Top 26 Trending Exams in India (2025): Complete Guide for Aspirants

1. UPSC CSE (IAS/IPS/IFS) 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is one of the most prestigious exams in India. It recruits candidates for top government services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. The exam consists of three stages – Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. For 2025, the focus is shifting toward current affairs, ethical case studies, and analytical writing. Aspirants must balance static subjects like Polity and History with dynamic ones like Environment and International Relations.

2. SSC CGL 2025

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Exam (SSC CGL) is a gateway to central government jobs. With revised patterns and increasing competition, aspirants need strong preparation in Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Reasoning, and English. Practice through mock tests and previous year papers is key.

3. RRB NTPC & Group D 2025

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) exams are highly sought-after. NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) and Group D posts offer stable careers. The exams test basic math, reasoning, and general awareness. With lakhs of applicants, staying updated on railway policies and national events can give an edge.

4. IBPS PO/Clerk 2025

Banking exams like IBPS PO and Clerk continue to attract graduates due to their perks and stability. Preparation should include solving banking-related current affairs, data interpretation, puzzles, and improving typing speed for online exams.

5. SBI PO/Clerk 2025

SBI is India’s largest public sector bank, and its exams are tougher than IBPS. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and Interviews (for PO). Focus areas include banking awareness, computer aptitude, and descriptive writing.

6. UPSSSC PET 2025

Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission conducts the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) for Group C jobs. It’s the first step for various UP govt. exams. Subjects include General Hindi, Elementary Math, and Current Affairs. Regular practice and state-specific knowledge are important.

7. State PSC Exams (MPPSC, BPSC, RPSC, etc.)

State Public Service Commissions conduct exams for state administrative roles. Each state has a unique syllabus but broadly covers History, Geography, Polity, and Current Affairs. Understanding local issues and state-specific facts is crucial.

8. CUET UG 2025

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is now essential for admission to central universities. It tests domain-specific knowledge and general aptitude. Students must focus on NCERT textbooks and practice mock tests to build speed and accuracy.

9. JEE Main & Advanced 2025

JEE is the gateway to top engineering colleges like IITs and NITs. JEE Main tests fundamental concepts, while JEE Advanced requires problem-solving at a higher level. A balance of NCERT, coaching material, and timed practice is essential.

10. NEET UG 2025

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is for medical aspirants. With high competition, focusing on NCERT Biology, understanding concepts in Physics and Chemistry, and regular mock tests is crucial.

11. CLAT 2025

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is for admission to top law schools. It emphasizes logical reasoning, reading comprehension, legal aptitude, and current affairs. Reading newspapers and solving case-based questions helps.

12. NID/NIFT/UCEED 2025

Design entrance exams like NID, NIFT, and UCEED test creativity, visualization, and general aptitude. Students should maintain a design portfolio, practice sketching, and solve past papers.

13. GATE 2025

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is for PG engineering admissions and PSU jobs. Deep conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and revision of previous year questions are key.

14. CAT 2025

The Common Admission Test is for MBA admissions to IIMs and top B-schools. It tests VARC, DILR, and Quant. Time management and mock tests are critical for success.

15. Google Certification Exams

Google offers certificates in Data Analytics, IT Support, and more. These are self-paced and help improve job-readiness. Practical skills and project work make these highly valuable in tech industries.

16. AWS, Microsoft Azure Certifications

Cloud certifications are in demand for roles in IT and DevOps. Courses cover cloud architecture, services, and security. Practical lab work and case studies are important for clearing these exams.

17. Digital Marketing Exams

Exams like Meta Blueprint, Google Ads, and HubSpot are essential for digital marketers. They cover SEO, SEM, social media, and analytics. Hands-on practice is crucial.

18. Coding Platforms Contests

Online coding contests by platforms like Codeforces, LeetCode, and CodeChef improve programming logic and speed. These are great for job placements and internships in tech.

19. IELTS / TOEFL / PTE

These English proficiency tests are needed for study/work abroad. Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills are tested. Practice with mock tests and native content is helpful.

20. GRE / GMAT 2025

GRE is for MS/PhD abroad while GMAT is for MBA. Both test verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills. A strong vocabulary and timed practice help achieve high scores.

21. SAT / ACT 2025

These tests are for UG admissions abroad. SAT focuses on reading, math, and writing. ACT includes science. A strategic approach and regular practice are key.

22. USMLE / PLAB

Medical licensing exams for the US (USMLE) and UK (PLAB) test clinical knowledge and skills. Study using standard medical texts, question banks, and simulated exams.

23. CSIR-NET / UGC-NET 2025

These are for lectureship and research fellowships. CSIR is for science subjects, UGC-NET is for humanities and commerce. Deep subject knowledge and regular revision are needed.

24. ICAR AIEEA / CUET PG

Agricultural and postgraduate exams require domain-specific preparation. For ICAR, focus on Agriculture, Biology, and GK. CUET PG covers course-related concepts and aptitude.

25. TET / CTET / STET 2025

Teaching Eligibility Tests are mandatory for school teacher jobs. Focus areas include Child Development, Pedagogy, and subject-specific knowledge. NCERT books and previous papers help.

26. Olympiads (IMO, NSO, etc.)

School-level competitive exams build foundational skills in Math, Science, and English. Practice through sample papers and logical puzzles enhances performance.