Planning to pursue state in India? Understanding the state exam landscape is the first step towards securing admission to the right college.
In 2026, there are 79 state exams conducted across national, state, and institute levels for admission to B.E. / B.Tech, LL.B., MBA/PGDM programs. These exams are accepted by top institutions, including government colleges like GLC Mumbai, Andhra University Visakhapatnam, DMIHER, and College of Engineering Guindy, as well as private universities such as Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth Pune, ILS Pune, and Ganpat University.
National-level exams such as are the most widely accepted and competitive. Alongside, exams like offer admission to top private universities, while state-level exams such as WBJEE, AP ICET, MH CET LAW, MAH MCA CET, UP BEd JEE, AP EAMCET provide access to regional colleges.
This page provides a complete list of state 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 State Exams 2026
State 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 79 state exams that serve as gateways to B.E. / B.Tech, LL.B., MBA/PGDM courses across top colleges in the country.
- Total Exams in India: 79
- UG Exams: 51
- PG Exams: 17
- Diploma / PhD Exams: 7
- State Level Exams: 79
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 are accepted by top institutions across India, while state-level exams like WBJEE and AP ICET are primarily used for admissions within specific states. Institute-level exams such as WBJEE 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 WBJEE along with 1–2 backup options such as WBJEE, or state-level CETs. This approach helps maintain focused preparation while increasing the chances of securing admission across multiple colleges.
Top State Exams 2026
Popular state exams attract lakhs of aspirants every year and are accepted by government colleges, state colleges, and leading private universities across India.
The state exams highlighted below are among the most competitive tests in India. Leading national and state exams such as WBJEE, AP ICET, MH CET LAW, MAH MCA CET, UP BEd JEE together cover UG and PG pathways in state.
| Exam | Full Form | Courses | Level | Mode | Duration | Conducting Body | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBJEE | West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination | B.E. / B.Tech | UG | Offline | 240 min | West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board | 24 May 2026 |
| AP ICET | Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test | — | UG | Online | 150 min | Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education | 02 May 2026 |
| MH CET LAW | Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law | — | UG | — | 120 min | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra | 01 Apr 2026 & 08 May 2026 |
| MAH MCA CET | Maharashtra MCA Common Entrance Test | — | — | — | 90 min | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra | 30 Mar 2026 |
| UP BEd JEE | Uttar Pradesh Bachelor of Education Joint Entrance Examination | — | UG | Offline | 360 min | Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University | 25 Apr 2026 |
These exams are conducted every year and are among the most preferred choices for state 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 WBJEE, which is accepted by multiple colleges, and then apply for 1–2 additional exams like AP ICET or MH CET LAW based on their preferences and backup options. This helps in maintaining a focused preparation strategy while improving admission chancesState Exams by Level
To choose the right state exam, it is important to align it with your current qualification and career stage. State exams in India are conducted at different levels based on eligibility and the course you want to pursue.
| Level | Exams | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| UG | WBJEE, AP ICET, MH CET LAW, UP BEd JEE, AP EAMCET, APECET | After Class 12 |
| PG | Andhra Pradesh NEET PG, AP PGECET, AUCET PG, Cg NEET, CEETA PG, CPGET | After Graduation |
| Diploma | Kerala SSLC Exam, RBSE Class 10 Exam, UP Board Class 10 Exam | After Class 10 |
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 WBJEE or AP ICET, while graduates aiming for postgraduate study or research roles should prepare for exams like Andhra Pradesh NEET PG.
Understanding this structure ensures that you apply only to relevant exams and plan your preparation accordingly.
State-wise State Exams 2026
If you are planning to pursue state 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 State 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 state 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 State Exams 2026
Staying updated with state 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHT CET | MHT CET 2026 Exam Date for PCB Group Session 1 | 21 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| APECET | AP ECET 2026 Exam Date | 23 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| KCET | KCET 2026 Exam Date | 23 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| TS EAMCET | TS EAMCET 2026 Registration Last Date (late fee INR 10,000) | 24 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| UP BEd JEE | UP B.Ed JEE 2026 Exam Date | 25 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| AP PGECET | AP PGECET 2026 Exam Date | 28 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| TJEE | TJEE 2026 Exam Date | 28 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| AP Polycet | AP POLYCET 2026 Exam Date | 30 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| TS ICET | Last date for TS ICET 2026 registration with late fee of INR 5000 | 01 May 2026 | Upcoming |
| AP ICET | AP ICET 2026 Exam Date | 02 May 2026 | Upcoming |
| Bihar Board Class 12 Exam | BSEB 12th Compartment Exam Dates 2026 | 02 May 2026 | Upcoming |
| APNEET | NEET 2026 Exam Date | 03 May 2026 | Upcoming |
| Assam NEET | NEET 2026 Exam Date | 03 May 2026 | Upcoming |
| Haryana NEET | NEET 2026 Exam Date | 03 May 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 state exam events in one place.
