What Are The Top MBA Entrance Exams In India?

In India, pursuing an MBA degree is a popular career choice, and several entrance exams are conducted to evaluate aspirants for admission to top b schools in India.

MBA entrance examinations in India comprise CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, SNAP, and NMAT. Examine all top MBA entrance exams in India that serve as pathways to esteemed business schools in the country.

The CAT is the prominent entrance examination for MBA programs in India, with over 1,300 MBA institutions utilizing the scores from this exam for candidate selection. Annually, around 200,000 individuals participate in the CAT examination. CMAT, administered by the NTA, is the second most popular MBA entry examination. The CMAT score is recognized by 1,300 MBA institutions throughout India. The third most popular MBA entrance examination is the XAT, administered by XLRI Jamshedpur. The XAT score is recognized by more than 800 MBA institutions in India.

The Common Admission Test (CAT), the preeminent admission examination for MBA programs in India, is administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM). The CAT score is utilized by 20 IIMs and more than 1200 additional management institutions nationwide for admissions.

Why Is An Entrance Exam For An MBA Important?

MBA entrance examinations are a requirement for admission to numerous management institutions. The examinations are administered by the respective institutions, which also establish the selection criteria accordingly. Annually, numerous individuals undertake several management entrance examinations with the aspiration of obtaining a postgraduate degree in management. MBA aspirants are advised to prepare for multiple MBA entrance examinations in India to enhance their selection prospects in various business schools. For instance, XAT has a Decision Making and Essay Writing portion, whereas MH-CET, MAT, and SNAP have a General Knowledge section; hence, applicants must be informed about current affairs in conjunction with their CAT Exam preparation.

management examinations with the CAT exam to assist MBA applicants in their simultaneous preparation for these assessments.

Top MBA Entrance Exam In India:

1. Summary of CAT:

• CAT was launched in 1950 and regarded as an online entrance test in 2009 of 3 hours. The CAT examination paper has multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-multiple-choice questions (non-MCQs). In 2020, the CAT exam was administered in three sessions, lasting 120 minutes, with the number of questions decreased to 76. In 2021, the quantity of questions was diminished to 66. It is now conducted in three sessions, each lasting about two hours. CAT registration occurs online, and the examination is conducted at more than 400 centers.

The segments are categorized into three sections:

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA),
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR),
• Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC).

2. Summary of CMAT:

The Common Management Admission Test, or CMAT, is the second-largest management entrance examination in the country, with over 150,000 candidates participating. Administered by the National Testing Agency, CMAT is a favored choice among MBA candidates following the CAT examination. The inaugural CMAT examination occurred in 2012. Over 1,300 MBA institutions nationwide recognize the exam result. The examination is scheduled for May; however, in 2025, it will occur in January, according to the notification by the NTA.

The CMAT is a computer-based examination lasting 180 minutes, conducted in two sessions, assessing candidates’ ability across four primary sections:

• Quantitative Methodology,
• Logical Reasoning Language Comprehension,
• General Knowledge,
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

3. Summary of XAT:

The Xavier Aptitude Test, or XAT, is a computer-based assessment for management aptitude. The Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) Jamshedpur administers the XAT, which is undertaken by roughly one hundred thousand candidates each year. The XAT occurs on the inaugural Sunday of January. XAT scores are recognized by XLRI Jamshedpur and over 800 management institutions.

The XAT examination assesses candidates on the following criteria:

• Quantitative Aptitude,
•  English Language and Logical Reasoning,
•  Decision-Making,
• General Knowledge.

4. Summary of SNAP:

The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test, or SNAP, administered by Symbiosis International University, is a national-level management entrance examination. The SNAP score is predominantly utilized for admission to 16 institutions affiliated with Symbiosis International University. In SNAP, candidates are permitted three attempts, and the highest score from these attempts is considered for the admission shortlisting procedure. SNAP registrations occur from August to November, with the examination conducted in December.

The SNAP Test is a computer-based examination with a duration of two hours. It evaluates candidates on:

• General English,
• Quantitative Analysis,
• Data Interpretation, and
• Data Sufficiency,
•  Analytical and Logical Reasoning.

  5. Summary of NMAT by GMAC:

The NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) is a prominent MBA entrance examination. In 2015, it was bought by GMAC and subsequently rebranded as NMAT by GMAC. The NMAT by GMAC is a computer-based examination conducted during a 75-day testing period from October to December. Candidates must complete 108 multiple-choice questions within 120 minutes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NMAT was administered in a remote proctored format. The examination is once more administered in a computer-based format at specified testing centers.

Additionally, consult Institutions Recognizing NMAT by GMAC Scores.

