Best Career Options After Class 12 Without JEE or NEET
Finishing Class 12 can feel oddly confusing. For years, there is a timetable, a syllabus and a clear answer to the question, “What comes next?” Then the board exams end, relatives begin asking about college, and suddenly everyone seems to have a different opinion. If you studied science, someone may assume engineering or medicine is the only sensible choice. If you studied commerce or arts, the advice may be just as repetitive.
Here is what often gets missed: JEE and NEET are entrance examinations for particular routes, not a measure of every student’s potential. India offers many worthwhile options after Class 12 in technology, business, law, design, healthcare, hospitality, media, agriculture and more. Some require another entrance test. Others may offer admission through Class 12 marks, university processes or a combination of methods.
This guide is for students who do not want to take JEE or NEET, did not qualify, or simply have different interests. It compares realistic courses, explains what the work can look like, and shows how to choose a college without confusing expensive advertising with a reliable education. The most useful choice is not the course with the loudest placement claim. It is the one that fits your interests, eligibility, budget and willingness to build skills.
Quick Answer: What Can You Study Without JEE or NEET?
If you want a short starting point, these are some of the most practical routes. “No JEE/NEET” does not mean “no entrance exam.” Admission rules differ across institutions and academic years.
Interest
Possible course or route
Important admission point
Computers and software
BCA, B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. IT
Some colleges require mathematics or an entrance test; others have different criteria.
Business and management
BBA, BMS, B.Com
CUET, university selection or merit-based routes may apply.
Accounting and corporate work
B.Com with CA or CS preparation
Professional examinations are separate from university admissions.
Law and legal research
Five-year integrated BA LL.B. or BBA LL.B.
CLAT or another law entrance process may be required.
Design and digital products
B.Des, visual communication, design degrees
UCEED, NID DAT, NIFT or institute-specific tests may apply.
Journalism and communication
BA Journalism, Mass Communication
Eligibility and selection differ by university.
Hospitality and tourism
B.Sc. Hospitality, hotel management
NCHM JEE is one established admission route.
Life sciences and selected healthcare fields
B.Sc. Nursing, B.Sc. Life Sciences, allied-health courses
Check subjects, professional recognition and the exact entrance rule.
Agriculture and environmental studies
B.Sc. Agriculture or Environmental Science
Subject eligibility and university-specific processes matter.
Government recruitment
Eligible Class 12-level competitive exams
Recruitment depends on vacancy notices, age and other conditions.
First, Understand the Difference Between a Career and a Degree
A degree is the programme you study. A career is the kind of work you gradually become capable of doing. They are connected, but not identical. A BCA student might become a web developer, a technical support specialist, a tester or a data analyst after developing the relevant skills. A commerce graduate might work in accounting, operations, banking support or marketing. One degree does not automatically deliver one job.
Before choosing anything, ask three questions. What do I enjoy doing? What subjects and qualifications am I eligible for? What kind of daily work can I imagine practising for years? The third question is especially important. Liking the idea of “working in technology” is different from enjoying the patient process of solving problems and debugging software.
Also remember that an entrance exam and a career qualification are different things. Avoiding JEE does not remove the need for skills, tests or internships later. A strong career usually develops through consistent work rather than a single admission result.
1. BCA: A Technology Route Beyond Engineering
A Bachelor of Computer Applications, usually called BCA, is worth considering if you are curious about software, websites, applications and databases. It can be an alternative route into parts of the technology industry without taking JEE for an engineering seat.
Typical subjects may include programming, databases, computer networks, mathematics and software development. The exact curriculum varies. In some universities, BCA eligibility depends on Class 12 mathematics or related subjects; other institutions accept a wider range of backgrounds. Do not assume every college has the same rule.
Who may enjoy it? Students who like computers but want a more application-focused programme, and who are willing to practise coding outside exams. Build small projects during the degree: a useful website, an attendance tracker, a basic budgeting tool or a simple inventory app. Put clear explanations of your work in a portfolio. These projects give an interviewer something concrete to discuss.
A BCA degree is not a guaranteed software job, and a short online certificate is not a substitute for learning fundamentals. Compare faculty, labs, internships and graduate outcomes before paying fees. Students interested in advanced study can also research MCA pathways and their separate eligibility requirements.
