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Have you completed the 12th boards? Now is the right time to apply for admission to top universities. As a commerce student, you can choose from various programs like finance, accounting, law, economics, and more. However, the catch is that you need to clear the entrance exams for admission. There are several commerce entrance exams after the 12th even for professional courses.Therefore, learning about these entrance exams will help you choose the right entrance exam to prepare for. Read this article to understand the top entrance exams for commerce students.
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List of Commerce Entrance Exams after 12th
Here is a list of the eight most popular entrance exams that every commerce student can take. Clearing these entrance exams will open up different career opportunities. Let us look at some of the most popular entrance exams for commerce courses in India:
| S.No. | Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Exam Date (Tentative) |
| 1 | CA Common Proficiency Test (CPT) | Institute of Chartered Accountants in India (ICAI) | September 16, 18, 20 & 22, 2025 (Foundation). ICAI organises this exam three times annually: May/June, September, and January. The May 2025 session was held between May 15-21, 2025, for the Foundation level. |
| 2 | St Xavier Entrance Test (XET) | St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai | May 10 & 11, 2025 (All India) and May 16 & 17, 2025 (Mumbai centre only). |
| 3 | Company Secretary Executive Entrance Exam (CSEET) | Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) | July 05, 2025 (July attempt) and November 08, 2025 (November attempt). |
| 4 | NMIMS – NPAT | Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) | March 1 – May 31, 2025 (testing window). |
| 5 | SET | Symbiosis University | Scheduled on May 5 and May 11, 2025. |
| 6 | CUET | National Testing Agency | From May 13 – June 3, 2025. |
| 7 | IPMAT | Indian Institute of Management Indore | Conducted on May 12, 2025. |
| 8 | ACET | Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) | May 4, 2025 (first session), with the second session in November 2025 (exact dates to be announced; usually aligned with the main actuarial exam calendar). |
Top 8 Entrance Exams After 12th
These are the most popular entrance examinations that you can take. We have explained in detail about each entrance exam. You can read about these exams, check whether you meet the requirements for this exam, and if you are interested in the opportunities you will get after clearing the exam. If you are interested, you can check the exam dates, register, and prepare.
CA Common Proficiency Test (CPT)
Recently, ICAI has announced that students can appear for the CA CPT exam after the 12th to pursue the coveted Chartered Accountant course. CA CPT stands for Chartered Accountant Common Proficiency Test and is held twice a year in the month of June and November. It is a national-level exam held for all those candidates who wish to pursue Chartered Accountancy as a career and is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
It is an offline objective exam that tests applicants on subjects like Accounting, Mercantile Law, General Economics and Quantitative Aptitude.
St Xavier Entrance Test
St Xavier Entrance Test is conducted by St Xavier College for some undergraduate programmes like Bachelors of Management Studies. The exam is conducted every year, and those who wish to appear for the exam must register online. It is a computer-based exam that contains both subjective and objective questions.
St Xavier also offers programmes like Bachelor of Commerce and BA/BSc in Economics, and their admission is based on 12th marks results.
Company Secretary Executive Entrance Exam (CSEET)
CSEET is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India for admissions to Company Secretary Executive courses in India. It is a national-level entrance exam that includes an online objective test and a viva round. The online-based exam tests applicants on subjects like Business Communication, Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning, Economic and Business Environment and Current Affairs.
NMIMS – NPAT
NPAT stands for NMIMS Programs After Twelfth and is conducted by Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) for courses like BBA, B.COM, BSc, BTech and BA Hons, etc. for admissions to different campuses under the college.
All the candidates must apply online for the exam. The exam is conducted once a year, and it is a computer-based exam. NPAT is the gateway to programmes like BSc in Finance and Economics, Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Commerce.
DU JAT
Delhi University Joint Admission Test (DUJAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency for admission to commerce courses like Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Investment Analysis) and BA (Hons) in Business Economics offered by certain college under Delhi University.
The entrance exam is an online-based paper. Applicants can also pursue B.Com, BA/BSc in Economics and Corporate Law through direct admissions based on 12th exams.
Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET)
Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) is conducted by Symbiosis University for different undergraduate courses in streams like Management, Law, Engineering, Economics, Mass Communications etc. The entrance test is conducted once a year and it is a computer-based entrance exam, the exam is followed by a written test or personal interview. Symbiosis Univesity offers commerce courses like business administration and economics.
Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT)
Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is conducted by IIM Indore for admissions to a five-year integrated programme at IIM Indore. It is an online exam followed by a written test and a personal interview. The entrance exam is an objective and subjective exam and is conducted once a year.
Actuarial Common Entrance Test (ACET)
Actuarial Common Entrance Test (ACET) is conducted for actuarial science courses for all those who wish to be an Actuary. The entrance exam is twice a year, and it is a computer-based test. Candidates must have studied mathematics and English as subjects in their previous courses to be eligible.
Also Read: Delhi University Courses after 12th!
