IIM’s CAT is the most well-known entrance test for MBA in the country and more than 1,300 MBA colleges select students for admission based on the ranks of CAT. More than 2 lakh students appear for CAT each year. The second most popular entrance exam for MBA is CMAT organized by the NTA. Around 1,300 MBA colleges in the country accept the scores of this exam. The third popular test for MBA is XAT, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, and the score is accepted in more than 800 B-Schools in India.
Other than these prominent exams, there are over 50 entrance tests are conducted for MBA admission in the country. The entrance tests are held at 3-levels, such as-
National level: CAT, CMAT and MAT
State level: MAH-CET, TSICET, APICET, KMAT and TANCET
University/College level: XAT, SNAP, IIFT Exam and IRMASAT
Top MBA entrance tests are like, CMAT, CAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP, etc. are conducted from November and May.
Application and Exam Dates of Top MBA Entrance Exams 2024
CAT 2024: Last Date to Apply- 13 September, 2024. Exam Date- 24 November, 2024
SNAP 2024: Last Date to Apply- 22 November, 2024. Exam Date- 08 December, 2024. 15 December, 2024. 21 December, 2024
MAT 2024: Last Date to Apply- 9 August, 2024 (IBT 1). 18 August, 2024 (IBT 2). 11 August, 2024 (CBT). 18-Aug-24 (PBT). Exam Date- 14-Aug-24 (IBT 1). 23 August, 2024 (IBT 2). 18 August, 2024 (CBT). 25 August, 2024 (PBT)
CMAT 2024: Last Date to Apply- 18 April, 2024. Exam Date- 15 May, 2024
IIFT 2024: Admission through CAT
XAT 2025: Last Date to Apply- Registration started on July 15, 2024. Exam Date- 05-Jan-2025
ATMA 2024: Last Date to Apply- 13 July, 2024. Exam Date- 21 July, 2024
OJEE 2024: Last Date to Apply- 15 March, 2024. Exam Date- 06 May to 10 May, 2024
IBSAT 2024: Last Date to Apply- 20 December, 2024. Exam Date- 28 December, 2024, 29 December, 2024
TISSNET 2024: Admission through CUET PG
TANCET 2024: Last Date to Apply- 07 February, 2024. Exam Date- 09 March, 2024
TSICET 2024: Last Date to Apply- 30 April, 2024. Exam Date- 05 June, 2024, 06 June, 2024
MAH MBA CET 2024: Last Date to Apply- 12 February, 2024. Exam Date- 09 March, 2024 and 10 March, 2024
NMAT 2024: Last Date to Apply- 10 October, 2024. Exam Date- 05 November,2024 to 20-December, 2024
MICAT 2024: Last Date to Apply- 20 November, 2023 (MICAT I). 16 January, 2024 (MICAT II). Exam Date- 02 December, 2023 (MICAT I). 27 January, 2024 (MICAT II)
KIITEE MBA 2024: Last Date to Apply- 15 January, 2024. Exam Date- 19 January, 2024 to 21 January, 2024
APICET 2024: Last Date to Apply- 07 April, 2024. Exam Date- 06 May, 2024. 07 May, 2024
Karnataka PGCET 2024: Last Date to Apply- 20 June, 2024. Exam Date- 13 July, 2024. 14 July, 2024.
Overview of CAT
Common Admission Test, CAT is the most popular MBA exam in India, it’s conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management, IIM. The score of this test is used by more than 20 IIMs and over 1200 other Business Schools.
CAT was introduced in 1950, and became an online exam in 2009 for three hours. The question paper of the exam consists MCQs and non-MCQs. In 2020, CAT test was held in 3-sessions and the exam duration was 120 minutes. The number of questions were also reduced to 76. In 2021, the question number was reduced to 66 and the exam duration was settled to two hours. CAT exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
These segments are categorized into three sections:
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC)
Overview of CMAT
This is the second largest MBA admission test. Every year around 1.5 lakh candidates appear for this exam. This test is held by NTA, and the first CMAT was conducted in 2012. The scores are accepted in over 1,300 MBA colleges in India, and the test is conducted in May. CMAT exam duration is 180 minutes and held in 2 sessions.
