Top MBA Entrance Exams in India
Overview
An MBA opens doors to top B-schools nationwide, but to get admissions to these B-schools students must prepare for entrance exams. Among these, CAT is the most popular gateway to IIMs. Over 3.5 lakh students compete for limited seats in top schools like IIMs, FMS Delhi, and MDI Gurgaon each year.
Other major exams include XAT, NMAT, SNAP, and CMAT. The XAT Exam, held by XLRI Jamshedpur, is accepted by over 800 Indian MBA colleges. Competition is fierce, so students should aim to take 5-6 exams. Most exams have similar syllabus, allowing simultaneous preparation.
This guide is customized to give you a thorough understanding of the top MBA entrance exams, their patterns, and the colleges accepting them, helping you strategically plan your path to a prestigious business school.
| Exams | Month | Total Questions | Sections | Sectional Questions | Sectional Time (Min) | Total Time | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | Nov, 2024 | 66 | VARC, DILR, QA | 24, 20, 22 | 40 mins each | 120 mins | Each question: +3 marks; 1 Wrong MCQ: -1 mark; Non-MCQ: No negative marking |
| XAT | Jan, 2025 | 101 + 1 AEW | (Part 1) VA & LR, QA & DI, DM (Part 2) AEW, GK |
26, 28, 22, 1, 25 | (Part 1) 175 mins (Part 2) 25 mins |
210 mins | Correct answer: +1 mark; Incorrect answer: -0.25 mark; 8 consecutive unattempted: -0.10 mark; No negative marking in GK |
| NMAT | Oct - Dec, 2024 | 108 | Language Skills, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Skills | 36, 36, 36 | 28 mins, 40 mins, 52 mins | 120 mins | Correct answer: +1 mark; No negative marking |
| SNAP | Dec, 2024 | 60 | General English, QA, DI-DS, A-LR | 15, 20, 25 | No sectional time limit | 60 mins | Correct answer: +1 mark; Incorrect answer: -0.25 mark |
| CMAT | May, 2025 | 100 | Quantitative Techniques and DI, LR, Language Comprehension, GA, Innovative Entrepreneurship | 20 each | No sectional time limit | 180 mins | Correct answer: +4 marks; Incorrect answer: -1 mark |
| XGMT | Feb, 2025 | 100-130 | QA, DI, VA & LA, EQ & GA | 25, 22-25, 20-25, 30-40 | 30-35 mins, 25-30 mins, 20-25 mins, 25-35 mins | 120 mins | Correct answer: +3 marks; Incorrect answer: -1/3 mark |
| MBA CET | Mar, 2025 | 200 | LR, AR, QA, VA/RC | 75, 25, 50, 50 | No sectional time limit | 150 mins | Correct answer: +1 mark; No negative marking |
| MAT | Multiple times in a year | 150 | Language and Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Indian & Global Environment | 30 each | No sectional time limit | 120 mins | Correct answer: +1 mark; Incorrect answer: -0.25 mark |
| MICAT | Sept, 2024 | Section A: 150, Section B: 4, Section C: 70 | Psychometric Test, Descriptive Test, Aptitude | Qualifier only, 70, 70 | 30 mins, 25 mins, 80 mins | 135 mins | No Right or Wrong Answer; No Negative Marking; Max 100 Marks; +1 Mark for Each Correct Answer; -0.25 Mark for each Wrong Answer |
About the Top MBA Entrance Exams
1. Common Admission Test (CAT)
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a vital entrance exam for MBA aspirants in India, offering access to IIMs and other top B-schools. The computer-based test is conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis. It includes sections on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Ability, each lasting 40 minutes. Scheduled for November 24, 2024, CAT registration reached a record high in 2023 with 3.28 lakh candidates. Expecting over 3.5 lakh registrations this year, CAT remains a critical step for MBA admissions.
2. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a prominent entrance examination for MBA admissions to Xavier member institutes, such as XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB, and XIME. Serving as a vital MBA/PGDM entrance exam, it is recognized by over 1,000 business schools. Annually, more than 75,000 candidates take the exam, which is held in January. Other prestigious business schools accepting XAT include Great Lakes Chennai, SPJIMR, and TAPMI.
3. NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT)
The NMAT by GMAC is a national MBA entrance exam for NMIMS University and other top business schools. Managed by GMAC, it allows candidates to schedule their test within a set period. The exam tests Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. Held annually over more than 70 days, candidates can take it up to three times. Unlike other MBA tests, it can be taken online with remote proctoring or at a test center.
4. Symbiosis National Aptitude Online Test (SNAP)
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admission to its 15 member institutes, including SIBM, SCMHRD, and SICSR. This national-level examination is held annually over three days. Candidates can attempt the exam up to three times, with the highest score considered the final score, and no normalization process applied.
5. MICA Admission Test (MICAT)
MICAT is the entrance exam for the PGDM-C and PGDM programs at MIC Ahmedabad, held twice with the best score considered. MICA ranked #37 in the GoI MHRD NIRF 2023, specializes in Strategic Marketing and Communications, and is the only residential institute in the Asia-Pacific for this field. The curriculum combines managerial skills with creative intelligence for leadership roles. The exam is typically held in December and January.
6. MAH MBA Common Entrance Test (MAH MBA CET)
The MAH MBA CET is a state-level entrance exam that serves as an entrance examination for MBA programs in Maharashtra. Administered by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), the governmental authority overseeing technical education in Maharashtra, the examination lasts 2.5 hours. It comprises 200 multiple-choice questions distributed across four sections.
7. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national entrance exam by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for management aspirants. CMAT-2025 will be a three-hour computer-based test covering quantitative techniques, data interpretation, logical reasoning, language comprehension, general awareness, and innovation & entrepreneurship. CMAT scores are accepted by AICTE-approved institutions for MBA and PGDM programs. Candidates must apply on the official NTA website.
8. Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET)
The Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) is an annual state-level MBA entrance examination administered by Anna University. This examination comprises five sections, each containing 20 questions. It evaluates a candidate’s aptitude for management studies and their capability to manage the demands of an MBA program.
MBA Entrance Exams: A Closer Look
Pursuing an MBA or PGDM has become increasingly popular in recent years due to various factors. A key consideration for an MBA candidate is the significant time and effort required before and after admission. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the different MBA entrance exams to determine the relevance of each tier to one’s goals.
| Features | MBA Entrance Exam |
|---|---|
| MBA Program Fees | INR 2 - 30 lakhs |
| MBA Specializations |
- Finance - Marketing - International Business - Digital Marketing - Business Analytics |
| MBA Average CTC Offered |
- Tier 1 B-schools: INR 27 - 34 lakhs - Tier 2 B-schools: INR 18 - 27 lakhs - Tier 3 B-schools: INR 15 - 20 lakhs |
| Top Recruiting Sectors |
- Banking & Finance - Branding & Advertising - Digital Marketing - Foreign Trade - Human Resource Management |
| Top Recruiters | Amazon, Apple, Bain & Company, Citigroup, Deloitte, Facebook, Accenture, Boston Consulting Group, JP Morgan and Chase Co, Morgan Stanley, etc. |
MBA Admission Procedure through MBA Entrance Exams
The annual data and statistics, including cut-offs, weightage, batch profiles, gender diversity, academic diversity, summer placements, and final placements, are crucial in establishing an institute’s reputation. Regarding the leading B-schools in our country, most of their admission processes follow similar patterns.
| Important Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | At least 50% in graduation, final year students can register as well. |
| Age Limit | None |
| Selection of the Entrance Exam based on targeted colleges |
CAT scores: 20 IIMs, FMS, IIT, MDI, IMI, and IITs XAT scores: XLRI, GM, IMT, MICA NMAT score: NMIMS, SP Jain, Great Lakes, KJ Somaiya SNAP score: 16 Symbiosis member institutes |
| Selection of shortlisted students for further admission rounds (Group Discussion: Written Ability Test - Personal Interview) |
Shortlisting is based on weightage given to several parameters including exam score, academic background, professional work experience, and gender diversity. Top B-schools like IIMs, FMS, IIT, and MDI conduct mandatory batch-wise group discussion sessions for students who are shortlisted. |
| Declaration of merit lists by the universities | The institutes announce the results of candidates in the form of merit lists. It can be downloaded from the official website of the institute. The list usually contains the name of the selected student, registration number, roll number, entrance exam score, and entrance exam percentile. |
| Accepting admission letter and payment of acceptance fees | Post declaration of the result, the university/B-school sends an e-offer letter via an official email. A candidate needs to revert to the email by accepting the offer letter and paying the acceptance fees by the given date to confirm admission. |
Colleges Accepting Top MBA Entrance Exams in India
When selecting MBA entrance exams, candidates should first identify their preferred B-schools. Based on the institutions and the entrance exams they accept, candidates can then finalize their choices for the MBA entrance exams. Below is a list of the top MBA entrance exams and the major universities that take them for admission.
| MBA Entrance Exams | Top B-schools |
|---|---|
| CAT | IIMs, IMI, FMS Delhi, JBIMS, SPJIMR, IIT, MDI |
| XAT | XLRI, XIMB, XIME, TAPMI, MICA, IMT, GIM |
| NMAT | NMIMS, XIMB, ISB Hyderabad, SPJIMR, TAPMI, IBS |
| MICAT | MICA Ahmedabad |
| CMAT | Great Lakes, GIM, VIT, BIMTECH |
| SNAP | SIBM Pune, SCMHRD Pune + 13 other Symbiosis Colleges |
| MAH MBA CET | JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA |
| TANCET | Anna University, PSG Business School |
What are the top MBA entrance exams in India?
The top MBA entrance exams in India include the Common Admission Test (CAT), Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT), Symbiosis National Aptitude Online Test (SNAP), and others such as MICAT, MAH MBA CET, CMAT, and TANCET.
Which MBA entrance exam is the most popular in India?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is widely regarded as the most popular MBA entrance exam, especially for obtaining admission into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
What are the eligibility criteria for MBA entrance exams in India?
Generally, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum percentage, often 50% to 60%. Specific eligibility criteria may vary by exam and institution.
Are there any specific entrance exams for international MBA programs?
Many international MBA programs require standardized tests such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for admission.
Can I apply for multiple MBA entrance exams in the same year?
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple MBA entrance exams in the same year, and it is often advisable to do so to maximize chances of admission to preferred institutions.
How necessary are mock tests in MBA entrance exam preparation?
Mock tests are essential for adequate preparation as they help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam format, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and improve time management skills.
Are there any state-specific MBA entrance exams in India?
Several states conduct their MBA entrance exams, such as TANCET in Tamil Nadu and MAH MBA CET in Maharashtra, which are tailored to the respective state’s colleges.
What are the qualifying marks for top MBA entrance exams?
Qualifying marks vary by exam and institution; top schools typically set competitive cut-offs, often requiring candidates to score in the 90th percentile or above.
Final Words
MBA entrance exams are stepping stones to a rewarding career in business management. Each exam has its own structure and focus, and understanding these can help you align your preparation strategy effectively. Whether you are aiming for a spot in an IIM or a prestigious private institution, a well-prepared approach will enhance your chances of success.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our study materials and mock exams to elevate your preparation to the next level.