State 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 state exams scheduled in 2026:
- April 2026: MH CET LAW, UP BEd JEE, APECET, AP PGECET, AP Polycet
- May 2026: WBJEE, AP ICET, MH CET LAW, AP EAMCET, AP LAWCET
- June 2026: BCECE, Haryana LEET, JCECE, OUAT, Rajasthan PTET
- July 2026: Haryana LEET
- August 2026: Andhra Pradesh NEET PG, Cg NEET, CPGET, Odisha NEET PG, Rajasthan NEET PG
- December 2026: UPPSC
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 state exam preparation. It helps candidates understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, important topics, and overall difficulty level across different exams.
- AP EAMCET Question Papers
- AP LAWCET Question Papers
- AP PGLCET Question Papers
- AUCET PG Question Papers
- GUJCET Question Papers
- JEECUP 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 state prediction tools that estimate their rank and suitable colleges based on expected scores.
- State Rank Predictor
- State 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 WBJEE or AP ICET, 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 state admission journey with more confidence.
Colleges Accepting State 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 |
|---|---|
| WBJEE | 81 |
| AP ICET | 1 |
| MH CET LAW | 30 |
Each exam opens doors to different institutions. For instance, WBJEE 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 WBJEE
WBJEE scores are accepted by some of the top state colleges in India, including WBUHS, Sister Nivedita University, and IEM Kolkata, and other leading institutes. These colleges are known for their academic quality, placements, and industry exposure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Courses | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBUHS | ₹5.0 Lakhs | ₹1.9 LPA - ₹10 LPA | 121 | — |
| Sister Nivedita University | — | ₹4.5 LPA - ₹6.0 LPA | 134 | — |
| IEM Kolkata | ₹8.1 Lakhs | ₹2.9 LPA - ₹16 LPA | 22 | #151 NIRF |
| University of Calcutta | — | — | 6 | #47 NIRF |
| University Institute of Technology | ₹1.7 Lakhs–3.6 Lakhs | ₹1.5 LPA - ₹2.4 LPA | 9 | — |
These institutes are among the most preferred choices for state aspirants due to their strong academic infrastructure and placement records.
Candidates aiming for these colleges should focus on securing a high score in WBJEE, followed by qualifying for further admission stages where applicable.
Top Colleges Accepting AP ICET
AP ICET scores are accepted by some of the top state colleges in India, including GVIC, and other leading institutes. These colleges are known for their academic quality, placements, and industry exposure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Courses | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GVIC | ₹0.7 Lakhs | — | 17 | — |
These institutes are among the most preferred choices for state aspirants due to their strong academic infrastructure and placement records.
Candidates aiming for these colleges should focus on securing a high score in AP ICET, followed by qualifying for further admission stages where applicable.
Top Colleges Accepting MH CET LAW
MH CET LAW scores are accepted by some of the top state colleges in India, including GLC Mumbai, MNLU Aurangabad, and ILS Pune, and other leading institutes. These colleges are known for their academic quality, placements, and industry exposure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Courses | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLC Mumbai | ₹0.1 Lakhs | — | 8 | — |
| MNLU Aurangabad | ₹9.0 Lakhs | — | 5 | — |
| ILS Pune | ₹1.9 Lakhs | — | 15 | — |
| MIT-WPU | ₹12 Lakhs | — | 178 | #70 NIRF |
| CCSU | ₹8.0 Lakhs–10 Lakhs | ₹3.0 LPA - ₹7.5 LPA | 466 | #41 NIRF |
These institutes are among the most preferred choices for state aspirants due to their strong academic infrastructure and placement records.
Candidates aiming for these colleges should focus on securing a high score in MH CET LAW, 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 state entrance exams. Analysing previous year cutoffs allows you to set realistic targets and evaluate your chances of admission.
