Planning to pursue science in India? Understanding the science entrance exam landscape is the first step towards securing admission to the right college.
In 2026, there are 6 science entrance exams conducted across national, state, and institute levels for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programs. These exams are accepted by top institutions, including government colleges, national institutes, and state universities, as well as leading private universities and autonomous institutes.
National-level exams such as CUET, CCMN, CUET PG are the most widely accepted and competitive. Alongside, exams like offer admission to top private universities, while state-level exams such as AUCET PG provide access to regional colleges.
This page provides a complete list of science entrance 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 Science Entrance Exams 2026
Science 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 6 science entrance exams that serve as gateways to undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral courses across top colleges in the country.
- Total Exams in India: 6
- UG Exams: 3
- PG Exams: 3
- National Level Exams: 4
- State Level Exams: 1
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 CUET and CCMN are accepted by top institutions across India, while state-level exams like AUCET PG are primarily used for admissions within specific states. Institute-level exams such as AUCET PG 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 CUET along with 1–2 backup options such as AUCET PG, or state-level CETs. This approach helps maintain focused preparation while increasing the chances of securing admission across multiple colleges.
Top Science Entrance Exams 2026
Popular science entrance exams attract lakhs of aspirants every year and are accepted by government colleges, state colleges, and leading private universities across India.
The science entrance exams highlighted below are among the most competitive tests in India. Leading national and state exams such as CUET, CCMN, AUCET PG, CUET PG, IISER together cover UG and PG pathways in science.
| Exam | Full Form | Level | Mode | Duration | Conducting Body | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUET | Common University Entrance Test | UG | Online | 120 min | National Testing Agency (NTA) | 11 May 2026 |
| CCMN | Centralized Counseling for MSc | PG | — | 1 min | SVNIT, Surat | — |
| AUCET PG | Andhra University Common Entrance Test - PG | PG | Online | 105 min | Andhra University | — |
| CUET PG | Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate | PG | Online | 180 min | National Testing Agency (NTA) | 06 Mar 2026 |
| IISER | Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research | UG | Online | 180 min | IISERs (various institutes) | 07 Jun 2026 |
These exams are conducted every year and are among the most preferred choices for science 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 CUET, which is accepted by multiple colleges, and then apply for 1–2 additional exams like CCMN or AUCET PG based on their preferences and backup options. This helps in maintaining a focused preparation strategy while improving admission chancesTop Science Entrance Exams 2026
If you are planning to pursue your target programme in 2026, it is important to focus on the entrance exams that are widely accepted across top colleges in India. These exams cover admissions to top government colleges, and leading private universities, making them the most relevant for aspirants.
Top Science Entrance Exams 2026 include CUET, CCMN, and AUCET PG, which are among the leading options for this stream in India.
| Exam | Colleges Covered | Difficulty | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUET | 499 colleges | Medium–High | Widest acceptance |
| CCMN | Multiple institutes | High | Top choice |
| AUCET PG | Multiple institutes | Medium | Strong option |
For most students, CUET becomes the primary exam due to its wide acceptance across multiple colleges. Based on your preparation level and target institutions, you can shortlist 1–2 additional exams such as CCMN}, or — as backup options.
This approach helps you stay focused on preparation while ensuring multiple admission opportunities across both top-tier and private science institutes.
Science Entrance Exams by Level
To choose the right science entrance exam, it is important to align it with your current qualification and career stage. Science exams in India are conducted at different levels based on eligibility and the course you want to pursue.
| Level | Exams | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| UG | CUET, IISER, IIT JAM | After Class 12 |
| PG | CCMN, AUCET PG, CUET PG | After Graduation |
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 CUET or IISER, while graduates aiming for postgraduate study or research roles should prepare for exams like CCMN.
Understanding this structure ensures that you apply only to relevant exams and plan your preparation accordingly.
Upcoming Science Exams 2026
Staying updated with science entrance 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUET | CUET 2026 Exam | 11 May 2026 | Upcoming |
| CCMN | CCMN 2026 Registration | 14 May 2026 | Upcoming |
| IISER | IISER 2026 Exam Date | 07 June 2026 | Upcoming |
| CCMN | CCMN 2026 Round 1 Seat Allotment | 09 June 2026 | Upcoming |
| CCMN | CCMN 2026 Round 2 Seat Allotment | 21 June 2026 | Upcoming |
| CCMN | CCMN 2026 Round 3 Seat Allotment | 27 June 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 science exam events in one place.
