Top 10 Competitive Exams After 10th Grade for Students in 2025: Pathways to Success

Every year, more than 3 crore students attempt various competitive exams after 10th to make their careers. Some of them succeed, and many fail.

Do you know what differentiates successful people from unsuccessful ones? It’s “starting early.”

If you want to succeed, you might want to start preparing for competitive exams after 10th, yes, that is the best time to do so.

As you transition from secondary to higher secondary education, it is best that you start researching various entrance and competitive exams after 10th grade and choose the one that best aligns with your future goals and career options.

Now, the question arises, what competitive exams after 10th are the best? Well, you have the answer here.

10 Most-Sorted Competitive Exams after 10th

Now, let us dive a little deep into exams after the 10th. We will also see how students can begin studying for competitive exams after 10th for scholarships. 

Exam	Eligibility Criteria	Syllabus
Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KYPY)	1. Indian citizen 2. Studying in Class 10th 3. Not enrolled in distance learning, correspondence courses or graduate programs	1. Physics: Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics, Thermodynamics 2. Chemistry: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry 3. Biology: Genetics and Evolution, Ecology, Human Physiology, Plant Physiology, Cell Biology 4. Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)	1. Indian citizen 2. Studying in Class 10th or 9th 3. The maximum age should be 18 years	1. Tier I: Mental Ability Test (MAT) – Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, analogies, classification, series, pattern perception, hidden figures, etc. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and General Knowledge. 2. Tier II: Mental Ability Test (MAT) – Same as Stage 1 Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – Same as Stage 1, but the level of difficulty is higher
Indian National Olympiad (INO)	1. Indian citizen students from class I to XII	1. Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, Combinatorics, Graph Theory 2. Physics: Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, Waves, Thermodynamics 3. Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry 4. Biology: Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, Cell Biology, Anatomy, Physiology. 5. Astronomy: Celestial Mechanics, Astrophysics, Observation and Data Analysis, Optics and Telescopes
National Level Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE)	1. Indian citizen 2. Studying in Class 2nd to 10th with PCM and PCB	1. For classes 2 to 4: Mathematics: Number Sense, Computation Operations, Fractions Science: Plants, Animals, Human Body, Earth and Universe 2. For classes 5 to 10: Mathematics: Number Systems, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology 3. For classes 11 to 12: Mathematics: Sets, Relations and Functions, Trigonometric Functions Physics: Mechanics, Properties of Matter, Heat and Thermodynamics Chemistry: Concepts of Chemistry, Structure of Atom, Thermodynamics
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)	1. Appearing or clearing the Class 10 examination	1. Math 2. Reading 3. Writing and Language 4. Essay (optional)
Assessment of Scholastic Tests (ASSET)	1. Students studying in class 3-10th in recognised board	1. Part 1 Basic concepts and skills in Mathematics Science English 2. Part 2 Descriptive test assessing the higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills of students.
International English Olympiad (IEO)	1. Students enroll in Classes 1 to 12	1. Word and Sentence Level Vocabulary Spelling Grammar 2. Reading Comprehension Reading and understanding of texts Identification of the main idea Interpretation of themes 3. Functional Grammar Tenses Modals Active-passive voice 4. Writing Skills Writing formats (e.g., letters, emails, essays, etc.) Developing ideas and arguments Organization and coherence 5. Interactive English Dialogues Conversational phrases Understanding of English in real-life situations
Indian Navy Matric Recruitment	1. 10th pass students from a recognized board	1. Mathematics 2. General Science 3. English 4. General Knowledge
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST)	1. 13 to 16-year-old students	1. Mental Ability Test (MAT) 2. Arithmetic Test 3. Language Test: English and Hindi
National Biotechnology Olympiad (NBO)	1. Students studying in classes 1-12th from a recognized board	1. Biomolecules 2. Cell Biology 3. Genetics and Molecular Biology 4. Biotechnology and its Applications 5. Bioinformatics 6. General Biology

Want to explore the pool of competitive exams? Dive deeper into our guide on Government Exams. 

Best Competitive Exams After 10th

1. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KYPY)

The Department of Science and Technology has prepared the KVPY scheme. It is one of the competitive exams after the 10^th  for students to provide scholarships. The main objective of the exam is to bring exceptional students to the forefront. It helps the students who want to understand things in science and technology.

KVPY identifies students with aptitude in Science and Technology. To help them financially, the Government of India-led exam provides grants and scholarships. The fellowship is awarded only to students pursuing higher studies in PhD or Master’s degrees. It is one of the preferred competitive exams after the 10th.

2. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)

NTSE is a national-level scholarship scheme for school students. It is perfect for students preparing for competitive exams after the 10th. The scholarship aims to help identify students with high aptitude and talent and provide them with scholarships. Conducted by NCERT, the scholarship exam is held on two different levels. It assesses students’ aptitude in science, mathematics, and social sciences through multiple-choice questions.

3. Indian National Olympiad (INO)

INO tests are conducted for school students across the country. Students from classes I to XII of arts, commerce, or science stream are eligible for the competitive exam. It adds value to your resume. Students who succeed in Olympiads also get an edge over others regarding admission to schools, colleges, and jobs. Thus, students who want to feel what real competitive exams after 10th are like should engage themselves in Olympiads.

4. National Level Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE)

The National Level Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE), organized by the Integrated Council of India, is a renowned platform for students preparing for competitive exams after 10th. This exam evaluates students’ proficiency in mathematics and science, providing a detailed report of their national ranking to motivate them to improve their performance. Unlike other exams, NSTSE focuses on assessing the understanding of fundamental concepts rather than speed. By strengthening core knowledge in science and mathematics, NSTSE plays a crucial role in preparing students for future competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

5. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT is one of the standard competitive exams after 10^th  that the College Board organization of the United States holds it for students who wish to study abroad. The SAT score is necessary to get admission to all foreign institutes. For students who want to study in foreign colleges, it is one of the best competitive exams after 10th. Indian universities have also started accepting SAT scores.

6. Assessment of Scholastic Tests (ASSET)

ASSET (Assessment of Scholastic Skills through Educational Testing) is a diagnostic test designed to assess students’ scholastic skills in Mathematics, Science, and English. This is one of the competitive exams after 10th that is developed by Educational Initiatives Pvt. Ltd. (EI) and is used by schools in India and abroad. The ASSET exams after 10th provide a detailed report that includes an analysis of the student’s performance in each subject, strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement. The test can also be used as a benchmarking tool to compare a student’s performance with that of their peers nationally and internationally.

7. International English Olympiad (IEO)    

The International English Olympiad (IEO) is a competitive exam after 10th that tests English language skills. The Indian Talent Olympiad organizes it at the national and international levels. The IEO exam tests your grammar skills, spelling fluency, and sentence structure. This Olympiad will help you to enhance your language skills. There are two levels of exam. The first is MCQ based, and after qualifying, students will appear for the second level.

8. Indian Navy Matric Recruitment

Indian Navy Matric Recruitment is one of the best competitive exams after 10th grade for students who want to make their career in the Navy. Its selection process is based on computer-based Examinations, physical tests, and medical tests. Selected candidates will undergo a further 14 weeks of naval training.

9. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST)

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission JNVST is one of the government competitive exams after 10th grade conducted annually across the country. The subject consists of Mental Ability 50 marks, Arithmetic 25 marks, and Language 25 marks. The exam is two hours long and MCQ-based. You must get 75 to 80% marks to pass the exam.

10. National Biotechnology Olympiad (NBO)      

NBTO exam tests are one of the best competitive exams after the 10th for biology students interested in technology. This exam tests the aptitude of the students who want to pursue Biotechnology. It is a beneficial exam as it also enhances the knowledge of science. The curriculum of NBTO is based on environmental science and basic biotechnology. It is a half-hour test with 40 mental and general ability questions.

Also Read:
List Of Competitive Exams After Graduation in 2025
Toughest Exam in India – The Complete List

Top 5 Competitive Exams After 10th

There are many engineering and medical competitive exams after 10th, which you can prepare for in advance if you want to make your career in this field.

Exams	Eligibility Criteria	Syllabus
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)	1. Students must have passed 12th with 75% from a recognized board.	JEE Main Syllabus: Mathematics: Sets, Relations and Functions, Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations, etc. Physics: Physics and Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, etc. Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Solutions, Equilibrium etc. 2. JEE Advanced: Physics: Mechanics, Waves and Optics, Electrodynamics, Thermal Physics Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry. Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus
National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET)	1. Students must have passed 12th with Chemistry, Biology, Physics and English.	1. Physics: Physical World and Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, etc. 2. Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, Environmental Chemistry, Solid State, Solutions, Electrochemistry etc. 3. Biology: Diversity in Living World, Structural Organization in Animals and Plants, Cell Structure and Function
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)	1. Student must have passed the 9th  exam with a score of 60% or higher and is enrolled in class 10th	Stage 1: Mental Ability Test (MAT) Scholastic Ability Test (SAT) Stage 2: Mental Ability Test (MAT) Scholastic Ability Test (SAT) Language Test
Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test	1. Students must have passed 12th with Chemistry, Biology, Physics	1. Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus 2. Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Thermodynamics, Optics 3. Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. 4. English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Usage. 5. General Knowledge: Current Affairs, General Science, History, Geography, and Economics.
National Defence Academy Exam (NDA)	1. NDA  Age Limit 2023, Marital Status & Gender 2. Citizenship/Nationality 3. NDA Qualification	1. Mathematics 2. General Ability Test (GAT)

