Top 10 State-Level Engineering Entrance Exams in India in 2025

If you’re looking for an alternative to JEE exam 2025, state-level engineering entrance exams are a perfect choice. These exams provide a streamlined pathway to secure admission into leading state engineering colleges. They are especially beneficial for students who prefer a curriculum closely aligned with their state board syllabus and aim to study within their home state.

Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 state-level engineering entrance exams in India in 2025, their formats, marking schemes, and preparation tips.

1. MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)

The MHT CET 2025 is conducted by the State CET Cell of Maharashtra and is one of the top state-level engineering entrance exams in India in 2025. This exam is held online and covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The total duration is 3 hours, divided into 90 minutes for Physics and Chemistry combined, and 90 minutes for Mathematics.

• Exam Pattern: PCM group includes 50 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer in Physics and Chemistry, and 2 marks for Mathematics. No negative marking.
• Preparation Tip: Focus on the Maharashtra State Board syllabus and revise key concepts thoroughly.

MHT CET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for MHT CET 2025, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set by the Maharashtra CET Cell. The criteria are detailed below:

Eligibility for Maharashtra State Candidates

1. Candidates should have passed or be appearing for their Class 12 examination in 2025.
2. Physics and Mathematics are mandatory subjects in Class 12, along with any one of the following: Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Technical Vocational subject, Computer Science, Information Technology, Informatics Practices, Agriculture, Engineering Graphics, or Business Studies.
3. A minimum of 45% marks in Class 12 is required for general category candidates. Those belonging to the backward class, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), or Persons with Disability (PwD) categories need a minimum of 40% marks.

Eligibility for Non-Maharashtra Candidates

1. Candidates from outside Maharashtra are eligible to apply for MHT CET.
2. Such candidates can also seek admission to BTech courses through JEE Main.
3. Reservation policies under MHT CET do not apply to candidates from outside Maharashtra.

Eligibility for OCI/PIO/NRI Candidates

1. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Non-Resident Indians (NRI) are exempted from taking the MHT CET.
2. Admission for these candidates is based on their Class 12 or equivalent examination scores.
3. A separate counselling process is conducted for OCI, PIO, and NRI candidates after the regular MHT CET admission process.

Course-Specific Eligibility Criteria

MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) Exam Details 2025

MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) 2025: Important Dates

2. WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination)

The WBJEE 2025 is a top state engineering entrance exam in West Bengal. This offline exam is conducted for two papers: one for Mathematics and another for Physics and Chemistry combined. Each paper lasts 2 hours, making it a 4-hour exam in total.

• Exam Pattern: 75 questions in Mathematics, and 40 each in Physics and Chemistry.
• Marking Scheme: +1 or +2 marks per correct answer (depending on difficulty) and a penalty of -1/4 for incorrect answers.
• Preparation Tip: Rely on West Bengal State Board textbooks and solve previous years’ papers to understand the question pattern.

WBJEE 2025 Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Jadavpur University

To secure admission to Jadavpur University through WBJEE, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include:

1. Educational Qualification:

• Candidates must have passed the Class 12 examination in the Science stream under the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education or an equivalent board, in regular mode.

1. Subject Requirements:

• Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics must be taken as compulsory subjects with individual passing marks in both theory and practical (where applicable).

1. Minimum Marks:

• General category candidates must secure at least 60% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics combined, and 60% in Mathematics individually.
• Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC-A/OBC-B/PwD) must obtain a minimum of 45% in the aggregate and in Mathematics.

1. English Proficiency:

• All candidates must achieve at least 30% marks in English in the qualifying examination.

WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination) Exam Details 2025

WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination) 2025: Important Dates

3. AP EAMCET (Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical Common Entrance Test)

The AP EAMCET 2025 is a popular choice among students in Andhra Pradesh. It is conducted online and includes 160 multiple-choice questions. Physics and Chemistry each have 40 questions, while Mathematics has 80. The exam lasts for 3 hours.

• Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, with no negative marking.
• Key Insight: The syllabus is based on the Andhra Pradesh state curriculum, making it essential for students to stick to their board textbooks.

Eligibility Criteria for AP EAMCET 2025

To appear for AP EAMCET 2025, candidates must meet the specified eligibility conditions, which are outlined below:

1. Nationality

• Indian Nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are eligible.
• Candidates must belong to the state of Andhra Pradesh or Telangana and satisfy local/non-local status as per government regulations.

2. Age Criteria

• For Engineering and Pharmacy courses, candidates must be at least 16 years old as of December 31, 2025. There is no upper age limit.
• For Agriculture and Medical courses, candidates must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2025. The upper age limit is 22 years (25 years for SC/ST candidates).