2. B.Sc. Computer Science, IT or Data-Focused Degrees
B.Sc. Computer Science and B.Sc. Information Technology may suit students who want a strong technical foundation. Compared with some BCA programmes, a Computer Science degree may lean more heavily towards theoretical concepts, algorithms or mathematics. That difference is not universal; compare actual syllabuses instead of relying on course names.
Data science and artificial intelligence sound exciting, but a fashionable title alone should not decide your college choice. Look for solid teaching in mathematics, statistics, programming and data handling. A student who can explain a dataset, write clean code and recognise a misleading chart has a useful foundation regardless of the degree’s marketing language.
For example, you might analyse rainfall trends using publicly available data or build a dashboard for a fictional shop. Explain your assumptions, errors and limitations. This is more meaningful than downloading ten certificates without completing a project. Check Class 12 subject requirements carefully because some B.Sc. programmes specifically require mathematics.
3. BBA or BMS: For Students Interested in Business
A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) introduces areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, operations and business communication. These degrees can suit students who enjoy organising work, analysing decisions and understanding customers.
A common misunderstanding is that a management degree means you become a manager immediately after graduation. In reality, many graduates begin in junior roles, trainee positions or internships. They learn how a business operates before taking on larger responsibility.
While studying, you could help a neighbourhood shop understand its sales, volunteer to manage registrations for a college event or learn how spreadsheets support business decisions. These experiences make classroom topics easier to understand. Admission may happen through CUET, institution-specific tests, interviews or other university processes. Read the current programme prospectus rather than assuming a single national rule.
4. B.Com, Chartered Accountancy and Company Secretary
Students interested in accounts, taxation, auditing, company records or financial reporting have several routes. B.Com can provide a broad base in accounting, economics, business law and finance. Students may combine it with relevant skills such as spreadsheets, bookkeeping software and communication.
Chartered Accountancy (CA) is a separate professional qualification regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Students can explore its Foundation route around the Class 12 stage, but should follow the current ICAI rules on registration, exam eligibility and progression. CA is academically demanding; it is not a quick shortcut to a high income.
Company Secretary (CS) is another professional route, administered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). It focuses on corporate governance, compliance and related business responsibilities. ICSI restructured the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) from the June 2026 session, so older preparation videos and eligibility summaries may be outdated.
You do not need to choose CA or CS simply because you studied commerce. Try reading sample accounting topics and corporate-law basics first. If you enjoy detail, rules and careful analysis, these fields may be rewarding. If not, B.Com still offers other directions including operations, sales, analytics and further study.
5. Five-Year Integrated Law Programmes
Law can be an option straight after Class 12 through integrated programmes such as BA LL.B. or BBA LL.B. Students learn legal principles along with humanities or business subjects. It can appeal to people who enjoy reading closely, building arguments, writing clearly and examining different sides of a problem.
Several National Law Universities use the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for undergraduate admissions. Other institutions have their own processes. Not requiring JEE or NEET does not mean admission to a law university is automatic. For CLAT 2027, the Consortium of National Law Universities publishes its own Class 12 eligibility criteria and exam information. Check the specific university too.
Law graduates do not all become courtroom advocates. Legal research, compliance, policy work, contract support and other roles exist, though professional practice involves separate requirements. A useful early exercise is to read a short public court summary and explain the issue in plain English without copying unfamiliar legal language.
6. B.Des, UX Design, Graphic Design and Fashion
Design is broader than drawing attractive pictures. Designers work on how a product looks, feels and functions. This may involve posters, packaging, interfaces, clothing, furniture, public information systems or services. A student who notices why an app is confusing or why a sign is hard to read may already be asking useful design questions.
Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) programmes are available through several institutions. The undergraduate design entrance examination UCEED is used for designated B.Des admissions, while the National Institute of Design has its Design Aptitude Test process. NIFT has a separate entrance route for relevant fashion programmes. Their eligibility criteria are not identical, and some design institutes accept students from different Class 12 streams.
Build a portfolio gradually. Redesign a school timetable for readability, show how you improved the layout, and explain the choices. Include rough sketches and iterations, not only polished final images. For UX or UI interests, learn research, accessibility, typography and basic prototyping. A portfolio should show how you think, not just which software you opened.
