Can I give an entrance exam in a different stream?

Yes, you can give an entrance exam in a different stream, but only if you meet the specific Class 12 subject eligibility criteria for that particular exam.

Your stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) is less important than the actual subjects you studied. Professional courses like engineering and medicine have very strict subject requirements.

The Golden Rule: Class 12 Subject Eligibility

Almost every entrance exam has a non-negotiable requirement for specific subjects studied in your 10+2 education. If you don't have the required subject combination, you cannot appear for the exam, regardless of your interest or preparation.

Breakdown by Major Entrance Exams

Engineering (e.g., JEE Main) 

• Requirement: You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects.
• Can other streams apply? No. A Commerce, Arts, or even a PCB (Biology) student without Mathematics is not eligible for JEE Main.

Medical (e.g., NEET) 

• Requirement: You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology (PCB) as compulsory subjects, along with English.
• Can other streams apply? No. A Commerce, Arts, or a PCM student without Biology is not eligible for NEET.

General Degrees (e.g., CUET) 

• Requirement: This is where you have the most flexibility. CUET allows you to appear for tests in subjects you may not have studied in Class 12 for admission to many courses (like B.A., B.Com).
• Can other streams apply? Yes. A Science student can apply for a B.A. in History, and a Commerce student can apply for a B.A. in Political Science.
• Important Note: For science-specific degrees (like B.Sc. in Physics), most universities will still require you to have studied that subject in Class 12.

Law, Management, Design (e.g., CLAT, IPMAT, UCEED) 

• Requirement: These exams are generally open to students from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts).
• Can other streams apply? Yes. These exams primarily test aptitude, logical reasoning, and English proficiency, not your Class 12 subject knowledge.

Before filling out any application form, always read the official Information Bulletin for that specific exam. The "Eligibility Criteria" section will give you the final and most accurate information about the required subjects.