Beyond CAT 2025: Key MBA entrance exams like MAT, CMAT, SNAP, and XAT to apply for

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 will be held on November 30, marking the final phase of preparation for MBA aspirants. However, CAT isn’t the only way to secure admission to a top business school. Students looking for additional opportunities or backup options can consider other national-level management entrance exams such as MAT, CMAT, SNAP, and XAT. Each exam follows its own schedule and eligibility criteria, with distinct sets of participating institutes.

Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

Conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA), MAT is widely accepted by over 600 B-schools across India. The December 2025 session offers both Paper-Based (PBT) and Computer-Based (CBT) modes.

Schedule:

The exam will be conducted in two modes — Paper-Based Test (PBT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT). For the PBT mode, the registration process will close on December 7, 2025, the admit cards will be issued on December 10, 2025, and the test is scheduled for December 13, 2025. Meanwhile, for the CBT mode, registration will end on December 15, 2025, admit cards will be available from December 18, 2025, and the exam will take place on December 21, 2025.

For those appearing in CAT, MAT serves as a timely second attempt, scheduled soon after November 30.

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts CMAT for admission to AICTE-approved institutions and university departments across India.

It’s a single annual exam that evaluates quantitative, reasoning, and language skills.

• Registration deadline: November 17, 2025 (apply at cmat.nta.nic.in)

• Exam date: Expected in early January 2026

 CMAT is ideal for those targeting reputed Tier-1 and Tier-2 management colleges.

Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)

 Organised by Symbiosis International (Deemed University), SNAP is the entry test for MBA and PGDM programmes at Symbiosis institutes such as SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, and SIIB. It is a short, speed-focused exam that can be attempted up to three times, with the best score considered for admission.

• Registration deadline: November 20, 2025 snaptest.org

• Exam dates: November 28, December 8, and December 15, 2025

SNAP is a good option for candidates who want to enhance their scores after CAT or target specific Symbiosis institutes.

Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

Administered by XLRI Jamshedpur, XAT is among the most respected management exams in India and accepted by over 150 institutes, including SPJIMR and XIMB. It is known for its Decision-Making and General Knowledge sections, which make it slightly more challenging than CAT.

• Registration deadline: December 5, 2025 (xatonline.in)

• Exam date: January 4, 2026

 Coming right after the CAT and SNAP cycle, XAT provides another strong opportunity for admission to top B-schools.