Are you someone who has just passed their 12th grade with science?
Congratulations to you!
What are you planning next?
Completing 12th grade in science is a significant milestone for students in India, it opens up numerous avenues for higher education and career paths. In fact, the avenues are so many that you need some time to identify your calling and decide which career path you want to take. One of the most crucial steps after finishing school is to prepare for competitive examinations. Clearing these exams is essential for you to pursue your career in the field of your choice. Competitive exams are gateways to some of the most prestigious institutions and rewarding careers in fields like engineering, medicine, pure science, research and more.
An important thing that we have noticed is that although there are countless career opportunities for a student studying science, most students are not aware of these. Hence they fail to register for several entrance examinations that could be relevant for them. We understand that given the limited time and pressure to excel in PUC examinations, students are often unable to conduct extensive research on the potential entrance exams that they can appear for. Do not worry, students! We are here to help you out. In this article, we explain the importance of entrance examinations to your future success. That is not all. Here we will walk you through the different competitive examinations that are the most lucrative for you.
So, without further delay let us talk in detail about competitive exams after 12th for science students.
Introduction to Competitive Exams After 12th Science
If you are appearing for competitive examinations for the first time then you might not have total clarity on it. We will explain this to you in detail here. Competitive exams after 12th science are structured to test students’ aptitude, knowledge, and problem-solving skills across a range of subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Examinations like the Joint Entrance for Engineering (JEE) for engineering and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical fields are highly competitive and serve as a benchmark for admission to top institutions.
The role of these exams extends beyond just admissions; they set the foundation for critical skills that will be essential for students in their future careers. From enhancing analytical abilities to preparing you for the professional rigour of a career in science, these competitive exams are crucial. In short, these exams make you capable of succeeding in the career paths that you have chosen.
Why Are Competitive Exams Important?
Often students fail to prepare themselves completely for the competitive examinations. Many students do not understand the importance of these exams and hence devote less time to preparing for them. But, trust us, you can gain a lot from clearing these examinations with high marks. In this section, we will decode the importance of competitive exams after 12th for you.
- Entry into Premier Institutions
Many top-tier institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), have highly selective admission processes. Competitive examinations act as the qualifying criteria to enter these prestigious institutions. Being part of these institutions will not only help recieve high-quality education but also enjoy networking opportunities with other established professionals in your field. Most importantly, the top-tier colleges also adapt to the latest trends and have cutting-edge research facilities. If you study in these colleges then you will get access to these facilities as well as get exposure to numerous global opportunities.
- Building a Strong Academic Foundation
For securing a successful career in science (or any other domain) one of the most important things that you need is a strong understanding of the subjects and the concepts embedded in them. Since most competitive exams after 12th focus on these core concepts, you will automatically be required to develop a clear idea about these while you are preparing. This rigorous preparation will help you master core scientific concepts which are crucial for higher education. This foundation is essential for advanced studies and research as it reinforces a strong grasp of basic principles and methodologies in science.
- Developing Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills
Competitive exams focus on application-based questions rather than rote learning. This approach helps students develop critical thinking and analytical skills which are indispensable in scientific fields. You can gain problem-solving skills through the preparation for competitive examinations. This will not only be academically beneficial for you but it will also equip you to operate in real-world professional settings where innovative thinking is valued.
- Career Opportunities with High Earning Potential
A career in science, especially in fields like engineering, medicine, data science, and biotechnology offers lucrative job opportunities. If you excel in these competitive exams you can gain entry into career paths that promise financial stability. Moreover, as the arena of science is ever expanding you will be able to enjoy frequent career growth and global employment opportunities. For most of these job roles, your salary can be higher as compared to job roles from other domains.
- Broadening Horizons with Multiple Career Pathways
Competitive exams open doors to diverse fields, including engineering, medical sciences, research, and even niche areas like forensic science and genetics. A strong performance in these exams can allow you to explore and choose from a variety of specializations. This in turn will help you tailor your education and career path depending on your interests and strengths.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many competitive exams come with the added advantage of scholarships, especially for meritorious students ( and sometimes for students from the financially weaker sections of society). Often government and private institutions sponsor scholarships based on students’ performance in exams like JEE, NEET, and KYPY. Financial aid reduces the financial burden and allows students from all backgrounds to access quality education.
