As the graduation degree reaches to final year, students are already running from poles to pillars to choose their further education or job opportunities. Take a look at the popular entrance exam details to get admission to India's top-most science institutes.
Every year nearly 11.52 lakh B.Sc. graduates are at the fork of their career paths. They have various options to go for, besides the usual aspects. The best in research goes for MSc and PhD. The next go for PG certification and diploma in Pure Sciences. Others move into MBA or study abroad for a career switch.
To help young readers make an informed career decision, we bring you 11 Science entrance tests students can choose from after B.Sc.
With over 89 different fields from Astrophysics to Bioinformatics, these entrance tests cater to almost every science segment.
| MSc Entrance Exam for IITs/NITs/IISER/CFTIs. |
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| MSc Entrance Exam for National Research Institutes. |
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| MSc Entrance Exam for Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. |
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| MSc Entrance Exam for JNU, Delhi. |
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| 5-year Integrated MSc Program Entrance Test for the University of Mumbai and NISER. |
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| PG Entrance Exam for ICAR. |
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| MSc and MSc Nursing Entrance Test for AIIMS. |
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| Certification Course for Bioinformatics Professionals. |
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| PG and JRF admission to Indian Statistical Institute. |
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| Research scholarship towards a Ph.D. at either IUCAA or NCRA-TIFR. |
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| PG Pure Science Courses at IITs, NITs, and CFTIs. |
IIT JAM
If you want to start your second innings at IITs, there is no better exam than the Joint Admission Test for MSc. To fulfil your IIT dream after B.Sc., you can appear in this exam and get admission to MSc in IISc, IITs, IISER, NITs, and other CFTIs.
Purpose: Admission in MSc or PhD or MSc-PhD Dual degree professional courses offered by the IITs and IISc. NITs, IISERs, and other reputed colleges also accept IIT JAM Scores for MSc admission.
Eligibility: Check Updated JAM Eligibility Criteria 2023 here. There are some updates in eligibility criteria this year for engineering graduates.
Exam Dates: 12th February 2023 (Expected to be conducted by IIT Guwahati)
Procedure to Apply: You can apply for IIT JAM 2023 online from September.
JEST
JEST is recognized as a national eligibility test by Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB). The popularity of the Joint Entrance Screening Test is so immense that it is also known as a passport to science research.
Purpose: It is a qualifying test for admission to PhD programmes in physics at more than 20 premier Indian research institutions and a PhD programme in theoretical computer science at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences.
Eligibility: Check JEST Eligibility Criteria here. The minimum education qualification is B.Sc. for most of the courses. B.Tech./B.E./M.E./M.Tech./4 year B.S./M.C.A. may also be considered for MSc and PhD (integrated and regular) programmes in some institutes.
Exam Dates: The exam will be held in March 2023. The exam dates are not released by the conducting body yet.
Procedure to Apply: The online registration process for session 2023 will start around December 2022.
Website: https://www.jest.org.in
TIFR GS
TIFR GS is a nationwide entrance exam conducted by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research to provide admission to candidates in its postgraduate Science courses.
Purpose: The Institute runs a graduate programme leading to the award of PhD, Integrated MSc-PhD, and MSc degrees in certain subjects.
Eligibility: The students will receive a degree through the subject boards of the graduate school of TIFR. So, they need to fulfill the eligibility requirement of the subject board. The eligibility guideline is given on the official website for various offered courses.
Exam Dates: The TIFR GS 2023 exam dates haven’t been announced yet.
Procedure to Apply: Students can apply in both ways: Online and Offline. Students from remote areas who do not have access to the internet may apply manually. They can send a request for an application form (without DD) along with a self-addressed stamped (Rs 20/-) envelope (size 25cm x 17cm) superscribed "GS-2023 (Subject)" to the following addresses:
For Biology:
Admissions Section
National Centre for Biological Sciences
UAS-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road,
Bangalore 560065.
Other Subjects Except for Science Education:
University Cell, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005.
