Planning to pursue national in India? Understanding the national exam landscape is the first step towards securing admission to the right college.
In 2026, there are 114 national exams conducted across national, state, and institute levels for admission to B.E. / B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, Post Graduate Programme in Management, MBA/PGDM, Master of Business Administration programs. These exams are accepted by top institutions, including government colleges like IIT Bombay, AIIMS Delhi, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, and IIT Delhi, as well as private universities such as SP Jain (SPJIMR), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and IIIT Hyderabad.
National-level exams such as JEE Main, GATE, CAT are the most widely accepted and competitive. Alongside, exams like offer admission to top private universities, while state-level exams such as provide access to regional colleges.
This page provides a complete list of national exams 2026, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application details, and participating colleges to help you choose the right exam and plan your preparation.
Overview of National Exams 2026
National exams in India are conducted by national bodies, state authorities, and private institutions for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programs. In 2026, there are 114 national exams that serve as gateways to B.E. / B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, Post Graduate Programme in Management, MBA/PGDM, Master of Business Administration courses across top colleges in the country.
- Total Exams in India: 114
- UG Exams: 78
- PG Exams: 26
- Diploma / PhD Exams: 5
- National Level Exams: 114
These exams are conducted at different levels to provide multiple admission pathways based on a candidate's rank, preferred colleges, and location. National-level exams such as JEE Main and GATE are accepted by top institutions across India, while state-level exams are primarily used for admissions within specific states. Institute-level exams such as are conducted by private universities for direct admissions.
With multiple options available, candidates are advised to shortlist 2–4 relevant exams based on their target colleges and competition level. Most students typically appear for one primary exam like JEE Main along with 1–2 backup options such as institute-level exams or state-level CETs. This approach helps maintain focused preparation while increasing the chances of securing admission across multiple colleges.
Top National Exams 2026
Popular national exams attract lakhs of aspirants every year and are accepted by government colleges, state colleges, and leading private universities across India.
The national exams highlighted below are among the most competitive tests in India. Leading national and state exams such as JEE Main, GATE, CAT, BITSAT, JEE Advanced together cover UG and PG pathways in national.
| Exam | Full Form | Courses | Level | Mode | Duration | Conducting Body | Frequency | Eligibility | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JEE Main | Joint Entrance Examination Main | B.E. / B.Tech | UG | Online | 180 min | National Testing Agency (NTA) | — | — | 21 Jan 2026 & 02 Apr 2026 |
| GATE | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering | M.E./M.Tech | PG | Online | 180 min | IITs and IISc | — | — | 07 Feb 2026 |
| CAT | Common Admission Test | Post Graduate Programme in Management | PG | Online | 120 min | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | once a year | — | 30 Nov 2025 |
| BITSAT | Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test | B.E. / B.Tech | UG | Online | 180 min | Birla Institute of Technology and Science | — | — | 15 Apr 2026 & 24 May 2026 |
| JEE Advanced | Joint Entrance Examination Advanced | B.E. / B.Tech | UG | ONLINE | 180 min | National Testing Agency (NTA) | — | 10+2 (PCM) From Recognized board | 17 May 2026 |
These exams are conducted every year and are among the most preferred choices for national aspirants due to their wide acceptance and structured admission process.
Candidates are advised not to apply for all exams. A better approach is to focus on one main exam such as JEE Main, which is accepted by multiple colleges, and then apply for 1–2 additional exams like GATE or CAT based on their preferences and backup options. This helps in maintaining a focused preparation strategy while improving admission chancesNational Exams by Level
To choose the right national exam, it is important to align it with your current qualification and career stage. National exams in India are conducted at different levels based on eligibility and the course you want to pursue.
| Level | Exams | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| UG | JEE Main, BITSAT, JEE Advanced, GMAT, VITEEE, CLAT | After Class 12 |
| PG | GATE, CAT, XAT, NMAT, Neet PG, CCMN | After Graduation |
| Diploma | SSC Selection Post | After Class 10 |
| PhD | CSIR NET, UGC NET, Banasthali University Aptitude Test, IBPS Clerk, JPSC, RRB Technician | Research careers |
This classification helps candidates quickly identify the exams they should target based on their academic stage. For example, students after Class 12 should focus on UG exams like JEE Main or BITSAT, while graduates aiming for postgraduate study or research roles should prepare for exams like GATE.
Understanding this structure ensures that you apply only to relevant exams and plan your preparation accordingly.
