Competitive Exams in India in 2024

When it comes to navigating the competitive landscape of career opportunities in India, understanding the realm of competitive exams in India is key. With a plethora of options available for fresh graduates and young professionals like you, knowing which exams to aim for can be a game-changer. Whether you aspire to enter the civil service, pursue a career in engineering, or explore opportunities in banking and finance, these exams can open doors to fulfilling careers. In this article, we delve into the diverse array of competitive exams across industries and provide insights into how you can best prepare for them.

List of Competitive Exams in India

Competitive exams in India play a crucial role in determining the career path of millions of youngsters every year. These exams are conducted by various government bodies, educational institutions, and private organisations to select candidates for admission to prestigious colleges, universities, or for employment opportunities. Here is a list of the top 20 competitive exams in India that are highly pursued by students and young professionals:

1. UPSC Civil Services Examination: This exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and is considered one of the toughest competitive exams in India. It is held annually to select candidates for the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central civil services.
2. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE): This exam is conducted for admission to premier engineering institutes like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other top engineering colleges across India.
3. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test): NEET is conducted for admission to undergraduate medical courses like MBBS and BDS in government and private medical colleges across India.
4. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE): GATE is a national-level examination conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It is primarily conducted for admission to postgraduate programmes in engineering.
5. Common Admission Test (CAT): CAT is an entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their MBA programmes.
6. National Defence Academy Entrance Exam: This exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA). Successful candidates join the Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers.
7. Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination: The SSC CGL Exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts in government departments and ministries.
8. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) PO/Clerk Exam: IBPS conducts exams for the recruitment of probationary officers (PO) and clerks in public sector banks.
9. State Public Service Commission Exams: Each state has its own Public Service Commission (PSC), which conducts exams for the recruitment of candidates to various administrative, police, and civil services positions within the state government.
10. Railway Recruitment Board Exams: RRB conducts exams for recruitment to various positions in the Indian Railways, such as Assistant Loco Pilot, Station Master, and Ticket Collector.
11. National Testing Agency (NTA) UGC NET/JRF Exam: The NTA conducts this exam on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to determine eligibility for an assistant professorship or the award of a junior research fellowship in Indian universities and colleges.
12. Common Law Admission Test (CLAT): CLAT is conducted for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes offered by leading law colleges across India.
13. Indian Forest Service Examination: This exam is conducted by UPSC to select candidates for appointment to forestry services within the country.
14. Indian Economic Services/Indian Statistical Services Examination: This examination is conducted by UPSC to recruit candidates for economic and statistical services under the Government of India.
15. All India Institute of Medical Sciences Entrance Exam (AIIMS): AIIMS conducts an entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical courses in its own institutions located across India.
16. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Entry Test: DRDO conducts this exam to recruit scientists, engineers, and technical staff for its research laboratories and establishments across India.
17. Chartered Accountancy (CA) Exam: Conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), this exam qualifies candidates as chartered accountants and is one of the most sought-after professional courses.
18. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam: NIFT conducts this exam for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fashion design, technology, and management.
19. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) AIEEA: ICAR AIEEA is conducted for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in agricultural universities and institutes across India.
20. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT): The XAT is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission to its MBA programme and other participating institutes.

Types of Competitive Exams in India

Competitive exams are an integral part of the Indian education system and play a crucial role in shaping careers across various fields. Whether you aspire to pursue higher studies or secure a job in a government organisation, competitive exams are designed to assess your knowledge, skills, and aptitude. In this section, we will explore some of the popular types of competitive exams in India and discuss their eligibility criteria.

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List of Competitive Exams in India after 12th

In India, many students appear for competitive exams right after the class 12th exams, as it allows them to pursue higher education and secure their place in prestigious institutions. Here's a comprehensive list of the 30 most popular competitive exams that you can pursue after 12th, depending on your field of interest.

1. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main: Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE Main is considered one of the toughest engineering entrance examinations in India.
2. JEE Advanced: Only those who qualify for JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. It is conducted by one of the IITs on a rotational basis.
3. BITSAT: Conducted by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), this exam offers admissions to integrated first-degree programmes at BITS campuses.
4. SRMJEEE: SRM Institute of Science and Technology conducts this exam for admission into its B.Tech. programmes.
5. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET): NEET is one of the most sought-after medical entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It offers admissions to undergraduate medical and dental courses across various institutions in India.
6. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) MBBS Entrance Exam: AIIMS conducts its own entrance examination for admission to its prestigious MBBS programme.
7. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) MBBS Entrance Exam: JIPMER conducts its own entrance examination for admission into its MBBS programme.
8. Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Entrance Exam: Conducted by AFMC, this exam provides admissions to students who wish to pursue their medical education in defence institutions.
9. Manipal University Online Entrance Test (MU-OET): Manipal University is known for its quality education in the field of healthcare. The MU-OET is conducted for admission to their pharmacy programs. The exam assesses your knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology, and English.
10. Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT): The GPAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is primarily conducted for admission into postgraduate pharmacy programmes like M.Pharma.
11. Common Law Admission Test (CLAT): CLAT is one of the most sought-after law entrance exams in India. It is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes offered by participating universities.
12. All India Law Entrance Test (AILET): AILET is conducted by the National Law University, Delhi, for admission into its undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes. It is known for its rigorous selection process and comprehensive syllabus.
13. Delhi University LLB Entrance Exam: Delhi University conducts its own entrance exam for admission into its three-year LLB programme. The exam tests candidates' aptitude in subjects like English language comprehension, general knowledge, reasoning abilities, and legal aptitude.
14. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Common Proficiency Test (CPT): The CPT is the first level of examination conducted by ICAI for students aspiring to become Chartered Accountants (CA). Clearing this exam is a prerequisite for pursuing the CA course.
15. Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CS Executive Entrance Test): The CS Executive Entrance Test is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) for admissions into their Company Secretary (CS) course at the executive level.
16. Delhi University Joint Admission Test (DU JAT): DU JAT is conducted by Delhi University for admissions into its Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Investment Analysis), and BA Business Economics programmes offered by various colleges affiliated with DU.
17. Common University Entrance Test (CUET): CUET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It allows a centralised admissions process for undergraduate courses in various colleges and universities across India.
18. National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam: The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. It is open to candidates who have completed their 10+2 education. Successful candidates join the Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers.
19. Indian Army Technical Entry Scheme (TES): This exam is exclusively for male candidates who have completed their class 12 with PCM. The TES is conducted twice a year for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. Selected candidates undergo a five-year training programme leading to a permanent commission in the Army.
20. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam: NIFT conducts an entrance exam every year for admissions into its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fashion design, textile design, accessory design, fashion communication, fashion technology, and knitwear design.
21. National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam: For those interested in pursuing a career in industrial design, communication design, or textile and apparel design, NID offers bachelor's and master's programmes through its entrance exam.
22. Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET): DUET is conducted by the University of Delhi for admission to various undergraduate programmes, including BA (Hons) English, BA (Hons) History, BA (Hons) Political Science, etc.
23. Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination (JNUEE): JNUEE is conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru University for admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts and humanities.
24. Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET-BBA): SET-BBA is conducted by Symbiosis International University for admissions into its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme offered by various institutes under its umbrella.
25. Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test (TISSNET): TISSNET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences for admission to its undergraduate social sciences programmes.
26. Xavier's College Mumbai Entrance Exam: St. Xavier's College Mumbai conducts an entrance exam for admission to various undergraduate programmes in arts and humanities.
27. ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission): Conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), this exam is the gateway to undergraduate courses in agriculture and allied sciences. It covers subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and agricultural sciences.
28. NCHM JEE (National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Exam): NCHM JEE is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It offers admission to undergraduate programmes in hotel management across participating institutes, including the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management (IHMs).
29. IHM CET (Institute of Hotel Management Common Entrance Test): The Institute of Hotel Management Common Entrance Test (IHM CET) is conducted by various IHMs across India. This institute-level exam provides admission to their undergraduate programmes in hotel management.
30. AIMA UGAT (All India Management Association Under Graduate Aptitude Test): While primarily conducted for admission to various undergraduate programmes, including BBA, AIMA UGAT also serves as an entrance test for some hotel management institutes.

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List of Competitive Exams in India After Graduation

After completing your graduation, competitive exams can open doors to a wide range of job opportunities. Here's a list of the top 30 competitive exams that you can pursue after graduation, depending on your area of interest.

1. 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. 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.
5. 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). GATE scores are widely accepted for admission to postgraduate programmes and for recruitment into government organisations.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE): GATE 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. NIFT Entrance Exam: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) conducts an entrance exam to select candidates for its postgraduate programmes in fashion design, textile design, accessory design, fashion communication, etc.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. IIHM eCHAT: The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) conducts an electronic Common Hotel Admission Test (eCHAT) to secure admissions into IIHM's hotel management programmes.
20. 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). Several leading law schools across India consider LSAT-India scores for admissions.
21. 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.
22. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) PO/Clerk: IBPS conducts separate exams for probationary officers (PO) and clerks in various nationalised banks across India.
23. 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 probationary officers and clerks.
24. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B Officer: RBI conducts the Grade B Officer exam for recruiting officers for entry-level positions.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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).
28. 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.
29. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): GMAT is an internationally recognised exam accepted by several business schools worldwide.
30. Management Aptitude Test (MAT): MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) and is accepted by numerous B-schools across India.

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List of Competitive Exams in India for Government Jobs

Government jobs are one of the most pursued in India, as they ensure stability, job security, and attractive retirement benefits. If you dream of serving the country with a job that fuels your area of interest, here are the top 15 government exams that you can pursue.

1. UPSC Civil Services Exam: Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), these exams aim to select candidates for various administrative, diplomatic, and police services at the central level.
2. Combined Defence Services Examination: The CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission twice a year to select candidates for admission into prestigious institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the Indian Naval Academy (INA), the Air Force Academy (AFA), and the Officers' Training Academy (OTA).
3. NDA and NA Exams: Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this exam aims to select candidates for admission into the prestigious National Defence Academy and Naval Academy.
4. Paramilitary Forces recruitment exams: If you are interested in serving the nation and maintaining law and order, a career in the paramilitary forces can be an excellent choice. To pursue this path, you need to clear competitive exams conducted by various paramilitary organizations. Some of the prominent exams include the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination, the Assam Rifles Exam, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Exam, the CRPF Exam, etc.
5. SSC-CGL Exam: The Staff Selection Commission's Combined Graduate Level Examination (SSC-CGL) is one of India's most popular competitive exams for government jobs in non-technical Group B and Group C posts. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), this exam attracts a large number of candidates every year.
6. SSC-CHSL Exam: The Staff Selection Commission's Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination (SSC CHSL) is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission and serves as a gateway to positions like Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant, Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Court Clerk.
7. IBPS PO/Clerk Examinations: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts competitive exams for government jobs in the banking sector. The IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) and Clerk examinations attract a large number of candidates aspiring to join nationalised banks across India.
8. SBI PO/Clerk Exam: The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the probationary officer (PO) and clerk exams to recruit candidates for various positions in the bank. The SBI PO exam is conducted to select candidates for the position of probationary officer, while the clerk exam is for the position of junior associate in customer support and sales.
9. NABARD Grade A/B Exam: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducts exams for Grade A and Grade B officers to fill vacancies in various departments such as Rural Development Banking Service (RDBS), Rajbhasha Service, Legal Service, etc.
10. RRB Recruitment Exam: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts exams to recruit candidates for various positions in the Indian Railways. These exams are conducted at different levels, including Group C and Group D.
11. State PSC Exams: State Public Service Commission (PSC) exams are conducted by individual state governments to recruit candidates for various government positions, such as Deputy Collector, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Block Development Officer, and District Supply Officer.
12. CTET Exam: The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to assess the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas.
13. NET Exam: The National Eligibility Test (NET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). This exam assesses the eligibility of candidates for the Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
14. Judicial Services Exams: If you are interested in a career in the legal field and aspire to be a judge, then the Judicial Services Exams are the gateway to achieving your goal. These competitive exams are conducted at both the state and national levels and aim to recruit candidates for various judicial positions.
15. IES (Indian Economic Service) Exam: The IES exam is also conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for various economic positions in government departments, such as economic advisor, research officer, or assistant director in prestigious organisations such as the Ministry of Finance or Planning Commission.

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How to Prepare for Competitive Exams

Preparing for competitive exams can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and strategies, you can improve your chances of success. Here are ten tips to help you prepare effectively:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. This will give you a clear idea of what topics to focus on.
2. Create a Study Plan: Make a study plan that includes dedicated time slots for each subject or topic. Stick to your schedule and avoid procrastination.
3. Practice Previous Year Question Papers: Solving previous year question papers will familiarise you with the exam pattern and help you identify important topics.
4. Take Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to assess your preparation level and improve time management skills.
5. Seek Guidance: Enrol in coaching classes or join online platforms that provide guidance and study materials specifically designed for competitive exams.
6. Read Newspapers and Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers and magazines regularly, as they often form an important part of competitive exams.
7. Revise Regularly: Set aside time for regular revision to reinforce your understanding of concepts and improve retention.
8. Work on Time Management: Develop effective time management skills by practicing solving questions within the stipulated time.
9. Stay Positive and Motivated: Maintain a positive mindset throughout your preparation journey and stay motivated.
10. Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and engage in physical activities to keep your mind and body fresh.

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Get Your Competitive Advantage

In conclusion, competitive exams cover a wide range of fields, from engineering and medicine to banking and civil services. This allows you to choose an exam that aligns with your interests and aspirations.

Remember, each competitive exam presents its own set of challenges, but with the right preparation and guidance, you can achieve your goals. WiZR is here to support you every step of the way on your journey towards success in competitive exams and beyond. Good luck!

FAQs

1. Which are the toughest competitive exams in India?

The toughest competitive exams in India include the UPSC Civil Services Examination, IIT-JEE (Joint Entrance Examination), NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), CAT (Common Admission Test), and GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering).

2. Which competitive exam in India has the most applicants?

The UPSC Civil Services Examination attracts the highest number of applicants each year due to its prestigious nature and the diverse career opportunities it offers.

3. How much do coaching centres charge per month?

Coaching centre fees vary depending on the type of exam and location, but on average, they can range from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 per month.

4. Can I take multiple competitive exams at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to take multiple competitive exams at the same time, as long as their schedules do not clash. However, it is important to consider your preparation capacity and time management skills before making this decision.

5. Which competitive exams have the toughest marking system?

Exams like the IIT-JEE and NEET are known for their challenging marking systems, where even a minor error can lead to a significant reduction in marks. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the exam pattern and practice extensively to perform well.

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