Engineering is one of the most sought-after courses in India, attracting thousands of aspirants every year. For students finishing 12th with a focus on science and mathematics, engineering offers a range of career opportunities across industries. But before stepping into this field, the first big challenge is clearing an engineering entrance exam.
In India, around 30 entrance exams are conducted for admission to engineering courses across the country. Whether you are aiming for IITs or want to get admission to prestigious universities like Graphic Era, clearing these entrance exams can make your dreams come true. However, with so many entrance exam options, it’s important to know which ones matter and what they offer. To help you, here are the top entrance tests for engineering:
List of Top Engineering Entrance Exams
| S. No. | Engineering Entrance Exam | Conducting Body |
| 1 | JEE Main | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| 2 | VITEEE | VIT University |
| 3 | GECET | Graphic Era Common Entrance Test |
| 4 | BITSAT | BITS Pilani |
| 5 | SRMJEEE | SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Earlier known as SRM University) |
| 6 | MET | Manipal Academy of Higher Education |
| 7 | KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| 8 | COMEDK | Consortium of Medical Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK). |
1. JEE Main
Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE Mains is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious engineering entrance tests in India. The exam allows you to get admission into renowned institutes within India, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the National Institutes of Technology (NITs). It is held twice a year, in January and April.
Once an applicant clears JEE Mains, they also have to appear in JEE Advanced to get admission. Only candidates who qualify for the mains and rank among the top performers are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. Both JEE Mains and Advanced check students’ ability in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
2. VITEEE
Conducted by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), the VITEEE is a university-level engineering admission test that allows admission in various engineering programs offered at VIT campuses in Vellore, Bhopal, Chennai, and Amaravati. To be eligible for the entrance test, the applicant must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology.
The VITEEE exam is conducted online, ensuring a seamless and efficient test experience for applicants. Comprising 125 multiple-choice questions, the exam assesses the applicants’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, English and aptitude.
3. GECET
GECET (Graphic Era Common Entrance Test) is a university-level entrance exam conducted by the Graphic Era University for admission in various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including engineering. It comprises two phases, each serving as a criterion for admission to Graphic Era University in Dehradun, while also offering different scholarship opportunities for good scorers.
The GECET exam is conducted online and consists of 100 questions that has to completed with a duration of 2 hours. Each candidate can appear for exams in a maximum of 2 courses, allowing them to explore multiple academic avenues within the Graphic Era Group of Institutions.
Also Read: Choosing the Right University? Here’s Why Graphic Era Should Be on Your List
4. BITSAT
The next on our list of entrance exams after the 12th for engineering is BITSAT. Conducted by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), BITSAT is a university-level examination that offers admission to undergraduate engineering programs offered at BITS campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. The university offers around 2,000 seats for admission.
The BITSAT exam lasts 3 hours and is divided into four sections, covering subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, English Proficiency, Logical Reasoning, and Mathematics.
5. SRMJEEE
Conducted by SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), the SRMJEEE allows admission to B.Tech and integrated M.Tech programs at SRM universities across Kattankulathur, Ramapuram, Vadapalani, Tiruchirappalli, Sonepat, Delhi-NCR (Ghaziabad), and Andhra Pradesh. Every year, around 1 lakh students apply for the entrance examination, with only 7000 undergraduate seats available.
The SRMJEE is an upcoming engineering entrance exam, with the first phase taking place from April 22 to 27, 2025. The test will be computer-based and will have multiple-choice questions, covering subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, English, and Aptitude. SRM University also offers direct admission to the top 1000 IIT JEE Rank holders, along with the top rank holders of the central and state board examinations
6. MET
The Manipal Entrance Test (MET) is a university-level entrance exam for engineering after 12th, conducted by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education. It’s a computer-based test that assesses candidates’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with some programs also including English. The exam will consist of 60 questions, with a duration of two hours and a total of 240 marks. Phase 1 of MET is scheduled for April 18-19, and Phase 2 on May 12, 2025
Also Read: Best Engineering Courses After 12th
7. KCET
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) is a state-level exam conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for admission to professional courses such as Engineering, B.Pharm, D.Pharm, Agriculture, and Veterinary Science. Candidates who clear this engineering entrance examination can get admission into various government and private universities in Karnataka.
The KCET 2025 exam will take place offline on April 16 and 17. The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, 60 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology.
8. COMEDK
COMEDK UET (Undergraduate Entrance Test) is a state-level engineering entrance exam in India, conducted by the Consortium of Medical Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK). The exam is used for admissions to engineering, as well as medical degree courses offered by colleges/institutes that are affiliated with COMEDK. Around 20,000 seats are offered for admission under B. Tech, making it a famous engineering exam after the 12th.
The COMEDK 2025 examination is scheduled to take place on May 10, 2025. The test will be computer-based and will have 180 multiple-choice questions, covering subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
As we conclude, it is clear that these eight engineering entrance exams after 12th serve as a gateway to prestigious engineering institutions in India. Each exam opens up unique opportunities, whether it’s admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, or top private universities. Understanding the structure, eligibility, and scope of each test can help you plan better and focus your preparation effectively.