Website: http://univ.tifr.res.in/
JNUEE
JNU is a prominent university in India that always remains in the news for good or bad reasons. Yet, it is said about JNU that it is not just a university - it is a way of life.
Being a politically conscious campus believes 'JNU thinks today and India thinks tomorrow'. The varsity has been a dream institute for many. JNUEE is one of the exams conducted to get admission to this institute.
Purpose: Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam is conducted for admission to the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes under JRF. The qualified students can get admission in the following schools under JNU:
| School of International Studies (SIS) |
School of Life Sciences (SLS) |
| School of Environmental Sciences (SES) |
School of Social Sciences (SSS) |
| School of Physical Sciences (SPS) |
School of Computer & Systems Sciences (SC&SS) |
| School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies (SL) |
School of Computational and Integrative Sciences (SC&IS) |
| School of Arts & Aesthetics (SAA) |
School of Biotechnology (SBT) |
| Centre for Sanskrit Studies (CSS) |
Centre for Molecular Medicine (CMM) |
| Centre for the Study of Law & Governance (CLG) |
Centre for Nano Sciences (CNS) |
Eligibility: JNU holds a single exam for various M.Phil/MA/MSc programmes. The eligibility guidelines are different for each course. As we talk about BSc graduates, we’ll discuss the eligibility criteria for MSc courses only.
Procedure to Apply: The university will issue the JNU 2022 Application form only through online mode in October 2022. The window to make corrections in the form will also be opened later.
Website: https://admissions.jnu.ac.in/
NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)
National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is a compulsory test for students seeking admission to the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences for a 5-year Integrated MSc Program.
Purpose: Admission to integrated PG course for carrying out cutting edge scientific research and providing input to scientific programmes of the Department of Atomic Energy and other applied science institutions in the country.
Eligibility: Candidates must qualify for all four eligibility criteria listed below:
1. Age Limit for NEST Exam: Candidates in the General and OBC categories should be born on or after August 01, 1999. The age limit is relaxed by 5 years for SC/ ST/ Physically Disabled (PD) candidates.
2. Educational Requirement: Class XII qualifying examination should be passed in either 2021 or 2022. (Where only Letter Grade is given by the Board, a certificate from the Board specifying equivalent percentage marks will be required. In the absence of such a certificate, the decision of the respective Admission Committees will be final.)
3. Percentage Requirement: At least 60% marks in aggregate (or equivalent grade) in Class XII (or equivalent) examination from any recognized Board in India. For Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates, and Persons with Disability (PD), the minimum requirement is 55%.
4. Candidate should secure a position in the NEST merit list.
Exam Dates: The exam will be held on 18th June 2022.
Procedure to Apply: Online Application Process for NEST 2022 is going on. You can fill the form by visiting the official website of the exam.
Website: https://www.nestexam.in/
ICAR AIEEA PG Entrance Exam
The history of Agriculture in India dates back to the Indus valley civilization era and even before. The economic contribution of agriculture to India's GDP is 13.7%. India as a country relies on agriculture to such a large extent that agriculture post graduates are among the most in-demand professionals in Indian banks and central government departments.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is responsible for coordinating agricultural education and research in India.
Purpose: AIEEA is an entrance exam to get into the ICAR institution. It is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes globally. Many Master’s degree holders in agricultural Sciences go for higher education in Indian Universities and abroad. In 2017, ICAR PG Exam admitted 43% of female candidates, showing a keen interest in women in the field.
ICAR has the following institutions:
6 Deemed Universities (2 new-NAARM, Hyderabad and NIASM, Malegaon, Maharashtra)
64 ICAR Institutions
15 National Research Centres
6 National Bureaux
25 Directorates/Project Directorates (upgraded NRCs-12)
Eligibility:
Age limit – The candidate must not be less than 19 years.
Qualifying Exam – The candidate must have passed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in the concerned field.
Exam Dates: The tentative date for the exam 2022-23 is 17th September 2022.