State-wise National Exams 2026
If you are planning to pursue national within your home state, state-level exams can be a good option. These exams are conducted by state authorities and are mainly used for admission to government and private colleges within the state, often with the benefit of domicile quotas.
Popular State-wise National Exams 2026
- Bihar – Bihar B.Ed. CET
- Kerala – Kerala SSLC Exam
- Rajasthan – RBSE Class 10 Exam
- Telangana – TS ICET
- Uttar Pradesh – UP Board Class 10 Exam
- West Bengal – WBJEE JELET
State-level exams are suitable for students targeting colleges in a specific region, as they generally have relatively lower competition compared to national-level exams and offer access to a wide network of state-affiliated institutions.
Popular state-level national exams include Bihar B.Ed. CET, Kerala SSLC Exam, RBSE Class 10 Exam, TS ICET, UP Board Class 10 Exam, and WBJEE JELET, which are widely accepted across state colleges in India.
Upcoming National Exams 2026
Staying updated with national exam dates is important for planning your applications, preparation, and revision schedule. Below is a quick overview of upcoming and recent exam events in 2026:
| Exam | Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEE Advanced | JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Registration | 23 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| MITID DAT | MITID DAT 2026 Result Date | 23 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| AEEE | Phase 2 Exam Dates | 24 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| IIAD Entrance Exam | IIAD DAT 2026 Exam Date | 24 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| SRMJEEE | SRMJEEE 2026 Exam (Phase 1) | 24 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| IPU CET | IPU CET 2026 Exam | 25 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| NCHMCT JEE | Exam Date | 25 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| AMU BA LLB | AMU BA LLB 2026 Exam Date | 26 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| HITSEEE | HITSEEE 2026 Exam Date | 27 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| MAH HM CET | MAH BHMCT CET Exam Date | 28 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| NMIMS NPAT | NPAT 2026 Phase 1 Counselling | 28 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| VITEEE | VITEEE 2026 exam dates | 28 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| VITMEE | VITMEE 2026 Exam Date (Day 1) | 28 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| ATMA | ATMA 2026 Admit Card Release | 29 April 2026 | Upcoming |
Tracking these dates helps you avoid missing important deadlines and allows you to plan your mock tests, revisions, and final preparation effectively. For better clarity, you can also refer to a detailed or month-wise exam calendar to track all upcoming national exam events in one place.
National Exams by Month
Planning your preparation month-wise helps you stay on track with exam timelines and manage your revision effectively. Here is a quick overview of major national exams scheduled in 2026:
- April 2026: JEE Main, BITSAT, VITEEE, AEEE, AMU BA LLB
- May 2026: BITSAT, JEE Advanced, CUET, ATMA, CBSE Class 10 Exam
- June 2026: AIBE 21, BVP CET, KIITEE, NEST, NIMCET
- July 2026: JIPMER MBBS, KIITEE, SRMJEEE
- August 2026: Neet PG, SBI PO, UPSC CMS, UPSC CSE
- September 2026: SSC CGL, CDS, SBI Clerk, SBI PO
Tracking exams by month allows you to plan revision, mock tests, and final preparation more efficiently, especially if you are appearing for multiple exams within a short period.
Previous Year Question Papers
Practicing previous year question papers is an essential part of national exam preparation. It helps candidates understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, important topics, and overall difficulty level across different exams.
- AIBE 21 Question Papers
- AILET Question Papers
- AMUEEE Question Papers
- ATMA Question Papers
- BITSAT Question Papers
- CAT Question Papers
Solving past papers regularly allows candidates to identify important topics, improve time management, and evaluate their preparation level. It is recommended to attempt these papers in a real exam-like environment and analyse performance after each test to improve accuracy and focus on weak areas.
Rank Predictor & College Predictor
To make informed admission decisions, candidates can use national prediction tools that estimate their rank and suitable colleges based on expected scores.
- National Rank Predictor
- National College Predictor
These tools help convert your expected score into a predicted rank and identify colleges where you have realistic chances of admission.They are especially useful after exams like JEE Main or GATE, when students need clarity before counselling begins.
Using these tools allows candidates to:
- Identify target and safe colleges
- Plan counselling choices more effectively
- Make data-driven admission decisions
Overall, rank and college predictors simplify the decision-making process and help candidates navigate the national admission journey with more confidence.
Colleges Accepting National Exams
Understanding which colleges accept specific exam is important for planning your applications and counselling preferences. Each exam is linked to a defined set of institutions, making it easier to shortlist exams based on your target colleges.
| Exam | Accepting Colleges |
|---|---|
| JEE Main | 1274 |
| GATE | 1038 |
| CAT | 1089 |
Each exam opens doors to different institutions. For instance, JEE Main is accepted by a wide range of institutes
Mapping exams to colleges helps candidates prioritise the right exams and maximise their admission opportunities.
