Preparing for MBA entrance exams can be challenging, but with the right guidance, you can achieve your dream of joining a top business school. In this blog, we have discussed the Top MBA entrance exams, the syllabus for each of the exams, the pattern of the exams, and some important tips for preparation. If you are preparing for CAT, GMAT, XAT or other management and competitive examinations, here is a perfect guide that will help you to build your study plan strategically. You can find all the important details that will help you prepare for MBA entrance exams and help you to get closer to your dream job.
Top 10 MBA Entrance Exams in India
1. CAT (Common Admission Test)
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam for admission to top management programs in India. Think of it as a mental marathon. It’s a computer-based test that assesses verbal ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. It may sound like a challenge, but it is a challenge worth taking. A brilliant CAT score can open doors to prestigious institutions like the IIMs, XLRI, FMS, and more.
| Important details-CAT Entrance Exams | |
| Eligibility: | ● You must have completed a graduate degree or equivalent.
● Secured minimum aggregate of 50% (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| mode: | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Exam Date: | November 24, 2024 |
| Registration: | Starts in August, Last Date in September |
| Exam pattern: | ●Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VA-RC): 40 questions (1 hour)
●Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): 32 questions (1 hour) ●Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 34 questions (1 hour) |
2. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized entrance exam widely accepted by top business schools worldwide. It assesses your analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning skills. A high GMAT score can open doors to valuable MBA programs in countries like the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
| Important details-GMAT Entrance Exams | |
| Eligibility: | Graduate or equivalent degree with a recognized institution. |
| Duration: | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| mode: | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Exam Date: | Year-round, multiple test dates available |
| Registration: | Registration opens several months before the desired test date. |
| Exam pattern: | ● Verbal Reasoning: 31 questions (65 minutes)
● Quantitative Reasoning: 31 questions (65 minutes) ● Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): 1 essay (30 minutes) |
3. NMAT (National Management Aptitude Test)
The National Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) is a computer-based entrance exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAT). It’s a popular choice for management professionals seeking admission to top business schools in India and abroad. Unlike other MBA entrance exams, NMAT offers multiple attempts and allows you to choose your preferred exam date and time. With a strong NMAT score, you can open doors to exciting career opportunities in the global business world.
| Important details-NMAT Entrance Exams | |
| Eligibility: | ● You must have completed a graduate degree or equivalent.
● Secured minimum aggregate of 50% (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) |
| Duration: | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| mode: | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Exam Date: | November 5, 2024, to December 20, 2024 |
| Registration: | Online registration through the official NMAT website. Dates are announced by the GMAC. |
| Exam pattern: | ● Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VA-RC): 40 questions (1 hour)
● Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): 32 questions (1 hour) ● Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 34 questions (1 hour) |
4. MAH-CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH-CET) is a state-level entrance exam specifically for MBA programs in Maharashtra, India. Conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell (CET Cell), MAH-CET is a competitive exam that assesses verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. If you do well on the MAH-CET, you can get into great business schools in Maharashtra and have a bright future in business there.
| Important details- MAH-CET Entrance Exams | |
| Eligibility: | Graduate degree with at least 50% (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) |
| Duration: | 150 Minutes |
| mode: | Computer-based test |
| Exam Date: | 22 Apr–17 May 2024 |
| Registration: | 16 Jan–15 Mar 2024 |
| Exam pattern: | ● Quantitative Ability: 100 questions (150 minutes)
● Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 100 questions (150 minutes) ● Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI): 100 questions (150 minutes) |
5. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam for MBA programs in India. It’s famous for its hard questions, especially in decision-making. If you’re looking to get into a top business school, XAT is a good choice, but it is also Challenging.
| Important details-XAT Entrance Exams | |
| Eligibility: | Graduate or equivalent degree with at least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| mode: | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Exam Date: | Typically held in January |
| Registration: | Registration usually opens in September or October |
| Exam pattern: | ● Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA-LR): 30 questions (1 hour)
● Quantitative Ability (QA): 21 questions (1 hour) ● Decision Making (DM): 25 questions (1 hour) ● General Awareness (GA): 25 questions (30 minutes) ● Essay Writing (Essay): 1 topic (20 minutes) |
6. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test )
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance exam for admission to MBA programs in various management institutes across India. It’s a computer-based test that assesses verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. A good score can give your application a major boost.
| Important details-CMAT Entrance Exams | |
| Eligibility: | ● You must have completed a graduate degree or equivalent.
● Secured minimum aggregate of 50% (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| mode: | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Exam Date: | 15 May 2024 |
| Registration: | 29 Mar–23 Apr 2024 |
| Exam pattern: | ● Quantitative Aptitude: 25 questions (60 minutes)
● Logical Reasoning: 25 questions (60 minutes) ● Language Comprehension: 50 questions (60 minutes) ● Innovation and Entrepreneurship: 25 questions (60 minutes) |
7. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level entrance exam for MBA programs in India. Conducted four times a year, it offers multiple attempts, giving you flexibility in your exam preparation. MAT scores are accepted by numerous B-schools, making it a popular choice for aspiring managers.