For example, WBJEE and MAH MCA CET cutoff trends highlight year-wise changes in qualifying marks and ranks, helping candidates plan shortlist and counselling choices for 2026.
WBJEE Cutoff Trends
WBJEE 2026 Cutoff Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | WBJEE |
| Conducting Body | West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board |
| Cutoff Type | Rank |
| Categories Covered | EWS, General, OBC A, OBC A PwD, OBC B, OBC B PwD, PwD, SC, SCPwD, ST, TFW |
| Total Rounds | 2 |
| Total Colleges Participating | 97 |
| Official Website | https://wbjeeb.nic.in/wbjee/ |
| Quotas | All India, Home State |
College-wise WBJEE 2025 Cutoff (category-wise opening & closing)
| College | General | SC | ST | EWS | OBC A | OBC A PwD | OBC B | OBC B PwD | PwD | SCPwD | TFW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GKCIET | 8343 - 249043 | 19078 - 40760 | 33387 - 98118 | 17845 - 77642 | 17050 - 42877 | — | 10439 - 30679 | — | 98498 - 98498 | — | 8849 - 29256 |
| Government College of Engineering and Ceramic Technology | 4216 - 13949 | 13206 - 28154 | 44764 - 98310 | 6427 - 28609 | 7394 - 23802 | — | 4650 - 16539 | — | 61002 - 77958 | — | 3967 - 12831 |
| Haldia Institute of Technology | 11126 - 1299159 | 70001 - 96248 | 62597 - 66907 | 57105 - 95585 | 80657 - 92845 | — | — | — | — | — | 8720 - 43606 |
| Heritage Institute of Technology | 5134 - 357605 | 9880 - 67604 | 50171 - 80281 | 11442 - 98537 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3953 - 18771 |
| Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College | 2578 - 7902 | 9138 - 17674 | 28968 - 67684 | 5120 - 16620 | 4704 - 15532 | 58510 - 58510 | 3250 - 8968 | 32624 - 34606 | 22319 - 89363 | 52454 - 52454 | 1762 - 7010 |
| KGEC - Kalyani Government Engineering College | 1915 - 4916 | 8025 - 14786 | 24020 - 56312 | 4899 - 11654 | 4156 - 11190 | 43380 - 50009 | 2397 - 6956 | 25552 - 93337 | 9267 - 76469 | 98616 - 98616 | 1432 - 4426 |
| Sister Nivedita University | 3626 - 1427679 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 23217 - 45840 |
| Techno Main Salt Lake | 5018 - 1224420 | — | — | 19698 - 98537 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5390 - 35836 |
| University Institute of Technology | 7888 - 29645 | 19528 - 45601 | 62078 - 98310 | 17078 - 84278 | 13182 - 42282 | — | 11039 - 32109 | — | 85698 - 85698 | — | 6962 - 24214 |
| University of Calcutta | 545 - 13248 | 5041 - 28929 | 20751 - 97389 | 3309 - 43784 | 3069 - 33495 | — | 2390 - 20934 | — | 7632 - 98500 | — | 1674 - 14397 |
WBJEE cutoff (General category, year-wise)
| College Name | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government College of Engineering and Ceramic Technology | 4216 - 13949 | 3011 - 11827 | 3188 - 20508 |
| Haldia Institute of Technology | 11126 - 1299159 | 6909 - 1362821 | 4099 - 1101349 |
| Heritage Institute of Technology | 5134 - 357605 | 3585 - 314393 | 3667 - 296583 |
| Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College | 2578 - 7902 | 1747 - 6491 | 2007 - 20858 |
| KGEC - Kalyani Government Engineering College | 1915 - 4916 | 1432 - 4039 | 1361 - 8939 |
| Sister Nivedita University | 3626 - 1427679 | 69099 - 1285578 | 3869 - 1019245 |
| Techno Main Salt Lake | 5018 - 1224420 | 4249 - 889978 | 4215 - 770908 |
| UEM Kolkata | — | 4146 - 68436 | — |
| University Institute of Technology | 7888 - 29645 | 6110 - 27405 | 8605 - 95570 |
| University of Calcutta | 545 - 13248 | 365 - 7995 | 753 - 27788 |
MAH MCA CET Cutoff Trends
MAH MCA CET 2026 Cutoff Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | MAH MCA CET |
| Conducting Body | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra |
| Cutoff Type | Percentile |
| Categories Covered | EWS, General, GeneralPwD, OBC, SC, ST |
| Total Rounds | 4 |
| Total Colleges Participating | 32 |
| Quotas | All India, Home State |