Benefits of Cracking Competitive Exams After 12th Science
While you are preparing for the competitive exams after the 12th, hear out some of the benefits of cracking these exams. We feel that knowing the advantages will motivate you to study with a raised focus.
- Access to Quality Education and Resources
Competitive Exams are a gate pass to allowing the most talented students to top-tier institutions. These institutions provide high-quality education, research opportunities, and exposure to the latest advancements in science and technology. So, securing success in these exams will open gates to these lucrative opportunities.
- Enhanced Employability and Job Security
Graduating from prestigious institutions after cracking competitive exams increases the chance of your employability. Many top employers from institutions like IITs, AllMS and BITS recognise the rigorous training and high standards of education that the students undergo. This knowledge in turn helps graduates from these institutions experience better job security with more stable and lucrative career paths as compared to the other graduates.
- Global Recognition and Opportunities
Students from renowned institutions in India, especially those achieved through competitive exams, often find it easier to pursue further studies or careers abroad. Many prestigious companies and universities across the globe recognise the reputation of institutions like IITs and AIIMS and provide students with opportunities to study or work globally. This global recognition opens doors to further education, research positions or even permanent roles in other countries.
- Networking and Exposure
If you are attending a top-ranked institution then you will get access to a vast network of peers, professors, and alumni. This network can be invaluable for career growth as students get exposure to like-minded individuals, industry leaders and mentors. Networking within these circles can help students find internships, research opportunities, and jobs in their chosen field which leads to faster career progression.
Competitive Exams After 12th
Most science students feel that fields like engineering and medicine are the only available options after completing their 12th grade with science. However, that is not the case. A higher education in science can open gates for numerous careers. In this segment, we are going to discuss the competitive exams after 12th that a science student can appear at to make a career in any of these fields. Let us look at these examinations in detail
1. Engineering
Engineering is one of the most opted career domains for science students. To start your education in engineering you need to clear certain entrance exams. These can be college-specific, state-specific or country-specific. Some of the popular entrance exams that most engineering students appear for are discussed here.
a.) JEE Main & Advanced
i. JEE Main
Eligibility: Any student who has passed their 12th grade with science from a recognised board can appear for the exam.
ii. JEE Advanced
- Students can appear for the JEE advanced exam if they have scored more than 75 per cent marks in class 12 ( 65 per cent marks for the SC/ ST category.
- It is mandatory for candidates to qualify for JEE Main to be able to sit for JEE Advanced
b. BITSAT
- Students passing class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology can register for this examination.
- Also, they must have scored 60% or more in each of these subjects.
c. VITEEE
- Students can sit for this exam if they obtained a minimum aggregate of 55% in Physics, Chemistry Mathematics / Biology in the 10+2 or equivalent exam (45% in the case of reserved category
d. COMEDK
- Students who passed their Pre University College with a minimum of 45% marks in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics for General students and 40% for SC/ ST/ OBC are eligible for this exam.
e. KIITEE
- The students must pass the 10+2 examination with 50% marks on average and 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics each.
f. WBJEE
- The candidate must pass the 12th grade with at least 45% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
g. MET
- Candidates have to pass the 10+2 exam from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects to apply for MET.
2. Medical
Another common career path that most science students opt for is medicine. Apart from becoming a doctor, you can also become a paramedical professional or even a nurse. Here are the important competitive exams after 12th that students interested in studying medicine can appear for.
a. NEET
- To appear for the NEET (general) category students must pass Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/ Biotechnology with a minimum of 50% marks
b. AIIMS Entrance Exam (for Nursing, Biotechnology and Neuroscience)
- Students appearing for this exam must pass class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from an authorized board. Also, the candidates must be physically and mentally fit to appear for this exam.
c. AIIMS Entrance Exam (for Paramedical education)
- The first requisite for this exam is Indian citizenship. Also, candidates must pass class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics from a nationally recognised board. Finally, a score of at least 50% in these subjects is required for applying.
3. Marine
After passing 12th grade with science you can apply for a post in the Indian Navy. IMU CET is the entrance exam to attend to qualify for this role. To be eligible for this exam candidates must pass the PUC -II exam or 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English for undergraduate courses.
4. Navy and Defence
Did you know you can pursue a career in Indian Defence and Navy after completing your 12th?
