What Are the Best Entrance Exams After 12th Commerce? (2026)

Introduction

If your child has chosen Commerce in Classes 11 and 12, congratulations—they’re standing at one of the most flexible and opportunity-rich crossroads in the Indian education system. Commerce students today can pursue careers in business, finance, economics, law, entrepreneurship, management, or data analytics, all beginning with the right entrance exam after 12th.This guide covers everything you need to know about 2026’s major entrance exams for commerce students—their structure, eligibility, preparation plan, career prospects, and how parents can effectively support.

With the introduction of the CUET (Common University Entrance Test), the landscape of undergraduate admissions has undergone a significant transformation. But that’s not the only pathway. IIM’s IPMAT, NMIMS NPAT, Symbiosis SET, and CA Foundation are among the top exams shaping the future of India’s commerce aspirants.

Why Choose Commerce After 12th?

Commerce is more than balance sheets and profit graphs. It’s the stream that powers the economy—from startups to stock markets, from taxation to global business strategy.

Here’s why thousands of Indian students opt for commerce each year:

1. Diverse Career Options: From chartered accountancy to MBA, commerce provides the broadest postgraduate choices.
   
2. Early Career Growth: Management and finance careers grow faster in earnings and recognition.
   
3. Strong Job Security: Fields like accounting, auditing, and finance are always in demand.
   
4. Gateway to Global Careers: Degrees like BBA, economics, and finance open international doors.
   
5. Entrepreneurial Edge: Many business founders start with a commerce background.
   

Top Entrance Exams for Commerce Students (2026 Edition)

Let’s explore the most popular exams for commerce students—covering eligibility, exam pattern, preparation strategy, and career scope.

1. CUET (UG) 2026 – Common University Entrance Test

Best For: Central Universities (DU, BHU, JNU, Jamia Millia, etc.)
Conducted By: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Mode: Online (CBT)
Courses Covered: B.Com, BA Economics, BBA, BMS, B.Sc (Finance), B.Voc, etc.

Eligibility:

• Passed/appearing in Class 12 in any stream.
  
• Subject combinations vary depending on the university and the course.
  

Exam Pattern (2026):

• Sections: Language Test, Domain Subjects, General Test
  
• Question Type: MCQs (based on NCERT syllabus)
  
• Duration: 3 hours
  

Popular Universities via CUET:

• Delhi University
  
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  
• Jamia Millia Islamia
  
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (for BA Economics)
  
• Central University of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Hyderabad, etc.
  

Preparation Tips:

• Focus on the NCERTs of Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies.
  
• Practice CUET sample papers from https://cuet.samarth.ac.in.
  
• For English, practice comprehension and grammar daily.
  
• Attempt full-length mocks to understand time management.
  

Why CUET Matters:

CUET 2026 will decide admission to over 200+ universities, making it the most important exam for commerce students.

2. IPMAT 2026 – Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test

Best For: Admission to IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and other IIMs’ 5-year Integrated MBA programs.
Conducted By: IIM Indore / IIM Rohtak
Mode: Online

Eligibility:

• 10+2 with at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST).
  
• Age limit: 20 years (as of July 31, 2026).
  

Exam Pattern (IIM Indore):

• Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ + Short Answer)
  
• Verbal Ability
  

Total Marks: 400
Duration: 120 minutes

Colleges Accepting IPMAT:

• IIM Indore
  
• IIM Rohtak
  
• IIM Ranchi (via IPMAT score)
  
• Nirma University
  
• TAPMI Manipal
  

Preparation Strategy:

• Strengthen Math (11th–12th Level).
  
• Practice verbal reasoning & reading comprehension daily.
  
• Take 50+ mock tests.
  
• For non-maths students, focus on arithmetic and logic.
  

Career Outcomes:

Graduates earn dual degrees (BBA + MBA) directly from an IIM—among India’s most elite management qualifications.

3. NPAT 2026 – NMIMS Programs After 12th

Best For: NMIMS Universities across India (Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Indore, and Hyderabad).
Conducted By: NMIMS
Courses: BBA, B.Com (Hons), B.Sc Finance, B.A. Economics

Exam Pattern:

• Quantitative Reasoning
  
• Verbal Ability
  
• Logical Reasoning
  

Duration: 100 minutes
Mode: Online (at home/test centre)

Official Website: https://npat.in

Why NMIMS:

• Strong corporate placements (₹8–25 LPA for top BBA grads)
  
• Global exposure programs
  
• Emphasis on industry-relevant learning
  

4. SET 2026 – Symbiosis Entrance Test

Best For: Symbiosis International University (Pune, Noida, Nagpur, Hyderabad)
Courses: BBA, B.Com, BA Economics (Hons)
Mode: Online
Duration: 60 minutes

Sections:

• General English
  
• Quantitative Reasoning
  
• General Awareness
  
• Analytical & Logical Reasoning
  

Colleges Accepting SET:

• Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (Pune, Noida, Nagpur)
  
• Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce
  

Website: https://www.set-test.org

Preparation Tips:

• Read business and economy news daily.
  
