Are you a 10+2 pass-out student looking for options that can help you shape a bright future? The scope of a science student with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) opens the door to several high-demand courses and foundational skills to shape a bright future. Several entrance exams help you make the path toward the most exciting and rewarding careers in engineering, architecture, defence, and beyond. 

Choosing the right entrance exams to build a foundational career can be overwhelming with the number of entrance exams in the market. This article is designed to simplify the process of going through the PCM Entrance Exam operations in 2025. It walks you through from the prestigious IITs and NITs to niche universities and state-level colleges and top entrance exams you should know about. 

Read the full article to make a clear decision regarding your career goals after 10+2 studies. This article covers top PCM Entrance exams after the 12th, career opportunities to choose from, preparation tips, and more to help you pick the right exam and successfully crack it

Top PCM Entrance Exams to apply for after 12th 

10+2 PCM students interested in higher education can apply for several entrance exams to build a future in engineering, course programs, and more. Here is the top PCM Entrance exam that students can apply for after the 12th studies: 

1. JEE Mains & Advanced 

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains and Advanced Exam open the door to admissions at top-tier institutions, IITs, and NITs, to India’s most prestigious engineering higher studies. 

2. BITSAT

BITSAT Entrance Exam is a university-level entrance test for admission to undergraduate engineering programs at BITS Pilani and its several campuses.

3. NDA 

The NDA exam examines and shortlists candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force domains of the National Defence Academy designed especially for PCM 10+2 students.   

4. VITEEE

VITEEE is a university-based competitive entrance exam for admission to undergraduate engineering programs at VIT campuses.

5. SRMJEEE

SRMJEEE is the gateway to various undergraduate engineering programs suitable for the PCM 12th candidates offered by SRM University. 

6. NATA

NATA is an aptitude test that examines aspirants’s suitability to enrol in undergraduate programs in architecture programs. 

7. COMEDK UGET

COMEDK UGET is a state-level entrance exam for candidates interested in taking admission to engineering colleges after the 12th qualification in Karnataka.

8. State Engineering Entrance Exam

State-level entrance exams curated for the engineering programs at local engineering colleges like MHT-CET, WBJEE, and KCET. 

9. IISER Aptitude Test

IISER conducts this test for admission to its integrated bachelor’s program in science education and research. 

10. CLAT

CLAT is a UG & PG national-level entrance test for law programs to gain admission at India’s top National Law Universities (NLUs). It’s a great opportunity for 10+2 qualified PCM students who wish to pursue a career in law, especially in fields like Intellectual Property Rights or Technology Law.

Career opportunities for 12th PCM students

Students after qualifying for a 10+2 education, can opt for several trending and most sought-after entrance exams to build an advancing career in several fields. Here is a list of career opportunities that 12th PCM students can pick: 

1. Engineering and Technology

• Domain: Mechanical, IT, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science.
• Career Opportunities: Software developers, design engineers, project managers, etc.

2. Architecture

• Domain: Building design, urban planning, landscape architecture
• Career Opportunites: Interior designers, Architects, consultants.

3. Research and Development

• Domain: Robotics, Nanotechnology, quantum computing, etc.
• Career Paths: Innovation specialists, Researchers, Data scientists, and more

4. Aviation and Defense

• Domain: Space exploration, Aeronautics, Military services
• Career Opportunities: Fighter pilots, aerospace engineers, mission controllers.

5. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

• Career Paths: Data analysts, AI specialists, and machine learning engineers.

6. Entrepreneurship

• With UG & PG courses the candidates are equipped with analytical and technical knowledge that they can use in manufacturing, software, or services and build an entrepreneurial venture. 

Preparation Tips for PCM Entrance Exams After 12th

Candidates preparing for the entrance exams after their 10+2 education require dedication and strategic planning to crack competitive exams like JEE, BITSAT, or NDA. Here are some actionable tips to help you ace these exams:

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

• Why important: Knowing what the syllabus comprises and what to study helps structure the study table and focus on essential topics.
• How to do it: Download the syllabus for each exam from its official website. Identify high-weightage topics, understand the marking scheme and focus more on them.  

2. Create a Study Schedule

• Why important: Time management makes you disciplined and tracks progress.
• How to do it: Schedule 6–8 hours of daily study with breaks. Allocate more time on weaker topics. 

3. Build Strong Concepts

• Why important: Entrance exams evaluate the core concepts of the applicants. 
• How to do it: Focus on authentic books, recommended text copies, and NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Refer to advanced books like  R.D. Sharma for Mathematics, H.C. Verma for Physics, and O.P. Tandon for Chemistry.

4. Solve Previous Year Papers

• Why important: To understand the question pattern and its difficulty levels.
• How to do it: Solve question papers from the previous years of the particular entrance exams you applied for. Familiarise yourself with the online exam by setting a fixed time.

5. Take Mock Tests

• Why important: Taking mock tests improves time management and accuracy of the exam.
• How to do it: Use online portals for real exam experience or coaching institute materials for mock tests. Analyze your test performance to identify your weak areas for improvement.

6. Master Time Management

• Why important: Candidates are made to perform under the high pressure of time and exams are time-bound.
• How to do it: Set time while practising questions quickly and accurately which enhances time management. 

7. Focus on Weak Areas

• Why important: Improving weak areas can boost confidence and boost performance.
• How to do it: Allot extra time on complex topics or subjects. Seek help from mentors, peers, experts, or online guides & resources.

8. Prioritize Revision

• Why important: Retention while preparing for the exam is important 
• How to do it: Make notes on important topics and revise them one month before the exam. Take a quick view of the important formulas and points.

9. Stay Updated on Current Affairs (for NDA exams, etc)

• Why important: Various exams comprise of General Knowledge sections.
• How to do it: Stay updated about the trending news, download news apps, and read newspapers, magazines, and subscribe to news blogs. 

10. Take Care of Your Health

• Why important: A fit mind and healthy body help in preparing well for the exam
• How to do it: Sleep on time, exercise every day, intake a balanced diet and stay hydrated. 

11. Stay Consistent and Motivated

• Why important: Consistency ensures continuous progress.
• How to do it: Set fixed goals within a certain time frame and stay consistent to achieve them. Stay positive, build confidence and avoid distractions.

Conclusion

For students who have recently qualified for their 10+2 education, we hope this article helped you understand which entrance exams to apply for with PCM as your core subjects. These entrance exams will help you start your journey into the field of your dreams program. With the information provided above you can choose from a wide range of career options like engineering, architecture, research, defence, etc. The 10+2 students have the flexibility to choose paths that align with their skills and dreams. With a determined vision and focused preparation, these exams can open up a world of opportunities for your bright future. Read the above-given preparation tips to successfully ace the upcoming entrance exams.