Based on available data it is estimated that each year over 8 to 10 lakh candidates appear for various MBA entrance exams across India. This includes popular exams like CAT, CMAT, MAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and many others conducted at national, state, and university levels.

India offers a range of MBA entrance tests including CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, and MAT, each accepted by different sets of institutions. Exams like CAT are essential for admission into top-tier institutes like IIMs. Meanwhile, CMAT or MAT are preferred by tier-2 or private management colleges. Candidates who have cleared their graduation with a minimum of 50% marks are eligible to apply for these entrance exams.
In India, CAT is the most widely taken MBA entrance exam, with over 3 lakh candidates appearing annually. Accepted by more than 1,300 MBA colleges, including the prestigious IIMs, CAT holds significant value for management aspirants. The second most popular exam is CMAT, conducted by NTA, and accepted by another 1,300 institutions across the country. XAT, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, ranks third and is accepted by over 800 MBA colleges.
SNAP 2025 application process is currently ongoing with the deadline set for November 20, 2025. Similarly, CAT registration 2025 is also open till September 13, 2025, 05:00 PM. Candidates seeking MBA admission must check top MBA entrance exam 2025 registration deadline and exam dates provided below.
In addition to the major exams, India has over 50 MBA entrance tests conducted at different levels for admission to top business schools. These exams are broadly categorized into three levels:
Check the detailed list of top MBA entrance exams 2025-2026, along with their last dates to apply and exam dates:
| Top MBA Entrance Exams 2025-2026 | ||
| MBA Entrance Exam 2025-2026 | Registration Deadline | Exam Date |
| CAT 2025 (Application open) | September 13, 2025 | November 30, 2025 |
| SNAP 2025 (Application open) | November 20, 2025 | December 06, 2025 |
| December 14, 2025 | ||
| December 20, 2025 | ||
| MAT 2025 (Application open) | September 15, 2025 (PBT) | September 21, 2025 (PBT) |
| September 22, 2025 (CBT) | September 28, 2025 (CBT) | |
| CMAT 2026 | To be announced | To be announced |
| XAT 2026 (Application open) | December 05, 2025 | January 04, 2026 |
| ATMA 2025 | May 20, 2025 | June 01, 2025 |
| OJEE 2025 | March 25, 2025 | May 02 - May 06, 2025 |
| IBSAT 2025 | To be announced | December 27, 2025 |
| December 28, 2025 | ||
| TANCET 2025 | February 21, 2025 | March 22, 2025 |
| TSICET 2025 | May 26, 2025 | June 08, 2025 |
| June 09, 2025 | ||
| MAH MBA CET 2025 | February 25, 2025 | April 01 - April 03, 2025 |
| NMAT 2025 (Application open) | October 10, 2025 | November 05 - December 19, 2025 |
| MICAT 2026 | To be announced | To be announced |
| KIITEE MBA 2026 | To be announced | To be announced |
| APICET 2025 | April 28, 2025 | May 07, 2025 |
| Karnataka PGCET 2025 | May 19, 2025 | June 22, 2025 |
Also Read:
Get the inside scoop on all major educational updates with Studyriserr. Stay informed on board exams, entrance exams, recruitment exams, and college admissions with Studyriserr News. Be the first to know important dates, admission processes, cutoff, career opportunities, and more. Studyriserr.com — The Education Edge You Need.
Talk to an expert at Studyriserr
Get College Notifications, Exam Notifications and News Updates