MBA Entrance Exam Calendar 2024-2025: Key Dates, Fees, and Application Details

For aspiring MBA candidates in India, the journey to a prestigious business school begins with securing high scores in entrance exams. These exams evaluate aptitude, logical reasoning, analytical skills, and business knowledge, opening doors to top management institutes. This blog provides a comprehensive calendar for the 2024-2025 MBA entrance exams, including registration fees, start dates, last dates, and exam dates for major exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, and more.

1. Common Admission Test (CAT)

• Registration Start Date: August 1, 2024
• Last Date to Apply: September 20, 2024
• Admit Card Download: November 05, 2024
• Registration Fee: INR 2,500 (General); INR 1,250 (SC/ST/PwD)
• Exam Date: November 24, 2024
• About: Conducted by IIMs, CAT is the gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management and other top B-schools. The exam is known for its challenging questions in quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal ability.

2. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

• Registration Start Date: July 15, 2024
• Last Date to Apply: November 30, 2024
• Admit Card Download: December 20, 2024
• Registration Fee: INR 2,200
• Exam Date: January 05, 2025
• About: Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, XAT is one of India’s oldest and most reputed entrance exams. It tests decision-making, verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, and general knowledge.

3. NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT)

• Registration Start Date: August 1, 2024
• Last Date to Apply: October 14, 2024
• Registration Fee: INR 3,000
• Exam Window: November 5 – December 20, 2024
• About: NMAT offers a unique feature of multiple attempts, allowing candidates to choose their best score. NMAT is popular for MBA aspirants targeting NMIMS and other top management institutes.

4. Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)

• Registration Start Date: August 5, 2024
• Last Date to Apply: November 22, 2024
• Admit Card Download: December 02, 2024
• Registration Fee: INR 2,250
• Exam Dates: December 8, 2024; December 15, 2024; December 21, 2024
• About: SNAP is conducted by Symbiosis International University, and students can attempt the test up to three times. It includes sections on general English, analytical and logical reasoning, and quantitative ability.

5. Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

• Registration Start Date: September 6, 2024
• Last Date to Apply: CBT-1: Dec 30, CBT-2: Dec 15, PBT: Dec 7
• Admit Card Download: CBT-1: Dec 3, CBT-2: Dec 18, PBT: Dec 10
• Registration Fee: INR 2,100 (PBT/CBT); INR 3,600 (Both PBT & CBT)
• Exam Windows: CBT-1: Dec 7, CBT-2: Dec 22, PBT: Dec 14
• About: Conducted by AIMA, MAT is widely accepted by B-schools across India. It offers flexibility with paper-based, computer-based, and internet-based modes.

6. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

• Registration Start Date: Open year-round
• Exam Fee: $275 (INR 23,000 approx.)
• Exam Date: Candidate’s choice of date (5 attempts in a rolling year)
• About: GMAT is an internationally recognized exam widely accepted by global and Indian business schools. It assesses analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning.

7. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

• Registration Start Date: Last week of March, 2025
• Last Date to Apply: Last week of April, 2025
• Admit Card Download: First week of May, 2025
• Registration Fee: INR 2,000 (Male/General); INR 1,000 (Female/Reserved categories)
• Exam Date: Third week of May
• About: Conducted by NTA, CMAT is for admission to AICTE-approved management programs across India. It evaluates quantitative techniques, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness.

8. AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA)

• Registration Start Date: October 15, 2024
• Last Date to Apply: December 11, 2024
• Admit Card Download: December 18, 2024
• Registration Fee: INR 2,000 (General); INR 1,500 (Female/Reserved categories)
• Exam Date: Multiple times in a year, upcoming exam is on October 22, 2024
• About: Conducted by NTA, CMAT is for admission to AICTE-approved management programs across India. It evaluates quantitative techniques, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness.
   

9. Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH CET)

• Registration Start Date: January, 2025
• Last Date to Apply: February, 2025
• Admit Card Download: February, 2025
• Registration Fee: INR 1,000 (General); INR 800 (SC/ST/OBC)
• Exam Date: March, 2025
• About: Conducted by the Maharashtra Government, MAH CET is for admission to MBA programs in Maharashtra-based institutes, including top B-schools like JBIMS and SIMSREE.

Key Tips for MBA Aspirants Preparing for 2024-2025

1. Choose the Right Exam: Each entrance exam has unique sections and question styles, so select exams aligning with your strengths.
2. Plan Your Preparation Schedule: Allocate time to cover quantitative, verbal, analytical, and general knowledge topics.
3. Focus on Mock Tests: Practice mock tests and previous year papers to familiarize yourself with the test format and timing.
4. Manage Exam Fees and Registration Timelines: To avoid late fees, complete registrations on time and budget for the fees of multiple exams.
5. Explore Scholarships: Research scholarships and financial aid opportunities available through B-schools, as they can help ease financial burdens.

The 2024-2025 MBA entrance exam season is set with diverse exam options and timelines, catering to a broad spectrum of candidates. Each exam has specific criteria, but success hinges on thorough preparation, strategic planning, and smart management of time and resources. With focus and consistent effort, securing a top MBA program is within reach. Prepare well, stay updated with official notifications, and best of luck for your MBA journey!

Any question in your mind?
Connect to our counsellor: 8826807515

Mujahid Tafseer

Mujahid Tafseer is a dedicated guide for management students, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He holds an MBA from JSS Academy of Technical Education, Noida, and a B.Com from Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, Rampur. Mujahid is passionate about helping students navigate the complexities of management studies and achieve their academic and career goals.