Top MBA Entrance Exams You Can’t Miss: Your Complete Guide to Cracking the B-Schools of Your Dreams!
When it comes to pursuing an MBA, there are a variety of entrance exams available, each catering to different institutions and regions, giving you the flexibility to choose the one that best aligns with your goals. Some of the most popular and widely recognized MBA entrance exams include the CAT (Common Admission Test), which is primarily used for admission into the esteemed Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools across India.
If you're aiming for international programs, exams like the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) are preferred, especially for business schools in the USA, Europe, and other countries.
Additionally, there are exams like XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) conducted by XLRI, SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) for Symbiosis institutes, NMAT for NMIMS, and MAT (Management Aptitude Test), which is accepted by several management colleges.There are some specific state level exams such as the MAH CET in Maharashtra and KMAT in Karnataka, several more in other regions.
Each exam varies in terms of syllabus, difficulty level, and format, so it's important to research and understand which exam suits your strengths, career aspirations, and target institutions. With so many options available, you have the advantage of choosing the exam that plays to your strengths, increasing your chances of securing a seat in a reputed business school.
Here is the list of several exam for mba:
● CAT (Common Admission Test)
● XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
● CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
● MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
● NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)
● SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
● ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions)
● TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test)
● IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test)
State-Level MBA Entrance Exams
● MAH-CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
● TS ICET (Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test)
● AP ICET (Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test)
● Karnataka PGCET (Post Graduate Common Entrance Test)
International MBA Entrance Exams
● GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
● GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
● TOEFL/IELTS (For language proficiency)
(*Warning: Exam Fees May Vary)
A DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT ALL EXAMS:
Common Admission Test (CAT)
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most reputed and competitive entrance exams in India for admission into MBA and other management programs, especially at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 other top B-schools across the country.
Conducted:- annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis.
The exam is computer-based and typically held in November, with registration beginning around August.
CAT syllabus :- it evaluates a candidate’s aptitude in three key areas: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes (2 hours), divided equally among the three sections, with no switching allowed between sections during the exam.
CAT not only tests subject knowledge but also assesses time management, problem-solving skills, and decision-making under pressure. The questions are a mix of multiple-choice (MCQs) and non-MCQs (TITA - Type in the Answer). There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect MCQ answer, while TITA questions carry no penalty.
CAT scores are used as a shortlisting tool, but admission also depends on other factors like academic performance, work experience, group discussions (GD), written ability tests (WAT), and personal interviews (PI). Scoring well in CAT opens doors to some of the most sought-after management programs in India, making it a gateway to a successful career in business, management, and entrepreneurship.
FEE FOR CAT 2025:- General/EWS/NC-OBC: ₹2,600*
SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,300*
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted annually by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). It is one of the most respected management entrance exams in India and is accepted by XLRI and over 160 Popular B-schools across the country.
XAT conducted:- it is usually held in the first week of January and is conducted in an online (computer-based) format.
Exam syllabus :- is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude across various dimensions, with four main sections: Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. One of the unique features of XAT is its Decision Making section, which presents real-life business scenarios to evaluate a candidate’s judgment and ethical reasoning skills;this section is not found in most other MBA entrance exams. Another distinguishing factor is the inclusion of General Knowledge, though marks from this section are usually considered only during the interview stage by XLRI and some other institutes.
total duration:- 3 hours (180 minutes).
XAT traditionally had an essay writing section, which was removed for a few years but has now been reintroduced and is evaluated during the later stages of the admission process.
The exam does have negative marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer, and 0.10 marks are deducted if more than 8 questions are left unattempted.
XAT is considered more challenging than many other MBA exams due to its analytical and decision-making focus, making it ideal for candidates with strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
FEE FOR XAT 2025:- General/Reserved: ₹2,200*
Additional fee for XLRI programs: ₹200
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed) University (SIU) for admission to its MBA and postgraduate management programs offered across various Symbiosis institutes in India, such as SIBM (Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Nagpur), SCMHRD, SIIB, and others.
Conducted:- in December, and in recent years, it has been conducted on multiple days, allowing candidates to attempt the exam up to three times, with the best score considered for admission.
SNAP is a computer-based test (CBT) that lasts for 60 minutes and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions,
Exam syllabus :- divided into three sections: General English (Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability), Analytical & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency. Each correct answer awards 1 mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect response.
