The entrance exam directory
Full forms, who conducts them, and what they actually lead to — grouped by stream. Not sure which of these apply to you? The assessment tells you in about 15–20 minutes.
Dates, fees, and syllabi change every year — this page covers what stays true year to year. Always confirm current dates on the exam's official website.
Cross-stream
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
A single entrance test accepted by most central universities and many state and private universities for undergraduate admission — across streams, including BA, B.Com, BBA, and B.Sc programs.
Conducted by: Individual state CET cells
Most states run their own entrance test (e.g. MHT-CET in Maharashtra) for admission to state engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture colleges — worth checking alongside national exams.
For the Science stream
Conducted by: NTA (Main); IITs on a rotating basis (Advanced)
JEE Main is the gateway to NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutes; a qualifying Main score is also required to sit JEE Advanced, which decides admission to the IITs.
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
The single entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, and most other undergraduate medical and dental courses in India — both government and private colleges.
Conducted by: BITS Pilani
A university-specific entrance test for admission to BITS Pilani's Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses, across engineering and science programs.
For the Commerce stream
Conducted by: Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
The first of three levels on the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant — can be attempted right after Class 12, alongside or instead of a regular degree.
Conducted by: IIM Indore (also accepted by IIM Ranchi, Rohtak & others)
Direct entry after Class 12 into a 5-year integrated programme combining a bachelor's and an MBA at select IIMs.
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
The same cross-stream test above is also the main route into B.Com (Hons), BBA, and Economics (Hons) at most central universities.
For Arts / Humanities
Conducted by: Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs)
The main entrance exam for 5-year integrated law programmes (like BA LLB) at India's National Law Universities. NLU Delhi is a notable exception, running its own test (AILET).
Conducted by: National Institute of Design
A prototype/portfolio-driven entrance test for undergraduate and postgraduate design programmes at NID's campuses.
Conducted by: National Institute of Fashion Technology
Combines a written test with a situation/creative-ability test for admission to NIFT's design, management, and technology programmes.
The assessment matches you to a stream and career direction first — then this directory tells you exactly which exam comes next.