Top 5 Government Competitive Exams After 10th

Some of the top government competitive exams after 10th are as follows:

1. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)

JEE exam is one of the most sorted competitive exams after 10^th by students. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this joint entrance exam. It is a two-tier exam divided into JEE Main and JEE Advanced. The exam is taken by students who wish to pursue undergraduate engineering courses in top colleges and universities across India. JEE Main is a computer-based exam consisting of multiple-choice questions while JEE Advanced is a paper-based exam with both multiple-choice and numerical answer-type questions. The exam tests students on their physics, chemistry, and mathematics knowledge.

2. National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET)

National Eligibility Entrance Test, NEET, popularly known as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, is among the most sought-after competitive exams after 10th for students aspiring to pursue medical courses. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this exam is mandatory for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical programs in government and private institutions across India. NEET is a computer-based test featuring multiple-choice physics, chemistry, and biology questions. Typically held once a year in May or June, candidates must achieve a minimum qualifying score to secure admission to their desired medical programs.

3. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a scholarship program in India that identifies and nurtures talented students. It is conducted in two stages: Stage 1 for class 10 students and Stage 2 for those who qualify in Stage 1. The exam assesses students’ reasoning, analytical, and critical thinking skills in Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. Students who clear the NTSE exams are awarded scholarships up to the PhD level. This is one of the highly competitive exams after 10th that requires extensive preparation and student dedication.

4. Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test

Those students who want to be admitted to Nautical Science) can appear in the exam. It is a national-level exam conducted by the government of India where students can be admitted to reputed colleges and study BSc and BBA programs.

5. National Defence Academy Exam (NDA)

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is another of the competitive exams after the 10th conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India. It is a gateway for candidates to get admission to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA. This exam is held twice a year, and candidates who have completed their 10+2 education can apply. The selection process of this entrance exam involves a written exam, followed by an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of mathematics, general ability, and English. Successful candidates receive training at the NDA for three years before commissioning as officers.

Also Read: Diploma Courses after 12th

Tips to Prepare for Entrance and Competitive Exams After 10th

1. Know the Exam

First and foremost, the step towards clearing any competitive exams after the 10th is to understand the exam you are preparing for, its pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme. This will give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare accordingly.

2. Make a Study Plan

A well-structured study plan with daily, weekly, and monthly targets is crucial for exams for students. Allocate time for each subject based on their importance and difficulty level. You can create competitive and government exam lists so you don’t miss out on any essential dates, notifications, or other information.

3. Choose the Right Study Material

Choose study material aligned with the exam syllabus and covers all the topics in detail. You can refer to competitive exam books, online academic resources, or free coaching material on YouTube.

4. Practice

Practice makes a person perfect, so don’t give up and keep practicing for your competitive exams after the 10th, and you will positively crack it. Solve previous year question papers, take mock tests, and practice online quizzes to get a good grip on the topics.

5. Time Management

Time management is a crucial step while preparing for any entrance or competitive exams after 10th. You must learn how to manage your time effectively during the exam by practicing time-bound tests and developing strategies to save time.

6. Stay Motivated

Preparing for exams after the 10^th for jobs or a great career can seem daunting. However, you must keep yourself motivated throughout the preparation phase by setting small achievable goals and rewarding yourself upon completion. Surround yourself with friends and family who support and motivate you.

7. Seek Guidance

Seeking guidance from your teachers, mentors, or coaching instructors is one of the best ways to prepare for competitive exams after the 10th. They can guide you if you face any difficulties in understanding any topic. And yes, never hesitate to clear your doubts.

Conclusion: Choose Your Competitive Exams After 10th

The top 10 exams in India offer incredible opportunities for students to build successful careers in various fields, from engineering to medicine. Grabbing any opportunity as early as possible is the only way to succeed in your career. Getting admission into IITs, NIITs, and other government jobs is difficult. However, if you start preparing for competitive exams after 10th the whole task will become simpler later on.

Government competitive exams after 10th for government jobs provide excellent opportunities for students to start their public sector careers. There are many choices to go through when you want to prepare for any competitive and entrance exams, based upon the choice of your future career. Some of the best competitive exams after 10th have been mentioned here; which might clear your doubts. So, start preparing today to get promoted tomorrow. 

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