Procedure to Apply: The exam registration is online on the official website.
Website: https://icarexam.net
AIIMS MSc Entrance Exam
If you are interested in the human body and Science, passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, then medical school is your ultimate destination.
If you missed your chance to get into AIIMS for a Pre-med course, then MSc can be your second chance to live up to the dream.
AIIMS conducts its medical entrance examination for students to pursue MSc in its parent institute and other 7 campuses.
Purpose: Admission to MSc (various disciplines), Biotechnology, and Nursing courses in AIIMS. Following PG courses are offered in AIIMS through this entrance exam:
MSc in Anatomy
MSc Biochemistry
MSc Biophysics
MSc Cardiovascular Imaging and Endovascular Technologies
MSc Physiology
MSc Pharmacology
MSc Perfusion Technology
MSc Reproductive Biology and Clinical Embryology
MSc Nuclear Medicine Technology
Eligibility: The eligibility criteria is mentioned in the E-prospectus uploaded on AIIMS's official website.
Exam Dates: The exam will be held in online mode only. The tentative exam date is 18 June 2022.
Procedure to Apply: The applications are invited in online mode, and it begins in March every year.
Website: https://www.aiimsexams.org
Bio-Informatics National Certification (BINC)
Bioinformatics is the science of collecting and analyzing complex biological data, such as genetic codes. The field combines computer science, biology, chemistry, mathematics, genetics, and engineering.
Today almost all life scientists need additional bioinformatics resources. In the upcoming 5 years, there will be a high demand for skilled and trained Bioinformatics professionals. The global bioinformatics market is growing rapidly, and even the Indian Bioinformatics market is expected to grow at a 19.8% rate by 2022.
BINC is a certification programme for graduate and post-graduate students to recognize their exceptional bioinformatics knowledge and skills and improve their employment opportunities.
Purpose: There is a growing need for trained human resources in Bioinformatics. Currently, various universities and institutions, both government and private, impart Bioinformatics education in India. BINC is a lifetime certificate to facilitate industries, and potential employers recruit bioinformatics professionals with excellent skills.
The qualified candidates will get a fellowship of Rs. 25,000/- per month (during the first and second year) and Rs. 28,000/- per month (during the third and subsequent years).
Eligibility:
Bachelor's/ Master's degree in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Agriculture, Veterinary, Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Technology.
No formal training, diploma, or certificate in bioinformatics is required.
Candidates in the final year of their Bachelor's/ Master's degree are also eligible to apply.
Exam Dates: The registration period for BINC will open in May-June month.
Procedure to Apply: Candidates can apply online for the BINC exam.
Website: http://www.btisnet.gov.in/binc.html
Indian Statistical Institute Admission Test
Statistician is the most excellent job you’ve ever heard of. Don’t take our word for it; see for yourself all the great things you can do with a career in Statistics.
ISI Kolkata is a unique institution devoted to researching, teaching, and applying statistics, natural sciences, and social sciences. The agency also aims to develop Statistics rigor among Indian youth.
It grants degrees and diplomas in Mathematics, Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, and other subjects related to Statistics.
If you have a statistic bent of mind, then knowledge in statistics provides you a way to extract information intelligently from the sea of data.
Purpose: Admission to the master’s courses at ISI Kolkata is through an entrance test. The admission tests are held at many centres in India. The overall merit is judged based on performance in tests and interviews both. Sometimes past academics records are also considered. Following PG Courses are available:
M Stat
M Math
Master of Science in Quantitative Economics
Master of Science in Quality Management Science
Master of Science in Library and Information Science
Master of Technology in Computer Science (Additional requirement GATE Scorecard)
Master of Technology in Cryptology and Security (Additional requirement GATE Scorecard)
Master of Technology in Quality, Reliability & Operations Research
Postgraduate Diploma in Statistical Methods & Analytics
Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Applications
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analytics
Eligibility: To be eligible for admission to the PG programme, an applicant must have:
a three-year Bachelor’s degree or a BE/B Tech degree with Statistics/Mathematics as a subject, or a B Math / B Stat degree from ISI, or a Post-Graduate Diploma in Statistical Methods and Analytics from ISI
The detailed eligibility criteria for ISI Kolkata Admission Test is given here.
