Ultimate List of 200+ Top Competitive Exams in India for Students

Comprehensive List of Top Competitive Exams in India for Students

Based on comprehensive sources, here is the final combined and expanded list of over 200 competitive exams in India for students, merging the previous top 100 with additional expansions. This covers higher education (UG/PG entrance) and job-oriented exams (government, PSU, state-level, etc.). Exams are ranked roughly by popularity, candidate volume, national scope, and career impact as of 2025. Categories are organized systematically for clarity, with brief descriptions of purpose and basic eligibility (e.g., after 12th or graduation). The list is numbered sequentially for easy reference. Many are annual; check official websites like NTA, UPSC, SSC, state boards, or respective bodies for 2025-2026 dates, syllabi, and updates.

Higher Education – Engineering Entrance Exams

1. JEE Main – For admission to NITs, IIITs, and other engineering institutes; eligibility: 10+2 with PCM.
2. JEE Advanced – For IIT admissions; qualify via JEE Main.
3. BITSAT – For BITS Pilani and campuses; online test on PCM and English; after 12th.
4. VITEEE – For VIT University B.Tech programs; after 12th with PCM.
5. SRMJEEE – For SRM Institute engineering; after 12th.
6. MET (Manipal Entrance Test) – For Manipal University engineering; after 12th.
7. WBJEE – West Bengal state-level for engineering; after 12th.
8. COMEDK UGET – For Karnataka private engineering colleges; after 12th.
9. AMUEEE – For Aligarh Muslim University B.Tech; after 12th.
10. KIITEE – For Kalinga Institute engineering; after 12th.
11. GATE – For PG engineering (M.Tech/PhD) and PSU jobs; after graduation in engineering/science.
12. MU OET – For MIT Manipal engineering; after 12th.
13. KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) – For engineering admissions in Karnataka colleges; after 12th with PCM.
14. MHT CET – Maharashtra state exam for B.Tech/B.E.; after 12th with PCM.
15. AP EAMCET – Andhra Pradesh for engineering; after 12th with PCM.
16. TS EAMCET – Telangana for B.Tech; after 12th with PCM.
17. KEAM – Kerala engineering entrance; after 12th with PCM.
18. OJEE – Odisha joint entrance for engineering; after 12th or diploma.
19. UPSEE (UPCET) – Uttar Pradesh for B.Tech; after 12th with PCM (now via CUET in parts).
20. BCECE – Bihar combined for engineering; after 12th with PCM.
21. GUJCET – Gujarat common for engineering; after 12th with PCM.
22. AMUEEE PG – AMU for M.Tech; after B.Tech.

Higher Education – Medical and Allied Sciences Entrance Exams

1. NEET-UG – For MBBS, BDS, AYUSH; eligibility: 10+2 with PCB.
2. NEET-PG – For MD/MS/PG diploma; after MBBS.
3. AIIMS Nursing – For B.Sc. Nursing at AIIMS; after 12th.
4. JIPMER Nursing – For B.Sc. Nursing at JIPMER; after 12th.
5. INICET – For PG medical (MD/MS/DM/MCh/MDS); after MBBS.
6. ICAR AIEEA UG – For agriculture/horticulture; after 12th.
7. AIIMS MBBS – For MBBS at AIIMS (now via NEET); after 12th.
8. FMGE – For foreign medical graduates to practice in India; after foreign MBBS.
9. WB JENPAS UG – For nursing/paramedical in West Bengal; after 12th.
10. AIIMS PG – For MD/MS at AIIMS; after MBBS.
11. JIPMER PG – For MD/MS at JIPMER; after MBBS.
12. ICAR AIEEA PG – For PG in agriculture; after graduation in related field.
13. AP EAPCET (AM Category) – Andhra for B.Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture; after 12th with PCB.
14. AGRICET – For B.Sc. Agriculture at ANGRAU; diploma holders.
15. CETUG-AAU – Assam Agriculture University for B.Sc. Agri programs; after 12th with Science.
16. CG PAT – Chhattisgarh pre-agriculture for B.Sc. Agri/Horticulture; after 12th with Science.
17. CG PET – Chhattisgarh for B.Tech Agri/Dairy; after 12th with PCM.
18. TS EAMCET (AM) – Telangana for B.Pharm/B.F.Sc/B.V.Sc; after 12th with Science.
19. KEA CET – Karnataka for B.Pharm/Pharm-D/B.V.Sc; after 12th with PCM/B.

