Students who complete their +2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) often think that their only path is medicine through NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). However, this isn’t true. For those who are not interested in becoming doctors, there are many other exams and exciting career paths to explore. Whether you’re passionate about research, biotechnology, environmental sciences, or agriculture, several avenues open up beyond NEET.
This blog highlights the top entrance exams that PCB students can take. These exams lead to fulfilling careers, and they don’t require mathematics in your +2 education.
1. IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)
The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) offer a fantastic platform if you are interested in research. The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is your gateway to their BS-MS programs. Unlike other institutes, IISER focuses heavily on research and scientific exploration. Many IISER graduates later pursue advanced research in India or abroad.
Eligibility:
- Students must have completed 12th grade with PCB or PCM.
- They need at least 60% in 12th grade for General/OBC and 55% for SC/ST/PwD.
- For detailed eligibility criteria, click here.
Why IISER is ideal for PCB students:
IISER offers a research-driven curriculum. Students dive deep into core scientific subjects. The institute encourages early participation in research projects. If you love biology or chemistry and have a thirst for discovery, IISER is perfect for you.
SciAstra Courses for IISER IAT:
SciAstra offers comprehensive preparation for the IAT exam. Their Vikram 2.0 and Kalam Batch programs cover all exam aspects. You can benefit from live classes, doubt-clearing sessions, and mock tests, helping you prepare with confidence.
2. NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is another excellent option for students interested in research. This exam gives you access to the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and the UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS). These institutes provide world-class research training in fields like Biology and Chemistry.
Eligibility:
- You must have passed 12th grade with PCB or PCM, with at least 60% marks for General/OBC and 55% for SC/ST.
- For detailed eligibility criteria, click here.
Career Prospects:
Graduates from NISER and CEBS often pursue careers in scientific research and teaching. Their rigorous academic training equips them for roles in government labs, international research, or academia. Apart from this, students enrolled in NISER qualify for an annual scholarship of INR 60,000 along with an allowance of INR 20,000 for pursuing an internship every summer.
SciAstra Courses for NEST:
SciAstra’s Homi Batch prepares students thoroughly for NEST. This course focuses on both IAT and NEST, with detailed study material, regular tests, and live classes to ensure you’re fully prepared.
3. AIIMS Paramedical Entrance Exam
If you want to enter the healthcare field but not as a doctor, the AIIMS Paramedical Entrance Exam is a good option. It allows entry into paramedical courses at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Available Courses:
- B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing
- B.Sc. Medical Technology in Radiography
- B.Sc. in Operation Theatre Technology
These courses prepare students for important roles in the healthcare system.
Why Choose AIIMS Paramedical Courses?
AIIMS is India’s top medical institution. A paramedical course here offers a stable career with diverse job opportunities. You can work in hospitals, diagnostic centres, or research institutions.
4. ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission)
For those interested in agricultural sciences, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts the AIEEA exam. This entrance test is for students seeking admission into programs like Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Biotechnology.
Eligibility:
- Completion of 12th grade with PCB or PCM.
- For detailed eligibility criteria, visit the official website here.
Career Prospects:
Agriculture science graduates can work in research, agribusiness management, or even the government sector. They can also venture into agri-tech entrepreneurship. Agriculture is vital to the economy, making this a meaningful and rewarding field.
SciAstra and Agricultural Research:
SciAstra is expanding its offerings and encourages students to explore fields like agricultural biotechnology. This interdisciplinary field holds promising career prospects, particularly for those interested in sustainable development.
5. B.Sc. in Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field combining biology and technology. Many universities offer entrance exams for B.Sc. Biotechnology programs. It offers great career potential, especially in fields like pharmaceuticals, genetics, and environmental conservation.
Best Institutes for B.Sc. Biotechnology:
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- Christ University
- Siksha O Anusandhan
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
Apart from these, there are other good institutes as well that have really good Biotechnology programs.
Career Opportunities:
Biotechnology graduates find roles in research labs, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical industries. This field continues to grow, driven by advancements in genetic engineering and personalised medicine.
6. B.Sc. Nursing Entrance Exams
Nursing is another valuable career option for PCB students. Many universities offer entrance exams for B.Sc. Nursing programs. A career in nursing offers both stability and the opportunity to contribute to public health.
Top Nursing Entrance Exams:
- AIIMS B.Sc. Nursing Entrance Exam
- JIPMER B.Sc. Nursing Exam
- AFMC Nursing Exam
Career Scope:
Nursing is in high demand, and career opportunities exist in hospitals, healthcare institutions, and community centres. It is a profession of immense respect and importance.
Conclusion:
Though NEET is the most popular exam for PCB students, it is not the only one. Whether you want to pursue scientific research, paramedical courses, agriculture, biotechnology, or nursing, there are several exams and career paths open to you. Each exam opens doors to exciting and rewarding careers, allowing you to align your education with your interests.
To ensure you’re fully prepared, SciAstra offers a range of courses designed to help you succeed in exams like IAT, NEST, and others. Their live classes, personalised guidance, and comprehensive study material will give you the edge you need.
Choose SciAstra today and take the first step toward a successful career beyond NEET!
FAQs:
- Can PCB students apply for IISER through the IAT exam?
Yes, PCB students are eligible to apply for IISER via the IAT exam. - What is the NEST exam, and how does it differ from NEET?
NEST is for students aiming to pursue research careers in basic sciences, while NEET is for medical admissions. - Is B.Sc. Nursing a good career option for PCB students?
Absolutely. B.Sc. Nursing offers a stable and rewarding career in healthcare with plenty of job opportunities. - Can I pursue biotechnology without studying mathematics in +2?
Yes, many institutes offer B.Sc. Biotechnology for students with a PCB background. - What career prospects are available after completing a course from IISER?
IISER graduates can work in research, academia, and various industries requiring deep scientific knowledge
About Us:
SciAstra is India’s First & Largest Research Community. We’re a team of scientists and research scholars from IISc, Oxford, Harvard, and Cambridge and many more prestigious institutions around the world.
Since 2021, we have guided over 170,000 and taught more than 20,000 students, resulting in more than 2,000 top-ranked selections with AIR 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, and more in IISC Bangalore, IISER, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST, ISI / CMI, IACS, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, PYQs with detailed solutions, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
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