Since JEE is one of the major routes to engineering through competitive exams, it is always wise to keep other routes open through exams to give along with JEE that can make use of the same PCM preparation that one does for JEE. Thus, it would be wise to research other exams that can be written with the same PCM-based studies and increase the number of places students can get into without having to put in as much hard work and studying for the additional exams.
This guide lists relevant exams to give along with JEE. This list includes State CETs as well as many entrances, including the BITSAT, VITEEE, COMEDK UGET and the NSET.
How to Choose Parallel Exams Without Messing Up JEE Prep
Before you apply to multiple entrance exams for engineering , it is better to apply knowing whether they are the right fit. Students should apply for a few entrance exams that can improve their admission options.
A practical approach is:
Try to appear for 2-3 entrance exams parallel to your JEE preparations so that you do not spread your preparation thin among too many entrance exams.
Choose exams that match your career goals.
Choose State CET if you are willing to attend colleges in your state.
Include Private University entrance exams as viable options for admission to Engineering.
Consider NSET if you are looking for an undergraduate programme in CS & AI.
JEE is your main priority, and other entrance exams are there to provide you with more college options.
Top 5 Entrance Exams and Routes to Consider Alongside JEE
1. State CET Route
If you are ready and willing to study at any Engineering College in the home state (or any other state you are eligible too), then you'll be well qualified by studying State CET alongside your JEE preparation.
Why it is worth attempting alongside JEE:
There are a lot of colleges and admission options available via the state-level admission procedure.
Many State CETs have PCM as their basis, so there is considerable overlap between the syllabus for a given State CET and that for JEE.
If students wish to study near home, or want to save on their fees, state counselling is an alternative or additional path to JEE.
How to use it without losing focus:
It is always better to have a support plan for your JEE studies. It is wise to have a backup plan for admission to engineering colleges through the State CET counselling process as well. The syllabus for a State CET and JEE Main may be similar, as both are based on PCM. So you can prepare for JEE as your main exam as well as practice for the relevant State CET.
2. BITSAT
BITSAT is an entrance exam conducted by BITS for Admission to Integrated First Degree Programs at BITS Pilani campuses for students seeking to pursue first-degree engineering or scientific courses in Hyderabad, Pilani and Goa campuses of BITS.
Why JEE aspirants attempt it:
BITS is one of the leading private engineering institutes in India, and a lot of candidates appear for JEE exams and also opt for BITS due to its brand value.
BITSAT checks for two things, accuracy and speed. Thus, practising under simulated test conditions and taking mock tests is very important.
What to check before applying:
Always refer to the official BITS Admission Page for the latest details on eligibility criteria, application process, important application dates, etc., and exam pattern modifications if any.
3. VITEEE
VIT Engineering Entrance Test (VITEEE) is an entrance exam conducted by VIT University for admission to Undergraduate Engineering Programs at VIT University campuses.
Why it works as a parallel exam:
VITEEE is considered for Engineering programs in VIT campuses. A good alternative to JEE for students who are seeking a private college course.
Most VITEEE questions are based on PCM basics that a student studying in Classes 11 and 12 already knows, and hence, a completely separate preparation track may not be required.
Preparation for VITEEE can be improved by solving questions related to the VITEEE exam pattern and taking mock tests so that the student becomes familiar with the exam.
What to check:
For more information about VITEEE eligibility, how to apply, exam pattern, and so on, please visit the VIT University admissions page.
4. NSET
NSET is the entrance test for Scaler School of Technology (SST), a four-year industry-integrated undergraduate programme in Computer Science and AI.
The test is 120 minutes long and can be taken online. Based on the test scores, students are shortlisted for admission, and their eligibility for merit-based scholarships from the Scaler Impact Foundation may also be evaluated. It has two sections, Mathematics and Logical Reasoning, and a student can take this test up to three times in an academic year.
Eligibility
20 years or below as of 1st July, 2026 and Class XII (Maths) from a recognised board with a minimum 60% in Mathematics.
5. COMEDK UGET
COMEDK UGET is a leading entrance examination conducted for admissions to Undergraduate Engineering Programs in various member institutions. The colleges are predominantly private engineering colleges in the state of Karnataka.
Why JEE aspirants add COMEDK:
The scores of COMEDK UGET enable a student to get into various undergraduate engineering programmes in COMEDK participating institutions through the COMEDK admission process.
There is a good overlap between the concepts covered in the COMEDK UGET exam and JEE, as both are PCM-focused exams.
By taking mock tests and practising COMEDK style questions, students can improve their timing and accuracy score, thus giving them an edge over others.
What to check:
Check the eligibility criteria, participating colleges, exam pattern, etc., before applying for the exam on the official COMEDK website.
Other Exams Students Can Consider Along with JEE
Other than the engineering entrance exams that have mentioned above, there are many other engineering entrance exams conducted for admission to engineering colleges, such as SRMJEEE, MET, AEEE and relevant state entrance exams for students who are looking to join colleges in a particular location and have prepared well for that entrance exam.
A Financial Express report lists BITSAT, NSET, VITEEE and SRMJEEE as alternative engineering entrance exams to JEE.
These entrance exams apart from JEE Mains may provide alternative routes to particular colleges or courses that the student could apply for.
How to Decide Which Exams Are Worth Adding
Ask these questions:
Does the test have any relevance to colleges you would seriously apply to?
Is it relevant to your preferred branch or programme?
Is there any overlap in the syllabus with JEE or the preparation of PCM?
Is the date of the exam manageable?
Are the fees, location and counselling process practical?
Does the exam provide an effective additional option of backup?
If most of your answers are positive, then you should consider the test. Otherwise, it will just be an additional burden for you.
FAQs
Do these exams need totally separate preparation?
Mostly no. The PCM part is common to many engineering entrance exams. The additional study required would primarily involve going through mock tests, practising completing tests on time and preparing for occasional questions on reasoning and English.
Are State CETs worth attempting if I’m preparing for JEE?
Yes, State CETs would be worth attempting if you are open to colleges within your state. These could be a backup for JEE (PCM) aspirants, as the fundamentals are sufficient for such exams and would have already been worked upon by the student.
How do I choose which private entrance exams to apply for?
To select exams to study for, create a list of all the engineering exams and then filter them based on the colleges or universities associated with them that are on your list of preferred colleges or universities that you would genuinely want to join. Then, simply pick the ones that best fit your schedule and that you will be able to study and prepare for.
Which exams can students give along with JEE?
However, there are many exams to give along with JEE that a student can take if they have studied PCM well. These include BITSAT, VITEEE, COMEDK UGET, NSET, SRMJEEE, MET, AEEE and many State CETs, such as MHT CET, KCET, WBJEE, AP EAPCET and TG EAPCET. The main factors when choosing an exam apart from JEE are the college and branch that you wish to get into, the location of the college and the amount of overlap between the exam and your studies.