Higher Education – Science and Research Entrance Exams

1. IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) – For BS-MS at IISERs; after 12th.
2. NEST – For integrated MSc at NISER/CEBS; after 12th.
3. ISI Admission Test – For B.Stat/B.Math at ISI; after 12th.
4. IIT JAM – For MSc at IITs; after graduation.
5. CUET PG (Science) – For PG science in central universities; after graduation.
6. BHU UET – Banaras Hindu University for UG science programs; after 12th.
7. JNU CEEB – For M.Sc. Biotechnology; after graduation.
8. TIFR GS – Tata Institute for integrated M.Sc./PhD; after graduation.
9. CMI Entrance – Chennai Mathematical Institute for B.Sc. Math/Computer Science; after 12th.
10. NBHM Scholarship Exam – For M.Sc. Mathematics; after graduation.

Higher Education – Law Entrance Exams

1. CLAT – For NLUs and law colleges (UG/PG); after 12th for UG, graduation for PG.
2. AILET – For NLU Delhi (BA LLB/LLM); after 12th/graduation.
3. LSAT India – For private law schools; after 12th/graduation.
4. SLAT – For Symbiosis Law Schools; after 12th.
5. MH CET Law – Maharashtra state for law; after 12th/graduation.
6. DU LLB Entrance – Delhi University for LLB; after graduation.
7. AP LAWCET – Andhra for LLB/LLM; after 12th/graduation.
8. TS LAWCET – Telangana for law programs; after 12th/graduation.
9. KLEE – Kerala law entrance; after 12th/graduation.
10. PUCET Law – Punjab University for BA LLB; after 12th.

Higher Education – Management and Business Entrance Exams

1. CAT – For MBA at IIMs and top B-schools; after graduation.
2. XAT – For XLRI and other management programs; after graduation.
3. MAT – For MBA/PGDM; after graduation.
4. CMAT – For AICTE-approved management programs; after graduation.
5. IPMAT – For integrated BBA+MBA at IIMs; after 12th.
6. DU JAT/CUET (BMS/BBA) – For Delhi University management; after 12th.
7. SET (Symbiosis) – For BBA at Symbiosis; after 12th.
8. NCHMCT JEE – For hotel management; after 12th.
9. UGAT – For BBA/BCA/hotel management; after 12th.
10. SNAP – For Symbiosis PG management; after graduation.
11. NMAT – For MBA at NMIMS; after graduation.
12. ATMA – For PGDM/MBA; after graduation.
13. IIFT Entrance – For MBA in International Business; after graduation.
14. MICAT – For PGDM at MICA; after graduation.
15. TISSNET – For MA/M.Sc. at TISS (management-related); after graduation.

Higher Education – Design and Fashion Entrance Exams

1. NID DAT – For B.Des at NID; after 12th.
2. UCEED – For B.Des at IITs; after 12th.
3. NIFT Entrance – For fashion design at NIFT; after 12th.
4. SEED – For Symbiosis Design; after 12th.
5. FDDI AIST – For footwear design; after 12th.
6. NATA – For B.Arch; after 12th with PCM.
7. MH AAC CET – Maharashtra for applied arts/crafts; after 12th.
8. MAH B.Design CET – Maharashtra for B.Design; after 12th.
9. BHU UET-180 – For BFA at BHU; after 12th.
10. UID DAT – Karnavati University for B.Design; after 12th.
11. JET DE – Jain University for design programs; after 12th.
12. UG JET (Interior Design) – Jain for B.Sc. Interior Design; after 12th with Maths.
13. UG JET (BFA) – Jain for BFA; after 12th.
14. AnantU DET – Anant National University for design; after 12th.
15. MITID DAT – MIT Institute for integrated design; after 12th.
16. IICD ET – Indian Institute of Crafts and Design; after 12th.
17. SOFT ET – School of Fashion Technology, Pune; after 12th.
18. iDAT – Indian Institute of Art & Design; after 12th.
19. FDDI AIST – Already listed, but expanded for PG variants.

