Are you a Science student (PCM/PCB) wondering what to do after 12th in 2025? With so many entrance exams and career options, choosing the right path can be overwhelming.
This ultimate guide covers the top 15 entrance exams for Science students in 2025, including engineering (JEE, BITSAT), medical (NEET), pure science (IISER, NEST), and alternative career options (NDA, CLAT).
Why Do These Exams Matter for Science Students?
After 12th Science (PCM/PCB), students typically pursue:
✔ Engineering (B.Tech/B.E.) – IITs, NITs, BITS, VIT
✔ Medical (MBBS/BDS) – AIIMS, JIPMER (via NEET), AFMC
✔ Pure Sciences (B.Sc/MS-PhD) – IISERs, NISER, DU
✔ Defense & Research – NDA, ISRO, DRDO
✔ Law + Science (B.Sc LLB) – NLUs via CLAT
Why Should We Choose SCIENCE after 10th? Sciastra. Choosing the right entrance exam can shape your future.
Stay Tuned!
📌 Top 15 Entrance Exams for Science Students (2025)
1. JEE Main & Advanced – Gateway to IITs & NITs
Exam Type: Engineering
Best Colleges:
JEE Main → NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, top private colleges
JEE Advanced → IITs (23 campuses)
2025 Update: Two attempts (January & April)
Official Website: jeemain.nta.ac.in
2. NEET UG – Only Medical Entrance Exam in India
Exam Type: Medical (MBBS, BDS, AYUSH)
Best Colleges: AIIMS (15 campuses), JIPMER, AFMC, state medical colleges
2025 Update: No separate AIIMS/JIPMER exam (only NEET)
Official Website: neet.nta.nic.in
NEET 2025: Exam Pattern, Preparation Tips, Important Dates
3. IISER Aptitude Test – For Research in Science
Exam Type: BS-MS (Integrated Science Program)
Best Colleges: 7 IISERs, (Pune, Kolkata, Mohali, etc.), IISc Bangalore, IIT Madras.
Alternate Route: Top JEE Advanced/NEET rankers
Official Website: iiseradmission.in
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4. NEST – For NISER & CEBS (Pure Science)
Exam Type: BS-MS in Biology/Chemistry/Physics
Best Colleges: NISER Bhubaneswar, CEBS Mumbai
Eligibility: 12th PCM/PCB with 75%+ marks
Official Website: nestexam.in
IAT & NEST 2025 Crash Course: You way to IISc, IISERs, NISER
5. BITSAT – For BITS Pilani, Goa & Hyderabad
Exam Type: Engineering & Science
Best Colleges: BITS Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad
Key Fact: Direct admission based on score (no counseling)
Official Website: bitsadmission.com
6. NDA – Science Stream in Defense
Exam Type: Army, Navy, Air Force (Science stream)
Eligibility: 12th PCM, Age 16.5–19.5 years
Official Website: upsc.gov.in
7. ISRO/DRDO Apprenticeship – Space & Defense Research
Exam Type: Technical & Research Roles
Eligibility: 12th PCM + Diploma/Degree
Official Website: isro.gov.in
What are lesser-known career opportunities in ISRO for students?
8. ICAR AIEEA – Agriculture & Veterinary Science
Exam Type: B.Sc Agriculture, Veterinary
Best Colleges: NDRI, IARI, GB Pant University
Official Website: nta.ac.in
9. SRMJEEE – For SRM University
Exam Type: B.Tech (Nanotech, Biomedical, CSE)
Best Colleges: SRM Chennai, Amaravati, Sonepat
Official Website: srmist.edu.in
10. AIIMS Paramedical – Nursing & Allied Courses
Exam Type: B.Sc Nursing, Medical Technology
Best Colleges: AIIMS Delhi, Jodhpur, Rishikesh
Official Website: aiimsexams.ac.in
11. CUCET (CUET UG) – For Central Universities
Exam Type: B.Sc (Hons) in DU, BHU, AMU
Best Colleges: Delhi University, BHU, Hyderabad University
2025 Update: Mandatory for DU admissions
Official Website: cuet.nta.nic.in
12. VITEEE – For VIT Engineering Colleges
Exam Type: B.Tech (CSE, AI, Robotics)
Best Colleges: VIT Vellore, Chennai, AP, Bhopal
Scholarships: Up to 100% fee waiver for top rankers
Official Website: vit.ac.in
13. CLAT – For Science + Law (B.Sc LLB)
Exam Type: Law with Science background
Best Colleges: NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS)
Official Website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in
14. COMEDK UGET – Karnataka Engineering Colleges
Exam Type: B.Tech (RVCE, MS Ramaiah, BMS)
Best Colleges: RVCE Bangalore, MS Ramaiah
Official Website: comedk.org
15. MHT CET – Maharashtra Engineering & Pharmacy
Exam Type: State-level Engineering/Pharmacy
Best Colleges: COEP Pune, VJTI Mumbai, SPIT
Official Website: cetcell.mahacet.org
Top Career Options for PCM Students After 12th
Top Career Options for PCB Students After 12th in India
How to Choose the Right Exam? (2025 Strategy)
- For IIT/NIT Aspirants → JEE Main + Advanced is mandatory.
- For Medical Aspirants → Only NEET matters (AIIMS included).
- For Pure Science Lovers → IISER Aptitude Test, NEST, CUCET.
- For Private Engineering Colleges → BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE, COMEDK.
- Alternative Careers → NDA (Defense), CLAT (Law), ICAR (Agriculture).
💡 Pro Tips to Crack These Exams in 2025
✔ Start Early – Most exams require 1+ year of preparation.
✔ Know the Syllabus – JEE/NEET/IISER have different patterns.
✔ Take Mock Tests – Improves speed & accuracy.
✔ Backup Options – Apply for state CETs (MHT CET, KCET, WBJEE).
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