NMAT by GMAC offers several candidate-friendly alternatives. Candidates may take the exam a maximum of three times, with the highest score among the attempts utilized for admission purposes. The NMAT examination comprises three primary sections:

• Proficiency in Linguistics,
• Quantitative Proficiencies,
• Logical Deduction.

Other Top MBA Entrance Exam In India:

1. MAT (Management Aptitude Test):

Administered by AIMA for admission to MBA and similar programs at various member institutions. The MAT examination is typically administered four times annually, specifically in February, May, September, and December. The cut-off for test scores fluctuates monthly and by the institute. For instance, Christ University establishes a cut-off of 80% for the February MAT, which may occasionally increase to 85% for the December MAT. The premier institutions that recognize MAT scores include Christ University, Galgotias Business School, NIILM Centre for Management Studies, MITCON Institute of Management, Alliance Business Academy, Jagan Institute of Management Studies, and ITM (Navi Mumbai).

2. GMAT:

Over 2,300 graduate business schools globally accept Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. Candidates are evaluated on their analytical writing, integrated thinking, mathematical reasoning, and verbal reasoning abilities. Candidates can gain admission to graduate management programs nationally and internationally using the GMAT. A significant number of colleges in India, alongside international management institutions, accept GMAT results.

3. The Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test (NMAT):

Administered annually between October and December, within a 75-day examination period. A candidate is permitted three attempts at the NMAT within a year, including no-shows. The sole stipulation is to allow a minimum interval of 15 days between two attempts. The results are disclosed immediately following the examination. NMAT exam scores are required for admission to NMIMS—Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai campuses, as well as ICFAI, Alliance University, ARM University, and BIT University, among others. Candidates may access the official website to obtain comprehensive information about the examination.

Research N L Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research, Indira Institute of Management, PUMBA, and various other MBA institutions in Maharashtra.

4. TISSNET:

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test administers this computer-based examination to evaluate candidates for its full-time postgraduate degree programs. The examination will comprise three sections: English Proficiency, Mathematical and Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness. Individuals who successfully complete the TISSNET examination will be obligated to undertake the TISSMAT, an extra assessment, and participate in a personal interview.

Top Business Schools in India participating in MBA Entrance exams:

CONCLUSION:

At the national level, the most prominent examinations include CAT, CMAT, and MAT.

At the state level, the most prevalent examinations include MAH-CET, TSICET, APICET, KMAT, and TANCET.

Higher education institution level: Notable entrance examinations comprise XAT, SNAP, and MICAT.

In 2022, NTA introduced a pan-India admission exam for numerous degrees, including MBA and CUET-PG. The score from this national-level MBA admission examination is recognized by all central universities. Individuals seeking to obtain an MBA from a central university are required to take the CUET-PG examination. It occurs annually in May.

These top MBA entrance examinations in India are essential for individuals aspiring to enroll in top business schools. PIERS Education, recognized as one of the best MBA consulting firms in India, offers valuable guidance throughout your admission journey. They provide tailored advice on selecting the most suitable exam based on your goals, as well as help with your preparation strategies, application procedures, and personal interview (PI) preparation. Engaging with a top MBA consulting firm like PIERS Education can greatly improve your likelihood of gaining admission into top business schools in India.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Question 1. Can I take multiple MBA entrance exams?

Answer: Yes, taking multiple exams increases your chances of getting into a top B-school in India.

Question 2. What steps can I take to effectively prepare for MBA entrance exams?

Answer: The key to acing the exam is to enroll in a good coaching institute, take regular mock tests, practice from previous year papers of each slot, and focus more on conceptual clarity of all the sections; consistency is the ultimate key to success.

Question 3. What measures can I implement to adequately prepare for MBA entrance examinations?

Answer: Preparation for MBA entrance exams entails:

• Familiarizing with the syllabus: Understand the exam format and content.
• Take mock tests: Consistent practice with mock exams enhances both speed and precision.
• Follow credible resources: Select appropriate books, online courses, or coaching to deepen comprehension.

• Implementing time management: Formulate strategies to effectively manage time during the examination.

Question 4. How significant is the MBA entrance exam score for admissions?

Answer: The score obtained in the MBA entrance exam is vital for the preliminary selection phase at numerous institutions. Nevertheless, elements such as previous academic records, professional experience, group discussions (GD), personal interviews (PI), and the overall application profile also significantly influence the final selection outcome.

Question 5: What does the selection process entail following the MBA entrance exam?

Answer: The standard selection process typically includes:

• Written Exam: Based on the score achieved in the entrance examination.
• Group Discussion (GD): Certain institutions conduct GD to evaluate communication and collaborative skills.
• Personal Interview (PI): The concluding round where the candidate’s motivation, educational background, and objectives are examined.
•  Profile evaluation: Consideration of factors such as work experience, academic achievements, and extracurricular involvement is also part of the evaluation.