Top MBA Exams 2024: Dates, Online Application Fee, and Difficulty Level
Top MBA exams in India include CAT, CMAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, MAT, and more. Get a comprehensive knowledge of the most popular MBA entrance exams crucial for admission to prominent MBA colleges.
Anil Solonki16 Nov, 2023
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Top MBA Exams: Candidates aspiring to pursue an MBA must gain comprehensive knowledge about the top MBA exams. These exams are obligatory for securing admission to MBA/PGDM programs offered at different management institutions. Therefore, it is imperative for aspirants to gather detailed information about each test and select the one that aligns with their preferences. For instance, those targeting admission to IIMs should opt for CAT , while those aiming for Tier-2 private MBA colleges might find CMAT or MAT more suitable.
CAT, administered by IIMs, stands out as the most widely recognised MBA entrance exam in India. Over 1,200 MBA colleges use CAT scores as a basis for shortlisting students for MBA batches. Following closely is the CMAT, conducted by the NTA, which is the second most popular exam. CMAT scores are accepted by nearly 1,000 MBA colleges across India.What are Top MBA Exams?
MBA exams serve as a crucial gateway to getting admission to premier MBA institutions in India, such as IIMs, XLRI, MDI, IITs, Symbiosis, FMS, and others. These exams are conducted at both the national and state levels. Those who qualify for the MBA entrance exams get the opportunity to pursue MBA studies in their preferred institutes. An MBA is a professional degree that includes various business sectors like marketing, operations, accounting, and management. Additionally, it helps candidates make a promising career in multiple sectors such as private, government, and public sectors.Top MBA Exams 2024
Several entrance examinations facilitate admissions to MBA programs nationwide. However, the premier MBA entrance exams present candidates with the opportunity to secure a seat in a reputable B-school with commendable placements. Below is a list of the top MBA exams in India, including crucial details:| Entrance Exam | Exam Timeline | Official Website |
| CAT (Common Admission Test) | 26 November 2023 | iimcat.ac.in |
| CMAT | First week of May 2024 (Expected) | cmat.nta.nic.in |
| NMAT by GMAC | October 2023 to December 2023 | www.mba.com/en-in/exams/nmat |
| SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) | 10, 17, and 22 December 2023 | www.snaptest.org |
| XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) | 7 January 2024 | xatonline.in |
| MICAT I & II | MICAT I: 2 December 2023 MICAT II: 27 January 2024 | www.mica.ac.in/pgdm |
| TISSNET | Last week of February 2024 | appln.tiss.edu |
| PGDBA | First week of March 2024 | www.pgdba.iitkgp.ac.in |
| IBSAT | Last week of December 2024 | ibsindia.org/admissions/ |
Top MBA Exams at State Level
Apart from the national-level MBA entrance exam, there are multiple state-level MBA entrance exams, which are held to shortlist candidates specifically for government or private colleges in respective states. These MBA entrance exams are relatively less competitive than the national-level management entrance exams. The table below presents the top MBA exams conducted in different states in India:| State Level MBA Entrance Exam | MBA Exam Date (Expected) |
| MAH MBA CET 2024 | Last week of March 2024 |
| AP ICET 2024 | Last week of May 2024 |
| OJEE MBA 2024 | Second week of May 2024 |
| KMAT Kerala | Third week of February 2024 |
| TS ICET 2024 | Last week of May 2024 |
| TANCET MBA 2024 | Last week of March 2024 |
| KMAT Karnataka 2023 | Last week of December 2024 |
Application Fee for Top MBA Exams
The cost associated with applying for MBA entrance exams varies based on the category of the applicant. However, some entrance exams have a similar fee for all categories. Below is a breakdown of the application fees for different MBA entrance exams:| MBA Entrance Exam | Fee (General Category) | Fee (Reserved Category) |
| CAT | Rs. 2400/- | Rs. 120/- |
| CMAT | Rs. 2000/- | Rs. 1000/- |
| SNAP | Rs. 2250/- | Rs. 2250/- |
| NMAT by GMAC | Rs. 2800/- | Rs. 2800/- |
| KIITEE Management | Rs. 1250/- | Rs. 1250/- |
| TISSNET | Rs. 1030/- | Rs. 260/- |
| IBSAT | Rs. 1800/- | Rs. 1800/- |
| MAT | Rs. 1950/- | Rs. 1950/- |
| MAH CET | Rs. 1000/- | Rs. 800/- |
| MICAT | Rs. 2100/- | Rs. 2100/- |
| XAT | Rs. 2100/- (Foreign nationals need to pay Rs. 5000 as XAT application fee) | Rs. 2100/- |
Overview of Top MBA Exam
Here is an overview of top MBA exams and their exam pattern details:CAT
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted annually by IIMs on a rotational basis. The CAT 2023 exam is scheduled for 26 November 2023 in an online CBT. CAT exam 2023 is going to take place in three slots on one day, and candidates must appear for the slot allotted to them, or else their candidature may get cancelled. Here is the exam structure for CAT exam 2023:| Mode of CAT | Online CBT |