3. Educational Qualifications

• Candidates must have passed or appeared for the Class 12th (Intermediate) examination or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology as mandatory subjects.
• Recognized boards include the Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, or equivalent.

4. Minimum Marks Required

• Candidates must secure at least 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) in the qualifying exam in the relevant subjects.

5. Domicile Requirements

• Candidates must meet the local/non-local status requirements as per Andhra Pradesh Educational Institutions (Regulation of Admission) Order, 1974.

6. Course-Specific Eligibility

7. Other Eligibility Conditions

• Candidates applying for Pharmacy or Agriculture courses should have Biology as one of the main subjects in their qualifying exam.
• Diploma holders in Engineering can also apply for Engineering courses through AP EAMCET.

These criteria ensure that applicants meet the academic and age-related qualifications for participating in the AP EAMCET 2025 examination.

AP EAMCET (Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical Common Entrance Test) Exam Details 2025

AP EAMCET (Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical Common Entrance Test) 2025: Important Dates

4. TS EAMCET (Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical Common Entrance Test)

Telangana’s TS EAMCET 2025 is another prominent state engineering entrance exam 2025, conducted by JNTU Hyderabad. The pattern is similar to AP EAMCET, with 160 questions split across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• Exam Mode: Online (CBT).
• Preparation Tip: Focus on Telangana state board topics and practice mock tests for time management.

TS EAMCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for TS EAMCET 2025:

General Eligibility Criteria:

Eligibility for Different Courses:

TS EAMCET 2025 Exam Pattern

The following is the exam pattern for TS EAMCET 2025:

Subject-Wise Distribution of Questions:

TS EAMCET (Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical Common Entrance Test) Exam Details 2025

TS EAMCET (Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical Common Entrance Test) 2025: Important Dates

5. TNEA (Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions)

Unlike most entrance exams, TNEA 2025 offers admission based solely on Class 12 marks. Managed by Anna University, this process is straightforward but competitive, as it evaluates students on their performance in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

• Key Insight: A strong performance in Class 12 board exams is critical for admission to top colleges.
• Preparation Tip: Pay close attention to Class 12 state board topics and strive for high scores.

TNEA (Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions) Exam Details 2025

TS EAMCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to appear for TS EAMCET 2025:

TNEA (Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions) 2025: Important Dates

6. GUJCET (Gujarat Common Entrance Test)

The GUJCET 2025 is an offline exam conducted by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB). It includes 120 questions distributed equally among Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, with a penalty of -0.25 for wrong answers.
• Preparation Tip: Stick to the Gujarat state curriculum and practice past question papers for accuracy.

GUJCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates interested in applying for GUJCET 2025 must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB). Applications from candidates who fail to meet these criteria will be rejected. The eligibility conditions are as follows:

1. Nationality and Domicile: Applicants must be Indian citizens and hold a Gujarat domicile.
2. Educational Qualification: Candidates should have completed Class 12 or its equivalent from a recognised board.
3. Subject Requirements:

• For Pharmacy: Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology as their core subjects.
• For Engineering: Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as the primary subjects.

1. Minimum Marks: General category candidates must have secured a minimum of 45% in Class 12, while those from reserved categories require at least 40%.

Ensure all eligibility conditions are fulfilled before submitting your application to avoid disqualification.

GUJCET (Gujarat Common Entrance Test) Exam Details 2025

GUJCET (Gujarat Common Entrance Test) 2025: Important Dates

7. KEAM (Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical Entrance Exam)

The KEAM 2025 is a pen-and-paper exam conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. It consists of two papers: one for Physics and Chemistry, and another for Mathematics. Each paper is 2.5 hours long.

• Marking Scheme: +4 marks for each correct answer, and -1 for each incorrect response.
• Preparation Tip: Focus on Kerala’s state syllabus and solve mock exams to improve speed.

KEAM 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates planning to appear for KEAM 2025 must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Office of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. Below are the detailed criteria for eligibility:

Age Requirement

• Applicants must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2025.
• There is no provision for relaxation in the minimum age limit.
• No upper age limit is specified for KEAM 2025.

Nationality Criteria

• Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
• Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are treated on par with Indian citizens for admission. However, they are not entitled to claim reservation benefits available to Indian citizens.
• Indian candidates are further categorized into Keralites and Non-Keralites for admission purposes.

