Competitive Exams After 10th: As the students of various educational boards of the country are on the brink of passing their matriculation exams, the open sky of opportunities, containing several career options in numerous streams waits to greet them. However, the hustle does not end after the student chooses his/her desired stream post Class 10. One also needs to build a concrete foundation, to storm through certain competitive exams that are pathways to remunerative career opportunities.
Owing to the cut-throat competition and the rising difficulty level of competitive exams these days, the students begin preparing for competitive exams right after clearing Class 10. Here is a well-curated list of exams that students can begin preparing for after Class 10, which would pave the way for them to pursue higher education from their dream college/university, with financial assistance to their aid.

Top 5 Competitive Exams After 10th:
  1. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE): The most common and prominent one on the list, the National Talent Search Examination is anchored by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). This exam is specifically organised for the Class 10 students and is bifurcated into the State/UT level exam, as well as the National level exam. Every year, 2,000 students are provided scholarships out of 50 lakh applicants. 
 How to apply for the exam?
To apply for the exam, the aspirant needs to log on to the official SCERT website of his/her respective state. The candidates need to upload the documents attested by their school principal during the registration process. The list of documents includes NTSE form, Photograph of the applicant, signature etc.
 
2. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY): With the vision to select aspirants willing to explore and build a research-oriented career in basic sciences, the Department of Science and Technology organizes the KVPY exam annually. After NTSE, this is the most sought-after exam by a major fraction of the students. 

How to apply for the exam?

Science students belonging to Class 11 and 12 must visit the official website of KVPY at kvpy.iisc.ernet.in, once IISc Bangalore releases the application forms. 

3. Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO): INMO has proved to be an outstanding opportunity for those students who envision their future in the field of Mathematics and also have a penchant for the same. One who cracks the exam, gains eligibility to pursue a BSc degree in Mathematics from the renowned 'Chennai Mathematical Institute'. 

How to apply for the exam?
 
Desirous candidates are first required to appear for Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad (PRMO), for which they must visit the official website of PRMO at mtai.org.in. After qualifying PRMO, they are selected for the Regional Mathematical Olympiad. After cracking the regional level exam, shortlisted candidates write the INMO. 

4. National Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE): An excellent platform for all the Science fanatics, this exam is conducted by the Unified Council which tests the students' ability to solve conceptual as well as mathematical questions related to Science. The most prominent reason behind this exam becoming popular after Class 10 is that it provides skill-based feedback to every applicant and also awards them monetarily. 

How to apply for the exam?
 
When the application process begins, students willing to make a career in Sciences (PCM/PCB) can visit the official website at unifiedcouncil.com to register for the examination.

5. SSC MTS Exam: One exam that witnesses a huge number of contenders every year is the Multi Tasking Staff (MTS), conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC). This exam falls under the 'Group C' (non-gazetted) category. Through this exam, eligible candidates are recruited to the posts of Assistant Section Officer, Junior Statistical Officer, Tax Assistant, Sub Inspector (Narcotics), Assistant Enforcement Officer and various other posts. 

How to apply for the exam?

When the Commission notifies vacancies under SSC MTS exam, candidates can log on to the official website of SSC at ssc.nic.in to apply.