7. Journalism, Mass Communication and Content Careers
Journalism and mass communication degrees can prepare students to explore reporting, editing, research, public communication, audio, video and digital media. The field suits curious people who like asking questions and checking whether a story is actually true.
It is tempting to think that knowing how to make short videos is enough for a media career. But credible work also requires fact-checking, interviewing, ethics, writing and an understanding of audience needs. Digital tools help, yet judgment matters more than flashy transitions.
A small student project could be a well-sourced report on your district library, a photo essay about local accessibility or a short interview with a small-business owner. Get permission before recording people, and distinguish verified facts from opinions. Admission may be merit-based, through CUET or through institution-specific selection. Research placements and practical training instead of assuming every media course leads to a television job.
8. Psychology, Sociology, Economics and Other Humanities Degrees
Humanities courses are not a fallback for students who “couldn’t get science.” Psychology, sociology, political science, history, English and economics develop different kinds of analytical skills. They can lead towards research, communication, public policy, education, civil services preparation, business roles and further specialisation.
A psychology degree may help you study human behaviour, learning and research methods. However, an undergraduate psychology degree alone does not qualify someone to practise as a clinical psychologist. Regulated professional roles require additional approved qualifications and applicable registration. This distinction protects both students and the people they may eventually serve.
Economics may require substantial mathematics in certain institutions. Sociology can involve fieldwork and research methods. English programmes often demand extensive reading and critical writing. Read the syllabus before deciding that a subject is “easy.” A good degree should challenge you in ways you are willing to take seriously.
9. B.Sc. Nursing and Selected Allied-Health Courses
Want to work in healthcare but not become a doctor through NEET? There are other fields, including nursing and certain allied-health professions. They contribute directly to patient care and health services, but every route has its own academic and regulatory requirements.
For B.Sc. Nursing, the Indian Nursing Council lists science subjects including Physics, Chemistry and Biology, English and other admission conditions. Do not assume that every nursing college admits students without NEET. Some institutions or states may use NEET scores or another entrance process. Confirm the current admission notification for each college and state.
Courses connected with laboratory technology, medical imaging, optometry, nutrition and other allied-health areas may also interest students, depending on eligibility and recognition. Titles and professional permissions differ, so investigate the exact programme, practical training, hospital exposure and relevant regulator before applying. A course with a medical-sounding name is not automatically recognised or suitable for professional practice.
Healthcare work involves responsibility, teamwork, communication and care for people under pressure. Choose it because the work matters to you, not only because someone promises an overseas salary.
10. Agriculture, Food Science and Environmental Studies
Agriculture is not limited to working on a farm. Modern programmes can introduce soil science, crops, food systems, agricultural economics, technology, water management and sustainability. Food science and environmental studies connect scientific knowledge with practical problems that affect communities and businesses.
Eligibility often depends on which subjects you studied in Class 12. Admissions can involve CUET or other university processes; check the course and institution directly. A programme titled B.Sc. Agriculture may have different requirements from B.Sc. Environmental Science or Food Technology.
If you are curious, look at real questions: How can water be used more efficiently? Why does food spoil? How are soil conditions measured? Universities with good laboratories and field exposure can help you connect these questions to careers in research support, agribusiness, quality work and other sectors. As always, specific jobs require the relevant training.
11. Hotel Management, Hospitality and Tourism
Hospitality is a people-focused industry. Students may learn food production, front-office work, service operations, housekeeping, hotel accounting and management. The National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology offers an established B.Sc. Hospitality and Hotel Administration route through NCHM JEE for affiliated institutions.
This career is not simply about staying in beautiful hotels. Work can involve busy shifts, attention to small details, customer complaints, teamwork and practical problem-solving. Students who genuinely enjoy service, planning and working with different people may find it suitable.
Read the course’s practical-training and internship arrangements. Ask what kind of work graduates actually take up. Some students later explore tourism, event operations or food businesses, but those are possibilities rather than guaranteed outcomes. Check total costs, including accommodation and uniforms where applicable, before joining.
12. Animation, Visual Effects and Game Art
Animation and game art may interest students who enjoy storytelling, character creation, modelling or digital environments. Programmes are offered under different names, such as animation, multimedia, visual communication and game art. Their quality varies widely.