Entrance Exams After 12th Commerce Without Maths
Taking up commerce without mathematics does not mean your options end. There are several entrance exams after 12th commerce for students who have taken commerce without maths as their stream. Exams like CA Foundation, CSEET, and CUET-UG exams will help you enter jobs in accounting and company law. Here we have listed some of the top entrance exams for students without mathematics.
| S.No | Exam Name | Description | Basic Eligibility |
| 1 | CA Foundation | Entry into Chartered Accountancy covers accounting, law, and economics | 12th pass (any stream); register for ICAI Foundation |
| 2 | CSEET | Entrance to the Company Secretary programme through ICSI | 12th pass (any stream) |
| 3 | NPAT | NMIMS undergraduate admission for BBA, B.Com, BBA(FIA), economics | 12th pass; maths not mandatory except for specific courses |
| 4 | SET (Management) | Symbiosis test for UG management and commerce courses | 12th pass (any stream) |
| 5 | DU JAT | Delhi University entrance for BMS, BBA(FIA), BEcon (Hons) | 12th pass; maths optional (some programmes require) |
| 6 | CUET‑UG | Central universities’ common UG entrance, including commerce streams | 12th pass (any stream); choose commerce domain papers |
| 7 | IPMAT | IIM Indore’s five‑year integrated management programme | 12th pass; maths required |
| 8 | IPU CET (BBA/B.Com) | GGSIPU’s exam for BBA & B.Com (Hons) courses | 12th pass (maths not mandatory) |
| 9 | CLAT UG | Entrance to integrated law programmes (BA LLB, BBA LLB) | 12th pass (any stream); strong verbal/aptitude skills |
| 10 | BBA/BBE Entrance Tests | Many universities hold separate exams for the general BBA or BBE | 12th pass; maths optional |
Also Read: Courses after 12th Commerce without Maths
Government Competitive Exams for Commerce students
High school graduate students have the option to pursue careers beyond the common professional courses. Many students prepare for the central and state exams. For example, the SSC CGL, NRA CET exams. These government exams give you secure and respectable positions in railways, administration, defence and more.
| S.No | Exam Name | Description | Basic Eligibility |
| 1 | SSC CHSL | Entry-level clerical roles in ministries and departments (e.g., LDC, DEO, PA/SA) | 12th pass; Age 18–27 years |
| 2 | SSC MTS | Multi-Tasking Staff roles in government offices | 10th/12th pass; Age 18–25 years |
| 3 | SSC Stenographer (C/D) | Stenographer positions in Grade C and D | 12th pass; Age 18–30 (Grade C), 18–27 (Grade D) |
| 4 | RRB NTPC | Non-Technical Popular Categories in Indian Railways (clerks, assistants) | 12th pass; Age 18–30 years |
| 5 | RRB Group D | Entry-level railway posts (trackmen, helpers, etc.) | 10th/12th pass; Age 18–33 years |
| 6 | RPF Constable | Sub-inspector/constable positions in the Railway Protection Force | 12th pass; Age 18–25 years |
| 7 | BSF/SSB/CISF Constable | Constable roles in central armed police forces | 12th pass; Age 18–25 years (varies by force) |
| 8 | Indian Navy SSR / AA | Sailor roles in the Navy (Senior Secondary Recruit / Artificer Apprentice) | 12th pass (PCM in some cases); Age ~17–20 years |
| 9 | NDA (CDS) | Entry exam for Army, Navy, Air Force officer training | 12th pass; Science stream for technical branches; Age 16.5–19.5 |
| 10 | NRA CET 12th Pass Level | Unified gateway for multiple Group B/C central government jobs across SSC, RRB, IBPS roles | 12th pass; Age ~18–23 years |
Banking Exams After 12th Commerce
One of the perks of graduating from high school with commerce is that you can apply for bank exams. Commerce students have an edge in these exams as they are already familiar with the finance concepts. These are some of the entry-level commerce entrance exams after 12th in the banking sector.
| S.No | Exam Name | Description | Eligibility |
| 1 | IBPS Clerk | Hiring for clerical positions in public sector banks via IBPS-administered Common Recruitment | 12th pass; age 20–28 approx.; Indian citizen |
| 2 | IBPS RRB Office Assistant | Clerical roles in regional rural banks through IBPS RRB exams | 12th pass; age 18–28 approx.; Indian citizen |
| 3 | IBPS PO/MT | Probationary Officer/Management Trainee recruitment in national public sector banks | Graduate required (not 12th level) |
| 4 | SBI Clerk | SBI clerical cadre recruitment | 12th pass; age ~20–28; Indian citizen |
| 5 | SBI PO | Probationary Officer roles in State Bank of India | Graduate required |
| 6 | IBPS SO | Specialist Officer posts (IT, Law, Marketing, etc.) in public banks | Graduate or diploma depending on post |
| 7 | SBI SO | Specialist Officer recruitment at SBI | Graduate with post-specific qualifications |
| 8 | RBI Grade B/C | Officer-level roles—Grade B (General) or Grade C (Clerk) | Graduate required; clerk open to 12th pass |
| 9 | ICICI Bank PO | Probationary Officer positions in ICICI Bank | Graduate required |
| 10 | Private Bank PO Exams | PO roles in private banks (e.g., HDFC, Axis, Kotak) | Graduate required |
Commerce Entrance Exams After 12th Science
Science stream students can also choose to take commerce entrance exams. Here is a list of the most popular commerce entrance exams open to science students. The list consists of exams that offer professional certifications and degree-based pathways.