• Practice logical reasoning and arithmetic from previous papers.
  
• For English, focus on RC and vocabulary.
  

5. CA Foundation 2026

Best For: Chartered Accountancy aspirants
Conducted By: ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India)
Frequency: Twice a year (June & December)

Eligibility:

• Completed Class 12 from any recognized board.
  

Exam Pattern:

• Principles and Practice of Accounting
  
• Business Laws and Reporting
  
• Business Mathematics & Logical Reasoning
  
• Business Economics
  

Preparation Tips:

• Focus on conceptual clarity over memorization.
  
• Daily 3–4 hours of consistent study are needed.
  
• Use ICAI’s free material & mock test papers.
  

Why Choose CA:
CA remains one of the most respected and financially rewarding careers in India.

Average Salary: ₹8–20 LPA after qualification.

Official Website: https://www.icai.org

6. Christ University Entrance Test (CUET)

Best For: Christ University (Bengaluru, NCR, Lavasa)
Courses: BBA, B.Com (Hons), BA Economics
Exam Pattern:

• English
  
• GK
  
• Math
  
• Reasoning
  
• Writing Skills
  

Why Christ:
Christ is known for its excellent campus placements, global tie-ups, and personality development approach.

Website: https://christuniversity.in

7. St. Xavier’s BMS Entrance Exam (Mumbai)

Best For: BMS & BMM aspirants
Exam Pattern: GK, Current Affairs, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, English
Weightage: 60% entrance test + 40% Class 12 marks

Why Xavier’s:
Reputed for its vibrant campus, media, and management programs.

Website: https://xaviers.edu

Comparison Table – Commerce Entrance Exams (2026)

Preparation Strategy for 2026

For Students

1. Start Early: Begin preparation in Class 11 if possible.
   
2. Stay Updated: Read newspapers, finance magazines, and current affairs apps.
   
3. Mock Tests: Attempt weekly mocks to track progress.
   
4. Conceptual Clarity: Especially in Math, Economics, and English.
   
5. Manage Time: Balance board exam studies and entrance prep.
   

For Self-Study Students

• Use online resources like Unacademy, StudyIQ, or HitBullsEye.
  
• Create short notes for formulas and GK facts.
  
• Practice from previous year papers.
  

Tips for Parents

1. Encourage Consistency Over Pressure: Daily study discipline matters more than all-nighters.
   
2. Monitor Application Deadlines: Each exam has different timelines—help manage them.
   
3. Build Awareness: Discuss what each course (like BBA, CA, or Economics) truly means.
   
4. Guide, Don’t Decide: Allow your child’s interest to shape their career path.
   
5. Support Mental Health: Encourage breaks, hobbies, and relaxation.
   
6. Exposure Matters: Encourage them to attend college fairs or webinars.
   
7. Teach Financial Planning: CA, IIM, or Symbiosis programs involve different budgets—plan early.
   

Career Opportunities for Commerce Students

Commerce graduates can explore careers in:

• Finance & Accounting (CA, CMA, CPA)
  
• Management & Consulting (MBA, BBA)
  
• Economics & Data Analytics
  
• Law (LL.B after B.Com or BA Eco)
  
• Entrepreneurship & Startups
  
• Government Exams (UPSC, RBI, SSC)
  

Average Salary Ranges (Fresh Graduates):

• BBA/B.Com: ₹4–8 LPA
  
• CA: ₹8–20 LPA
  
• IPM (IIMs): ₹15–30 LPA
  
• Finance Analysts (CUET grads): ₹6–12 LPA
  

FAQs – Commerce Entrance Exams 2026

Conclusion – Counsellor’s Note

Commerce is one of the few streams that balances stability and flexibility. Whether your child dreams of being a chartered accountant, an IIM graduate, or an entrepreneur, it all begins with the right exam strategy.

As a parent, focus on exposure, encouragement, and empathy—not just marks. For students, remember that career success depends on clarity and consistency, not shortcuts.

2026 will be highly competitive but full of opportunities. Start now, stay consistent, and your child will thank you later.

Closing Note:

While these entrance exams after 12th Commerce play a crucial role in securing admission to top Indian universities and professional courses, students should avoid limiting their aspirations to domestic options alone. The fields of management, finance, economics, and business are increasingly global, and studying abroad can provide international exposure, industry-linked curricula, and access to global career networks. With over 27 years of experience, IMFS (Institute of Management & Foreign Studies) supports commerce students in identifying overseas programs that match their academic strengths and long-term career goals. So, as you prepare for exams like CUET, IPMAT, CA Foundation, or NPAT, keep study-abroad pathways in mind—they may open doors to global business schools, international careers, and a broader professional outlook. Contact IMFS here