Top 30 Entrance Exams after Graduation: Preparation Guide

Are you in a dilemma about the career path to take after completing your graduation? Are you seeking ways to acquire a certified degree or secure a government job?

One of the most popular choices for graduates is to appear for various entrance exams after graduation in India, whether competitive or government exams. These entrance exams provide a platform for students to kickstart their professional journey. However, with numerous options available, students often find it challenging to choose the right one.

The blog will cover the details of each exam, such as eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and career prospects. It will also provide preparation tips for the exams, including the best study materials, preparation strategy, and time management tips.

By the end of this blog, you will have a clear idea about the entrance exams after graduation and which exam suits you best to achieve your career aspirations.

Top 15 Entrance Exams after Graduation

We have listed the top 15 entrance exams you can opt for after graduation. Some of the exams are conducted at the national level, while others are by various well-recognized institutes or colleges. These entrances are conducted for various career fields like medicine, engineering, management, law, etc.

These entrance examinations check your eligibility for the respective certification courses from reputed institutes. Let us now look at the entrance exams after graduation:

1. Common Admission Test (CAT)
2. Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
3. Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
4. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
5. Common Proficiency Test (CPT)
6. National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) PG 
7. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
8. Joint Admission Test for Masters (IIT JAM) 
9. Common-Law Admission Test (CLAT)
10. Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
11. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) 
12. JIPMER PG Medical Entrance Exam:  
13. CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design) 
14. NEET-MDS
15. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

1. Common Admission Test (CAT)

Common Admission Test or CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for students who want to study MBA or PGDM in India. You need to score a minimum of 50% marks in Graduation. This is the most important entrance exam after graduation in India if you want to pursue MBA from top b-schools.

Syllabus:

The CAT syllabus includes Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.

2. Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

Management Aptitude Test or MAT is conducted by the All-India Management Association (AIMA) for students who want to study MBA/ PGDM in India. You need to pass graduation to sit for MAT. It is the second-best entrance exam after graduation after CAT for you.

Syllabus:

The MAT syllabus includes Language Comprehension, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment

3. Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)

The Graduate Management Aptitude Test is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for students who wish to study MBA/PGDM abroad. To sit for the exam, you need to have a degree from a reputed university. If you want to pursue your career abroad, this entrance exam after graduation is the best option.

Syllabus:

The GMAT syllabus includes Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

4. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

Graduate Record Examinations or GRE is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for graduates seeking admission to various business schools abroad. After graduation, this entrance exam is the second-best option for you if you want to study abroad.

Syllabus:

The GRE syllabus includes Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

5. Common Proficiency Test (CPT)

The Common Proficiency Test or CPT is conducted by the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). If you want to pursue a career in Accountancy, this entrance exam after graduation will help you become a Chartered Accountant in India.

Syllabus:

The CPT syllabus includes Fundamentals of Accounting, Mercantile Laws, General Economics, and Quantitative Aptitude.

6. National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) PG 

The National Eligibility- cum- Entrance Test (NEET) PG is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). This exam is for students who wish to pursue postgraduate medical courses like MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master in Surgery), or Post-Graduation Diploma in India. If you want to make a career in the medical field, NEET PG is the best entrance exam after graduation that you must apply for. Millions of students appear for NEET every year.

Syllabus:

The NEET syllabus includes Physics, Biology, and Chemistry.

7. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institute of Technology. After graduation, it is the entrance exam for the students who want to pursue MTech and ME.

Syllabus:

The GATE syllabus includes General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and the selected subject paper.

8. Joint Admission Test for Masters (IIT JAM) 

The Joint Admission Test for Masters or IIT JAM is conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science. After graduation, it is the entrance exam for admission to M.Sc. and M.Sc.-Ph.D. integrated program.

Syllabus:

The IIT JAM syllabus includes Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Physics.

9. Common-Law Admission Test (CLAT)

The National Law Universities conduct the Common Law Admission Test or CLAT for students who want to pursue a Master of LAW (LLM). To sit in the exam, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in LAW.

Syllabus:

The CLAT syllabus includes English Language, GK & Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques, and Legal Reasoning.

10. Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The law school admission test (LSAT) is a worldwide level law entrance exam. You can appear for this entrance exam after graduation to pursue law either in India or abroad.

Syllabus:

The LSAT syllabus includes Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.

11. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) 

Admission to various MD/MS courses conducted at the Institute is made twice a year. The admission to the above courses of the Institute is made on merit on all India basis, by holding an entrance exam after graduation by the Institute, after issuing a countrywide admission notice. The sessions commence from first January and first July each year The Institute follows a residency service-cum-training scheme.  

Syllabus: 

The PGIMER syllabus includes English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General Knowledge, Technical Subjects. 

12. JIPMER PG Medical Entrance Exam:  

Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research exam is conducted for admission to MD / MS course. This medical entrance exam after graduation is conducted once in a year. 

Syllabus: 

The JIPMER PG syllabus includes English Comprehension and Language, Logical & Quantitative Reasoning, Physics, Chemistry, Biology. 

13. CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design) 

CEED exam is one of the top entrance exams after graduation conducted at the national level once a year in 24 cities across the nation. Candidates who have completed a degree/diploma programme of minimum three years (after 10+2 level), or appearing for the final examination of such a programme. 

Syllabus: 

Part A(online)consists Visualization and spatial ability, Environmental and social awareness, Analytical and logical reasoning, Language and creativity, Design thinking and problem solving, Observation and design sensitivity and Part B (offline) consists Drawing Creativity Communication Skills Problem Identification Skills. 

14. NEET-MDS: 

NEET-MDS is an eligibility-cum-ranking examination prescribed as the single entrance examination to various after Graduation MDS Courses under Dentists Act, 1948. It is a single window entrance examination for Dental PG courses. No other entrance examination, either at state or institution level, shall be valid for entry to MDS Courses as per Dentists Act, 1948. 

Syllabus: 

The syllabus for the exam shall be that of BDS standard and shall cover all the subjects/syllabus taught during the BDS course as prescribed in the DCI Revised BDS Course Regulations. 

15. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) 

XAT is an online CBT (computer-based) management entrance exam after graduation which grants eligible candidates’ admission to the top B-schools in India. It is the management admission test after graduation for admission to MBA/PGDM programs in XLRI and other top MBA colleges like XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI Manipal, and 160 other top MBA colleges in India. 

Syllabus: 

• Verbal and Logical Ability: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Para jumble, Grammar, Critical Reasoning, Fill in the Blanks, etc.
• Decision Making: Data Arrangement, Conditioning, Grouping, Complex Arrangement, Case lets, Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions, etc.

Top 15 Government Exams after Graduation

Besides professional courses, many government exams can land you various prestigious job positions after graduation.

Let us now look at the top 10 government entrance exams after graduation.

1. Indian Economic Service Exam (IESE) / Indian Statistical Service Exam (ISSE)
2. Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS)
3. UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC -CSE)
4. RBI Grade B Examination
5. SBI PO
6. IBPS PO
7. Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL)
8. Teacher Exams (TET)
9. Railway Entrance Exams
10. LIC AAO
11. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) 
12. ESE/IES ( Engineering Services Examination / Indian Engineering Services) 
13. ATC-AAI (Air Traffic Control -Airport Authority of India) 
14. Indian Army University Entry Scheme
15. AFCAT 

Also read: List Of Easiest Government Exams

1. Indian Economic Service Exam (IESE) / Indian Statistical Service Exam (ISSE)

Indian Economic Service Exam (IESE)/ Indian Statistical Service Exam (ISSE) is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for hiring Economists and Statistics for the executive branches of the Indian Government. Students from an Economics or Statistical background are more preferred. You should have a graduation degree in Economics or Statistics.

Syllabus:

The IESE/ ISSE syllabus includes General English, General Studies, General Economics, Statistics, and Indian Economics.

Also, read: Tips to succeed in Indian Economic Services (IES) Exam

2. Combined Defence Services Exam (CDSE)

The Combined Defence Services exam, or CDS is one of the competitive exams conducted by UPSC. It is a joint military exam for recruiting candidates under different Academies of the Indian Army – Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), and Indian Naval Academy (INA). The CDS exam is the best entry for aspirants who want to join the Indian Armed forces after graduation.

Syllabus:

The CDS syllabus includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.

3. UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION

UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted by Union Public Service Commission to recruit suitable candidates for various posts such as:

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
• For Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
• Indian Police Service (IPS).
• Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS).
• Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS).
• For Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS).
• Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS).
• For Indian Revenue Service (IRS-IT).
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS-C&CE).
• Indian Trade Service (ITS).
• Railway Protection Force (RPF).
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS).
• Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS).
• Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS).
• Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS).
• Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES).
• Indian Information Service (IIS).
• Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS).
• Indian Postal Service (IPS).

Exam like UPSC is divided into three stages- Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Graduated students are eligible to sit for this exam. UPSC is one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India.

Explore All UPSC Exams: UPSC exams

Syllabus:

The UPSC Prelims syllabus includes English, GK, History, Geography, Economics, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, and Comprehension.

4. RBI Grade B Examination

RBI Grade B Examination is conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Even if it is Grade B, RBI’s pay scale and job profile are what you go for. You will be responsible for Currency Issues and circulation, Ensuring the Nation’s Financial Stability, Management of Government accounts, etc. One can be posted in its various branches all over the country.

You need to score a minimum of 60% marks in Graduation. The exam is divided into three stages: Prelim, Main, and Interview. It is one of the high-class government competitive exams after graduation for jobs.

Syllabus:

The RBI Grade B examination syllabus includes Current Affairs, Indian Financial System, Indian Banking System, Monetary Plans, National Institutions, and Banking Terms.

5. SBI PO

One of the competitive exams conducted by the State Bank of India (SBI) is the PO Exam for Probationary Officers. You need to pass graduation to sit in this exam. You will be on probationary post for two years. After continuous assessment during the probation period, you may be promoted to a higher rank where you will take care of administrative tasks, general banking, marketing, and cross-selling other products.

