What after Class 12 PCM? List of major competitive exams, career options

New Delhi: After clearing the Class 12 exam many students wonder about the next step in their academic journey. Which course to opt for to make the best career choice in future? For those who have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) have a wide range of competitive exams and career options available across engineering, architecture, science, defence, management, data science, law and design. These exams open doors to some of India’s most prestigious institutes like the IITs, NITs, IISERs, IIMs and Central Universities.

With multiple national- and state-level entrance exams conducted every year, students need to understand the eligibility requirements and what courses to choose. Here is a comprehensive list of competitive exams that Class 12 PCM students can appear for, explained in a clear and structured manner.

Joint Entrance Examination (Main) is one of the most important national-level engineering exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Through JEE Main, students can get admission to National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). JEE Main scores are also used by many state and private engineering colleges.

JEE Advanced is the second stage of the JEE exam and is meant for those aiming for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Only the top performers in JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. This exam tests a student’s deep understanding of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT) is conducted by BITS Pilani for admission to BITS Pilani, BITS Goa and BITS Hyderabad. In the BITSAT tests jas questions from PCM subjects along with English proficiency and logical reasoning.

VIT Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) is conducted by VIT University for admission to its various campuses. It is a computer-based test focusing on PCM concepts and offers students an option to study engineering in a private university.

Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) is conducted for admission to engineering colleges in Maharashtra. The questions in the exam are mainly based on the Maharashtra State Board syllabus. However, students from other boards are also eligible.

West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) is used for engineering admissions in West Bengal. Through this exam, students are shortlisted for admission in government engineering colleges in the state.

Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) provides admission to engineering colleges in Karnataka for those who wish to study in state government and aided colleges.

Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test (EAMCET) is conducted separately by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. PCM students who qualifies the exam are eligible to pursue engineering and technology courses in colleges across these states.

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is conducted for admission to Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) programmes. The exam evaluates the drawing skills, spatial ability, architectural awareness and basic mathematics. For creative students with a technical background this exam is suitable.

JEE Main Paper 2 is conducted for students aspiring to pursue BArch and BPlanning courses. It is accepted by several government and private institutions across India and includes mathematics, aptitude and drawing or planning sections.

The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is conducted for admission to Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs). These institutes focus on high-quality science education and research, offering integrated BS–MS programmes.

National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is used for admission to National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and UM–DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS). Students interested in physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics research can apply and appear for the exam.

The Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET-UG) allows PCM students to apply for BSc and integrated MSc programmes in central universities across India. CUET has become a key exam for science admissions in public universities.

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Admission Test is for students interested in Statistics, Mathematics and related fields. ISI is known for its strong focus on mathematical thinking, data analysis and research-oriented learning.

The Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) entrance exam is conducted for admission to undergraduate programmes in Mathematics and Computer Science. Students with a strong interest in problem-solving and theoretical concepts can appear for the test.

The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) conducts its own entrance exam for students interested in research-based science education. The institute is known for its emphasis on fundamental science research.

Both ISI and CMI offer highly specialised programmes in Computer Science, Mathematics and data-oriented fields. These programmes are rigorous and are suitable for students with strong analytical and mathematical skills.

Through CUET UG, PCM students can apply for BSc Computer Science and Data Science courses offered by central universities. These courses focus on programming algorithms and data analysis.

The NDA exam allows PCM students to join the Army, Navy and Air Force after Class 12. It includes a written exam followed by an interview and medical tests. The shortlisted candidates get training at the NDA.

The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) offers PCM students direct entry into the Indian Army for technical roles. Selection is based on academic performance and interviews rather than a written exam.

PCM students can join the Indian Navy through the BTech Entry Scheme, which leads to technical training and a career in naval engineering roles.

The Air Force technical entry is for students interested in engineering and technical roles in the Indian Air Force combining technology with defence service.

Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is conducted by IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak for admission to their five-year integrated MBA programmes. It focuses on quantitative ability, verbal skills and logical reasoning.

Through CUET-UG, PCM students can pursue BBA, economics and statistics programmes in central universities, opening pathways into business, policy and analytics careers.

NMIMS Programs After Twelfth (NPAT) is conducted by NMIMS University for undergraduate management and commerce-related programmes.

Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) is used for admission to various undergraduate programmes offered by Symbiosis International University including management-related courses.

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) allows PCM students to enter undergraduate law programmes. Strong mathematical ability helps in the legal reasoning and aptitude sections of the exam.

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PCM students can also appear for design entrance exams like UCEED and NID (eligibility depends on the programme). These exams focus on creativity, problem-solving and design thinking.