Best Entrance Exams After 12th in Assam 2026 for Engineering, Medical, Commerce and Defence

Completing Higher Secondary education under Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) or CBSE is a major academic milestone. The next step is choosing the right career path. Whether you aim for Engineering, Medical, Agriculture, Law, Management, Fashion or Defence services, clearing the appropriate entrance examination is essential for securing admission into reputed colleges.

This comprehensive 2026 guide covers all major state-level and national-level entrance exams relevant for Assam students.

I. Top Entrance Exams in Assam (State Level)

These examinations are primarily meant for admissions into institutions located within Assam.

1. Assam CEE 2026 (Common Entrance Examination)

Purpose: Admission to B.Tech programs in state engineering colleges such as Assam Engineering College (AEC) and Jorhat Engineering College (JEC).

Conducting Body: Assam Science and Technology University (ASTU)

Tentative Important Dates 2026:

• Registration: February 2026

• Exam Date: April or July 2026

• Result: May 2026

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a Permanent Resident of Assam (PRC mandatory)

• Age: 17 to 21 years as on August 1, 2026 (3-year relaxation for SC/ST)

• Qualification: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English

• Minimum Marks: 45% (40% for reserved categories)

Assam CEE is the primary gateway for engineering aspirants seeking admission within the state.

2. Assam NEET Counselling 2026

Purpose: Admission to MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses in Assam state medical colleges.

Conducting Authority: Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Assam

Eligibility:

• Must qualify NEET-UG 2026

• Must possess Assam Permanent Residency Certificate (PRC)

Students must first clear NEET-UG at the national level to participate in state counselling.

3. Assam Agricultural University (AAU) Entrance Exam 2026

Purpose: Admission to B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, B.F.Sc (Fisheries) and allied science programs.

Tentative Exam Date: June or July 2026

AAU is a preferred option for students interested in agriculture, fisheries and allied sciences in Assam.

II. National Level Entrance Exams (Open to Assam Students)

These exams provide access to premier institutions across India.

1. JEE Main 2026 (Joint Entrance Examination)

Purpose: Admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs and Central Universities for B.E, B.Tech and B.Arch programs.

Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)

Tentative Schedule 2026:

• Session 1 Form: October to November 2025

• Session 1 Exam: January 2026

• Session 2 Form: February to March 2026

• Session 2 Exam: April 2026

Eligibility:

• 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics

• 75% marks in board exams (65% for SC/ST) or top 20 percentile

JEE Main is mandatory for admission to top national engineering institutes.

2. NEET-UG 2026 (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

Purpose: Sole entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing and AYUSH courses across India.

Conducting Body: NTA

Tentative Timeline:

• Registration: February to March 2026

• Exam: May 2026

Eligibility:

• 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology

• Minimum 50% marks (40% for reserved category)

NEET-UG is compulsory for medical admissions in both government and private colleges.

3. CUET-UG 2026 (Common University Entrance Test)

Purpose: Admission to undergraduate programs in Central Universities such as Tezpur University and Assam University, along with many other institutions.

Tentative Dates:

• Registration: February to April 2026

• Exam: May 15 to May 31, 2026

Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream depending on course requirement.

CUET-UG has become mandatory for most Central University admissions.

4. NDA and NA Exam 2026 (I)

Purpose: Entry into Army, Navy and Air Force as commissioned officers.

Conducting Body: UPSC

Tentative Timeline:

• Notification: December 2025

• Exam: April 2026

Eligibility:

• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years

• 12th pass (Any stream for Army, PCM required for Air Force and Navy)

This exam is ideal for students aspiring for a career in Defence services.

III. Entrance Exams for Commerce and Arts Students

Students from Commerce and Arts streams also have strong career options through competitive exams.

1. CLAT 2026 (Common Law Admission Test)

Purpose: Admission to BA LLB and BBA LLB programs in National Law Universities.

Eligibility: 10+2 with minimum 45% marks.

CLAT is the main gateway for top law colleges in India.

2. IPMAT 2026 (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test)

Purpose: Admission to 5-year Integrated BBA + MBA programs at IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak.

Eligibility: 10+2 with minimum 60%.

IPMAT is ideal for students targeting early management education at IIMs.

3. NIFT Entrance Exam 2026

Purpose: Admission to Fashion Design, Technology and Management courses.

Eligibility: 10+2 passed in any stream.

This exam is suitable for creative students interested in the fashion industry.

Summary of Key Entrance Exam Dates 2026

How to Choose the Right Entrance Exam After 12th

• Engineering aspirants: Focus on JEE Main and Assam CEE

• Medical aspirants: Prepare for NEET-UG

• Agriculture students: Apply for AAU entrance

• Law aspirants: Target CLAT

• Management aspirants: Consider IPMAT

• Defence aspirants: Prepare for NDA

Choosing the correct exam early allows structured preparation and better success rates.

Important Disclaimer

All dates mentioned are tentative for the 2026 academic session and may change as per official notifications issued by ASTU, NTA, UPSC and other authorities. Students are advised to regularly check official websites for updates.