MSc Entrance Exams in India 2024

Top MSc Entrance Exams in India: A Complete Guide 

MSc (Master of Science) course is the most pursued and well-known postgraduate program in various fields of science. MSc admissions are based on various university-level and state-level and some of the top MSc entrance exams such as BITSAT, IIT JAM, IPU CET, TISSNET, CUSAT CAT, etc.

MSc course is a 2-year postgraduate program offered in various specializations such as IT, physics, chemistry, mathematics, nursing, etc. As per MSc eligibility, students who have completed BSc or related courses from a recognized university can enroll in this course. While most colleges and universities provide MSc admissions based on entrance exams, a few colleges grant admissions based on merit.

Why Pursue an M.Sc. in India? 

In India, a Master of Science degree is more than just a degree. It provides access to a wide range of employment options in the government, business, education, and research sectors. Students who receive a thorough education in both the theoretical and practical facets of science are better prepared to face problems in the real world. Additionally, compared to other nations, obtaining an M.Sc. in India is more affordable, with

List of Top MSc Entrance Exams

 The list given below will help you navigate the different options available, regardless of whether you're aiming for a university-specific exam or one at the national level -

M.Sc. National-Level Entrance Exams -

M.Sc. entrance exams at the national level are extremely competitive and accepted by many esteemed universities nationwide. Typically, national institutes or central universities administer these tests, guaranteeing a uniform evaluation of applicants.

1. JAM
2. JEST
3. IAI
4. CSIR-UGC NET for JRF
5. GATE
6. AIIMS M.Sc. Entrance Exam 
7. CUET-PG

Let's discuss these in detail in the next section -

1. JAM - Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. 

The Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (JAM) is conducted by the IITs and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for admission to M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., and other post-bachelor’s degree programs at IITs and IISc.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 55% marks for General/OBC-NCL category and 50% marks for SC/ST/PwD category.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Objective-type questions (MCQs, MSQs, and NATs) 
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, etc. 
Duration: 3 hours 
Total Marks: 100 
Colleges: IITs, IISc, NITs, and several other institutions accept JAM scores for admission to their M.Sc. programs. 

Check the Detailed IIT JAM Syllabus here.

Also read - IIT JAM Exam Pattern 

2. Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) 

For admission to Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. programs in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Computational Biology, a national entrance exam known as the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is administered.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, or a related field for Integrated Ph.D. programs.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Objective and subjective questions 
Subjects: Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, etc. 
Duration: 3 hours 
Colleges: Institutions like IISERs, NISER, HBNI, and several others accept JEST scores. 

3. IAI - Institute of Actuaries of India Entrance Exam

The Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) conducts an entrance exam for students interested in pursuing M.Sc. in Actuarial Science. This program prepares students for careers in risk management, insurance, and finance.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline, preferably with Mathematics.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
Type: Objective-type questions
Subjects: Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, etc.
Duration: Varies by subject
Total Marks: Varies
Colleges Accepting IAI Scores: Many universities and private institutions in India that offer M.Sc. in Actuarial Science and related programs.

4. CSIR-UGC NET for JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)

The CSIR-UGC NET is one of the most widely accepted exams for M.Sc. graduates who aspire to pursue research in Science and Technology fields. The exam qualifies candidates for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and is an essential test for those seeking admission to M.Sc.-Ph.D. programs in universities and research institutions.

Eligibility Criteria:

• General: Must have a Master's degree in Science with at least 55% marks.
• SC/ST/OBC/PwD: Must have a Master's degree with at least 50% marks.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and objective-type questions.
Subjects: Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, etc.
Duration: 3 hours
Total Marks: 200
Colleges Accepting CSIR-UGC NET Scores: Various central universities, IITs, IISc, and research institutes.

5. GATE - Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering

While GATE is primarily known for admission to M.Tech programs, it is also used for M.Sc. programs in certain science subjects at institutions like IISc and IITs.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology or a Master's degree in any relevant science field.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Objective-type questions (MCQs, MSQs, and NATs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology-based fields.
Duration: 3 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting GATE Scores: IISc, IITs, NITs, and other reputed institutions in India for M.Sc. and integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. programs.

6. AIIMS M.Sc. Entrance Exam

The AIIMS M.Sc. Entrance Exam is conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, for admission to M.Sc. programs in various medical and paramedical fields.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, or Nursing.
• Candidates must have at least 60% marks for General/OBC category and 50% marks for SC/ST candidates.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Subjects: General knowledge, English comprehension, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Total Marks: 70
Colleges Accepting AIIMS M.Sc. Exam Scores: AIIMS New Delhi and its other branches in India.

7. CUET-PG (Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate Courses)

The CUET-PG is a common entrance test for admission to various postgraduate programs, including M.Sc. courses, in central universities across India.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with the relevant subject combination.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Objective-type questions
Subjects: Various subjects based on the M.Sc. specialization (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, etc.)
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: Varies
Colleges Accepting CUET-PG Scores: Central universities across India, including JNU, Delhi University, and others.