Unlike exams like CAT or XAT, SNAP is known for its moderate difficulty level, making speed and accuracy critical for success. It does not include sections like General Knowledge or Decision Making, making it more straightforward in structure.
FEE FOR SNAP 2025:-₹1,950*
Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is accepted by over 1,000 AICTE-approved management institutes across the country for admission into MBA, PGDM, and other postgraduate management programs.
conducted :- it is held in April or May, CMAT is a computer-based test with a duration of 3 hours
Syllabus :- it consist of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into five sections: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and a unique section on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which was introduced in recent years to promote entrepreneurial thinking among students. Each section carries 20 questions, and every correct answer is awarded 4 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
The exam is known for its moderate difficulty level and is ideal for students who are looking for a more balanced aptitude test compared to tougher exams like CAT or XAT.CMAT scores are widely accepted by reputed B-schools such as JBIMS (Mumbai), K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Great Lakes (Chennai), and Welingkar Institute (WeSchool), among many others. The test not only evaluates a candidate's problem-solving and comprehension skills but also places a growing emphasis on innovation and business thinking.
FEE FOR CMAT 2025:- ₹1,600*
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized entrance exam used for admission into MBA and other graduate management programs at top business schools worldwide, including in the USA, Europe, Canada, India, and beyond. Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT assesses skills in Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing (optional).
exam conducted:- throughout the year, candidates can choose their preferred date and time while registering.
In 2023, GMAC introduced the GMAT Focus Edition, a shorter and more streamlined version of the exam, focusing on core business-related skills. The test is computer-adaptive and can be taken online or at a test center, offering flexibility to candidates. Scored on a scale of 205 to 805, the GMAT is widely accepted by over 2,400 business schools and 7,000 programs globally. It is especially valued for its emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis,skills essential for success in management education and careers.
Fees for GMAT:
Test Center: $275 (approx. ₹23,000)*
Online Exam: $300 (approx. ₹25,000)*
NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)
The NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) for admission into NMIMS University and other participating B-schools in India, South Africa, the Philippines, and Nigeria.
The exam is known for its flexibility, allowing candidates to attempt the test up to three times during the exam window and choose their best score for admission.
NMAT is a computer-based test consisting of three sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning, with equal weightage and no negative marking. The test duration is 120 minutes, and the total score ranges from 36 to 360.
NMAT's moderate difficulty level and candidate-friendly format make it a popular choice among MBA aspirants targeting institutes like NMIMS (Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad), SPJIMR (for PGMPW), XIMB, and several others.
FEE FOR NMAT 2025:- ₹3,000 (Test Registration)*
₹3,000 (Retake Registration)*
₹1,200 (Rescheduling)*
Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) and is accepted by over 600 B-schools across India.
Conducted:- four times a year (February, May, September, and December), giving candidates multiple opportunities to apply.
MAT is known for its flexible modes, it can be taken as a Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), or Internet-Based Test (IBT) from home.
The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into five sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment. Each section has 40 questions, and the total duration is 150 minutes. While there is negative marking, the difficulty level is generally moderate, making MAT a good option for candidates aiming for a wide range of management institutes without the intense competition of exams like CAT or XAT.
FEE FOR MAT 2025:- ₹1,650*
MAH MBA CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
The MAH MBA CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra for admission to MBA/MMS programs in government and private colleges across Maharashtra, including top institutes like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA.
conducted:- once a year in March by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra.
It is a computer-based test with 200 questions across Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal Ability, with no negative marking.
FEE FOR MAH CET 2025:- General: ₹1,200*
Reserved: ₹1,000*
TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test)
The TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test) is a state-level exam conducted by Anna University for admission into MBA, MCA, and other postgraduate programs in colleges across Tamil Nadu.
CONDUCTED:- in March every year
The exam consists of 100 objective-type questions covering areas like Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, English, and Business Analysis. TANCET scores are accepted by government, government-aided, and self-financing institutes in Tamil Nadu.
FEE FOR TANCET 2025:- ₹500*
Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT)
The Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association (KPPGCA) for admission to MBA, PGDM, and MCA programs in Karnataka.
Conducted:- once a year in November
The exam is open to candidates across India and includes sections on Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, and Logical Reasoning. It is a paper-based test with 120 questions and no negative marking.
FEE FOR KMAT 2025:- ₹650*