- NDA ( National Defence Academy) entrance exam
This is a crucial competitive exam after 12th that you can consider if you have an interest in serving the Air Force and Naval Department of the NDA. The eligibility criteria for this exam is passing the 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Indian Navy B.Tech Entry
To apply for this exam the students must have cleared their 12th examination with at least 70% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
5. Mathematics
If you are crazy about mathematics then you can build a career solely based on the subject. To do this you can begin by attempting entrance exams like
- ISI Admission Test
Qualifying this entrance test allows you to pursue higher studies in mathematics from a prestigious institution like ISI ( Indian Statistical Institute). To be eligible you must pass your higher secondary exam or equivalent examination with Mathematics and English as their subjects.
- CMI Entrance Exam
CMI stands for Chennai Mathematical Institute. It offers the best programs in curriculums like Mathematics, Computer, and Physics. Students who have passed the 12th grade with Mathematics can apply for this entrance exam.
6. Agriculture, Management & Hotel Management
This option is unique from the above-discussed ones. Although these career choices are not directly related to science, they are quite lucrative. Let us now suggest some entrance exams to pursue higher education in agriculture and management.
- ICAR AIEEA (UG)
This entrance exam is ideal for students in the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Agriculture and Allied Sciences. To register for this exam candidates must be Indians and between ages 16 to 25 years. They should have completed the 10+2 or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics and scored at least 50% on average.
- NCHMCT JEE
If you are interested in studying undergraduate programmes in hospitality and hotel management then you can consider attempting the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination (NCHMCT JEE).
- The upper age limit for appearing in this examination is 25 years.
- The students must have passed their 10+2 examination with English as one of their compulsory subjects to appear for this exam.
- IMPAT
IIM Indore conducts the Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test for students interested in pursuing the Integrated Program in Management that stretches for 5 years. If you have completed your 10th and 12th standard with a minimum of 60% marks then you are eligible to appear for IMPAT.
7. Law
You can also pursue a career in law after completing your 12th grade. Here are some entrance exams that you can consider.
- CLAT
The student must secure at least 45% overall in class 12 exams or an equivalent examination from a recognised board or institution
- LSAT-India Exam
The student must secure at least 50% marks in aggregate for class 12 exams
8. Admission to Universities
If you are interested in higher education and research then doing Ph.D after completing B.Sc and M.Sc can be a lucrative option. Hundreds of colleges in India have courses for higher education. You can register for different science-based undergraduate programs at numerous central universities and institutes in India after clearing the CUET exam. In order to apply for the exam you need to complete class 12 with a certain percentage of marks.
9. Other examinations
In the previous segments, we discussed some of the most important competitive exams after 12th for science students. However, there are some more examinations that we want to suggest to you.
- Central Teacher Eligibility Test
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test should not be missed by students who aspire to be teachers after completing 12th grade. To apply for this exam the candidates must clear a higher secondary exam with at least 50% marks.
- Banking Entrance Exams
There are multiple banking exams that you can consider sitting for if you want to work in a bank. Banks like SBI, RBI, and ICICI arrange for their respective entrance exams. National banks organize the IBPS exam for selecting suitable candidates. For most of these exams, the eligibility criteria are similar. They require students to complete their 12th grade. In addition to this, completion of a bachelor’s degree is a must for some banks.
- RRB NTPC ( for undergraduate )
If you are interested in working with the Indian Railways then you can appear for the RRB NTPC exam. To be eligible your age must be between 18 to 33 years, and cleared 12th grade with a minimum of 50% marks.
Preparation Strategies for Success
It is crucial to note that although the competitive exams are not super tough their difficulty level ranges from mediocre to hard. So, you need to dedicate sufficient time to studying for these exams. We will be sharing strategies on how to prepare for competitive exams in this section.
- Start Early and Stay Consistent
In most cases, the competitive exams have a huge syllabus. So, it is better if you start preparing for it well in advance. You can set aside time for study from the 10th and 11th grades itself. Preparing for these competitive exams a few hours each day will make it easier for you to cover the vast syllabus and also retain the key concepts in the curriculum.
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Each exam has a unique pattern and set of topics that are crucial for the exam. So, it is important for you to understand the structure of the exam and prepare accordingly. For example, JEE focuses heavily on Physics and Mathematics with complex problem-solving questions. On the other hand, NEET is more biology-centric. The knowledge of the exam pattern tailors their study plan and focuses on the more important areas.
