exam conducted by SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) for admission to its various B.Tech programs across its campuses in India.

Conducting Body

The exam is conducted annually by SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), which has campuses in Chennai, Kattankulathur, Ramapuram, NCR (Delhi-NCR), and Amaravati.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology as main subjects.
• Minimum aggregate marks (usually 50% or above) in Class 12 are required (may vary slightly by category or campus).

Exam Pattern

• Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test) or sometimes offline in certain centers.
• Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, and English
• Total Questions: Usually around 125–150 questions
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Marking Scheme: Typically +1 for correct answers, no negative marking

Syllabus

• Based on Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology.
• English questions test comprehension and grammar basics.

Difficulty Level

• Considered moderate in difficulty, easier than JEE Advanced, and comparable or slightly easier than JEE Main.
• Focuses on conceptual clarity and speed.

Admission Scope

• Admission to various B.Tech and integrated engineering courses at SRM campuses across India.
• Programs cover popular specializations like Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Biotechnology, etc.

Counselling & Admission

• Admission is based on SRMJEEE ranks and marks in Class 12.
• Counselling is conducted online by SRMIST with seat allotment based on merit and preferences.

Importance of SRMJEEE

• SRM is a reputed private university with good infrastructure, faculty, and placements.
• SRMJEEE provides a straightforward path for engineering aspirants who may not clear JEE or prefer a private university.
• Known for its flexible admission process and multiple campus options.

Stay updated! Head over to the official SRMJEEE website for the most recent news and information.

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT)

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) is the engineering faculty of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), one of India’s leading private universities. Established in 1957, MIT offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in engineering and technology.

Academic Programs

• Undergraduate: B.Tech in various specializations such as Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.
• Postgraduate: M.Tech, MBA (Tech Management), and PhD programs.
• Offers interdisciplinary programs and research opportunities.

Admission Process

• Admissions are primarily through the MET (Manipal Entrance Test) conducted by MAHE.
• Also accepts scores of JEE Main and other national-level exams for some seats.
• Eligibility: Passed Class 12 with PCM subjects and minimum marks as per university norms.

Entrance Exam (MET)

• Computer-based test covering Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/ Biology, and English.
• Tests concepts from Class 11 and 12.
• Conducted multiple times a year (usually two sessions) with flexible dates.

Syllabus

• Based on NCERT syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology.
• English questions test grammar and comprehension.

Reputation & Rankings

• Consistently ranked among the top private engineering colleges in India.
• Known for good faculty, infrastructure, and placement records.

Placements & Career Opportunities

• Strong placement cell with tie-ups across industries such as IT, manufacturing, core engineering, and startups.
• Top recruiters include companies like Microsoft, Amazon, TCS, Infosys, L&T, and more.
• Average and highest salary packages vary by branch and year but are competitive.

Research & Innovation

• Encourages student and faculty research projects.
• Collaboration with industries and international universities for research and development.
• Centers of excellence in emerging technology areas.

Stay updated! Head over to the official MIT website for the most recent news and information.

Consortium of Medical, Engineering & Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK)

COMEDK UGET is a state-level entrance exam conducted for admission to undergraduate engineering programs at private unaided engineering colleges in Karnataka.
It is organized by the Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK).

Conducting Body

• Conducted by COMEDK (Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka)
• Supervised by KUPECA (Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association)

Purpose of the Exam

• To provide a single, unified entrance test for over 150+ private engineering colleges in Karnataka.
• Medical and dental admissions under COMEDK are now handled through NEET, but engineering admissions still use COMEDK UGET.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Indian citizens only
• Qualification: Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects
• Minimum Marks: 45% (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates of Karnataka)
• Must have passed individually in all subjects

Exam Pattern

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Total Questions: 180 (60 from each subject)
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Marking Scheme: +1 for the correct answer, no negative marking

Syllabus

• Based on CBSE Class 11 & 12 syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
• Emphasizes conceptual understanding and application

Difficulty Level

• Moderate, suitable for students targeting private engineering colleges
• Easier than JEE Advanced and slightly less intense than JEE Main

Counselling & Admission Process

• Centralized online counselling conducted by COMEDK
• Seat allotment is based on COMEDK UGET rank, choice filling, and availability of seats
• Includes document verification and tuition fee payment stages

Importance of COMEDK UGET

• A key exam for students across India looking to pursue B.Tech in reputed private colleges in Karnataka
• Helps bypass state-level domicile requirements of KCET
• Offers a wide range of colleges and branches under a single exam

Stay updated! Head over to the official COMEDK UGET website for the most recent news and information.

Engineering Entrance Exams- Subject Details

The syllabus for engineering entrance exams revolves around three main subjects: physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Here, we will look at each subject and the trend of questions followed in the past years. This gives a clear idea of which topics are more important to help you fetch more marks.

However, you must keep in mind that such trends change with time. So, under no circumstances should you consider skipping topics that have a low weightage in the recent trends.