Higher Education – Humanities, Social Sciences, and Other Entrance Exams

1. CUET UG – For BA/BSc in central universities; after 12th.
2. HSEE IIT Madras – For integrated MA humanities; after 12th.
3. TISS BAT – For BA Social Sciences at TISS; after 12th.
4. JNU Entrance/CUET – For BA foreign languages; after 12th.
5. GRE – For international PG programs; after graduation (often for abroad, but used in India too).
6. GMAT – For MBA abroad/in India; after graduation.
7. CUCET (Central Universities) – For various UG/PG in humanities; after 12th/graduation.
8. AUAT – Aliah University for BA/MA; after 12th/graduation.
9. IPU CET – Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for humanities; after 12th.
10. JNUEE – Jawaharlal Nehru University for BA/MA (now CUET); after 12th/graduation.
11. SET (State Eligibility Test) – For assistant professorship; after PG.

Higher Education – Professional Qualifications

1. CA Foundation – For Chartered Accountancy; after 12th.
2. CS Foundation – Company Secretary; after 12th.
3. CMA Foundation – Cost and Management Accountancy; after 12th.
4. ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (India entry); after 12th/graduation.
5. CFA Level 1 – Chartered Financial Analyst; after graduation.

Job-Oriented – UPSC and National Civil Services Exams

1. UPSC Civil Services (CSE) – For IAS/IPS/IFS; after graduation.
2. UPSC IES – For engineering services; engineering graduates.
3. UPSC CDS – For defence officers; after graduation.
4. UPSC NDA/NA – For defence academy; after 12th.
5. UPSC CAPF – For paramilitary assistant commandants; after graduation.
6. UPSC IFoS – For forest services; after graduation.
7. UPSC IES/ISS – For economic/statistical services; after graduation in relevant fields.
8. UPSC CMS – For medical services; after MBBS.
9. UPSC Geologist Exam – For geoscientist roles; after PG in geology.
10. UPSC SO/Steno – For section officers/stenographers; after graduation.

Job-Oriented – SSC Exams

1. SSC CGL – For Group B/C posts; after graduation.
2. SSC CHSL – For LDC/DEO; after 12th.
3. SSC MTS – For multitasking staff; after 10th.
4. SSC Stenographer – For steno posts; after 12th.
5. SSC GD Constable – For constables in CAPFs; after 10th.
6. SSC JE – For junior engineers; engineering diploma/degree.
7. SSC CPO – For sub-inspectors in police/CAPFs; after graduation.
8. SSC Selection Post – For various govt posts; varies by post.
9. SSC JHT – Junior Hindi Translator; after graduation with Hindi/English.
10. SSC Scientific Assistant – For IMD roles; after B.Sc.
11. SSC Phase Selection – For various Group C posts; varies.

Job-Oriented – Banking and Insurance Exams

1. IBPS PO – For bank probationary officers; after graduation.
2. IBPS Clerk – For bank clerks; after graduation.
3. IBPS RRB Officer – For rural bank officers; after graduation.
4. IBPS RRB Assistant – For rural bank assistants; after graduation.
5. SBI PO – For SBI officers; after graduation.
6. SBI Clerk – For SBI clerks; after graduation.
7. RBI Grade B – For RBI officers; after graduation.
8. RBI Assistant – For RBI assistants; after graduation.
9. NABARD Grade A/B – For agriculture bank managers; after graduation.
10. LIC AAO – For LIC officers; after graduation.
11. LIC ADO – For LIC development officers; after graduation.
12. NIACL AO – For insurance officers; after graduation.
13. UIIC AO – For insurance officers; after graduation.
14. GIC Assistant Manager – For general insurance; after graduation.
15. SBI SO – Specialist Officer in SBI; after graduation in field.
16. IBPS SO – Already listed, but expanded for IT/Agriculture/Law.
17. RBI Security Guard – Entry-level; after 10th.
18. SEBI Grade A – For assistant managers; after graduation.
19. NABARD Development Assistant – For clerical roles; after graduation.
20. IRDAI Assistant Manager – Insurance regulatory; after graduation.

Job-Oriented – Railways Exams

1. RRB NTPC – For non-technical railway posts; after 12th/graduation.
2. RRB Group D – For entry-level railway jobs; after 10th.
3. RRB ALP – For assistant loco pilots; after 10th with ITI.
4. RRB JE – For junior engineers; engineering diploma/degree.
5. RRB Paramedical – For medical staff in railways; relevant qualifications.
6. RRB Ministerial – For ministerial posts; after 12th/graduation.
7. RRB SSE – Senior Section Engineer; engineering degree.
8. RRB Technician – For technical posts; after 10th with ITI.
9. RRB RPF SI/Constable – Railway Protection Force; after graduation/10th.

