Aspiring MBA candidates targeting the 2025 academic session should familiarize themselves with the leading MBA entrance exams in India, including CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, IIFT, MAT, MAH CET, and
IBSAT. These exams are crucial for admission to MBA/PGDM programs, and understanding their specifics can help candidates make informed decisions.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is essential for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and numerous top-tier Bschools. The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is conducted for admissions to XLRI Jamshedpur and other respected institutions. The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is required for MBA programs at Symbiosis International University. The NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) is accepted by NMIMS and several other colleges. The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) serves as a gateway to various Tier-2 private MBA colleges in India. The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) exam is
specifically for admission to IIFT’s MBA in International Business. The Management Aptitude Test (MAT), conducted by AIMA, is accepted by many B-schools across India. The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH CET) is primarily for admission to MBA programs in Maharashtra, while the ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test (IBSAT) is for admission to ICFAI Business School.
IIM’s CAT is the most popular entrance exam for MBA in India as over 1,300 MBA colleges select candidates for admission on the basis of marks obtained in this exam. Over 2 lakh candidates appear for CAT every year. The second most popular MBA entrance exam is CMAT conducted by the NTA. CMAT score is accepted by 1,300 MBA colleges across India. Third most popular MBA entrance exam is XAT which is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. XAT score is accepted by over 800 MBHere’s a refined version of your text:
In addition to the major exams like CAT, XAT, and MAT, there are over 50 entrance tests for admission to top MBA colleges in India. These exams are conducted at three different levels:
At the national level, the most popular exams include CAT, CMAT, and MAT.
At the state level, notable tests are MAH-CET, TSICET, APICET, KMAT, and TANCET.
At the university/college level, prominent entrance tests include XAT, SNAP, and MICAT.
Most top MBA entrance exams, such as CAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP, and CMAT, are typically conducted between November and May, providing ample opportunities for aspirants to choose the exam that aligns with their goals.A colleges in India.
Top MBA Entrance Exams 2024: Application and Exam Dates
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Mba entrance exam |
Last Date to Apply |
Exam Date |
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CAT 2024 |
20-Sep-2024 |
24-Nov-2024 |
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22-Nov-2024 |
08-Dec-2024 15-Dec-2024 21-Dec-2024 |
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30-Nov-24 (CBT 1) 07-Dec-24 (PBT) 15-Dec-24 (CBT 2) |
07-Dec-24 (CBT 1) 14-Dec-24 (PBT) 22-Dec-24 (CBT 2) |
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|
To be announced |
To be announced |
|
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30-Nov-2024 |
05-Jan-2025 |
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To be announced |
To be announced |
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To be announced |
To be announced |
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20-Dec-2024 |
28-Dec-2024 29-Dec-2024 |
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To be announced |
To be announced |
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To be announced |
To be announced |
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12-Feb-2024 |
09-Mar-2024 and 10-Mar- 2024 |
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10-Oct-2024 |
05-Nov-2024 to 20-Dec- 2024 |
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20-Nov-2023 (MICAT I) 16-Jan-2024 (MICAT II) |
02-Dec-2023 (MICAT I) 27-Jan-2024 (MICAT II) |
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06-Jan-2025 |
11-Jan-2025 to 13-Jan- 2025 |
|
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To be announced |
To be announced |
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20-Jun-2024 |
13-Jul-2024 14-Jul-2024 |
Overview of CAT
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the premier entrance exam for MBA programs in India, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is widely recognized, with the CAT score being accepted by 20 IIMs and over 1,200 other management institutes nationwide. Each year, more than 200,000 candidates appear for this competitive exam.
Since its inception in 1950, CAT has evolved significantly, moving to an online format in 2009. The exam lasts for three hours and features a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs. In response to changing educational needs, the 2020 CAT exam was held in three sessions, reducing the exam duration to 120 minutes and the total number of questions to 76. This was further streamlined in 2021, with the number of questions lowered to 66. Currently, the CAT is conducted in three slots, each lasting two hours.
Candidates can register for CAT online, and the exam takes place at over 400 centers across the country. The CAT is divided into three main sections:
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VRC)
Overview of CMAT:
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is the second-largest management entrance examination in India, attracting approximately 150,000 candidates each year. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CMAT is a popular choice among MBA aspirants following the CAT. The inaugural CMAT exam was held in 2012, and the scores are accepted by over 1,300 MBA institutes across the country. The exam is typically conducted in May.