Educational Qualification

The table below outlines the course-wise academic qualifications required for KEAM 2025:

KEAM (Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical Entrance Exam) Exam Details 2025

KEAM (Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical Entrance Exam) Exam Details 2025

8. KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)

The KCET 2025 is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority and is a widely recognised exam for engineering aspirants in Karnataka. It comprises 60 questions each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with a total duration of 3 hours.

• Marking Scheme: 1 mark per correct answer, with no negative marking.
• Preparation Tip: Prepare using Karnataka state board textbooks and focus on conceptual clarity.

KCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Below is the detailed eligibility criteria for KCET 2025 based on different courses:

For B.Tech Course:

• Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 2nd PUC/12th standard or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
• Subjects: Physics and Mathematics are mandatory, along with Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or English as one of the subjects at the 12th level.
• Marks Requirement: A minimum aggregate of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST and reserved categories) in the qualifying exam is necessary.
• Appearing Candidates: Those currently appearing for their 12th standard exams are also eligible.

For B.Arch Course:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must pass 10+2 or 10+3 from a recognised board/institute.
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are compulsory subjects in the qualifying examination.
• Scorecard: Candidates with a valid NATA score are eligible.
• Appearing Candidates: Candidates appearing for their 12th standard exams can also apply.

For B.Pharm Course:

• Qualification: Candidates must have passed their 12th standard or hold a diploma in Pharmacy from a recognised institution.
• Subjects: The qualifying exam must include Physics, Chemistry, and either Biology or Mathematics.
• Marks Requirement: General category candidates must secure at least 45%, while reserved category candidates need a minimum of 40%.
• Appearing Candidates: Candidates appearing in their final year of 12th or diploma are also eligible to apply.

KCET 2025 Exam Pattern

The structure of the KCET 2025 exam is as follows:

Marks Distribution Per Subject:

Candidates should ensure they are familiar with the exam format and syllabus for better preparation.

KCET 2025 Overview

Here is a detailed overview of the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2025:

KCET 2025 Exam Dates

Below is a detailed table of the KCET 2025 exam schedule (tentative):

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates on these dates.

9. UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination)

Although now merged with JEE Main, the UPSEE 2025 remains a critical exam for Uttar Pradesh aspirants due to its state quota. This ensures a fair chance for students from UP to secure admission into state-affiliated colleges.

• Key Insight: Prepare for JEE Main while also exploring colleges that reserve seats for UPSEE rankers.

UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination) 2025 Overview

UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination) 2025: Important Dates

UPSEE (UPCET) 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Below is the detailed course-wise eligibility criteria for UPSEE 2025:

Eligibility for B.Tech (Biotechnology) Course

• Educational Qualification: Applicants must have successfully completed their 12th grade from a recognized board.
• Minimum Marks Required: A minimum score of 45% in the qualifying examination is required (40% for candidates from SC/ST categories).
• Subjects Required: Physics and Mathematics/Biology are mandatory subjects, along with one of the following: Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject.

Eligibility for B.Des Course

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed their 12th grade from the UP Board or an equivalent board.
• Minimum Marks Required: A minimum of 45% marks is required for general candidates (40% for SC/ST candidates).

Eligibility for MCA Course

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute is required.
• Subject Requirement: Mathematics must have been studied as a mandatory subject either in 12th grade or at the graduation level.
• Minimum Marks Required: General candidates must have secured at least 50% marks in their graduation degree, while SC/ST candidates require a minimum of 45%.

10. BCECE (Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination)

The BCECE 2025 is Bihar’s top state engineering entrance exam 2025. It is held offline and includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, making it a popular choice among local aspirants.

• Preparation Tip: Focus on Bihar board syllabi and practice mock exams to enhance problem-solving skills.

BCECE 2025 Overview

BCECE 2025 Exam Dates

BCECE 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for the BCECE 2025 exam:

Eligibility for Engineering Courses

• Domicile: Candidates must possess a valid domicile certificate of Bihar state.
• Educational Qualification: Applicants should have passed the 12th-grade examination or an equivalent from a recognized board.
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics must be core subjects in the qualifying exam.
• Minimum Marks: A minimum score of 45% is required for general candidates, while SC/ST candidates need at least 40%.
• Alternative Scores: Candidates with a valid JEE Main score are also eligible.

Eligibility for Pharmacy Courses

• Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 16 years old as of December 31, 2025.
• Educational Qualification: Candidates should have passed the 12th grade or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and/or Biology (PCMB) must be part of the qualifying exam.
• Minimum Marks: General candidates must secure at least 45%, while reserved category candidates require a minimum of 40%.