Top Colleges Accepting JEE Main
JEE Main scores are accepted by some of the top national colleges in India, including IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, and IIT Kanpur, and other leading institutes. These colleges are known for their academic quality, placements, and industry exposure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Courses | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Delhi | ₹8.6 Lakhs | ₹1.7 LPA - ₹24 LPA | 127 | #2 NIRF |
| IIT Madras | ₹9.5 Lakhs | ₹1.8 LPA - ₹38 LPA | 69 | #1 NIRF |
| IIT Kanpur | ₹9.4 Lakhs | ₹15 LPA - ₹19 LPA | 138 | #4 NIRF |
| IIT Kharagpur | ₹15 Lakhs | ₹8.0 LPA - ₹21 LPA | 131 | #5 NIRF |
| IIT Roorkee | — | ₹10 LPA - ₹21 LPA | 78 | #6 NIRF |
These institutes are among the most preferred choices for national aspirants due to their strong academic infrastructure and placement records.
Candidates aiming for these colleges should focus on securing a high score in JEE Main, followed by qualifying for further admission stages where applicable.
Top Colleges Accepting GATE
GATE scores are accepted by some of the top national colleges in India, including IIMA, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi, and other leading institutes. These colleges are known for their academic quality, placements, and industry exposure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Courses | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIMA | ₹21 Lakhs | ₹20 LPA - ₹35 LPA | 18 | #1 NIRF |
| IIT Bombay | ₹0.5 Lakhs–1.2 Lakhs | ₹15 LPA - ₹27 LPA | 119 | #3 NIRF |
| IIT Delhi | ₹1.9 Lakhs–3.4 Lakhs | ₹1.7 LPA - ₹24 LPA | 127 | #2 NIRF |
| IIT Madras | ₹1.7 Lakhs | ₹1.8 LPA - ₹38 LPA | 69 | #1 NIRF |
| IIT Kanpur | ₹1.0 Lakhs | ₹15 LPA - ₹19 LPA | 138 | #4 NIRF |
These institutes are among the most preferred choices for national aspirants due to their strong academic infrastructure and placement records.
Candidates aiming for these colleges should focus on securing a high score in GATE, followed by qualifying for further admission stages where applicable.
Top Colleges Accepting CAT
CAT scores are accepted by some of the top national colleges in India, including IIMA, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi, and other leading institutes. These colleges are known for their academic quality, placements, and industry exposure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Courses | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIMA | ₹21 Lakhs | ₹20 LPA - ₹35 LPA | 18 | #1 NIRF |
| IIT Bombay | ₹1.3 Lakhs | ₹15 LPA - ₹27 LPA | 119 | #3 NIRF |
| IIT Delhi | ₹12 Lakhs | ₹1.7 LPA - ₹24 LPA | 127 | #2 NIRF |
| IIM Calcutta | ₹25 Lakhs | ₹20 LPA - ₹34 LPA | 25 | #7 NIRF |
| NALSAR | ₹8.7 Lakhs | ₹7.0 LPA - ₹18 LPA | 38 | #3 NIRF |
These institutes are among the most preferred choices for national aspirants due to their strong academic infrastructure and placement records.
Candidates aiming for these colleges should focus on securing a high score in CAT, followed by qualifying for further admission stages where applicable.
Cutoff Trends
Cutoff trends help candidates understand the level of competition and expected score or rank range for different national entrance exams. Analysing previous year cutoffs allows you to set realistic targets and evaluate your chances of admission.
For example, JEE Main and GATE cutoff trends highlight year-wise changes in qualifying marks and ranks, helping candidates plan shortlist and counselling choices for 2026.
