Top MBA Entrance Exams in India: Exam Dates, Notification, Application

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.

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Top MBA Entrance Exams in India Overview

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 for MBA Aspirants

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.

CAT

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.

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SNAP

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.

XAT

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. 

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CMAT

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.

MAT

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.

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