Top 11 PG Entrance Exams in India to Look Out For

Top 11 PG Entrance Exams
Top 11 PG Entrance Exams in India to Look Out For

Top 11 PG Entrance Exams in India to Look Out For

Introduction

Pursuing a postgraduate (PG) degree in India requires clearing competitive PG entrance exams, which serve as gateways to prestigious universities and specialized career paths. Whether you aim for engineering, medicine, management, or research, cracking these exams can shape your academic and professional future.

This blog covers:
✔ Top PG entrance exams in India
✔ Exam patterns, eligibility, and syllabus
✔ Career opportunities after clearing these exams
✔ Preparation tips and best books

Let’s explore the most sought-after PG entrance exams that can help you secure admission to top institutions.


Why Are PG Entrance Exams Important?

Clearing a PG entrance exam offers several advantages:

BenefitsDescription
Admission to Top CollegesIITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and central universities admit students based on entrance exams.
Scholarships & FundingMany exams (like GATE, UGC NET) offer fellowships for further studies.
Better Career ProspectsHigher-paying jobs in research, academia, and corporate sectors.
Direct PhD OpportunitiesExams like CSIR NET and GATE provide direct PhD admissions.

Top PG Entrance Exams in India

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most important PG entrance exams for different fields:

1. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyIISc & IITs
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityB.E./B.Tech/B.Arch
Career ScopePSU jobs, M.Tech, PhD abroad

Why Take GATE?

  • Admission to IITs, NITs, IISc for M.Tech.
  • PSU recruitments (BHEL, ONGC, IOCL).
  • Scholarships for PhD (e.g., JRF).

2. CAT (Common Admission Test)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyIIMs
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityGraduation (50% marks)
Career ScopeMBA in IIMs, FMS, XLRI

Why Take CAT?

  • Entry into top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta).
  • High-paying corporate jobs (Consulting, Finance).

3. NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyNBE (National Board of Examinations)
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityMBBS Degree
Career ScopeMD/MS in AIIMS, PGIMER

Why Take NEET PG?

  • Admission to medical PG courses (MD/MS).
  • Government and private hospital recruitments.

4. UGC NET (National Eligibility Test)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyNTA (National Testing Agency)
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityMaster’s Degree (55%)
Career ScopeAssistant Professor, JRF

Why Take UGC NET?

  • Become a professor in universities.
  • Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for PhD.

5. CSIR NET (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research NET)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyCSIR
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityM.Sc./BS-MS (55%)
Career ScopeScientist, Lecturer, PhD

Why Take CSIR NET?

  • Research careers in CSIR labs.
  • JRF for PhD in Science streams.

6. CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyIIT Bombay
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityGraduation/Diploma in Design
Career ScopeM.Des in IITs, NIDs

Why Take CEED?

  • Master’s in Design from IITs/NIDs.
  • High-paying jobs in UX/UI, Product Design.

7. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyXLRI Jamshedpur
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityGraduation (50%)
Career ScopeMBA in XLRI, SPJIMR

Why Take XAT?

  • Admission to XLRI, XIMB, other top B-schools.
  • Leadership roles in HR & Business Management.

8. NIMCET (NIT MCA Common Entrance Test)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyNITs
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityB.Sc./BCA (Maths in 12th)
Career ScopeMCA from NITs

Why Take NIMCET?

  • MCA from top NITs (Warangal, Trichy, Surathkal).
  • IT jobs in TCS, Infosys, Wipro.

9. ICAR AIEEA PG (Indian Council of Agricultural Research Exam)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyICAR
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityB.Sc. Agriculture (60%)
Career ScopeMSc/PhD in Agriculture

Why Take ICAR AIEEA?

  • Research in agriculture & animal sciences.
  • Jobs in ICAR, FCI, Agribusiness firms.

10. JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyJNU
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityGraduation (varies by course)
Career ScopeMA, MSc, MPhil/PhD

Why Take JNUEE?

  • Admission to JNU’s renowned social science & language courses.
  • Government research & policy-making careers.

11. TISS NET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences Exam)

Key DetailsInformation
Conducting BodyTISS
Exam LevelNational
EligibilityGraduation (50%)
Career ScopeSocial Work, HR, Public Policy

Why Take TISS NET?

  • MA in Social Work, HR, Development Studies.
  • NGOs, UN, CSR roles.

Which PG Entrance Exams is best

How to Prepare for PG Entrance Exams?

Top Preparation Tips

StrategyDescription
Know the SyllabusDownload the PG entrance exam syllabus and focus on key topics.
Solve Previous PapersAnalyze last years’ papers for pattern understanding.
Take Mock TestsImprove speed & accuracy with online test series.
Follow Best BooksUse recommended PG entrance exam books (e.g., Arun Sharma for CAT).
Join Coaching (If Needed)Enroll in PG entrance exam coaching for structured guidance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right PG entrance exam depends on your career goals and academic background. Whether you aim for engineering (GATE), management (CAT/XAT), medicine (NEET PG), or research (UGC NET/CSIR NET), thorough preparation is key.

Next Steps:

  • Check latest PG entrance exam notifications.
  • Start PG entrance exam preparation early.
  • Apply for PG entrance exam application forms before deadlines.

Need help selecting the right exam? Drop your queries below! 🚀

author avatar
Drisht Kanoji