Top MBA Entrance Exams in India: serve as gateways to prestigious B-schools and management institutes. Exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, SNAP, and NMAT assess a candidate's aptitude in quantitative, verbal, logical, and analytical areas. Each exam has its unique pattern, eligibility criteria, and application process, making it important for aspirants to stay updated.
Candidates can check here for a comprehensive overview of major MBA entrance exams in India, covering their exam dates, official notifications, eligibility requirements, and application timelines. Staying informed helps candidates create a structured preparation plan and increases their chances of gaining admission to top-tier MBA programs.
The table below highlights the key MBA entrance exams scheduled for 2025, along with their respective application deadlines. Make sure to keep track of the last date to register for each exam. Continue reading to find detailed information about the registration process, application fees, and other important exam-specific guidelines.
Top MBA Entrance Exams in India Overview |
||
Entrance Exam |
Exam Date |
Last Date to Apply |
CAT |
Nov 30, 2025 |
Third Week of September 2025 |
SNAP |
December 2025 |
|
XAT |
To be announced |
To be announced |
CMAT |
To be announced |
To be announced |
MAT |
May 31, 2025 (PBT) June 8, 2025 (CBT) |
May 2025 |
Many graduates and working professionals pursue an MBA to enhance their career prospects and move into leadership roles. Securing admission to a reputed B-school in India requires candidates to appear for competitive MBA entrance exams and achieve the required cutoff scores. These exams serve as a gateway to prestigious institutions like the IIMs, XLRI, and other top management colleges. With the growing competition and demand for quality management education, thorough preparation and a strategic approach are essential to succeed in these entrance tests and secure a seat in a top-tier MBA program.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most widely recognized entrance exams for admission to MBA and PGDM programs across India. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT serves as a gateway to prestigious institutions such as the IIMs, FMS Delhi, UBS Chandigarh, and several IITs. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks. The exam is known for its competitive nature and is a crucial step for those aiming to pursue management education at top-tier institutions in the country.
CAT Exam Details |
|
Particulars |
Details |
Name Of Test |
Common Admission Test (CAT) |
Conducting Authority |
IIM (Indian Institute of Management) |
Subjects |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC), and Quantitative Aptitude |
Time |
120 minutes |
Total Marks |
204 Marks |
Total Questions |
68 Questions (MCQ & Non-MCQ Questions) |
Mode |
Online Test |
Language of Exam |
English |
Marking Scheme |
3 Mark for Correct Answer, 1 Mark for Wrong Answer |
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is a national-level entrance exam for admission to MBA and PGDM programs offered by Symbiosis International (Deemed) University (SIU). Conducted annually in an online mode, SNAP serves as the gateway to various prestigious B-schools under SIU. The exam assesses candidates on key management aptitude areas, and qualifying for it is essential for securing admission to postgraduate management courses across Symbiosis institutes.
SNAP Exam Details |
|
Particulars |
Details |
Name Of Test |
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) |
Conducting Authority |
Symbiosis International (Deemed) University (SIU) |
Subjects |
General English, Quantitative-Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, Analytical & Logical Reasoning |
Time |
60 minutes |
Total Marks |
60 marks |
Total Questions |
60 Questions in MCQ format |
Mode |
Online |
Language of Exam |
English |
Marking Scheme |
1 mark for the correct answer, 0.25 for wrong answer is deducted |
XLRI Jamshedpur conducts the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) every year for admission to MBA and PGDM programs. Apart from XLRI, over 10 XAMI member institutes and around 250 other B-schools across India accept XAT scores for their management courses. Aspiring candidates must appear for XAT and secure the required percentile to qualify for the admission process at these reputed institutions.
XAT Exam Details |
|
Particulars |
Details |
Name Of Test |
Xavier Aptitude Test |
Conducting Authority |
XLRI, Jamshedpur |
Subjects |
Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, Verbal & Logical Ability |
Total Marks |
95 marks |
Total Questions |
95 questions in MCQ format |
Mode |
Online Mode |
Language of Exam |
English |
Marking Scheme |
1 Mark for correct answer, 0.25 deducted for wrong answer, 0.1 deducted for an unattempted answer, Exemption to skip 8 questions in exam |
Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in an online format. It evaluates candidates aspiring to pursue MBA programs across India. Several top management institutes accept CMAT scores for admission, including JBIMS Mumbai, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, BIMTECH Greater Noida, Goa Institute of Management, and Xavier Institute of Management and Research. The exam assesses quantitative, logical, language, and general awareness skills, making it a key gateway to reputed B-schools.
CMAT Exam Details |
|
Particulars |
Details |
Name Of Test |
Common Management Admission Test |
Conducting Authority |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Subjects |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
Time |
180 minutes |
Total Marks |
400 marks |
Total Questions |
100 questions |
Mode |
Computer-Based Test |
Language of Exam |
English |
Marking Scheme |
4 marks for correct answer, 1 mark deducted for wrong answer |
All India Management Association (AIMA) organizes the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) four times annually. This exam is available in both computer-based (online) and paper-based (offline) formats, offering candidates flexibility in mode of attempt. Aspirants can appear for MAT multiple times in a year, and the highest score among all attempts is considered for admission. A wide range of B-schools accept MAT scores for MBA/PGDM admissions, including Amity University, SRM University, IILM, Jain University, and ITM Group of Institutions. This makes MAT a convenient and accessible option for management aspirants across India.
MAT Exam Details |
|
Particulars |
Details |
Name Of Test |
Management Aptitude Test (MAT) |
Conducting Authority |
All India Management Association (AIMA) |
Subjects |
Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency, Indian & Global Environment, Mathematical Skills |
Time |
120 minutes |
Total Marks |
150 marks |
Total Questions |
150 questions |
Mode |
Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT) Paper Paper-Based Test and Computer-Based Test (PBT+CBT) |
Language of Exam |
English |
Marking Scheme |
+1 mark for correct answer, -0.25 mark for wrong answer |
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