CMAT four main sections:
- Quantitative Technique
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Overview of XAT
Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT is a computer-based management aptitude exam, held by Xavier Labour Relations Institute, Jamshedpur. Approximately 1 lakh students each year appear for this test, and it’s held on the first Sunday of January month. The scores of XAT is accepted in over 800 management colleges in the country.
XAT exam syllabus:
- Quantitative Ability
- English Language & Logical Reasoning
- Decision Making
- General Knowledge
- Essay Writing
Overview of SNAP
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test, SNAP is a national-level management entrance test, conducted by Symbiosis International University. The score of this exam is used in sixteen colleges under the Symbiosis International University. Candidates get three attempts in the exam, and the best three scores are considered for the admission. The exam is conducted in December, and the registration process starts from August to November. This is a computer-based exam and the duration is 2 hours.
It tests students on:
- General English
- Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning
Overview of NMAT by GMAC
NMIMS Management Aptitude Test is another popular MBA entrance exam, which in 2025 was acquired by GMAC and rebranded as NMAT by GMAC. This is a computer-based test, conducted for over a 75-day exam window from October to December. Students have to answer 108 MCQs in 120 minutes. In 2024 NMAC has offered the facility of taking the test from home through remotely proctored mode. This system was made in wake of COVID-19 situation in India.
NMAT by GMAC offers many candidate-friendly options. For example, students can appear for the exam thrice and the best three marks will be considered for admission.
NMAT exam has three major sections:
- Language Skills
- Quantitative Skills
- Logical Reasoning
Overview of MAT
Management Aptitude Test, MAT is a popular MBA entrance test. Over 600 colleges accept the scores, and it’s conducted by the All India Management Association, AIMA, for 4 times a year, February, May, September and December. The test is conducted in Internet Based Test (IBT), Paper Based Test (PBT) and Computer Based Test (CBT) modes. The exam pattern of the test has changed recently, and now the test duration is 150 minutes with 200 questions.
The candidates are tested on the following subjects:
- Indian and Global Environment
- Language Comprehension
- Data Analysis and Sufficiency
- Mathematical Skills
- Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
Overview of IIFT Exam
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Exam is a college level entrance exam and it’s organized by NTA for admission to the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade IIFT. The score is valid for taking admission to IIFT only. It’s conduced in 200 cities in India and in online mode. IIFT exam is held in December, and the exam duration is 2 hours. The question paper consists 110 MCQs
The exam tests a candidate’s aptitude in the below sections:
- English Comprehension
- General Knowledge & Awareness
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Analysis
In 2023, the college did not conduct the MBA entrance exam and admitted candidates based on CAT 2023 score. It’s unknown whether the institute will conduct the exam this year or not.
Overview of ATMA
AIMS Test for Management Admissions, ATMA is a national-level MBA entrance exam. It’s conducted in internet-based test mode and organized 4 times a year, February, May, July and August. The score of this test is used for admission to various management courses in more than 500 MBA colleges in India.
The exam duration is three hours and ATMA question paper consists the below sections:
- Analytical Reasoning Skills Part 1
- Analytical Reasoning Skills Part 2
- Verbal Skills Part 1
- Verbal Skills Part 2
- Quantitative Skills Part 1
- Quantitative Skills Part 2
Overview of IBSAT
ICFAI Business Studies Aptitude Test, IBSAT is a college level entrance exam. It’s organized by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education. The score of this test is used for PhD and MBA programs at 9 ICFAI Business Schools located in, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Dehradun, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. This is an Internet Based Test, and it assesses the abilities such as-
- Verbal Ability
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation
Overview of MICAT
Mudra Institute of Communications Admissions Test, MICAT is an online entrance exam for MICA’s flagship Post-Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications for two years. Students have to apply for CAT, XAT or GMAT, and only the selected candidates can appear for MICAT, conducted in December and February. The exam duration is over 125 minutes.
MICAT has two sections:
- Section 1– It assesses student’s Analytical Skills, Logical Skills, Verbal Skills, Divergent Thinking, Written Communication Skills and General Awareness.