University-Level M.Sc. Entrance Exams 

For admission to M.Sc. programs, certain universities administer university-level entrance exams. These exams address the particular specialization and curriculum that each university offers. 

1. JNUEE
2. DUET
3. BHU PET
4. TIFR GS
5. University of Hyderabad Entrance Exam 
6. AMU
7. SET
8. MET
9. AEEE
10. VITMEE
11. SRMJEE-PG
12. LPU NEST
13. PU-CET-PG

1. JNUEE - Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam

The JNUEE is the entrance exam conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for admission to various postgraduate programs, including M.Sc. courses in subjects like Life Sciences, Physics, and Chemistry.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with at least 50% marks.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and short answer questions.
Subjects: Life Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, etc.
Duration: 3 hours
Total Marks: Varies
Colleges Accepting JNUEE Scores: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

Also read - JNUEE CUET

2. DUET - Delhi University Entrance Test

The DUET is conducted by Delhi University for admission to various postgraduate programs, including M.Sc. courses in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Environmental Sciences.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 50% marks.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Objective-type questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Environmental Science, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting DUET Scores: University of Delhi (DU) and its affiliated colleges.

Also Check: B Pharma Entrance Exams

3. BHU PET - Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test

The BHU PET is the entrance exam conducted by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for admission to postgraduate programs, including M.Sc. in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline with at least 50% marks.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting BHU PET Scores: Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

Also read - BHU PET Admit Card

4. TIFR GS - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Graduate School Entrance Exam

The TIFR GS exam is conducted by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) for admission to M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in various scientific disciplines such as Physics, Mathematics, and Biology.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering, depending on the program.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and short answer questions.
Subjects: Physics, Mathematics, Biology, and related fields.
Duration: 3 hours
Total Marks: Varies
Colleges Accepting TIFR GS Scores: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai.

Related read - TISSNET Syllabus

5. University of Hyderabad Entrance Exam

The University of Hyderabad Entrance Exam is conducted for admission to various M.Sc. programs offered by the university, including specializations in Life Sciences, Physics, and Chemistry.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 50% marks.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and short answer questions.
Subjects: Life Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting University of Hyderabad Scores: University of Hyderabad.

6. AMU - Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam

The AMU Entrance Exam is conducted for admission to M.Sc. programs in various disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biotechnology at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 50% marks.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Objective-type questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting AMU Scores: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

7. SET - Symbiosis Entrance Test

The SET is an entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission to its various M.Sc. programs in disciplines like Life Sciences, Physics, and Biotechnology.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 50% marks.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Objective-type questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting SET Scores: Symbiosis International University and affiliated institutions.

Also read - SET Exam Syllabus

8. MET - Manipal Entrance Test

The MET is conducted by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) for admission to M.Sc. programs offered by the university, including subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 50% marks.
Exam Pattern: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: Varies
Colleges Accepting MET Scores: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and its affiliated colleges.

Also read - MET Exam

9. AEEE - Amrita Engineering Entrance Exam (for M.Sc. Programs)

The AEEE is conducted by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham for admission to various postgraduate programs, including M.Sc. courses in Physics, Chemistry, and Biotechnology.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 50% marks.
Exam Pattern: Objective-type questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting AEEE Scores: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University).

10. VITMEE - VIT Masters Entrance Exam

The VITMEE is conducted by VIT University for admission to various M.Sc. programs, including specializations in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Data Science.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 50% marks.
Exam Pattern: Objective-type questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting VITMEE Scores: VIT University and affiliated institutions.

11. SRMJEE-PG - SRM Joint Entrance Examination for Postgraduate

The SRMJEE-PG is the entrance exam conducted by SRM Institute of Science and Technology for admission to M.Sc. programs in disciplines like Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Life Sciences.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 50% marks.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting SRMJEE-PG Scores: SRM Institute of Science and Technology.

12. LPU NEST - Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test

The LPU NEST is conducted by Lovely Professional University for admission to M.Sc. programs in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biotechnology.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 50% marks.
Exam Pattern: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting LPU NEST Scores: Lovely Professional University (LPU).

Read - LPUNEST 2024 Syllabus - MBA, B.Tech, M.Tech, Law Syllabus

13. PU-CET-PG - Punjab University Common Entrance Test for Postgraduate Courses

The PU-CET-PG is the entrance exam conducted by Punjab University for admission to its postgraduate programs, including M.Sc. courses in various fields like Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 50% marks.
Exam Pattern: Objective-type questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, etc.
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Colleges Accepting PU-CET-PG Scores: Punjab University and its affiliated colleges.

Read - PU CET Accepting Colleges