UPSC, JEE, SSC, GATE, IBPS, GRE, SBI PO, NDA, and IIFT are some of exams that falls under the list of competitive exams in India 2023-24. These exams are conducted for entry into various undergraduate programs and jobs. Further, these competitive exams can be classified into categories such as competitive exams after 12th, competitive exams after graduation, and competitive exams for jobs.
Overview

Every year, lakhs of students in India appear for different competitive exams. These exams evaluate candidates on the basis of their technical skills, aptitude, and other aspects. Some of these exams are conducted online, whereas others take place in offline mode. Here is the competitive exams list:
List Of Competitive Exams
Here’s a list of some prominent competitive exams in India, categorized by field:
Engineering:
- Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main and Advanced
- BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test)
- VITEEE (VIT Engineering Entrance Examination)
- WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination)
Medical:
- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG and PG
- AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Entrance Exam
- JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research) Entrance Exam
Management:
- Common Admission Test (CAT)
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
- CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
Civil Services:
- Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)
- Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam
- Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Exam
Defense:
- National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam
Banking and Finance:
- Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Exams
- State Bank of India (SBI) Exams
- RBI Grade B Exam
Education:
- National Eligibility Test (NET) for lectureship and Junior Research Fellowship
- Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)
Science and Research:
- Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) UGC NET
Law:
- Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
- All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)
Government Jobs:
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Exams
- Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Exams
- State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams
Exam Pattern
Exam Name | Subjects/Sections | Number of Questions | Type of Questions | Duration | Negative Marking | Notable Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JEE Main | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | 75 (25 per subject) | Objective (MCQs) | 3 hours | Yes | JEE Advanced for IIT admissions |
NEET UG | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 180 | Objective (MCQs) | 3 hours | Yes | For admission to medical and dental courses |
CAT | Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability | 100 | Objective (MCQs), Subjective | 2 hours (3 sections) | Yes | Admission to IIMs and other top management institutes |
UPSC CSE | Preliminary: General Studies, CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) | Varies | Objective (MCQs) | Varies | Yes | Mains: Written and Interview; for various civil services |
GATE | Subject-specific paper | 65 (3 hours) | Objective (MCQs), NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | 3 hours | Yes | For postgraduate admissions in engineering and PSU jobs |
SSC CGL | Tier-I: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension | Varies | Objective (MCQs) | Varies | Yes | Tier-II & III for further assessment |
IBPS PO | Preliminary: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability | Varies | Objective (MCQs) | Varies | Yes | Main Exam, Group Exercises, and Interview for final selection |
Application Process
The application process for competitive exams in India generally involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Notification:
- Exam authorities release official notifications on their websites or through leading newspapers, announcing exam dates, eligibility criteria, and other important details.
- Registration:
- Aspirants need to register for the exam on the official website. This often involves providing basic personal information and creating a user account.
- Application Form:
- After registration, candidates fill out the detailed application form. This includes educational qualifications, personal details, and sometimes a choice of exam centers.
- Uploading Documents:
- Candidates may be required to upload scanned copies of documents such as passport-sized photographs, signature, and educational certificates.
- Fee Payment:
- The application process usually involves payment of an examination fee. This can be done online through various modes like credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
- Admit Card Download:
- Once the application is submitted and the fee is paid, candidates can download their admit cards from the official website within the specified time frame.
- Exam:
- Candidates appear for the examination on the scheduled date and time.
- Result:
- After the exam, the authorities release the results on the official website. Candidates can check their scores and, if applicable, their rank.
- Counseling/Interview (if applicable):
- For certain exams, there may be a counseling or interview process for final selection. This involves document verification and further evaluation of candidates.
- Final Selection:
- The final list of selected candidates is released, and further instructions regarding admission or recruitment are provided.
Syllabus
The syllabus for competitive exams in India varies depending on the specific exam and the field it covers. Here’s a general overview of the syllabus for some common competitive exams:
- JEE Main (Engineering):
- Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electricity & Magnetism, Modern Physics
- Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
- Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry
- NEET UG (Medical):
- Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electricity & Magnetism
- Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
- Biology: Zoology, Botany
- CAT (Management):
- Verbal Ability: Reading Comprehension, English Usage, Vocabulary
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System
- UPSC CSE (Civil Services):
- Preliminary Exam: General Studies, CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
- Mains Exam: Essay, General Studies (Paper I to IV), Optional Subject Paper I & II
- GATE (Engineering and Science):
- Subject-specific syllabus varies for each GATE paper, covering core topics in engineering and sciences.
- SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level):
- Tier-I: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension
- Tier-II: Quantitative Abilities, English Language & Comprehension, Statistics, General Studies (Finance and Economics)
- IBPS PO (Banking):
- Preliminary Exam: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability
- Main Exam: English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- CLAT (Law):
- English Language, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques
Important Dates
Exam Name | Notification Release | Application Period | Exam Date | Result Declaration | Counseling/Interview |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
JEE Main | December 2022 | January 2023 | April 2023 (Main) | May 2023 | – |
NEET UG | November 2022 | December 2022 | May 2023 | June 2023 | – |
CAT | July 2023 | August 2023 | November 2023 | January 2024 | – |
UPSC CSE | February 2023 | March 2023 (Prelims) | June 2023 (Mains) | August 2023 (Prelims) | – |
GATE | August 2022 | September 2022 | February 2023 | March 2023 | – |
SSC CGL | December 2022 | January 2023 (Tier-I) | April 2023 (Tier-I) | May 2023 (Tier-I) | – |
IBPS PO | August 2023 | September 2023 | October 2023 (Prelims) | November 2023 (Prelims) | January 2024 (Main) |
CLAT | January 2023 | March 2023 | May 2023 | June 2023 | July 2023 (Counseling) |
Tips for Exam Preparation
Here are some tips to help you with exam preparation:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
- Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus. Knowing what to expect will help you plan your study approach.
- Create a Realistic Study Schedule:
- Develop a well-organized study schedule that includes dedicated time for each subject. Be realistic about your daily study goals.
- Prioritize Topics:
- Identify high-weightage topics and prioritize them. Focus on areas where you need more improvement while maintaining a balance.
- Make Good Study Material Choices:
- Choose reliable study materials, textbooks, and reference guides. Online resources, practice papers, and previous years’ question papers are also valuable.
- Practice Regularly:
- Practice is crucial for success. Solve sample papers, take mock exams, and time yourself to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Revision is Key:
- Regularly revise what you’ve studied to reinforce your understanding. Create concise notes for quick review before the exam.
- Stay Healthy:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.
- Manage Stress:
- Practice stress-relief techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Avoid last-minute cramming to reduce anxiety.
- Stay Informed:
- Keep yourself updated on any changes in the exam pattern or syllabus. Regularly check the official website for announcements and notifications.
- Time Management:
- Develop effective time management skills. Allocate specific time slots for each section or subject and practice time-bound tests.
- Seek Guidance:
- If you face challenges in understanding certain topics, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, peers, or online forums.
- Stay Positive:
- Maintain a positive mindset. Believe in your abilities, stay focused, and don’t let setbacks demotivate you.
- Mock Interviews (if applicable):
- If your exam involves an interview, practice mock interviews with friends or mentors to improve your communication and confidence.
- Regular Breaks:
- Take short breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout. Breaks help maintain concentration and improve overall productivity.
FEES
Exam Name | Application Fee | Exam Fee | Total Fee | Payment Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|
JEE Main | Rs. 650 (Gen/OBC) | Rs. 325 (SC/ST) | Rs. 975 (Gen/OBC) | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI) |
NEET UG | Rs. 1500 (Gen/OBC) | Rs. 1400 (SC/ST) | Rs. 2900 (Gen/OBC) | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI) |
CAT | Rs. 2200 (Gen/OBC) | Rs. 1100 (SC/ST) | Rs. 3300 (Gen/OBC) | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) |
UPSC CSE | Rs. 100 (Female/SC/ST) | Rs. 100 (others) | Rs. 100 (Female/SC/ST) | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) |
GATE | Rs. 1500 (Gen/OBC) | Rs. 750 (SC/ST) | Rs. 2250 (Gen/OBC) | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) |
SSC CGL | Rs. 100 | N/A | Rs. 100 | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) |
IBPS PO | Rs. 850 (Gen/OBC) | Rs. 175 (SC/ST) | Rs. 1025 (Gen/OBC) | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) |
CLAT | Rs. 4000 (Gen/OBC) | Rs. 3500 (SC/ST) | Rs. 7500 (Gen/OBC) | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) |
Conclusion
Preparing for competitive exams requires a strategic and disciplined approach. Understanding the exam pattern, staying organized, and managing time effectively are key elements of success. Regular practice through mock exams, thorough revision, and seeking guidance when needed can significantly enhance your performance.
FAQ?
- Begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Create a realistic study schedule, prioritize topics, and practice regularly through mock exams and previous years’ papers.
- Practice stress-relief techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks, and ensure you get adequate sleep and exercise.
- Allocate specific time slots for each section or subject. Practice time-bound tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Opt for reliable textbooks, reference guides, and online resources. Check for recommended materials from official exam authorities.
- While coaching can be beneficial, it’s not mandatory. Many candidates successfully self-prepare using online resources and study materials. It depends on your learning style and preferences.