- Section 2– Psychometric Test
Overview of MAH MBA CET
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test, MAH-CET is a state-level exam for admission to MBA, MMS, PGDBM and PGDM programs. It’s conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra. MAH CET MBA is held in March.
Students have to answer 200 questions in 150 minutes.
MAH MBA CET question paper has 3 sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Logical / Abstract Reasoning
Overview of KIITEE MBA
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Examination, KIITEE is a national-level computer-based exam for admission to various programs, and one of them in MBA. This is conducted by KIIT University in January. The KIITEE MBA test scores are used for admission into two courses, MBA (Rural Management) (KIIT School of Rural Management) and MBA at KIIT School of Management (offered at KIIT University).
Candidates have to attempt 150 questions in 150 minutes.
The four sections in KIITEE MBA:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Analytical Reasoning
- English
- General Knowledge
- Issue of Social concern
Overview of OJEE MBA
Odisha Joint Entrance Exam, OJEE is a state-level entrance exam for admission to MBA programs, organized by the Government of Orissa. The test is conducted in April to May. This is an online exam where candidates have to answer 120 questions in 120 minutes.
OJEE MBA has five sections:
- Verbal reasoning
- Analytical reasoning
- General Knowledge
- Comprehension
- Computer and Business fundamentals
Overview of KMAT
Karnataka Management Aptitude Test, KMAT is a state-level entrance exam for admission to PG programs offered by management colleges in Karnataka. KMAT exam is conducted three times, May, July and in September. Candidates can select the slot on the exam day and take the exam from home. KMAT is conducted by Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association, KPPGCA, and its scores are used by over 169 colleges in the state. Students have to attempt 120 questions in 120 minutes.
KMAT consists of the below sections:
- Language Comprehension
- Mathematical Skills
- Basic Aptitude
Overview of APICET
Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test, APICET is a state-level entrance exam for admission to MBA courses offered by MBA institutes in Andhra Pradesh. The exam is generally conducted in May, and it’s conducted on behalf of Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education, APSCHE by Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. It’s a paper-based test, the duration is 150 minutes and students have to attempt 200 questions.
APICET consist of 3 sections:
- Mathematical Ability
- Analytical Ability
- Communication
Overview of TSICET
Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test, TSICET is another state-level exam for MBA admission. It was first conducted in May 2015, and since then its scores are used for MBA admission in various colleges in Telangana.
TSICET question paper includes three sections:
- Analytical Ability
- Mathematical Ability
- Communication Ability
Overview of TANCET
Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test, TANCET is a state-level entrance test organized by Anna University, Chennai, on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu for the admission to MBA programs in the state. The exam duration is two hours, and it’s conducted in May.
It tests the candidate’s ability in:
- Analysis of Business Situations
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Ability
- Data Sufficiency
- English Usage
Overview of HPU MAT
HP University Management Aptitude Test, HPU MAT is a college level entrance test organized by and HPU Regional Center, Dharamshala and Himachal Pradesh University Business School for the admission to MBA courses.
The HPU-MAT entrance test four sections:
- English Comprehension
- Reasoning
- Business Environment
- Arithmetic Comprehension & Data Interpretation
Overview of NBSAT
Narayana Business School Admission Test, NBSAT is a common entrance exam held by Narayana Business School for MBA admission. The test can be taken from home, and the duration is two hours. It consists questions from the subjects such as Quantitative Techniques (QT), Data Interpretation & Data Adequacy (DI & DA), Vocabulary & Analytical Reasoning (AR) and Reading Comprehension (RC).
Other Popular MBA Entrance Exams
Karnataka PGCET, UPESMET, SPJAT, MPMET, SRMJEEM, KMAT Kerala, SMAT, X-GMT, PESSAT MBA, Alliance-AMAT, GSIB Entrance Exam, JEMAT, HBSAT, PGRRCDE MBA Entrance Test, RMAT, SRMCHAT, JKLU-MET, REVA MAT, UPM CAT, VMOU MET, GNDU GMET, IGNOU OPENMAT, B-MAT, BET.
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