| CAT slots | 3 (Morning, Afternoon, Evening) |
| Exam paper sections |
|
| No. of Questions | 66 |
| Exam duration | 120 minutes |
CMAT
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is another highly renowned national-level MBA entrance exam. National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts CMAT once a year in the online mode. Here are the details of the CMAT exam pattern:| Mode of CMAT | Online |
| CMAT exam frequency | Once a year |
| Exam paper sections |
|
| No. of Questions | 100 |
| Exam duration | 3 hours |
XAT
Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, organises the XAT exam once annually to facilitate admission to MBA/PGDM programs. This MBA entrance exam for 2023 is held in a computer-based mode. Refer to the following table to know the exam pattern of XAT 2023:| Mode of XAT | Online |
| XAT exam frequency | Once a year |
| Exam paper sections |
|
| No. of Questions | 100 |
| Exam duration | 210 minutes |
SNAP
SNAP is a national-level MBA entrance exam administered by SIU. Candidates who qualify for the SNAP exam are eligible for admission to 16 Symbiosis institutes offering MBA or PGDM programs. The SNAP exam 2023 is going to take place on three days - 10, 17, and 22 December through online mode. Candidates are allowed to appear for all the SNAP exams. The SNAP result 2023 will be declared considering candidates’ best score in all the attempts. The table below shows the exam pattern of the SNAP exam:| Mode of SNAP | Online |
| SNAP exam frequency | Three days in a year |
| Exam paper sections |
|
| No. of Questions | 60 |
| Exam duration | 60 minutes |
NMAT
NMAT is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). NMAT is held three times a year, and candidates’ best score in all the attempts is considered for admission. Candidates who qualify for the NMAT exam are eligible to secure a seat in MBA institutes in India, South Africa, and Philippines. Here is the detail of the NMAT exam pattern:| Mode of NMAT | Online |
| NMAT exam frequency | Thrice a year |
| Exam paper sections |
|
| No. of Questions | 108 |
| Exam duration | 120 minutes |
MAH MBA CET
The state-level MBA entrance examination, MAH MBA CET, is organised to facilitate admissions in colleges within Maharashtra State. MAH CET is conducted once annually by the Maharashtra State CET cell through online mode. The table below demonstrates the MAH MBA CET exam pattern:| Mode of MAH MBA CET | Online |
| MAH MBA CET exam frequency | Once a year |
| Exam paper sections |
|
| No. of Questions | 200 |
| Exam duration | 150 minutes |
MAT
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT), conducted by the AIMA, is held four times annually during February, May, September, and December. Candidates who clear the MAT exam are eligible to get admission to approximately 600 B-schools across India. The exam pattern for each MAT session is provided below:| Mode of MAT |
|
| MAT exam frequency | Four times in a year |
| Exam paper sections |
|
| No. of Questions | 200 |
| Exam duration | 150 minutes |
Difficulty Levels of Top MBA Exams
MBA entrance exams have diverse levels of difficulty. It is crucial for candidates to evaluate their preparation and effectively create a study plan to excel in the exam. For those aspiring to secure admission in prestigious institutions such as IIMs or other top-tier MBA colleges, clearing exams like CAT, XAT, or IIFT is imperative. If candidates want to opt for less difficult MBA entrance exams, they must apply for exams like NMAT, SNAP, or CMAT. The following table shows the details of MBA entrance exam difficulty levels:| Difficulty Level | MBA Entrance Exams |
| Easy | MAT CMAT IBSAT |
| Moderately to high | SNAP NMAT TISSNET |
| Highly Difficult | CAT XAT |
Top MBA Exams FAQs
What are the notable MBA entrance exams in India?
The most prominent MBA entrance exam opted for by almost every management aspirant is CAT. In addition to CAT, other essential management entrance examinations include XAT, CMAT, MAT, SNAP, ATMA, AP ICET, TS ICET, and more.
What are the most popular state-level MBA entrance exams in India?
Most popular state-level management entrance exams in India include OJEE, MAH MBA CET, TANCET, TS ICET, AP ICET, and others.
Is giving CAT alone sufficient for admission to every MBA college in India?
CAT scores are accepted at most MBA colleges in India. However, certain institutes conduct their separate entrance exams for admission to their management programs.
Which MBA entrance exam helps Indian candidates get admission to foreign institutes?
For admission to MBA programs in foreign institutes, candidates must qualify for the GMAT exam.
Which is the easiest management entrance test in India?
MAT is regarded as the easiest MBA entrance exam. Still, aspirants must follow a strategic preparation plan to clear all these MBA entrance exams.
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