In today's corporate world, getting an MBA is a big deal. It's a sought-after degree that boosts skills, making individuals valuable in different areas of a company. The demand for MBA graduates has led to the creation of many management institutes, including top ones like IIMs.
To get admission into a good MBA college, you've got to tackle an MBA Entrance Exam. Unlike before, where merit was the key, now these schools use entrance exams to pick the best candidates due to a growing number of applicants.
This change makes these exams the first step toward your MBA dream. Dive into the top MBA entrance exams – CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, MAT, and CMAT – and make your way to success.
Read along to get an overview of the six most popular MBA entrance exams in India.
The below table provides the details for the above-mentioned exams:
| Name of Exam | Registration Date | Exam Date | Registration Fees |
| XAT | July 15 - Nov 30, 2023 | January 7, 2024 | Rs 2000+ |
| NMAT | Aug 1 - Oct 12, 2023 | Oct 10 - Dec 19, 2023 | Rs 2800 |
| SNAP | Aug 23 - Nov 23, 2023 | Dec 10,17 & 22, 2023 | Rs 2250 |
| CMAT | December 15, 2023 | March 24, 2024 | Rs 2000 |
| MAT | October 10, 2023 | Dec 4 - 18, 2024 | Rs 1950 |
| CAT | Aug 2 - Sept 21, 2023 | November 26, 2023 | Rs 2400 |
Explore the 6 MBA Exams
Thinking about doing an MBA? Well, there are six important exams you should know about. These exams are like keys that can open the doors to good business schools. Let's take a closer look at these exams.
1. XAT
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a competitive management entrance exam conducted annually by XLRI, Jamshedpur. XAT is often considered the second most popular entrance exam for management aspirants, following the CAT exam.
XAT is typically conducted in January every year. It differs from CAT with two unique sections – the Decision Making section and the Essay Writing section. The Essay Writing section focuses on current affairs, challenging candidates to stay updated on global events.
In addition to Xavier Association and institutes, XAT scores are recognized by various institutions like S P Jain, GIM, Department of Management Studies at IIT – Madras, Loyola Institute of Management, Great Lakes Institute of Management – Madras, Institute of Public Enterprise – Hyderabad, etc.
About one lakh candidates from various backgrounds take XAT annually to gain admission into premier MBA programs. The XAT 2024 will be held on January 7th, 2024.
2. NMAT
NMAT is a crucial MBA entrance test for top colleges in India, such as NMIMS Mumbai and SPJIMR. GMAC conducts the exam in two modes: online proctored and computer-based at centers, with a flexible testing window.
The Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test (NMAT) typically runs from October to December each year, offering a 75-day exam window.
Candidates have the flexibility to attempt NMAT three times a year, which includes instances of no-shows. The only condition is to maintain a minimum 15-day gap between two attempts.
NMAT scores serve as a prerequisite for admission to various esteemed institutions such as NMIMS – Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai Campus, ICFAI, Alliance University, ARM University, and BIT University, among others.
3. SNAP
SNAP is the required MBA entrance exam for 15 Symbiosis Institutes in India. Conducted by Symbiosis International University, it's a computer-based test with over 2,500 MBA seats.
Unlike other exams, SNAP imposes no sectional time limits, allowing candidates to allocate time as per their preference for each section. It includes an additional section dedicated to General Awareness.
SNAP serves as the key to gaining entry into the esteemed Symbiosis Group of Institutions. The exam is usually conducted in December.
3. CMAT
CMAT is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the government for entry into 1000 AICTE-approved management programs across India. It's a computer-based test accepted by various institutions.
Since 2015, CMAT has been conducted in foreign countries, facilitating MBA admissions for international candidates in India. It includes a General Awareness section, adding a holistic dimension to the assessment.
Scores from CMAT are accepted by prestigious institutes like Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Welingkar Institute of Management, Goa Institute of Management, Birla Institute of Technology—Mesra, K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, Bangalore, etc.
4. MAT
AIMA conducts the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) in December 2023. Scores from this exam are accepted by 600 MBA/PGDM colleges in India for 2024 admission. MAT is a 2½-hour exam, known for its relatively easier difficulty level.
MAT has three modes: Paper-based, Computer-based, and Internet-based Tests (IBT), which can be taken from home. Many top MBA colleges also consider MAT scores.
The MAT exam takes place four times a year, typically in February, May, September, and December. Applicants can choose to appear for one MAT exam or opt for two, either of the same type or different types, based on their preference and strategy.
Notable institutes that accept MAT scores include Christ University, Galgotias Business School, NIILM Centre of Management Studies, MITCON Institute of Management, Alliance Business Academy, Jagan Institute of Management Studies, and ITM (Navi Mumbai).
5. CAT
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive national-level management aptitude test conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their MBA programs.
The CAT assesses candidates' skills in verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. Achieving a high score on the CAT is crucial for securing admission to top MBA programs in India.
The exam is conducted once a year and is a computer-based test held in 150+ test cities and 300+ test venues.
The exam lasts for two hours, divided into three sections - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Each section has a fixed individual time limit of 40 minutes.
Colleges to get into through these MBA Entrance Exams
Below are the colleges you can get into after qualifying for the MBA entrance exams. Students looking for a particular college can look into the list to know which exam to go for.
| Exam | Institutes |
| XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur, LIBA, BIMTECH-Noida, MICA Ahmedabad, Great Lakes Chennai |
| NMAT | Alliance University, Amity Business School, Noida, VIT University, Jindal Global Business School |
| SNAP | Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Symbiosis Institute of International Business, SSMC Bangalore, SRMS Bareilly |
| CMAT | Amity University, Noida, GIM Goa, Great Lakes, Chennai, ABBS Bangalore, NL Dalmia Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai |
| MAT | ITM Business School, NIT Warangal, KIIT Bhubaneswar, XIME Bangalore, SIESCOM, VIT Vellore |
| CAT | IIMs, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMI Delhi, XLRI Jamshedpur, LIBA |
So, these were the entrance exams along with their registration date, fee, and exam date. Choose any of these exams according to the Institute you are willing to enroll in.
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