What each combination opens
| Course | PCMB | PCMC |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering (B.E., B.Tech) | Yes | Yes |
| MBBS, BDS, AYUSH | Yes | No |
| B.Sc (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) | Yes | Yes |
| B.Sc (Biology, Biotechnology) | Yes | Check |
| BCA, B.Sc Computer Science | Yes | Yes |
| B.Pharm | Yes | Yes |
| B.Sc Agriculture, veterinary | Yes | No |
| B.Arch (NATA) | Yes | Yes |
"Check" means colleges differ, so read the eligibility for the specific course. We have only marked "Yes" where the entry exam or the usual rule is clear.
The exams that decide most seats
| Exam | For | Asks for |
|---|---|---|
| NEET (UG) | MBBS, BDS, AYUSH | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English |
| JEE Main | NITs, IIITs and other centrally funded engineering | Physics, Chemistry, Maths |
| JEE Advanced | IITs, for those who qualify in JEE Main | Physics, Chemistry, Maths |
| KCET | Karnataka engineering, pharmacy, agriculture seats | KCET score; for engineering, 50% KCET and 50% 2nd PUC Physics, Chemistry and Maths |
| NATA | B.Arch (architecture) | Physics, Maths and a drawing and aptitude test |
| NDA (UPSC) | Army, Navy and Air Force officer training | Class 12 (Physics, Chemistry and Maths for the Air Force and Navy wings), written exam and SSB interview |
Each exam publishes an information bulletin with eligibility, dates and syllabus. They are linked at the end of this page. Read the current one, because rules and dates shift.
Courses that run on marks
Not every course needs a big entrance exam. Many B.Sc and BCA programmes admit on 2nd PUC marks, and some use CUET or their own test. These courses usually cost less to study. They are a sound route for a child who wants a degree in a subject they like without a ranking race.
Choosing between the routes
Start from your child, not from the list.
- Who loves solving and building? Engineering, computing, architecture.
- Who loves Biology and people? Medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, biotechnology.
- Who loves understanding why? B.Sc and research, then M.Sc.
- Who wants uniformed service? NDA and other defence entries.
Then look at the cost, the commute and the department's record for that course.
What the second year looks like
Second PUC is a heavy year. The board exam falls in February and March, and the results arrive in April. JEE Main's first session is in January, before the board exam, and KCET, the second JEE Main session and NEET follow in April and May. A student who is preparing for an entrance exam is carrying board preparation and an entrance syllabus at once. Starting the entrance preparation in 1st PUC is the main way to make that year lighter.
For NEET specifically, see how to prepare for NEET from 11th.
More about each combination
PCMB career options goes deeper into medicine and engineering from PCMB. PCMB vs PCMC helps if your child is still choosing. Commerce courses after PUC covers the other stream.
Sources
Official pages, checked October and November 2026. Rules and dates change, so read the current notice before you plan.