Science 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 science exams scheduled in 2026:
- May 2026: CUET
- June 2026: IISER
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 science exam preparation. It helps candidates understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, important topics, and overall difficulty level across different exams.
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 science prediction tools that estimate their rank and suitable colleges based on expected scores.
- Science Rank Predictor
- Science 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 CUET or CCMN, 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 science admission journey with more confidence.
Colleges Accepting Science Entrance 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 |
|---|---|
| CUET | 499 |
Each exam opens doors to different institutions. For instance, CUET 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 CUET
CUET scores are accepted by some of the top science colleges in India, including SRCC, Kirori Mal College, and Delhi University, and other leading institutes. These colleges are known for their academic quality, placements, and industry exposure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Courses | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRCC | ₹0.9 Lakhs | — | 5 | #18 NIRF |
| Kirori Mal College | ₹1.1 Lakhs | ₹5.4 LPA | 43 | #4 NIRF |
| Delhi University | ₹0.0 Lakhs–5.4 Lakhs | ₹86335 LPA - ₹31 LPA | 1026 | #12 NIRF |
| UCMS | ₹1.5 Lakhs | ₹5.5 LPA - ₹17 LPA | 27 | #38 NIRF |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | ₹2.7 Lakhs–17 Lakhs | ₹4.0 LPA - ₹17 LPA | 396 | #11 NIRF |
These institutes are among the most preferred choices for science aspirants due to their strong academic infrastructure and placement records.
Candidates aiming for these colleges should focus on securing a high score in CUET, 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 science entrance exams. Analysing previous year cutoffs allows you to set realistic targets and evaluate your chances of admission.
For example, CUET and CCMN cutoff trends highlight year-wise changes in qualifying marks and ranks, helping candidates plan shortlist and counselling choices for 2026.
CUET Cutoff Trends
CUET 2026 Cutoff Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CUET |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Cutoff Type | Score |
| Categories Covered | EWS, General, GeneralPwD, OBC, SC, ST |
| Total Rounds | 6 |
| Total Colleges Participating | 13 |
| Official Website | https://exams.ntaonline.in/CUET-PG/ |
| Quotas | All India, Home State |
College-wise CUET 2024 Cutoff (category-wise opening & closing)
| College | General | SC | ST | EWS | OBC | GeneralPwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banaras Hindu University | 313 - 510 | 278 - 406 | 218 - 373 | 313 - 498 | 365 - 474 | 205 - 375 |
| Central University of Kashmir | 38 - 38 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Central University of Rajasthan | 313 - 338 | 108 - 137 | 138 - 138 | 242 - 242 | 270 - 276 | — |
| CUK | 174 - 348 | 252 - 283 | — | — | — | — |
| Faculty of Law | 200 - 512 | 155 - 415 | 115 - 333 | 190 - 482 | 180 - 473 | 111 - 375 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | 200 - 200 | — | — | — | — | 188 - 188 |
| JNU | 60.05 - 60.05 | 33.24 - 33.24 | — | 50.24 - 50.24 | 43.71 - 43.71 | — |
| Kirori Mal College | 493 - 493 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Pondicherry University | 195 - 271 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Sikkim University | 94 - 94 | — | — | — | — | — |
CUET cutoff (General category, year-wise)
| College Name | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assam University | — | — | 105.8 - 105.8 |
| BBAU | — | 42.25 - 102.94 | — |
| Central University of Haryana | — | 129.29 - 129.29 | 197.11 - 197.11 |
| Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya | — | — | 158.22 - 158.22 |
