Top Entrance Exams to Watch Out for in 2026: How They Affect Admissions?

TL;DR

• Entrance examinations can help you decide which institute you can enrol in. 
• Around 13.5 Lakh candidates are said to appear for the CUET-UG 2026.
• JEE is known as one of the most challenging entrance examinations.
• The CAT exam is ideal for learners who are interested in PGDM and MBA programmes.

As the new year begins, college entrance exams 2026 continue to evolve, creating more opportunities for learners and working professionals. These exams play an important role for those aiming for government jobs, admission to reputed educational institutions, or careers in the private sector. Choosing the best entrance exam can help students move closer to their academic and professional goals.

More than 13.5 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the CUET-UG entrance exam in 2026 alone. With so many entrance exams scheduled, it becomes important to choose one that truly aligns with your goals and is worth your time and effort.

Entrance Exams in 2026 and Their Impact on Admissions

Entrance exams play a big role in deciding which colleges students can get into and, in many cases, the kind of career paths that open up later. These exams are used by universities and institutes to shortlist students for different courses. Below is a quick look at some of the major entrance exams and why they matter.

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.

Expected exam Date: 21st January 2026 to 30th January 2026 (Session 1)

Exam Date: 2nd April 2026 to 9th April 2026 (Session 2)

• JEE Advanced: Only students who score well in JEE Main are allowed to appear for JEE Advanced. This exam is conducted by one of the IITs each year on a rotating basis. Clearing JEE Advanced is necessary if you want to get admission into an IIT.

Expected Exam Date: 17th May 2026/24th May 2026

Impact on Admissions: Performance in JEE plays a key role in engineering admissions. A strong score in JEE Advanced can help candidates secure admission to an IIT, while a good rank in JEE Main improves chances of getting into NITs or IIITs. Many private engineering colleges also consider JEE scores during the admission process.

2. National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET)

Compared to other entrance exams, NEET is the largest 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 2026

Impact on Admissions: NEET scores decide where a student can study medicine. Those who score well usually get seats in government medical colleges, which have lower fees. Students with lower scores often have to look at private colleges, where the cost of education is usually higher.

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.

Expected Exam Date: 15th May 2026 to 31st May 2026

Impact on Admissions: Earlier, many universities followed their own admission rules, often relying on Class 12 marks. With CUET in place, admissions are now based mainly on entrance exam scores, which has made the process more uniform and transparent. Institutions such as Amity University Online also accept CUET scores for admission.

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: 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th February 2026

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).

Expected Exam Date: 29th November 2026

Impact on Admissions: A good score in this exam can help candidates get admission into leading government and private management institutes such as IIMs, IITs, and FMS.

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6. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is conducted by XLRI – Xavier School of Management – on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). It is accepted by XLRI and many well-known private management institutes across India for MBA and PGDM programmes. 

Exam Date: 4th January 2026

Impact on Admissions: XAT scores are mainly used by private business schools, including XLRI and other XAMI member institutes. It offers an alternative route for management aspirants who may not secure admission through exams like CAT, while still aiming for reputed management colleges.

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: 15th, 17th, 19th and 21st January 2026
• CA Intermediate (Group 1): 4th, 6th and 8th January 2026
• CA Intermediate (Group 2): 10th, 12th, and 14th January 2026
• CA Final (Group 1): 3rd, 5th, and 7th January 2026
• CA Final (Group 2): 9th, 11th and 13th January 2026

Impact on Admissions: CA exams are not used for college admissions. Instead, they are essential for building a career as a Chartered Accountant in the fields of accounting and finance. Clearing all three levels of the CA exam opens up job opportunities with reputed firms and organisations.

Also Read:- Exploring Program That Don't Require CAT

8. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam 

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is considered one of the toughest exams in India. It is taken by candidates who aim to become IAS, IPS, IFS officers, and officers in other central government services.

Exam Date:

• Notification Release: 14th January 2026
• Preliminary Examination: 24th May 2026
• Mains Examination: From 21st August 2026

Impact on Admissions: The UPSC Civil Services Exam is meant for recruitment into top administrative roles in the government. It plays an important role for those who aspire to work in public administration and policy-making. Many candidates start preparing for this exam during their college years, as it demands long-term dedication and thorough preparation.

Conclusion

Entrance exams play an important role in shaping academic and career paths of millions of students in India. Each exam serves a different purpose and influences admissions and career opportunities in its own way. Every major field has specific entrance tests that decide eligibility for higher education or professional roles.

With the right planning and a clear understanding of entrance exams 2026 and how they affect admissions, students can make better choices and improve their chances of success. Gaining admission to reputed institutions such as Amity University Online can also help learners build strong foundations for future career opportunities.

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