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 Entrance exams for Science students in 2025, including engineering (JEE), 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 (BS_MS/MS/PhD/iPHD) for Research– IISERs, NISER, IISc, IACS etc
✔ Defense – NDA
✔ 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
Type: Engineering
Best Colleges:
JEE Main → IITs, NITs, IIITs,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
Type: Medical (MBBS, BDS, AYUSH)
Best Colleges: AIIMS, BDS(dental), JIPMER, AFMC, State medical colleges, Private colleges etc
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
Type: BS-MS Degree (Integrated Science Program)(Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Maths)
Best Colleges: 7 IISERs, (Pune, Kolkata, Mohali, etc.), IISc Bangalore, IIT Madras.
Official Website: iiseradmission.in
How to register for IITM 2024-BS Medical Science Engineering
IISERs Launch Computational Data Science & Economic Stats
4. NEST – For NISER & CEBS (Pure Science)
Type: BS-MS Degree (Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Maths)
Best Colleges: NISER Bhubaneswar, CEBS Mumbai
Official Website: nestexam.in
IAT & NEST 2025 Crash Course: You way to IISc, IISERs, NISER
5. BITSAT – For BITS Pilani, Goa & Hyderabad
Type: Engineering & Science
Best Colleges: BITS Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad
Official Website: bitsadmission.com
6. NDA – Science Stream in Defense
Type: Army, Navy, Air Force (Science stream)
Eligibility: 12th PCM, Age 16.5–19.5 years
Official Website: upsc.gov.in
7. ICAR AIEEA – Agriculture & Veterinary Science
Type: B.Sc Agriculture, Veterinary
Best Colleges: NDRI, IARI, GB Pant University
Official Website: ICAR AIEEA – Agriculture & Veterinary Science – Search
8. AIIMS Paramedical – Nursing & Allied Courses
Type: B.Sc Nursing, Medical Technology
Best Colleges: AIIMS Delhi, Jodhpur, Rishikesh
Official Website: aiimsexams.ac.in
9. CUCET (CUET UG) – For Central Universities
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
10. CLAT – For Science + Law (B.Sc LLB)
Type: Law with Science background
Best Colleges: NLUs (NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS)
Official Website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in
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 IISERs, NISER, CEBS Mumbai, IISc, IIT Madras etc → IISER Aptitude Test, NEST.
- 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 or NISER have different patterns.
✔ Take Mock Tests – Improves speed & accuracy.
✔ Backup Options – Apply for state CETs (MHT CET, KCET, WBJEE).
About us: Sciastra
At SciAstra, we guide students who want to become scientists and pursue research by helping them secure admissions in the top colleges for the same like IISER, NISER, CEBS, ICAR, CMI, etc.
Our mentors are from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI, ISI, IISC Bangalore, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2025, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from Play Store or App Store!