Job-Oriented – Defence and Paramilitary Exams

1. Indian Coast Guard (Navik/AC) – For coast guard roles; after 12th/graduation.
2. BSF Constable – For border security; after 10th.
3. CRPF/RPF Recruitment – For police force constables/SI; after 12th/graduation.
4. AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test; after graduation.
5. Indian Navy SSR/AA – Senior Secondary Recruit/Artificer Apprentice; after 12th.
6. Indian Army TES – Technical Entry Scheme; after 12th with PCM.
7. CISF Constable – Central Industrial Security Force; after 12th.
8. ITBP Constable – Indo-Tibetan Border Police; after 10th.

Job-Oriented – Teaching and Judicial Exams

1. CTET – For central school teachers; after graduation with B.Ed.
2. UGC NET – For assistant professors/JRF; after PG.
3. State TET – For state school teachers; after graduation with B.Ed.
4. Judiciary PCS-J (e.g., UP Judiciary) – For judicial services; after LLB.
5. KVS TGT/PGT – Kendriya Vidyalaya for teachers; after graduation with B.Ed.
6. NVS TGT/PGT – Navodaya Vidyalaya for teachers; after graduation with B.Ed.
7. DSSSB Teacher – Delhi schools; after graduation with B.Ed.
8. REET – Rajasthan Eligibility for Teachers; after graduation with B.Ed.
9. HTET – Haryana Teacher Eligibility; after graduation with B.Ed.
10. UP TET – Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility; after graduation with B.Ed.
11. Judicial Services (State PCS-J) – For judges; after LLB (e.g., Bihar, MP).

Job-Oriented – State Public Service Commissions (PSCs)

1. State PSC (e.g., UPPSC PCS) – For state civil services; after graduation.
2. UPPSC PCS – Uttar Pradesh civil services; after graduation.
3. MPPSC – Madhya Pradesh civil services; after graduation.
4. RPSC – Rajasthan administrative services; after graduation.
5. BPSC – Bihar administrative services; after graduation.
6. TNPSC Group 1 – Tamil Nadu civil services; after graduation.
7. KPSC KAS – Karnataka administrative services; after graduation.
8. MPSC – Maharashtra civil services; after graduation.
9. APPSC Group 1 – Andhra Pradesh civil services; after graduation.
10. TSPSC Group 1 – Telangana civil services; after graduation.
11. OPSC – Odisha civil services; after graduation.

Job-Oriented – Police and Law Enforcement Exams

1. UP Police Constable – Uttar Pradesh police; after 12th.
2. Delhi Police SI – Sub-inspector; after graduation.
3. Rajasthan Police Constable – State police; after 10th/12th.
4. MP Police Constable – Madhya Pradesh; after 10th/12th.
5. Bihar Police SI – Sub-inspector; after graduation.

Job-Oriented – Other Government Exams

1. FCI Recruitment – For food corporation posts; varies.
2. ONGC Recruitment – For oil/gas sector; engineering graduates.
3. IBPS Specialist Officer – For bank specialists (IT/Law); after graduation in field.

Job-Oriented – PSU and Other Sector Exams

1. ISRO Scientist/Engineer – For space research; after B.Tech.
2. DRDO Scientist – Defence research; after graduation/PG.
3. BARC OCES/DGFS – Atomic research; after B.Tech/M.Sc.
4. IOCL Apprentice – Indian Oil; after 10th/diploma.
5. NTPC Executive Trainee – Power sector; after B.Tech (via GATE).
6. BHEL Engineer Trainee – Heavy electricals; after B.Tech.
7. FCI Manager – Food Corporation; after graduation.
8. India Post GDS – Gramin Dak Sevak; after 10th.
9. EPFO Assistant – Employees’ Provident Fund; after graduation.
10. Coal India MT – Management Trainee; after graduation.
11. SAIL MT – Steel Authority; after B.Tech.

This final list eliminates any minor overlaps and provides a systematic, categorized overview for easy navigation. For preparation resources, eligibility details, or focus on specific exams, feel free to ask!