Syllabus:

The SBI PO syllabus includes the English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reading Ability.

6. IBPS PO

One of the competitive exams conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is the IBPS PO Exam for Probationary Officers. Graduates are eligible to sit for the IBPS PO exam. It is a 2-year probationary job. After assessing your performance during this period, you may be promoted to a higher rank with responsibilities such as marketing, general banking, administrative tasks, and cross-selling other products.

Syllabus:

The IBPS PO syllabus includes English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.

7. Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL)

The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Examination to recruit Class 1 and Class 2 officers in various departments and ministries of the Government of India. After selection, you will work as an Auditor, Excise Inspector, Examiner, tax officer, food inspector, audit officer, etc. It is one of the competitive exams after graduation for jobs in multiple posts.

Syllabus:

The SSC CGL syllabus includes English Comprehension, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness.

8. Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)

Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) Examination is one of the competitive exams in India conducted by the Central Government and States to shortlist candidates to be a teacher. TET will provide a certification to you to apply for the post of Teacher in Government Schools/Colleges all over India. It would be best to have 50% marks in graduation to sit for the examination.

Syllabus:

The TET syllabus includes Language, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.

9. Railway Entrance Exams

Indian Railways Examination is conducted by Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) to recruit suitable candidates for the Non-Technical and Technical posts. It would be best if you were a graduate to sit for the examination. You can get a job posting anywhere in India. It is one of the entrance exams after graduation for railway jobs in India.

Syllabus:

The Railway entrance exam syllabus includes General Awareness, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Mathematics.

10. LIC AAO

Life Insurance Corporation conducts LIC AAO Examination to recruit suitable candidates for Assistant Administrator Officer. Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) is a very responsible and respected designation in the insurance sector. Your work will be mainly administrative and have to deal with face-to-face interactions with customers.

Syllabus:

The LIC AAO syllabus includes English Language, Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, GK & Current Affairs, Insurance & Financial Market Awareness, Professional Language, and Legal AAO Drafting.

11. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) 

The GATE is an examination conducted in India that primarily tests the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering and science for admission into the Master’s Program and Job in Public Sector Companies.  Students after graduation in Engineering/ Technology/ Arts/ Commerce or PG in relevant disciplines with minimum 60% marks counted as eligible applicants. It is conducted jointly by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) at Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Roorkee with unlimited attempts allowed. 

Syllabus: 

GATE syllabus contains General Aptitude (GA) section (15 Marks) as applicable for all papers. The rest sections (85 Marks) depending on subjects relevant to disciplines you are appearing.  

Recommended, read: GATE Preparation Tips and Tricks

12. ESE/IES ( Engineering Services Examination / Indian Engineering Services) 

ESE/IES Exam is a national-level exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit engineering graduates after graduation. The commission conducts the ESE/IES exam each year for major branches, namely Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Telecommunications. Students after graduation in Engineering with age limit: 21-30 years are eligible.  

Syllabus: 

IES Preliminary Exam Pattern consists of MCQs in General Aptitude (200 Marks) and subjects relevant to disciplines (300 Marks). IES Main Exam Pattern consists of descriptive subjects relevant to disciplines (600 Marks). 

13. ATC-AAI (Air Traffic Control -Airport Authority of India) 

ATC is one of the top government exams after graduation will normally be provided by AAI, which may be provided by licensed ATCs engaged by the airport operators. Regional Headquarter. Candidates who want to apply for Junior Executive should have completed Graduation in physics/mathematics from the university, which is recognized by the government. Or, the candidate needs to possess a full-time BE/B. Tech degree from a recognized university. 

Syllabus: 

AAI Junior Executive Syllabus for Part 1 includes topics like General English, General Intelligence, General Aptitude, and General Knowledge. Part 2 includes Physics and Mathematics. 

14. Indian Army University Entry Scheme:   

Indian Army recruits unmarried Male after graduation for Grant of Permanent Commission in the Indian Army for University Entry Scheme (Pre-Final year) Course at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun & Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. Age Limit: 18 to 24 years as on 01 July of the respective year. The Selection Process includes Screening Test at respective Command HQ. Candidates must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards. 

Syllabus: 

IAUES Syllabus for Part 1 includes topics like General English, Elementary Mathematics and General Knowledge.  

15. AFCAT

This is an All-India level defence recruitment exam to select candidates for Air force. It is held twice a year, for grant of Short Service Commission in Flying Branch and Permanent/ Short Service Commission in Technical and Ground Duty Branches through Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) after Graduation.  

Syllabus: 

AFCAT syllabus includes English, General awareness, Numerical ability, Reasoning and military aptitude test. 

Recommended Resource: Defence exams in India

Entrance Exams after Graduation – Summary

To conclude, we suggest you introspect and identify your interests and skills first. Self-assessment is the best way to deal with challenges. It’s high time to spend on yourself before moving ahead with the next assignment in life.

In this article, we have given the list of entrance exams after graduation and the government competitive exams in India. These exams will curate the best career path for you. Based on your interest and future goals, move ahead towards the best-suited career field.

Frequently Asked Questions

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