CMAT is a computer-based test lasting 180 minutes and consists of two sessions, assessing candidates’ aptitude across four main sections:
- Quantitative Techniques
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Overview of XAT
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a premier management entrance examination conducted by the Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) Jamshedpur. This computer-based test is taken by approximately 100,000 candidates each year and is held on the first Sunday of January. XAT scores are accepted by XLRI Jamshedpur and over 800 other management institutes across India.
The XAT exam evaluates candidates across the following key areas:
- Quantitative Ability
- English Language & Logical Reasoning
- Decision Making
- General Knowledge
Overview of SNAP:
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by Symbiosis International University. SNAP scores are primarily used for admission to 16 institutes under the university. Candidates are allowed three attempts, with the best score among the three considered for the admission shortlisting process. Registrations for SNAP typically occur from August to November, with the exam held in December.
SNAP is a computer-based test lasting two hours, assessing candidates in the following areas:
- General English
- Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning
Overview of NMAT by GMAC
The NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) is a well-regarded MBA entrance exam that was acquired by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) in 2015 and rebranded as NMAT by GMAC. This computerbased exam is conducted over a 75-day testing window, typically between October and December. Candidates are required to answer 108 multiplechoice questions (MCQs) within a time frame of 120 minutes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NMAT was offered in a remote proctored mode; however, it has since reverted to being conducted at designated exam centers.
NMAT by GMAC provides several candidate-friendly features. For instance, candidates can take the exam up to three times, with only the best score considered for admission purposes. The exam consists of three main sections: 1. Language Skills
- Quantitative Skills
- Logical Reasoning
Overview of MAT
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a widely recognized MBA entrance exam, with over 600 institutes accepting MAT scores for admission to management programs. Conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA), MAT is held four times a year—in February, May, September, and December. The exam is available in three formats: Computer Based Test (CBT), Paper Based Test (PBT), and Internet Based Test (IBT).
Recently, the MAT exam pattern has been updated to include 200 questions, which candidates must complete in 150 minutes. The test assesses aspirants in the following subjects:
- Indian and Global Environment
- Language Comprehension
- Data Analysis and Sufficiency
- Mathematical Skills
- Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
Overview of IIFT Exam:
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) exam is an institute-specific entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to the IIFT. The scores from the IIFT exam are exclusively valid for this institute. The exam is held in December and is conducted in online mode across more than 200 cities.
The duration of the IIFT exam is two hours, and the question paper consists of 110 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exam assesses candidates’ aptitude in the following areas:
-
- Comprehension English
- General Knowledge & Awareness
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Analysis
Overview of ATMA
AIMS Test for Management Admissions or ATMA is also a national-level management entrance test. It is conducted online in internet based test mode and held four times a year–February, May, July and August. ATMA score is used for admission by several management programmes in over 500 MBA institutes.
Held for three hours, ATMA question paper consists of the following sections:
- Analytical Reasoning Skills Part 1
- Analytical Reasoning Skills Part 2
- Quantitative Skills Part 1
- Quantitative Skills Part 2
- Verbal Skills Part 1
- Verbal Skills Part 2
Overview of IBSAT
The ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test (IBSAT) is an institute-level entrance examination conducted by the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education. The scores from the IBSAT are utilized for admission to MBA and PhD programs at nine ICFAI Business School (IBS) campuses located in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Dehradun, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune.
IBSAT is conducted as an Internet-Based Test (IBT) and assesses candidates’ abilities in the following areas:
- Verbal Ability
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation
Overview of MICAT
The MICA Admission Test (MICAT) is the online entrance exam for the prestigious two-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications (PGDM-C) offered by the Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA). To be eligible for MICAT, candidates must first apply through either CAT, XAT, or GMAT. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to take the MICAT entrance test, which is conducted in December and February.
MICAT has a duration of over 125 minutes and consists of two main sections:
- Section 1: This section assesses candidates’ Analytical Skills, Logical Skills, Verbal Skills, Divergent Thinking, Written Communication Skills, and General Awareness.
- Section 2 : This section includes a Psychometric Test, which evaluates candidates’ personality traits and preferences.
State level entrance exams:
Overview of MAH MBA CET
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH CET) is a state-level MBA entrance examination conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra. It is designed for admission to various management courses, including MBA, MMS, PGDBM, and PGDM, at institutes across the state of Maharashtra. The MAH CET MBA is typically held in March, and candidates are required to answer 200 questions within a duration of 150 minutes.