A convincing course should teach underlying skills: observation, composition, drawing or modelling fundamentals, storytelling, feedback and project development. Learning only which button to press in one application can become limiting when software changes. Students interested in game development should also consider how their interest divides between programming, design, art and sound.
Ask to see student work from the actual campus, not just a glossy promotional reel. Find out who teaches the classes and how often learners receive criticism on their projects. Start small: create a short original motion graphic, a character turnaround or a basic interactive scene and document the decisions behind it.
13. Digital Marketing, E-Commerce and Business Operations
Digital marketing is often sold online as a career you can master in a weekend. The actual field involves understanding customers, writing useful content, measuring outcomes, managing campaigns and following advertising standards. Good work requires more than copying social-media trends.
A student can learn the foundations through a degree such as BBA, B.Com or mass communication, supported by projects and appropriate training. For example, create a content plan for a fictional stationery shop, draft product descriptions and explain which metrics would indicate progress. You can also learn basic analytics, spreadsheets, SEO and ethical communication.
Be cautious about expensive courses promising fixed earnings or a guaranteed remote job. Ask about instructors, practice work, assessment methods and verifiable outcomes. A short certificate may improve a particular skill, but it should not be presented as equal to every recognised degree or professional qualification.
14. Teaching, Education and Child Development
Students who enjoy explaining concepts and helping others learn may consider education-related programmes. Routes differ by the level and subject you want to teach, and teacher eligibility is governed by relevant rules. Some students begin with an undergraduate subject degree and later pursue an approved teacher-education programme. Integrated teacher-education options may also be available through specified admissions routes.
Do not select a course solely because its title includes “teaching.” Check whether it is recognised for your intended profession, school level and state. Practical classroom training, language ability, patience and assessment skills matter. A useful way to test your interest now is to prepare a clear, age-appropriate explanation of a school concept and see whether a learner understands it.
15. Government Jobs and Skill-Based Routes After Class 12
Some government recruitment examinations accept eligible Class 12 graduates. The Staff Selection Commission’s Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level examination is a familiar example. Other central or state recruitment processes may have posts with different qualifications, ages and selection stages. Vacancies and rules change, so the official notification is the only reliable basis for a particular application.
Government-exam preparation is a plan, not an admission to a job. Competition can be significant and vacancies are not guaranteed. If you pursue this route, consider a recognised degree or job-relevant skill alongside sensible preparation, rather than relying on indefinite coaching without a backup.
Vocational degrees, approved diplomas, apprenticeships and structured skill-training programmes may be suitable for students who prefer practical work. Review training quality, the awarding body, employer links and the opportunity to continue studying. Do not confuse a paid training advertisement with an official recruitment notification.
Which Courses Are Best for Science, Commerce and Arts Students?
Your Class 12 stream influences eligibility, but it should not define your entire identity. Many courses accept multiple streams, while some have strict prerequisite subjects.
After Class 12 Science Without JEE or NEET
Students with mathematics may explore BCA, relevant B.Sc. computer programmes, statistics, mathematics, design, selected business degrees and other courses where they meet the criteria. Biology students may explore life sciences, nursing or relevant allied-health courses, agriculture, psychology and further options. The exact college’s subject rules still apply.
If you have science but dislike laboratory work, there is no reason to assume you must spend years in a lab. Equally, if you enjoy biology, do not dismiss it merely because medicine is not your chosen path. Begin with course content rather than social labels.
After Class 12 Commerce Without JEE or NEET
B.Com, BBA, BMS, CA, CS, economics, law, design and certain IT programmes may be worth researching. Mathematics requirements differ by programme. A student interested in finance could compare accounting with economics and management instead of treating them as interchangeable subjects.
After Class 12 Arts or Humanities Without JEE or NEET
Consider journalism, law, design, psychology, sociology, English, political science, history, public policy-related study and suitable management programmes. Some design routes admit students from any stream; others impose extra conditions. Always consult the relevant admissions brochure.
What About CUET, CLAT, UCEED and Other Entrance Exams?
There is one distinction worth repeating because it changes how students plan: avoiding two exams does not mean avoiding all exams. Different colleges use different selection systems.