BCECE 2025 Exam Pattern

The key details about the BCECE 2025 exam pattern are outlined below:

Detailed Marking Scheme

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Conclusion

State-level engineering entrance exams are an excellent way to secure admission to top colleges while benefiting from a syllabus that matches your education background. These exams are not only a great alternative to JEE exam 2025 but also offer an affordable and practical route to success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the major state-level engineering entrance exams in India for 2025?

The major state engineering entrance exams include MHT CET (Maharashtra), WBJEE (West Bengal), AP EAMCET (Andhra Pradesh), TS EAMCET (Telangana), TNEA (Tamil Nadu), GUJCET (Gujarat), KEAM (Kerala), KCET (Karnataka), UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh), and BCECE (Bihar).

2. How do state engineering entrance exams compare to JEE Main 2025?

State engineering entrance exams typically follow their respective state board syllabi and are generally considered more manageable than JEE Main. They focus on state-specific content and often have lower competition levels, making them an excellent alternative for students seeking admission to state colleges.

3. What are the eligibility criteria for state engineering entrance exams 2025?

Most state engineering entrance exams require candidates to have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. Additionally, many states require domicile status or completion of schooling from the respective state board.

4. Which state engineering entrance exam has the highest success rate in 2025?

Success rates vary by state, but exams like TNEA (Tamil Nadu) and MHT CET (Maharashtra) typically show higher success rates due to their large number of participating colleges and available seats.

5. How should I prepare for multiple state engineering entrance exams simultaneously?

Focus on overlapping syllabus topics, create a structured study schedule, and prioritize exams based on your preference and exam dates. Use state board textbooks as primary study materials and supplement with previous years’ questions.

6. What is the best strategy to crack state engineering entrance exams in 2025?

The best strategy includes thorough understanding of state board syllabi, regular practice with mock tests, solving previous years’ papers, and focusing on time management skills. Additionally, staying updated with exam pattern changes and notification dates is crucial.

7. Can I apply for multiple state engineering entrance exams in 2025?

Yes, you can apply for multiple state engineering entrance exams, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each. However, carefully check the exam dates to avoid scheduling conflicts.

8. What are the application fees for different state engineering entrance exams?

Application fees typically range from ₹500 to ₹2000, varying by state and category (General/SC/ST/OBC). Some states offer fee waivers for specific categories.

9. How does the counseling process work for state engineering entrance exams?

Most states conduct online counseling where candidates must register, fill in their choices of colleges and branches, and participate in multiple rounds of seat allocation based on their rank and category.

10. What are the top colleges accepting MHT CET 2025 scores in Maharashtra?

Leading colleges accepting MHT CET scores include College of Engineering Pune (COEP), Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), and Sardar Patel College of Engineering (SPCE).

11. How is TNEA 2025 different from other state engineering entrance exams?

TNEA is unique as it doesn’t conduct a separate entrance exam but considers Class 12 marks in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry for engineering admissions in Tamil Nadu.

12. What are the language options available for different state engineering entrance exams?

Most state exams offer questions in English and the respective state language. Some exams like AP EAMCET and TS EAMCET also provide options in Telugu and English.

13. What are the job prospects after graduating from state engineering colleges?

Graduates from state engineering colleges have good employment opportunities in both public and private sectors, with many securing positions through campus placements at leading tech companies and PSUs.

14. Can I pursue higher studies abroad after graduating from a state engineering college?

Yes, graduates from recognized state engineering colleges can pursue higher studies abroad. Many alumni have successfully secured admissions in prestigious international universities.

15. What scholarships are available for state engineering college students in 2025?

Various scholarships are available including state government merit scholarships, central government schemes like AICTE Pragati, and institution-specific scholarships based on merit and category.

16. What is the average fee structure in state engineering colleges for 2025?

Fee structures vary significantly by state and college type, ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹2 lakhs per year for government colleges, and higher for private institutions.

17. What are the reservation policies in different state engineering entrance exams?

Most states follow reservation policies including quotas for SC/ST, OBC, EWS, and state domicile candidates. Some states also have special quotas for women, differently-abled persons, and rural candidates.

18. How do state domicile rules affect admission through state engineering entrance exams?

State domicile rules typically give preference to local students, with many states reserving a significant percentage of seats (often 85% or more) for state residents.

19. What documents are required for state engineering entrance exam applications in 2025?

Common required documents include Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, domicile certificate, category certificates (if applicable), Aadhaar card, and passport-size photographs.

20. How is document verification conducted for state engineering entrance exams?

Document verification is usually conducted both online during application and physically during counseling. Some states have moved to complete online verification systems with provisions for physical verification if needed.