- Practice with Mock Tests and Past Papers
Practising with mock tests and past exam papers is essential for improving the student’s speed and accuracy. These tests help students familiarize themselves with time management and also reduce their anxiety. Moreover, it helps them gain confidence in answering questions within limited exam time. Regular practice also highlights areas where you need to improve and focus more.
- Focus on Conceptual Understanding
Unlike board exams, competitive exams test deep conceptual understanding rather than rote memorisation. You should focus on grasping the underlying principles and logic in each topic. This foundation will help you tackle challenging questions and think more critically. It is also important to note that this skill is crucial to score high marks in competitive exams.
- Balance Health and Well-being
The preparation of competitive exams can take a long time. To add to this, there is a lot of pressure on students to crack the exam. So, to keep the stress under control you need to maintain a healthy balance between studies and relaxation. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep improve concentration and overall well-being of the students which in turn enhances your learning efficiency and performance.
- Seek Guidance and Coaching if Needed
Many students benefit from structured guidance offered by coaching centres or online platforms. Coaching can provide you with expert instructions and help you with structured study schedules. However, you should carefully select coaching centres to ensure that they align with your learning needs and preferences.
Alternatives for Students Who Do not Clear Competitive Exams
Every year lakhs of Indian students appear for different competitive entrance exams after 12th. Unfortunately, the seats in colleges are limited. So, some aspirants might not be able to qualify for these exams. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that failing to clear a competition is not the end of the world. There are multiple alternative paths that you can choose to achieve your career goals. In this article, we are mentioning some alternative options for students who do not succeed in these exams.
- Pursue a Degree from Other Recognized Universities
Numerous universities and colleges across India offer quality education in science, engineering, and medical fields without requiring national competitive exams. State-level entrance exams and private universities are great alternatives that will help you pursue your preferred field.
- Consider Emerging Fields and Vocational Courses
Fields like data science, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, environmental science, and health informatics are rapidly growing. These fields often offer diploma or certificate programs that can lead you to promising careers. The best thing about this career path is that it helps you establish a lucrative career without resorting to traditional fields like engineering or medicine.
- Enroll in Distance Learning Programs
Distance education programs from accredited institutions provide flexibility, allowing students to study while working or pursuing other interests. Many online programs offer courses in technical and scientific fields, and they can be valuable stepping stones to further studies or entry-level positions.
- Explore Careers in Research and Academia
Students with a passion for science but without a competitive exam score can build a successful career in research and academia by pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline. If you have a strong foundation and passion for research you can go on to pursue postgraduate degrees and work in R&D labs or academic institutions.
The Broader Impact of Competitive Exams on Society
So far we have discussed the importance and benefits of competitive exams after 12th. Before we conclude this article we want to talk about the broader impact of competitive exams on society.
- Promoting Academic Experience
Competitive exams encourage academic rigour and excellence which push students to strive for a deeper understanding of science and technology. This emphasis on high standards benefits society by producing skilled professionals in medicine, engineering, and research.
- Encouraging Innovation and Research
Preparation for competitive examinations fosters curiosity and critical thinking which is important for creating an environment that encourages innovation. As students progress into scientific and technological careers they develop the skills and mindset needed for research which in turn contributes to groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements.
- Economic Growth and National Development
A well-educated workforce is crucial for national development and competitive exams help identify and nurture future professionals in essential sectors. Graduates from premier institutions elevate India’s position on the global stage and go on to play key roles in industries such as healthcare, technology, and engineering.
Conclusion
After completing their 12th grade students spend quite some time preparing for numerous competitive examinations. Competitive exams after the 12th are keys to securing admission to leading colleges in India. Therefore they set the prelude to a successful career journey. However, students often fail to understand the significance of scoring good marks in competitive exams. This blog is specially crafted for science students who are soon to complete their 12th exam. Not only have we walked you through the importance and benefits of competitive examinations after 12th but we have also shared some popular and some uncommon yet lucrative entrance exams that science students can consider. We have gone on further to discuss the broader impacts of these exams on society and shared strategies to prepare for them. By reading this article you will have a clear and basic idea about competitive examinations. We are hopeful that through this students will be able to realize the worth of competitive exams and identify which exams are suitable for them in terms of their career choices.
Preparation for competitive exams becomes more organized and simplified if you get help from academic institutions. SVG PU College is one of the leading institutions offering PU education as well as coaching for science competitive exams after 12th. You can click here to learn more about the college. 000000000