College-wise MAH MCA CET 2024 Cutoff (category-wise opening & closing)
| College | General | SC | ST | EWS | OBC | GeneralPwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIMSR | 85.31 - 85.31 | — | — | — | — | — |
| GHRCEM | 78.05 - 85.62 | — | — | — | — | — |
| JNTU Anantapur | 14.88 - 14.88 | 27.19 - 27.19 | 12.35 - 12.35 | — | 3.78 - 3.78 | — |
| JSPM Narhe | 87.76 - 98.32 | 68.18 - 68.18 | — | — | 85.62 - 85.62 | — |
| Shivaji University Kolhapur | — | — | — | — | — | 30.79 - 30.79 |
| SIES College of Management Studies | 97.91 - 97.91 | — | — | — | — | — |
| SPIT | 99.34 - 99.51 | 97.05 - 97.05 | 71.7 - 71.7 | 98.49 - 98.49 | 96.64 - 97.05 | 0.88 - 99.19 |
| Tulsiramji Gaikwad-Patil College of Engineering and Technology | 43.03 - 85.31 | 25.96 - 25.96 | 18.38 - 18.38 | — | 34.47 - 34.47 | — |
| VESIT | 98.32 - 98.32 | — | — | — | — | — |
| VJTI Mumbai | 99.51 - 99.69 | 97.91 - 97.91 | 51.77 - 87.76 | 99.19 - 99.19 | 97.91 - 97.91 | 60.05 - 60.05 |
MAH MCA CET cutoff (General category, year-wise)
| College Name | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIMSR | 85.31 - 85.31 | 73.75 - 93.8 | — |
| GHRCEM | 78.05 - 85.62 | 70.68 - 86.73 | — |
| JSPM Narhe | 87.76 - 98.32 | 76.61 - 84.63 | 76.77 - 82.27 |
| Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University | — | 42.51 - 53.49 | 61.51 - 72.63 |
| SIES College of Management Studies | 97.91 - 97.91 | 96.73 - 99.2 | 99.41 - 99.41 |
| SPIT | 99.34 - 99.51 | 98.85 - 99.76 | 99.25 - 99.84 |
| Tulsiramji Gaikwad-Patil College of Engineering and Technology | 43.03 - 85.31 | 42.51 - 49.83 | 54.69 - 68 |
| VESIT | 98.32 - 98.32 | 97.49 - 99.4 | 98.07 - 99.54 |
| VJTI Mumbai | 99.51 - 99.69 | 99.2 - 99.4 | 99.61 - 99.61 |
Tracking these trends helps candidates benchmark their preparation, estimate safe scores or ranks, and plan college preferences more effectively during admissions.
Compare State Exams
Comparing major state exams helps candidates understand the differences in level, difficulty, and acceptance, making it easier to choose the right exam based on their goals.
| Feature | WBJEE | AP ICET | MH CET LAW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | UG | UG | UG |
| Mode | Offline | Online | — |
| Conducting Body | West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board | Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra |
| 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 state 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.
- MH CET LAW — Preparation guide & study material
- MAH MCA CET — Preparation guide & study material
- AP LAWCET — Preparation guide & study material
- JEECUP — Preparation guide & study material
- MHT CET — Preparation guide & study material
- MAH MBA CET — Preparation guide & study material
- OJEE — Preparation guide & study material
- TANCET — Preparation guide & study material
- TS LAWCET — Preparation guide & study material
- Bihar Board Class 12 Exam — Preparation guide & study material
- Odisha BSE Exam — Preparation guide & study material
- Odisha CHSE — 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 State exams are covered on this page for 2026?
This listing surfaces 79 state exams relevant to State 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 State exams?
Yes. Many candidates keep 2–4 focused applications, for example WBJEE and AP ICET, so they balance a primary goal with sensible backup options where eligibility and dates allow.
How should I choose the right State 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 State exams?
You can use this hub to review important dates, eligibility, application, and related context for state exams in 2026—treat it as a structured starting point before you confirm details officially.
How can I plan preparation for these State 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.