1. Physics

Physics is considered to be one of the toughest sections in any engineering entrance exam. Mastering the subject takes regular dedication and practice. This section is helpful if you want to boost your marks high enough to secure a good rank. Some of the most important and regular topics from physics include: 

• Modern Physics (a good number of questions are asked/ highly scoring)
• EMI, AC/EM waves and Communication 
• Mechanics, Magnetic effects (a good number of questions are asked/ highly scoring)
• Current Electricity
• Electrostatics
• Heat and Thermodynamics 
• Ray and wave optics 
• Gravitation and rotational mechanics

2. Chemistry

It is important for you to pay equal attention to all three sections of Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry. Physical Chemistry constitutes a major part of the questions, followed by Organic and Inorganic.

Physical Chemistry requires a thorough understanding of the formulae and their practical application. Inorganic chemistry involves the periodic tables, trends, chemical reactions, balancing, atomic structure, bonding, and metallurgy. Organic Chemistry covers compounds, elements, and chemical bonding.

Fun and Learn! 

Mnemonic for Electronegativity Trends:

"Funky Chicken, Never Paint Zebras Black"

Fluorine, Chlorine, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Zinc, Bromine

Mnemonic for Diatomics on the Periodic Table:

"Have No Fear Of Ice Cold Beer"

Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Fluorine, Oxygen, Iodine, Chlorine, Bromine

Some of the most important and regular topics from chemistry include: 

• Oxygen-containing organic compounds
• Biomolecules and polymers
• P, D, and F block elements
• Coordination compounds
• Surface chemistry
• Basic principles of organic chemistry
• Hydrogen and S block elements
• Chemical bonding

3. Mathematics

Although many students consider mathematics to be a tough nut to crack, mathematics can be a scoring section of entrance exams. Once you understand the basic concepts and derivations of formulae, all you need is practice to gain speed. You need to solve questions quickly, ensuring that you pay equal attention to accuracy.

Algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, and calculus are considered to be some of the important, recurring mathematics topics in engineering entrance exams. Special emphasis must be laid on learning these from scratch. Some of the most important topics are: 

• Matrices and determinants
• 3-D Coordinate geometry
• Quadratic equations
• Inequalities
• Progressions
• Conics
• Indefinite and definite integrals and area under the curve
• Applications of derivatives
• Limits, Continuity, and Differentiability

Reference books for Engineering Entrance Exams

Physics

• NCERT Physics books 1 and 2
• Concepts of Physics by H.C.Verma
• Problems in General Physics by I.E.Irodov
• Arihant Physics/ IIT-JEE Physics by D.C.Pandey
• Fundamentals of Physics by Resnick, Halliday and Walker

Chemistry

• NCERT Chemistry books 1 and 2
• Physical and Organic Chemistry by O.P. Tandon
• Numerical Chemistry by P. Bahadur
• Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee

Mathematics

• NCERT Mathematics Part 1 and 2
• Class 11th and 12th Mathematics by R.D. Sharma
• Trigonometry and Geometry by S.L. Loney
• Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight
• Problems in Calculus by I.A. Maron

Tips for Engineering Entrance Exam Aspirants

• Start Early: Begin preparation by Class 11.
• Mock Tests: Practice regularly to build speed and accuracy.
• NCERT First: Focus on Class 11–12 NCERTs for JEE and state exams.
• Stay Updated: Keep track of notifications and application deadlines.
• Don’t lose out on sleep. A healthy sleep schedule includes good sleep for about 5-6 hours a day. Reducing your time for sleep will lead to a tired mind that won't let you concentrate.
• Eat well and exercise. Often, due to stress, students give up on eating proper meals and physical exercise, which is detrimental to their health. Remember, you will only be able to prepare and perform well if your body is healthy.
• Don’t compare your preparation with that of your peers. This only leads to demotivation. Have confidence in yourself and your preparation.
• Take time off to relax. Go for a walk, play, listen to music, or indulge in recreational activities that help you take your mind off the daily grind.
• Do not start new topics towards the end of your preparations, especially when the exams are approaching.
• Group studies with friends and classmates can prove beneficial. Studying in groups gives you an idea about the different techniques. You'll also be able to understand topics better.
• Reach out to your parents, friends, and teachers for counseling if you are stressed. They'll guide and help you.

Conclusion

Engineering entrance exams can be challenging, but smart preparation makes a big difference. Understand the exam pattern and syllabus well, and focus on key topics. Regular practice with past papers improves speed and accuracy. Seek guidance from mentors or join coaching if needed. Most importantly, stay positive and confident. With dedication and the right strategy, you can crack the exam and secure a seat in your dream college.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How important is it to solve the previous years’ question papers?

Solving previous years’ question papers is extremely important for engineering entrance exams. It helps you understand the exam pattern, familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked, and identify the important topics. Additionally, it improves your time management skills and boosts your confidence.

Q2: Is joining a coaching class necessary for cracking engineering entrance exams?

Joining a coaching class is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial for many students. Coaching classes provide structured guidance, expert faculty, and a competitive environment that can enhance your preparation. However, self-study and online resources can also be effective if you have strong discipline and motivation.

Q3: How should I manage my time during the exam?

Time management is crucial during engineering entrance exams. It is recommended to allocate specific time slots for each section or subject based on its weightage and difficulty level. Additionally, practice time-based mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.

Q4: What is the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced?

JEE Main and JEE Advanced are both entrance exams for admission to engineering programs in India. The main difference is that JEE Main is the first-level exam, while JEE Advanced is the second-level exam. Only those who qualify in JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.

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