Entrance route
Common purpose
Where to check
CUET (UG)
Undergraduate admissions at participating universities for relevant programmes
National Testing Agency CUET portal and the target university
CLAT
Admission processes for participating National Law Universities’ law programmes
Consortium of National Law Universities
UCEED
Specified undergraduate design admissions
Official UCEED website
NID DAT
National Institute of Design admissions
Official NID admissions website
NIFTEE / NIFT entrance
Relevant NIFT programmes
NIFT and National Testing Agency portals
NCHM JEE
Hospitality and hotel administration admissions at affiliated institutes
NCHMCT and NTA
CA Foundation / CSEET
Entry stages for the relevant professional pathways
ICAI / ICSI
Some colleges use Class 12 merit; others combine entrance performance, counselling, documents or interviews. For CUET specifically, the National Testing Agency publishes participating-university information, but each university determines the programme-specific eligibility and admission requirements. A good exam score cannot replace a subject requirement you do not meet.
How Much Should You Spend on College?
There is no honest nationwide fee that applies to every BCA, BBA, law or design programme. Government and private institutions can have very different charges, and fees may change by year, category, location and facilities. A tuition figure also leaves out the cost of living.
Think in terms of the total cost of studying, not just the first-semester fee. Add tuition, admission and examination charges, transport or accommodation, meals, study materials, mandatory equipment and likely annual increases. Ask for the official fee schedule in writing. If a college promotes scholarships, read the conditions and renewal requirements.
A lower-cost recognised college with active teaching may be a better fit than an expensive college selling vague promises. On the other hand, a specialised programme with strong facilities may justify additional cost for some families. Compare the actual learning opportunity before deciding. Do not take a large education loan on the assumption that a particular salary or placement is guaranteed.
Seven Checks Before You Apply to a College
Recognition and approvals: Verify the university and any programme-specific professional approvals with the appropriate regulator. For online or distance programmes, check recognition for the relevant session and course.
Eligibility: Confirm required Class 12 subjects, marks, age conditions and entrance examinations from the current official prospectus.
Teaching quality: Read the curriculum, faculty information, laboratory facilities and the amount of practical work required.
Real outcomes: Ask for placement information with context: number of eligible students, number placed, job types and whether internships are included.
Full financial picture: Compare tuition and all additional expenses. Ask about refund policy and scholarship conditions.
Location and support: Consider commuting, accessibility, safety, language of teaching, mentoring and student support services.
Your own interest: If possible, complete a small project related to the subject before committing several years to it.
The University Grants Commission provides resources for checking higher-education institutions and relevant distance-learning recognition. For fields such as nursing, teacher education and other regulated professions, also consult the appropriate professional authority. A university’s general recognition does not answer every programme-specific question.
Three Practical Examples: Different Students, Different Good Choices
Example 1: A science student who likes computers but not engineering entrance preparation. This student compares a BCA programme with a B.Sc. Computer Science programme. The deciding factors are mathematics eligibility, coding curriculum, fees and travel time. They try a beginner programming project before applying and discover they genuinely enjoy building software. Either degree could be sensible depending on the college.
Example 2: A commerce student who is strong at organising work but uncertain about CA. Instead of paying immediately for professional coaching, the student explores B.Com and BBA syllabuses, looks at sample CA Foundation subjects and learns spreadsheets. They choose a course that leaves space to discover whether accounting or business operations suits them better.
Example 3: An arts student who enjoys writing and visual storytelling. The student compares journalism with visual communication and B.Des programmes. They create a short researched article and a simple design portfolio, then inspect admissions tests and budgets. The projects reveal which work they enjoy practising, not only which career sounds impressive.
These are illustrations, not promises about placement. Their shared lesson is useful: test the work before you pay for the label.
A 30-Day Plan to Choose Your Direction
Week 1: Narrow Your Interests
Write down five activities you can do with reasonable concentration. Include school subjects, hobbies and practical tasks. Choose three career directions that connect with them. Do not begin by selecting the highest advertised salary. Begin with the type of work.
Week 2: Research Real Courses
For each direction, find two or three colleges you can realistically consider. Read official syllabuses and eligibility pages. Record whether the course needs CUET, CLAT, another entrance test or a merit-based application. Make a simple comparison of fees, location and practical learning.
