Competitive Exams After Graduation 2024

Competitive exams are assessments conducted to select the most deserving candidates for specific roles. They serve as gateways to prestigious positions, ensuring that only the best and brightest professionals enter the workforce.

After completing your graduation, competitive exams can open doors to a wide range of job opportunities. Whether you have an interest in government jobs or prefer working in the private sector, there are numerous exams tailored to suit your aspirations.

In this article, we will discuss various competitive exams after graduation that can help shape your career.

List of Competitive Entrance Exams for Government and Non-Government Jobs

Competitive exams after graduation offer a wide range of career opportunities in both the government and non-government sectors, allowing you to secure stable and fulfilling jobs. Here is a list of some popular competitive entrance exams that you can consider after graduation:

Government Jobs

1. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination: The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination, which is one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India. It offers various administrative positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), among others.
2. Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination (SSC CGL): The SSC CGL exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for recruitment to Group B and Group C posts in various government departments and organisations.
3. Combined Defense Services Examination (CDSE): CDSE is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission twice a year for entry into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force Academy. It consists of a written test followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
4. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Probationary Officer Exam: IBPS conducts the PO exam for recruiting candidates as probationary officers in various public sector banks across India.
5. Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Non-Technical Popular Categories Exam: RRB conducts this exam to hire candidates for non-technical positions such as clerks, typists, assistants, etc., in the Indian Railways.
6. State Public Service Commission Exams: Each state in India has its own public service commission that conducts exams for recruiting candidates into various state government departments. Examples include the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) and the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC).

Non-Government Jobs:

1. Common Admission Test (CAT): CAT is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is required for admission to MBA programmes offered by top B-schools in India.
2. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE): GATE is a national-level exam conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It assesses a candidate's understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering and science. GATE scores are widely accepted for admission to postgraduate programmes and for recruitment into government organisations.
3. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET): NEET is a medical entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is required for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses in India.
4. Chartered Accountancy (CA) Exam: The CA exam is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and consists of three levels: foundation, intermediate, and final. Successful candidates become chartered accountants and can pursue lucrative careers in finance, auditing, taxation, and advisory services.
5. Law School Admission Test (LSAT): The LSAT is an entrance exam required for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes offered by various law schools across India. It assesses the critical thinking, logical reasoning, and analytical skills of candidates.

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List of Competitive Exams in Engineering

If you have pursued or are planning to pursue a degree in engineering, several competitive exams can help you enhance your career prospects. These exams not only evaluate your technical knowledge but also test your problem-solving abilities. Here is a list of some prominent competitive exams in the field of engineering:

1. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main: JEE Main is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is a gateway to undergraduate engineering programmes at prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs).
2. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE): GATE, as mentioned earlier, is a highly regarded exam for engineering graduates. It not only serves as an entry point for postgraduate programmes but also opens doors to various job opportunities in government organisations and PSUs.
3. Indian Engineering Services (IES) Exam: The IES exam is conducted by the UPSC to recruit engineers into various central government departments such as railways, defence, telecommunications, and power sectors. It consists of a written examination followed by interviews.
4. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Scientist Entry Test: DRDO conducts this exam to select scientists for research and development positions in defence-related fields. The test assesses technical knowledge along with reasoning and analytical abilities.
5. Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED): CEED is conducted jointly by IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi for admission to postgraduate design programmes in various renowned institutions across India. It tests candidates' creativity, design aptitude, and problem-solving skills.

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List of Competitive Exams in Medical

If you have a passion for healthcare and want to pursue a career in the medical field, these entrance exams serve as gateways to prestigious medical institutions and open up numerous career opportunities.

1. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test): NEET is one of the most popular competitive exams for medical aspirants in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and serves as a qualifying exam for admission into undergraduate medical courses (MBBS/BDS) in various government and private colleges across the country.
2. AIIMS MBBS: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) conducts its own entrance exam for admissions to its MBBS program. AIIMS is renowned for its quality education and state-of-the-art facilities, making this exam highly competitive.
3. JIPMER MBBS: The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) conducts the JIPMER MBBS entrance exam for admission to its undergraduate medical program. It is another prestigious institute known for its excellent infrastructure and faculty.
4. PGIMER: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, conducts its own entrance exam for admission to postgraduate courses like MD, MS, DM, MCh, etc. It is considered one of the top institutes for postgraduate medical education in India.
5. AIAPGET: For graduates interested in Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, or Unani medicine, the All India AYUSH Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) is conducted by the Ministry of AYUSH. This national-level exam provides admission to various PG courses in these alternative systems of medicine.
6. Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Entrance Exam: AFMC, Pune, conducts its own entrance exam for admission to MBBS courses offered by the institute. The exam includes a written test, followed by an interview and a medical fitness assessment.
7. NET/SLET: The National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) is conducted for those aspiring to become medical professors or researchers. Clearing this exam makes you eligible for a lectureship and a junior research fellowship at Indian universities and colleges.