Exam Dates: The exam is held in May every year.
Procedure to Apply: The online application process commences in February month.
INAT
Space - the final frontier. There is still very little that we understand about the vast universe we live in. To make a step ahead towards your career in Astrophysics and Astronomy, INAT can be an important milestone.
Purpose: To find passionate students for research in Astrophysics and Astronomy at IUCAA-NCRA Pune Campus.
Eligibility: According to the INAT official website, any Science or Technology graduate can apply for this exam.
We are looking for highly motivated students with a consistently good academic record. While we strongly encourage students from engineering backgrounds to apply for INAT-2022, we emphasize that we are looking for students interested in pursuing doctoral research in Physics or Astronomy and Astrophysics. We hence expect prospective candidates to have a good understanding of basic Physics.
Exam Dates: The exam will be conducted in December.
Procedure to Apply: The online application is slightly different from other exams. The Online Applications will begin in August or September 2022.
There are three steps in the application procedure.
1. Candidates must first register by entering their name and valid e-mail address in the appropriate registration boxes below. An application password will be automatically sent to the candidates' e-mail address; the e-mail address and the password must be entered to fill out the Online Application Form.
2. The Application Form also requires two referees' names and e-mail addresses.
3. When the form is submitted, E-mails will also be automatically sent to the two referees, requesting them to fill and submit the online Confidential Assessment Form. The candidates should inform their referees about the Assessment Form.
Website: https://www.iucaa.in/~inat/
GATE
The entry to an IIT is considered “the beginning” of growth and prosperity in one’s professional life. Hence, the IIT fever is always tempting among Science scholars. GATE is mainly for admission to M.Tech. courses but there is a catch for B.Sc. students.
GATE Exam is conducted for 29 subjects in total. BSc students can give the GATE exam for the following subjects:
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Biotechnology
Life Sciences
Engineering Sciences
Geology and Geophysics
Statistics
Purpose: Qualifying GATE is mandatory for seeking admission or financial assistance to:
1. Masters or Direct Doctoral programmes in Engineering/Technology/Architecture.
2. Doctoral programmes in relevant exams of Science in MHRD/Govt. supported institutes.
3. Recruitment in some PSUs.
Eligibility: Those who don’t have Engineering Degrees post a lot of questions related to their eligibility for the GATE exam. Unfortunately, B.Sc. BCA and BCS (three-year degree) students are not eligible for the GATE Exam.
But, for B.Sc. (Tech), a four-year degree, final year students are eligible for GATE Science. Also, B.Sc. (Research)/ B.S./ Integrated B.S. – M.S. are eligible for the exam.
Exam Dates: GATE Exam 2023 will be conducted in February 2023.
Procedure to Apply: It is expected that the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Kanpur will release the official details for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2023 exam.
. The registration process for 2023 will start in September 2022. Candidates can register by going on the GATE official website.
Website: https://gate.iitkgp.ac.in/
That’s a wrap from the Eduncle team. As mentioned above, there are a large number of courses available. Please make sure that you take your own time and think before choosing a course. Another thing to keep in mind is whether the course suits the student’s aptitude or not!
Everybody is a Genius. But If You Judge a Fish by Its Ability to Climb a Tree, It Will Live Its Whole Life Believing that It is Stupid.
BSc might or might not be your own choice of career as a teenager who falls into the prey of parental and societal pressures at that time quickly. Now you are grown up to make a well-informed step, and we hope that our article helped you to some extent.
If you still have any doubt, Ask the Eduncle team by dropping a comment below. We look forward to hearing your comments and answering them to fill your knowledge gaps.
Thank You!!