Week 3: Try a Mini-Project
If you like software, build a basic webpage or calculator. If you like business, prepare a spreadsheet explaining an imaginary shop’s costs. If you like design, improve the readability of a public notice. If you like journalism, write a brief sourced report. You learn far more from attempting the work than from imagining the job title.
Week 4: Make a Balanced Shortlist
Create a shortlist containing an ambitious choice, a realistic choice and an affordable backup. Discuss the financial picture with a trusted adult. Keep copies of official admission instructions, document requirements and deadlines. If you are unsure, seek guidance from a school counsellor or a credible college admissions office before paying a non-refundable amount.
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
Choosing only for salary: Online salary screenshots rarely explain experience, location, job type or how many graduates achieve the result. Study the work and progression as well as the earning possibility.
Assuming every private college is bad or every famous college is perfect: Look at evidence, including instruction, facilities, fees and graduate experience. Reputation matters, but it is not the entire answer.
Ignoring eligibility: A course may be open to students from several streams but still require particular subjects at a particular institute. Confirm this before registering for an entrance examination.
Treating certificates as a replacement for skill: A certificate may show completion of a course. A project, internship or practical assessment can show whether you understand it.
Allowing one exam result to define you: Not taking or qualifying in JEE or NEET closes certain admission routes, not the possibility of a meaningful career. The next decision still deserves careful thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a good career after Class 12 without JEE or NEET?
Yes. Many worthwhile paths do not use those examinations. Examples include business, commerce, law, design, computer applications, communication, hospitality and other degree or professional routes. Outcomes depend on the quality of training, skills, college, market conditions and your own effort rather than the absence of JEE or NEET.
Which course is best after Class 12 without an entrance exam?
There is no universal best course. Some colleges offer admissions based on Class 12 marks for selected programmes, but methods differ across institutions. First shortlist courses that fit your interests and eligibility; then check which colleges offer a suitable admissions route.
Can a PCB student work in healthcare without NEET?
Some healthcare-related courses may have admission routes other than NEET, but this varies by state, institution and profession. Nursing and allied-health programmes can have their own entrance, subject and approval requirements. Never assume that one rule applies to every college.
Can a commerce or arts student apply for BCA?
Possibly, depending on the university’s subject and marks requirements. Some BCA programmes accept students from different streams; others require mathematics or related subjects. Check the individual institution’s published eligibility criteria.
Is BCA better than B.Tech?
Neither degree is automatically better. They can differ in curriculum, depth of mathematics, engineering content and admissions. The appropriate choice depends on the student’s aims, programme quality and interest in the work. Compare actual subjects and opportunities rather than social media rankings.
Are design courses available to students from any stream?
Some are. For example, certain UCEED-participating institutes allow applicants from different Class 12 streams, while others have specific science-subject requirements. NID and NIFT have their own published criteria. Check the current brochure for the exact campus and degree.
Which options are affordable after Class 12?
Recognised public universities, local colleges, scholarships and appropriate vocational programmes can be worth exploring. Affordability depends on tuition as well as transport, accommodation and materials. Compare the complete cost and available financial support, not merely the admission fee.
Should I prepare for government exams immediately after Class 12?
You can research recruitment exams for which you meet the current eligibility conditions, including relevant Class 12-level examinations. However, competition and vacancies vary. A sensible backup through further education or skills development can help you avoid relying entirely on a single recruitment cycle.
Will an AI or data science degree guarantee a high-paying job?
No course title guarantees a salary. Employers may look for technical fundamentals, communication, projects, experience and problem-solving. Treat guaranteed-placement claims cautiously and ask colleges for verifiable, detailed outcomes.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Work, Not Just the Course Name
There is no single correct life plan for every Class 12 student. One person may become interested in law after reading an important case. Another may discover that solving a programming problem is more satisfying than memorising a formula. Someone else may be happiest organising a service team or studying how communities work.
Start with curiosity, then use evidence. Read the syllabus. Check eligibility. Compare the costs. Try a small project. Ask questions about teaching and internships. JEE and NEET are important for particular routes, but they are not the only doors to a useful education or a fulfilling career.
Official Sources for Admission and Eligibility Checks
Admission details can change between sessions. These official websites are useful starting points before you submit an application: