Candidates seeking admission to MSc programs are usually required to take an entrance exam, although some universities do provide admission on the basis of merit. IIT JAM for IITs, NITs, and CFTIs, CUET-PG for central universities, and University specific tests like BHU PET, JNUEE and DUET are some examples of common entrance examinations. These exams comprise components on organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry as well as a reasoning and analytical section.
Undergraduate marks are used as the only criteria for admission by some private and state universities, especially for candidates from the same institution. Nevertheless, a favorable performance in entrance exams increases the prospect of admission in institutions that are highly ranked. Usually a BSc in chemistry or a related field with a certain minimum percentage is the bare eligibility criteria. It is best to look up the guidelines set by the specific university in question for whether an entrance exam is compulsory or if students will have the option to forgo it.