India is home to some of the most competitive entrance exams in the world. In 2024, for example, over 2.93 lakh students across the country took the CAT exam.
With JEE and NEET exam trends, several other entrance exams will continue to play an important role in shaping the academic future of students. Understanding these exams' formats and their impact on admissions can help students prepare effectively.
This blog discusses the top entrance exams in India in 2025 and the important exam dates for 2025.
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Entrance Exams in 2025 and Their Impact on Admissions
Entrance exams help decide which colleges students can enroll in, and they also affect their future careers. Here is a list of the top entrance exams for 2025 and other details:
1. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)
JEE is one of the most challenging exams for engineering students aspiring to enter top institutions. It consists of two stages:
● JEE Main: Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this exam is the first step for students seeking admission into National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and various other government-funded technical institutions.
Exam date: April 1 to 8, 2025 (Session 2)
● JEE Advanced: Only the top scorers of JEE Main qualify for this stage. It is conducted by one of the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) on a rotational basis and is mandatory for securing admission into IITs.
Exam date: May 18, 2025
Impact on Admissions: Performance in JEE directly influences engineering admissions. High scores in JEE Advanced can secure a seat in IIT, while a good JEE Main rank can help students get into NIT or IIIT. Many private engineering colleges also accept JEE scores.
2. National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET)
NEET is the largest medical entrance exam in India. It is conducted by NTA for students seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in government and private medical colleges.
Exam date: May 4, 2025
Impact on Admissions: NEET’s high scorers get into government medical colleges, which are more affordable. Those with lower scores may have to seek admission in private institutions, often with higher fees.
3. Common University Entrance Test (CUET)
Introduced in recent years, CUET is becoming the standard test for undergraduate admissions in many central, state, and private universities.
Exam date: March 13 to March 31, 2025
Impact on Admissions: Previously, universities had their admission criteria, often based on class 12th marks. With CUET as a common platform, students are now admitted based on their entrance exam performance, making the admission process more standardised. Amity University Online is among the top institutions accepting CUET scores.
4. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
GATE is a national-level exam for students aiming to pursue Master's and PhD programs. It is conducted jointly by IISc Bangalore and IITs.
Exam date: February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025
Impact on Admissions: A high GATE score can help students gain admission to top IITs and NITs for postgraduate and doctoral studies. Additionally, PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) use GATE scores for recruitment, providing career opportunities beyond academics.
5. Common Admission Test (CAT)
For students interested in MBA and PGDM programs, the CAT exam is one of the primary entrance exams for top management institutes. It is conducted by IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management).
Exam date: November 30, 2025
Impact on Admissions: A strong performance in this exam can open doors to top government and private management schools like IIMs, IITs, FMS, etc.
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6. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)
Organised by XLRI’s (Xavier Labour Relations Organisation) Xavier School of Management, this test is widely accepted by both government and private business schools for management studies.
Exam date: January 5, 2025
Impact on Admissions: It is a good option for students who are not eligible for IIMs and IITs.
7. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Exams
For students aiming to become Chartered Accountants (CAs), the ICAI conducts three levels of exams:
● CA Foundation (Entry-level exam)
● CA Intermediate
● CA Final (Advanced level)
Exam date:
● Foundation: May 15, 17, 19 and 21, 2025
● Intermediate course Group 1: May 3, 5, and 7, 2025
● Intermediate course Group 2: May 9, 11, and 14, 2025
● Final examination Group 1: May 2, 4, and 6, 2025
● Final examination Group 2: May 8, 10, and 13, 2025
Impact on Admissions: CA exams do not lead to college admissions but are crucial for pursuing a career in accounting and finance as a Chartered Accountant. Clearing all three levels opens up job opportunities in top firms.
Also Read:- Exploring Program That Don't Require CAT
8. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is considered one of the toughest exams in India, taken by students aspiring to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers and officers in other groups.
Exam Date:
● Preliminary Exam: May 25, 2025
● Mains Exam: From August 22, 2025
● Personal Interview
Impact on Admissions: This exam does not affect college admissions but is important for those pursuing careers in government administration. Many students prepare for it while completing their university degrees.
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Conclusion
Entrance exams significantly shape students' careers in India. Each exam has a unique purpose and affects admissions 2025 updates in different ways. All major fields have specific tests determining eligibility for higher education or job placements.
Proper planning and knowing how entrance exams impact admissions can help students achieve success and secure admission to the best institutions like Amity University Online in the country. Studying through top institutions will help students land significant job opportunities.