JEE Main Cutoff Trends
JEE Main 2026 Cutoff Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | JEE Main |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Cutoff Type | Rank |
| Categories Covered | EWS, EWS PwD, General, GeneralPwD, OBCNCL, OBC NCLPwD, SC, SCPwD, ST, STPwD |
| Total Rounds | 2 |
| Total Colleges Participating | 96 |
| Official Website | https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/ |
| Quotas | All India, GO, Home State, JK, LA |
College-wise JEE Main 2025 Cutoff (category-wise opening & closing)
| College | General | SC | ST | EWS | EWS PwD | OBC NCLPwD | GeneralPwD | OBCNCL | SCPwD | STPwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIIT Allahabad | 5177 - 10381 | 1608 - 2999 | 847 - 1186 | 836 - 1836 | 56 - 56 | 158 - 234 | 247 - 339 | 2409 - 5102 | 50 - 50 | 110 - 110 |
| IIIT Lucknow | 8540 - 16957 | 2166 - 5282 | 1205 - 2961 | 1259 - 2988 | 137 - 137 | 210 - 451 | 222 - 364 | 3310 - 9497 | — | — |
| IIITM Gwalior | 7835 - 27081 | 1905 - 7115 | 613 - 3499 | 1053 - 4546 | — | 229 - 1464 | 129 - 748 | 3233 - 14184 | 97 - 97 | 84 - 84 |
| MNNIT Allahabad | 4433 - 47449 | 1009 - 9812 | 413 - 4265 | 608 - 8078 | 49 - 332 | 79 - 1231 | 148 - 2103 | 1611 - 18444 | 23 - 178 | 33 - 33 |
| NIT Calicut | 33 - 42321 | 143 - 14496 | 335 - 32066 | 53 - 67629 | 193 - 314 | 38 - 918 | 19 - 1892 | 46 - 16212 | 78 - 359 | 39 - 86 |
| NIT Rourkela | 1046 - 51433 | 272 - 11189 | 52 - 5323 | 87 - 10991 | 22 - 238 | 57 - 1411 | 88 - 2456 | 729 - 29864 | 33 - 83 | 22 - 22 |
| NIT Surathkal | 1546 - 41419 | 364 - 7884 | 44 - 2622 | 309 - 6951 | 64 - 133 | 24 - 496 | 56 - 1269 | 568 - 16382 | 6 - 73 | 41 - 41 |
| NIT Trichy | 168 - 33141 | 103 - 7149 | 144 - 7183 | 226 - 30255 | 145 - 344 | 18 - 749 | 28 - 954 | 104 - 13221 | 46 - 278 | — |
| NIT Warangal | 2234 - 44379 | 447 - 8697 | 79 - 3696 | 289 - 6420 | 24 - 217 | 45 - 579 | 40 - 1533 | 669 - 19835 | 32 - 279 | 7 - 53 |
| VNIT Nagpur | 46 - 51765 | 157 - 9338 | 100 - 4820 | 129 - 8630 | 30 - 322 | 83 - 457 | 123 - 2026 | 289 - 21114 | 37 - 189 | — |
JEE Main cutoff (General category, year-wise)
| College Name | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIIT Allahabad | 5177 - 10381 | — | — |
| IISc Bengaluru | — | 903 - 1169 | — |
| KIET University | — | 266065 - 455542 | 226210 - 1099873 |
| MNNIT Allahabad | 4433 - 47449 | — | — |
| Nirma University | — | 248 - 22002 | — |
| NIT Calicut | 33 - 42321 | — | — |
| NIT Surathkal | 1546 - 41419 | 38846 - 60709 | 36790 - 92811 |
| NIT Trichy | 168 - 33141 | — | — |
| NIT Warangal | 2234 - 44379 | 4444 - 9308 | 5148 - 10816 |
| NSUT | — | 18505 - 59554 | 23888 - 838724 |
GATE Cutoff Trends
GATE 2026 Cutoff Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | GATE |
| Conducting Body | IITs and IISc |
| Cutoff Type | Score |
| Categories Covered | EWS, EWSPwD, General, GeneralPwD, OBCNCL, OBC NCLPwD, SC, SCPwD, ST |
| Total Rounds | 6 |
| Total Colleges Participating | 77 |
| Official Website | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/ |
| Quotas | All India |
College-wise GATE 2025 Cutoff (category-wise opening & closing)
| College | General | SC | ST | EWS | OBC NCLPwD | EWSPwD | GeneralPwD | OBCNCL | SCPwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIIT Allahabad | 358 - 672 | 193 - 460 | 235 - 324 | 304 - 631 | — | — | 268 - 268 | 304 - 632 | — |
| IIIT Lucknow | 523 - 605 | 317 - 389 | 252 - 270 | 436 - 565 | — | — | — | 479 - 555 | — |
| IIITM Gwalior | 358 - 596 | 256 - 423 | 252 - 323 | 330 - 581 | — | — | — | 327 - 555 | — |
| MNNIT Allahabad | 350 - 711 | 184 - 552 | 242 - 373 | 314 - 688 | 318 - 318 | — | 237 - 431 | 303 - 665 | — |
| NIT Calicut | 350 - 731 | 200 - 562 | 203 - 448 | 309 - 711 | — | — | 367 - 367 | 306 - 694 | — |
| NIT Rourkela | 351 - 747 | 175 - 556 | 239 - 418 | 317 - 718 | — | — | 250 - 342 | 294 - 682 | — |
| NIT Surathkal | 351 - 760 | 213 - 585 | 228 - 473 | 280 - 743 | 291 - 291 | 251 - 291 | 231 - 397 | 311 - 711 | — |
| NIT Trichy | 351 - 777 | 168 - 595 | 181 - 523 | 315 - 760 | 260 - 423 | — | 272 - 443 | 314 - 731 | 272 - 272 |
| NIT Warangal | 352 - 761 | 233 - 589 | 130 - 486 | 317 - 741 | 280 - 311 | — | 228 - 422 | 311 - 722 | — |