| SNO | Exam Name | Description | Eligibility |
| 1 | CA Foundation | Entry-level test for the Chartered Accountancy pathway | 10+2 pass (any stream); no math needed |
| 2 | CSEET | Gateway to the Company Secretary qualification | 10+2 pass (any stream) |
| 3 | CMA Foundation | Foundation level for Cost & Management Accountants | 10+2 pass (any stream) |
| 4 | CUET‑UG (Commerce) | Central University admissions in commerce-related degree courses | 10+2 pass; select commerce subjects |
| 5 | NPAT (NMIMS) | Admission to BBA, B.Com (Hons), B.Sc finance/economics | 10+2 pass; math not mandatory |
| 6 | SET (Symbiosis) | Entrance for commerce/management degrees at Symbiosis | 10+2 pass (any stream) |
| 7 | DU JAT | Test for BMS, BBA (FIA), BEcon (Hons) at Delhi University | 10+2 pass; math optional for DU programs |
| 8 | Xavier’s Entrance Test (XAT – BMS/BMM) | For BMS & Mass Media admissions at St. Xavier’s, Mumbai | 10+2 pass; typically ≥60–65% required |
| 9 | IPU CET (BBA/B.Com) | Delhi-based GGSIPU’s entrance for commerce/management | 10+2 pass; commerce line optional |
| 10 | CLAT UG | Entry to integrated law programs (BA LLB, BBA LLB) | 10+2 pass; aptitude-focused |
Commerce Entrance Exams After 12th Biology
Students who had taken biology in their 12th grade can easily transition to commerce fields. They can clear examinations like the CA Foundation, CSEET, and CUET UG and open unique career opportunities. Here is a list of the top entrance exams that you can take up after 12th biology.
| S.No | Exam Name | Description | Basic Eligibility |
| 1 | CA Foundation | Entry-level exam for Chartered Accountancy | 12th pass (any stream) |
| 2 | CSEET | Gateway to Company Secretary program | 12th pass (any stream) |
| 3 | CMA Foundation | Cost & Management Accountancy Foundation exam | 12th pass (any stream) |
| 4 | CUET‑UG | Entrance for central university commerce courses | 12th pass (any stream), select commerce papers |
| 5 | NPAT (NMIMS) | Admission test for BBA, B.Com, B.Sc finance/economics | 12th pass; no math requirement |
| 6 | SET (Symbiosis) | Test for UG management and commerce programs | 12th pass (any stream) |
| 7 | DU‑JAT | Entry to DU’s BMS, BBA(FIA), BEcon Hons | 12th pass; math optional for some programs |
| 8 | IPU‑CET (BBA/B.Com) | GGSIPU’s commerce program admission test | 12th pass; math not mandatory |
| 9 | CLAT UG | For integrated law degrees—BA LLB, BBA LLB | 12th pass; strong aptitude skills |
| 10 | IPMAT (IIM Indore/Rohtak) | Integrated Management Aptitude Test for five-year programs | 12th pass; math required |
Also Read: Career in Travel and Tourism
FAQs
CA has the highest salary in commerce. A CA typically earns around INR 6-7 lakh as a fresher.
The eligibility for any course to become a doctor requires a science background. Therefore, commerce students cannot become doctors.
No. CUET is not only for commerce students. The CUET is a national-level entrance exam. It is for admission into several undergraduate programs (provided by participating universities). Those in science, commerce, and the arts can appear for this examination.
The most popular course after 12th commerce is the Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com). Another popular course is the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Several students choose professional certifications like the Chartered Accountancy (CA).
After clearing CUET and graduating from your university, you can choose to take up jobs in the private or government sectors. You can also choose entrepreneurship. However, the precise career options for you depend on the course you take, your skills, and your interests. For example, Arts students normally go for journalism, civil services, or psychology courses, and commerce students prefer roles in banking and finance.
Related Reads
Hopefully, this compilation of commerce entrance exams for 12th students helped you decide the exam you want to appear for. Want to study abroad after 12th?
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Clear explanation, better understandings about the exams. Thank you so much
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Want to stacy abroad after 12
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6 comments
Clear explanation, better understandings about the exams. Thank you so much
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Want to stacy abroad after 12
It’s a very good article. But as a CMA Aspirant I am really upset that you haven’t wrote about CMA exams. One of the most wanted jobs in India right now. When India stopped imports from China, manufacturing industries increases and for their accounting work they need CMA’s. So please write about CMA in this article.
Good coverage.
Math required for which courses or entrance exam ?
Hey Prasad,
Mathematics is required for almost all entrance examinations in the commerce field. Therefore, ensure that you have previously studied the subject before sitting for the entrance examination. For further information,consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.