Engineering ranks as a top career choice for students post their 12th grade. The engineering curriculum offers exposure to a variety of technical subjects and skills, including problem-solving, decision-making, innovation, project management, teamwork, and communication. Annually, hundreds of thousands of students appear for various engineering entrance exams to secure admission in B.Tech, B.E., and B.Arch programs. There are numerous specializations within engineering such as Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and many more.
Engineering programs typically span four years and include a mix of theoretical and practical components. The curriculum usually consists of:
Engineering graduates have a wide range of career options across various industries, including
Consequently, we have compiled a list of the premier engineering entrance examinations in India for post-class 12th students. These examinations represent significant milestones for aspirants aiming to advance their education in the field of engineering.
Exam Name
Conducting Body
Eligibility Criteria
JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination Main)
National Testing Agency (NTA)
To be eligible, candidates are required to pass the 10+2 examination or an equivalent exam conducted by a recognized board, such as CBSE, ICSE, or any state or central board. There is no age restriction for taking the JEE Main exam. Candidates should have cleared their Class 12th or equivalent examination in the previous or the current year.
JEE Advanced
One of the seven IITs is organized on a rotational basis.
Candidates must have passed the 12th standard (or equivalent) examination with a minimum of 75% marks (or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards).
For candidates belonging to SC/ST categories, the minimum percentage required is 65%.
BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test)
BITS Pilani
Candidates are required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in English and pass the 12th-grade examinations in physics, chemistry, and mathematics from a recognized Central or State board, or an equivalent institution.
VITEEE (Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination)
Vellore Institute of Technology
Applicants are required to have obtained a minimum of 60% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology in the qualifying exam.
SRMJEEE (SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exams)
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Candidates are required to have completed their 10+2 high school curriculum. Applicants must have achieved a minimum of 60% in their 10th grade and also a minimum of 60% in their 12th grade. Registration is open to applicants who are Indian citizens.
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
IITs and IISc (Indian Institute of Science) on a rotational basis.
Candidates should have completed or be in the final year of their Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (4 years after 10+2) or equivalent.