| Important details-MAT Entrance Exams | |
| Eligibility: | Graduate or equivalent degree with at least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) |
| Duration: | 150 minutes |
| mode: | Computer-based test (CBT), internet-based test (IBT), or paper-based test (PBT) |
| Exam Date: | 24 Feb–25 Aug 2024 |
| Registration: | 20 Feb–18 Aug 2024 |
| Exam pattern: | ● Language Comprehension (LC): 40 questions (40 minutes)
● Data Analysis and Sufficiency (DAS): 40 questions (40 minutes) ● Mathematical Skills (MS): 40 questions (40 minutes) ● Indian and Global Environment (IGE): 40 questions (40 minutes) |
8. ATMA ( AIMS Test for Management Aptitude)
The AIMS Test for Management Aptitude (ATMA) is a more affordable MBA entrance exam compared to other national-level tests. It’s conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) and accepted by numerous B-schools across India. If you want to save money on your MBA, ATMA is a good choice.
| Important details-ATMA Entrance Exams | |
| Eligibility: | Graduate or equivalent degree with at least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| mode: | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Exam Date: | Multiple attempts throughout the year |
| Registration: | Few weeks before each exam |
| Exam pattern: | ● Quantitative Ability: 30 questions (40 minutes)
● Verbal Ability: 30 questions (40 minutes) ● Logical Reasoning: 30 questions (40 minutes) ● General Knowledge: 30 questions (40 minutes) |
9. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is a popular entrance exam for MBA programs in India. Conducted by Symbiosis International University, SNAP offers a relatively short exam duration and a wide range of test-taking options. If you do well on the SNAP, you can get into great business schools like the Symbiosis institutes and others.
| Important details-SNAP Entrance Exams | |
| Eligibility: | Graduate degree with at least 50% (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) |
| Duration: | 120 minutes |
| mode: | Computer-based test |
| Exam Date: | 08 December- 21 December, 2024 |
| Registration: | 05 Aug 2024 – 22 Nov 2024 |
| Exam pattern: | ● General English: 40 questions (60 minutes)
● Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation: 40 questions (60 minutes) ● Logical Reasoning: 40 questions (60 minutes) ● Analytical & Logical Reasoning: 60 questions (60 minutes) |
10. IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) Entrance exam
The IIFT exam is a special test for people who want to study MBA programs in international trade at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). It’s all about knowing about international trade, the economy, and what’s happening in the world. If you do well on the IIFT exam, you can get a great job in international business.
| Important details- IIFT Entrance Exams | |
| Eligibility: | Need a graduate degree with at least 50% (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| mode: | Computer-based test |
| Exam Date: | IIFT exam will not be conducted in 2024 |
| Registration: | Usually opens in September |
| Exam pattern: | ● General Awareness (GA): 100 questions (60 minutes)
● English Comprehension (EC): 100 questions (60 minutes) ● Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 100 questions (60 minutes) ● Logical Reasoning (LR): 100 questions (60 minutes) |
Syllabus of MBA Entrance Exam
| Section | Topics |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VA-RC) | ● Reading comprehension passages from various sources (newspapers, magazines, journals) ● Vocabulary and grammar ● Sentence correction ● Critical reasoning ● Para jumbles ● Summary writing |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | ● Arithmetic ● Algebra ● Geometry ● Trigonometry ● Data interpretation ● Permutations and combinations ● Probability |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | ● Data interpretation (tables, graphs, charts) ● Logical reasoning (syllogisms, puzzles, seating arrangements) ● Critical reasoning ● Problem-solving |
| General Awareness (GA) | ● Current affairs (national and international) ● Business and economics ● Social issues ● History and geography |
| Essay Writing | (Optional for some exams) |
| Decision-Making | (Optional for some exams) |
Preparation Tips for MBA Entrance Exams
- Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, syllabus, and question types. This will help you prepare effectively.
- Develop a study plan that’s not just a schedule but a roadmap to success. Allocate time wisely, ensuring you cover all bases without burning out.
- Look into practice questions and mock tests. It’s like training for a marathon; the more you practice, the better you’ll get.
- Think of your knowledge as a building. A strong foundation is essential. Focus on the basics of quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning.
- MBA exams are a race against the clock. Practice time management techniques to ensure you’re not left scrambling at the end.
- Keep your finger on the pulse of current events. A well-informed mind is a sharp mind.
- Sometimes, a helping hand can make all the difference. Consider joining a coaching institute or seeking guidance from experienced mentors.
- Your body and mind are connected. Treat them well with enough rest, healthy food, and stress management techniques.
- Confidence is your secret weapon. Believe in your abilities and stay positive throughout your preparation.
- Even if you’ve nailed the written exams, don’t forget about the GD and PI rounds. Practice mock interviews to boost your confidence and hone your communication skills.
Summary
FAQ
Q1. when are MBA entrance exams held?
In India, MBA entrance tests are normally conducted every year from September to January. However, the dates may differ from year to year.
Q2. What are the Top MBA entrance exams in India?
CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, IIFT, SNAP, NMAT, MICAT, ATMA and state-level exams like MAH-CET, TANCET, PGCET, KMAT and OJEE are those exams which are most preferred.
Q3. What is the syllabus for MBA entrance exams?
The syllabus covers verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and general awareness. Specific topics may vary between exams.
Q4. What are the eligibility criteria for MBA entrance exams?
The majority of MBA entrance examinations only allow graduates or equivalents with 50% marks. Certain exams may also have a certain amount of work experience as a requirement.
Q5. What are the fees for MBA entrance exams?
The fee for the examination may differ from one examination to the other depending on the test. One should visit the official website for the latest updates after every situation.