| HBTU Kanpur | — | 13 - 33 | — |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | 200 - 200 | — | — |
| JNU | 60.05 - 60.05 | — | — |
| Kirori Mal College | 493 - 493 | — | — |
| Lady Shri Ram College | — | 93 - 99.25 | — |
CCMN Cutoff Trends
CCMN 2026 Cutoff Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CCMN |
| Conducting Body | SVNIT, Surat |
| Cutoff Type | Rank |
| Categories Covered | EWS, General, GeneralPwD, OBCNCL, OBC NCLPwD, SC, ST |
| Total Rounds | 6 |
| Total Colleges Participating | 32 |
| Quotas | All India |
College-wise CCMN 2025 Cutoff (category-wise opening & closing)
| College | General | SC | ST | EWS | OBC NCLPwD | GeneralPwD | OBCNCL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIIT Lucknow | 150 - 1056 | 593 - 5144 | 1228 - 6822 | 183 - 1824 | — | — | 485 - 3443 |
| IIITM Gwalior | 524 - 827 | 1146 - 2486 | 957 - 6448 | 893 - 1169 | — | — | 739 - 1958 |
| MNIT Jaipur | 852 - 1243 | 2546 - 5698 | 5057 - 6797 | 953 - 2488 | — | — | 1017 - 2185 |
| MNNIT Allahabad | 660 - 1691 | 1849 - 4625 | 5431 - 6200 | 776 - 2283 | — | — | 788 - 2251 |
| NIT Calicut | 809 - 1366 | 2552 - 3620 | 4035 - 6115 | 1084 - 3115 | — | — | 966 - 2096 |
| NIT Rourkela | 139 - 1583 | 609 - 3643 | 798 - 6448 | 230 - 2817 | — | 7017 - 7017 | 238 - 3617 |
| NIT Surathkal | 868 - 1160 | 2921 - 3882 | 3847 - 4478 | 1230 - 1876 | — | — | 1091 - 2440 |
| NIT Trichy | 161 - 1215 | 892 - 5615 | 1254 - 5596 | 400 - 2598 | — | 7083 - 7083 | 382 - 2126 |
| NIT Warangal | 216 - 1490 | 902 - 5737 | 3755 - 6115 | 506 - 1920 | 2726 - 2726 | 2636 - 2636 | 406 - 4082 |
| VNIT Nagpur | 884 - 1567 | 2669 - 4979 | 5022 - 6910 | 1065 - 1978 | — | — | 1112 - 2858 |
CCMN cutoff (General category, year-wise)
| College Name | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIIT Lucknow | 150 - 1056 | 767 - 832 | 523 - 690 |
| IIITM Gwalior | 524 - 827 | — | — |
| MNIT Jaipur | 852 - 1243 | 1024 - 1024 | 885 - 885 |
| MNNIT Allahabad | 660 - 1691 | — | — |
| NIT Calicut | 809 - 1366 | 1072 - 1117 | 975 - 1019 |
| NIT Rourkela | 139 - 1583 | 795 - 842 | 725 - 824 |
| NIT Surathkal | 868 - 1160 | 956 - 1022 | 876 - 976 |
| NIT Trichy | 161 - 1215 | 701 - 701 | 684 - 684 |
| NIT Warangal | 216 - 1490 | 531 - 706 | 629 - 674 |
| VNIT Nagpur | 884 - 1567 | 1175 - 1175 | 1043 - 1043 |
Tracking these trends helps candidates benchmark their preparation, estimate safe scores or ranks, and plan college preferences more effectively during admissions.
Compare Science Entrance Exams
Comparing major science entrance exams helps candidates understand the differences in level, difficulty, and acceptance, making it easier to choose the right exam based on their goals.
| Feature | CUET | CCMN | AUCET PG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | UG | PG | PG |
| Mode | Online | — | Online |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) | SVNIT, Surat | Andhra University |
| Frequency | — | — | — |
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 science entrance 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.
- CUET — Preparation guide & study material
- CUET PG — Preparation guide & study material
- IIT JAM — 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 Science entrance exams are covered on this page for 2026?
This listing surfaces 6 science entrance exams relevant to Science 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 Science entrance exams?
Yes. Many candidates keep 2–4 focused applications, for example CUET and CCMN, so they balance a primary goal with sensible backup options where eligibility and dates allow.
How should I choose the right Science entrance 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 Science entrance exams?
You can use this hub to review important dates, eligibility, application, and related context for science entrance exams in 2026—treat it as a structured starting point before you confirm details officially.
How can I plan preparation for these Science entrance 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.