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List of Competitive Exams in Fashion and Design Fields

If you have a flair for creativity and aspire to build a career in the field of fashion and design, these competitive exams can help you secure admissions into reputed institutes.

1. NIFT Entrance Exam: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) conducts an entrance exam to select candidates for its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fashion design, textile design, accessory design, fashion communication, etc. NIFT is one of India's premier fashion institutes, with campuses across the country.
2. NID Entrance Exam: The National Institute of Design (NID) conducts its own entrance exam for admissions to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in disciplines like industrial design, communication design, apparel design, etc. NID is known for its focus on innovation and human-centred design solutions.
3. Pearl Academy Entrance Exam: Pearl Academy is a renowned institute offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various fields of fashion, communication, media, and business at multiple campuses. Their entrance exam assesses the creative aptitude and general awareness of aspiring candidates.
4. CEED: Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) is conducted jointly by IITs for admission to their Master's in Design programs. This exam evaluates a candidate's aptitude for design thinking through visual perception ability, analytical reasoning, creativity, and communication skills.
5. FDDI AIST: Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) conducts an All India Selection Test (AIST) for admissions to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in footwear design, fashion design, business management, etc. FDDI is a specialised institute focusing on the footwear and leather industry.
6. National Aptitude Test for Architecture (NATA): Although primarily focused on architecture admissions, NATA also considers candidates interested in pursuing courses like interior design or industrial design. It assesses their drawing skills, observation powers, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, critical thinking ability, as well as their communication and architectural awareness.

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List of Competitive Exams in Agriculture

For those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture or related fields, there are competitive exams that can help you secure admission into esteemed institutions.

1. ICAR AIEEA: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts the All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA). This exam is a gateway for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in agriculture and allied sciences offered by ICAR-affiliated universities across the country.
2. State-level Agricultural Universities Exams: Many state-level agricultural universities conduct their own entrance exams for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in agriculture-related disciplines such as horticulture, agronomy, soil science, etc.
3. Agriculture Scientist Recruitment Board (ASRB) Exam: ASRB conducts the National Eligibility Test (NET) for recruitment to posts of lecturer and assistant professor in state agricultural universities (SAUs) and other agricultural institutes. The NET exam evaluates candidates' subject knowledge as well as their ability to communicate effectively.

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List of Competitive Exams in Hotel Management

If you have a passion for the hospitality industry and aspire to pursue a career in hotel management, there are competitive exams that can help you secure admissions into top hotel management institutes.

1. NCHM JEE: The National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination (NCHM JEE) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It serves as the gateway for admission to undergraduate programmes in hotel management across various IHMs (Institutes of Hotel Management) and other affiliated institutes.
2. AIMA UGAT: The All India Management Association (AIMA) conducts the Under Graduate Aptitude Test (UGAT), which includes a section on hotel management. Clearing this exam opens up opportunities for admission to various colleges offering hotel management programmes.
3. BITS HD: The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) conducts its Higher Degree Entrance Exam (BITS HD), which includes a specialisation in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Clearing this exam can lead to admission into their postgraduate programme in this field.
4. IIHM eCHAT: The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) conducts an electronic Common Hotel Admission Test (eCHAT). This exam assesses candidates' language skills, mathematical aptitude, general knowledge, and logical reasoning, enabling them to secure admissions into IIHM's hotel management programmes.
5. Institute-specific Entrance Exams: Some renowned hotel management institutes, like Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), conduct their own entrance exams for admissions to their courses.

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List of Competitive Exams in Law

If you have a passion for justice and a keen interest in law, pursuing a career in the legal field can be a rewarding choice. Here is a list of five entrance exams after graduation that can pave your way to a successful legal career:

1. Common Law Admission Test (CLAT): CLAT is the most popular entrance exam for undergraduate law programmes in India. It is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities and tests candidates on English, general knowledge, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and mathematics. Top NLUs, like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, and NLU Delhi, accept CLAT scores.
2. All India Law Entrance Test (AILET): Conducted by the National Law University, Delhi, AILET is another prestigious exam for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law courses. The exam tests your aptitude in English, general knowledge, legal aptitude, reasoning, and mathematics.
3. Law School Admission Test-India (LSAT-India): LSAT-India is an international-level entrance exam conducted by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It assesses your critical thinking skills along with your analytical reasoning abilities. Several leading law schools across India consider LSAT-India scores for admissions.
4. Delhi University LLB Entrance Exam: If you aspire to pursue an LLB degree from Delhi University or its affiliated colleges, clearing this entrance exam is crucial. The test evaluates your proficiency in subjects such as English language comprehension skills, analytical abilities, legal awareness, and aptitude.
5. Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET-Law): SET-Law is conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission to its affiliated law colleges, such as Symbiosis Law School Pune and Noida campuses. The test assesses candidates in areas like logical reasoning, legal reasoning, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and general knowledge.

