Top 10 Major Exams in India Conducted by NTA
For students aspiring to pursue higher education in India, entrance exams are the first and most important step on the path to their dream career. Whether you dream of becoming an engineer, doctor, Lawyer, or an expert in any other field, entrance exams serve as the gateway to some of the most prestigious institutions in the country.
In India, National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts a wide range of entrance exams, making it easier for students to access opportunities in the best universities and colleges. From engineering and medicine to Law & management and fashion, these exams play a crucial role in shaping students' futures by opening the doors to world-class education and career possibilities.
By understanding the exam structure, syllabus, and preparation strategies, students can confidently take the first step toward securing their place in their dream field. Whether you're preparing for exams like JEE Main, NEET, or CMAT, each exam is designed to assess your skills and knowledge, ensuring that only the most dedicated and capable candidates succeed.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 major exams conducted by NTA for Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) programs, providing insights into their eligibility criteria and program details.
Why NTA?
NTA is a self-sustained body that has taken on the crucial responsibility of organizing entrance exams for some of the most prestigious institutions in India. By leveraging technology, NTA ensures that the examination process is efficient, secure, and accessible to students across the country.
List of Major NTA Exams for UG & PG Programs
| Program | Exam Name | |
| UG Programs | ||
| 1. | JEE Main | Joint Entrance Examination (Main) |
| 2. | NEET UG | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) |
| 3. | CUET | Common University Entrance Test |
| 4. | NIFT Entrance Exam | National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination |
| 5. | NCHM JEE | National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Exam |
| 6. | DUET | Delhi University Entrance Test |
| 7. | JIPMAT | Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test |
| 8. | ICAR AIEEA UG | Indian Council of Agricultural Research Entrance Exam (UG) |
| 9. | NCET | National Common Entrance Test |
| PG Programs | ||
| 1. | CMAT | Common Management Admission Test |
| 2. | GPAT | Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test |
| 3. | AIAPGET | All India Ayush Post Graduate Entrance Test |
| 4. | GAT-B | Graduate Aptitude Test – Biotechnology |
NTA Exams
1. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE-Main)
The JEE Main is the entrance exam for undergraduate engineering programs in India, including admissions to NITs, IITs, and other top technical institutes.
- Eligibility: Candidates must have passed Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Age limit: 25 years (5 years relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Exam Mode: Computer-based test.
2. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG)
NEET-UG is the national entrance exam for students aspiring to join medical and dental courses (MBBS, BDS).
- Eligibility: Must have passed Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. Minimum 50% aggregate (40% for SC/ST).
- Age Limit: 17 years (for general candidates), 25 years (for reserved categories).
- Exam Mode: Pen-and-paper test.
3. Common University Entrance Test (CUET)
CUET is a centralized exam for admission to UG programs in central universities across India.
- Eligibility: Candidates must have passed Class 12th with the required subjects (subject eligibility depends on the course).
- Exam Mode: Computer-based test.
4. National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam (NIFT)
NIFT is for candidates seeking admission to fashion design and technology programs at NIFT campuses.
- Eligibility: Must have passed Class 12th (any stream). Age Limit: 23 years (relaxed for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Exam Mode: Written test, followed by a creative ability test and personal interview.
5. National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Exam (NCHM JEE)
NCHM JEE is for admission to BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management) programs in top hotel management institutes.
- Eligibility: Must have passed Class 12th with any stream.
- Age Limit: 22 years (relaxed for SC/ST candidates).
- Exam Mode: Computer-based test.
6. Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET)
DUET is conducted for admissions to various UG and PG programs offered by Delhi University.
- Eligibility: Must have passed Class 12th with relevant subjects (specific eligibility varies by course).
- Exam Mode: Computer-based test.
7. Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT)
JIPMAT is for admission to the 5-year integrated management programs at IIM Bodh Gaya and IIM Jammu.
- Eligibility: Must have passed Class 12th with at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST).
- Age Limit: Less than 21 years of age.
- Exam Mode: Computer-based test.
8. Indian Council of Agricultural Research Entrance Exam (ICAR AIEEA UG)
This exam is for students seeking admission to agriculture-based UG programs at ICAR-affiliated institutes.
- Eligibility: Must have passed Class 12th with Science or Agriculture.
- Age Limit: 16 years and above by August 31 of the exam year.
- Exam Mode: Pen-and-paper test.
9. National Common Entrance Test (NCET)
NCET is an emerging exam for admissions to specific UG programs in universities across India.
- Eligibility: Varies by course and university. Generally, Class 12th with the required subjects.
- Exam Mode: Computer-based test.
10. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
CMAT is the entrance exam for admissions to management programs (MBA/PGDM) in leading institutions.
- Eligibility: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) or be in the final year of the degree program.
- Exam Mode: Computer-based test.
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