The MAH MBA CET question paper comprises three sections:
-
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Logical / Abstract Reasoning
Overview of KIITEE MBA
The KIIT Entrance Examination (KIITEE) is a national-level computer-based test conducted by KIIT University for various courses, including the MBA program. The KIITEE MBA exam is held annually in January, and the scores are primarily used for admission to two programs:
- MBA at KIIT School of Management (offered at KIIT University)
- MBA in Rural Management (KIIT School of Rural Management)
Candidates are required to answer 150 questions within a duration of 150 minutes. The KIITEE MBA exam consists of four sections:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Analytical Reasoning
- English
- General Knowledge and Issues of Social Concern
Overview of OJEE MBA
The Odisha Joint Entrance Exam (OJEE) is a state-level MBA entrance test conducted by the Government of Odisha. The scores obtained in this exam are utilized for admission to various MBA courses across the state. The OJEE MBA is conducted annually in April-May and is administered as an online test, where candidates must answer 120 questions within a duration of 120 minutes.
The OJEE MBA exam consists of five sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Analytical Reasoning
- General Knowledge
- Comprehension
- Computer and Business Fundamentals
Overview of KMAT
The Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT) is a state-level MBA entrance examination conducted for admission to postgraduate programs offered by various MBA colleges and B-schools in Karnataka. The KMAT is held three times a year—in May, July, and September. Candidates have the flexibility to choose a time slot on the exam day to take the test from home.
Organized by the Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association (KPPGCA), KMAT scores are accepted by over 169 colleges across the state. Candidates are required to answer 120 questions within a duration of 120 minutes.
The KMAT exam consists of the following sections:
- Language Comprehension
- Mathematical Skills
- Basic Aptitude
Overview of APICET
The Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test (APICET) is a statelevel MBA entrance examination conducted for admission to various Bschools and MBA colleges in Andhra Pradesh. Typically held in May, the exam is administered by Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE).
APICET is a paper-based test, and candidates are required to answer 200 questions within a duration of 150 minutes.
The APICET exam consists of three sections:
- Mathematical Ability
- Analytical Ability
- Communication
Overview of TSICET
The Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test (TSICET) is a statelevel MBA entrance exam. First conducted in May 2015, TSICET scores are used for admission to various MBA programs across colleges in Telangana.
The TSICET exam consists of three sections:
- Analytical Ability
- Mathematical Ability
- Communication Ability
Overview of TANCET
The Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) is a state-level written examination conducted for admission to MBA programs in Tamil Nadu. The exam is organized by Anna University, Chennai, on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
TANCET is typically held in May and has a duration of two hours, with 100 questions. The exam evaluates candidates’ abilities in the following areas:
-
- Analysis of Business Situations
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Ability
- Data Sufficiency
- English Usage
Overview of HPU MAT
The Himachal Pradesh University Management Aptitude Test (HPU MAT) is an institute-level entrance exam conducted for
admission to MBA programs at Himachal Pradesh University Business School and HPU Regional Center, Dharamshala.
The HPU MAT exam consists of four sections:
- English Comprehension
- Reasoning
- Business Environment
- Arithmetic Comprehension & Data Interpretation
Overview of NBSAT
The Narayana Business School Admission Test (NBSAT) is a common entrance exam conducted by Narayana Business School for admission to its PGDM/MBA programs. It is an online proctored test that candidates can take from home. The exam lasts for two hours and assesses the following areas:
- Quantitative Techniques (QT)
- Data Interpretation & Data Adequacy (DI & DA)
- Vocabulary & Analytical Reasoning (AR)
- Reading Comprehension (RC)
Other Popular MBA Entrance Exams
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MBA Entrance Exams |
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FAQs Related to Top MBA Entrance Exams in India 2024
- When is the CAT exam usually conducted? CAT is typically conducted in November each year.
- Which exam is mostly preferred for admission to XLRI? XLRI, Jamshedpur primarily accepts XAT scores for admission to its MBA programs.
- Can I appear for CAT and XAT in the same year? Yes, CAT and XAT are held about a month apart, allowing candidates to appear for both exams in the same year.
- Which MBA entrance exam is mostly accepted by private institutes? Exams like CMAT, MAT, and NMAT are widely accepted by many private institutes across India.
- Is SNAP mostly for Symbiosis institutes? Yes, SNAP is exclusively used for admission to the Symbiosis group of institutes.
- How many times is MAT conducted in a year? MAT is conducted four times a year – February, May, September, and December.
- Which MBA exam is mostly preferred by students for state-level admission?
Exams like MAH CET, APICET, and TSICET are popular state-level entrance exams for MBA admissions.
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MBA Entrance Exams in India: Complete GuideAugust 3, 2024