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List of Bank Exams

If you are interested in a career in banking, there are several competitive exams after graduation that can help you secure a job in this sector. Here is a list of a few popular bank exams:

1. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) PO/Clerk: IBPS conducts separate exams for probationary officers (PO) and clerks in various nationalised banks across India. These exams test your knowledge in subjects like English language, quantitative aptitude, reasoning ability, computer awareness, and general awareness.
2. State Bank of India (SBI) PO/Clerk: SBI is one of the largest public sector banks in India and conducts its own exams for the recruitment of SBI probationary officers and clerks. The selection process includes preliminary and main exams followed by interviews and group exercises.
3. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B Officer: RBI conducts the Grade B Officer exam for recruiting officers for entry-level positions. The selection process involves three phases: Phase 1 (the preliminary exam); Phase 2 (the main exam); and Phase 3 (the interview).
4. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Grade A/B Officer: NABARD conducts separate exams for Grade A and Grade B officers to recruit candidates for various positions related to agriculture and rural development banking.
5. Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) Assistant Manager: If you are interested in the insurance sector, the IRDAI Assistant Manager exam is a gateway to exciting opportunities as an insurance professional. The exam assesses your knowledge in subjects like reasoning, English language, general awareness, quantitative aptitude, and professional knowledge.
6. Insurance Exams: Insurance companies like LIC and NICL also conduct competitive exams for recruitment purposes. Some popular insurance exams include LIC Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO), LIC Development Officer (DO), and NICL Administrative Officer (AO).

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List of Competitive Exams in Management

If you aspire to pursue a career in management, there are competitive exams that can help you gain admission to top B-schools in India. Here's a list of the most popular competitive exams in management:

1. Common Admission Test (CAT): CAT is one of the most sought-after entrance exams for admission to prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools across India. The exam evaluates candidates on various sections such as verbal ability and reading comprehension, data interpretation and logical reasoning, and quantitative ability.
2. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT): XAT is conducted by the Xavier School of Management (XLRI) in Jamshedpur on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). Apart from XLRI, many other reputed B-schools accept XAT scores for admission.
3. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): GMAT is an internationally recognised exam accepted by several business schools worldwide. It assesses analytical writing skills, integrated reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and verbal ability.
4. Management Aptitude Test (MAT): MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) and is accepted by numerous B-schools across India. The test evaluates candidates on sections like language comprehension, mathematical skills, data analysis and sufficiency, intelligence and critical reasoning, and the Indian and global environment.
5. NMAT by GMAC: NMAT is a computer-based exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It is accepted by leading B-schools like NMIMS, ISB, SPJIMR, etc. The exam comprises sections like language skills, quantitative skills, and logical reasoning.
6. Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP): SNAP is conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission to its affiliated institutes offering management courses. The exam assesses candidates on sections such as General English, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative, Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency, and General Awareness.

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Get the Competitive Advantage!

Remember that each competitive exam has its own unique eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus. It is crucial to thoroughly research each exam before registering and filling out application forms. Be sure to check the official websites carefully for detailed information on eligibility criteria, important dates, registration processes, examination fees, and recommended study materials.

If you are unsure about which competitive exam aligns with your interests and career goals, need guidance on preparation strategies for a specific exam, or need access to study materials or resources, platforms like WiZR can be immensely helpful. WiZR offers expert guidance on career-related study programmes and resources, along with facilitating financing options for upskilling and certification programmes.

FAQs

1. Are coaching classes necessary for competitive exams?

Coaching classes are not mandatory but can provide structured guidance and valuable insights that may enhance your preparation strategy.

2. How many times can I attempt a competitive exam?

The number of attempts varies for each exam. Some have restrictions, while others allow multiple attempts until an age limit is reached.

3. Which are the toughest competitive exams?

The level of difficulty varies based on personal aptitude and preparation. However, exams like the UPSC Civil Services Exam, the CAT (Common Admission Test), and the JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) are known for their rigorous selection processes.

4. Can I prepare for competitive exams alongside my job?

Yes, many aspirants successfully prepare for competitive exams while working. With diligent time management and structured study plans, you can balance work and preparation effectively.

5. Can I pursue multiple competitive exams simultaneously?

While it is possible to pursue multiple exams simultaneously, it requires careful planning and time management. It's advisable to focus on one exam at a time to maximise your chances of success.

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