| VNIT Nagpur | 351 - 678 | 168 - 510 | 122 - 393 | 304 - 671 | — | — | — | 282 - 635 | — |
GATE cutoff (General category, year-wise)
| College Name | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIIT Allahabad | 358 - 672 | — | — |
| IIIT Bangalore | — | 570 - 591 | — |
| IIT Bombay | — | 400 - 750 | — |
| IIT Dhanbad | — | 449 - 756 | — |
| MNNIT Allahabad | 350 - 711 | 675 - 675 | 596 - 596 |
| NIT Calicut | 350 - 731 | 398 - 477 | 367 - 448 |
| NIT Rourkela | 351 - 747 | — | — |
| NIT Surathkal | 351 - 760 | 378 - 393 | 355 - 390 |
| NIT Trichy | 351 - 777 | 383 - 568 | 383 - 602 |
| NIT Warangal | 352 - 761 | 453 - 534 | 393 - 515 |
Tracking these trends helps candidates benchmark their preparation, estimate safe scores or ranks, and plan college preferences more effectively during admissions.
Compare National Exams
Comparing major national exams helps candidates understand the differences in level, difficulty, and acceptance, making it easier to choose the right exam based on their goals.
| Feature | JEE Main | GATE | CAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | UG | PG | PG |
| Mode | Online | Online | Online |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) | IITs and IISc | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Frequency | — | — | once a year |
Understanding these differences helps candidates align their preparation strategy with the right exam and make informed decisions about their admission pathway.
Preparation Resources & Study Material
Effective preparation for national exams requires access to the right study resources, practice tools, and performance insights. Candidates should focus on complete syllabus coverage, regular mock tests, and previous year papers to strengthen concepts and improve exam readiness.
These resources help candidates track performance, identify weak areas, and improve accuracy over time, ensuring a structured and result-oriented preparation approach.
- JEE Main — Preparation guide & study material
- GATE — Preparation guide & study material
- CAT — Preparation guide & study material
- BITSAT — Preparation guide & study material
- JEE Advanced — Preparation guide & study material
- XAT — Preparation guide & study material
- NMAT — Preparation guide & study material
- GMAT — Preparation guide & study material
- VITEEE — Preparation guide & study material
- CLAT — Preparation guide & study material
- NIFTEE — Preparation guide & study material
- CUET — Preparation guide & study material
Using the right combination of these resources allows candidates to build consistency, improve scores, and stay aligned with the exam pattern and difficulty level.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How many National exams are covered on this page for 2026?
This listing surfaces 114 national exams relevant to National for 2026. Official notifications can add or update exams, so always cross-check eligibility and schedules on the conducting body’s website.
Can I apply for multiple National exams?
Yes. Many candidates keep 2–4 focused applications, for example JEE Main and GATE, so they balance a primary goal with sensible backup options where eligibility and dates allow.
How should I choose the right National exam?
Shortlist using your goal, eligibility, preferred institutions or states, difficulty, and the exam calendar. Comparing acceptance, syllabus overlap, and timelines usually beats choosing exams at random.
What information can I find on this page about National exams?
You can use this hub to review important dates, eligibility, application, and related context for national exams in 2026—treat it as a structured starting point before you confirm details officially.
How can I plan preparation for these National exams?
Anchor to the official syllabus, practise with previous papers and mock tests, and schedule regular revision to improve speed and accuracy. Adjust intensity based on how close your first target exam is.
What is the difference between national, state, and institute-level exams?
National-level exams are widely recognised across institutions; state-level exams mainly feed colleges within a state; institute-level exams are tied to specific conducting bodies. Many aspirants mix levels to keep flexible pathways.
