What are the MBA Entrance Exams in India?

An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is something that many Indian students and workers really want. With a master's degree, you can learn a lot about how businesses work and get well-paying jobs. Still, you have to pass one of the many tests to get into a top business school in India. This guide tells you everything you need to know about India's key MBA entrance exams.

1. CAT (Common Admission Test)

Overview:

The CAT, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India. It is a computer-based test held annually in November.

Exam Structure:

• Sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC).
• Duration: 180 minutes (60 minutes per section).
• Scoring: Each correct answer earns 3 points, while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 point (negative marking).

Acceptance:

CAT scores are accepted by all IIMs and over 1000 other business schools in India.

2. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

Overview:

Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, XAT is another prominent MBA entrance exam held in January.

Exam Structure:

• Sections: Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
• Duration: 210 minutes.
• Scoring: No negative marking for the General Knowledge section; other sections follow a similar pattern to CAT with negative marking.

Acceptance:

XAT scores are accepted by XLRI, XIMB, and over 150 other business schools across India.

3. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)

 Overview:

SNAP is conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admission to its 16 institutes. The exam is held in December.

Exam Structure:

• Sections: General English, Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, Analytical & Logical Reasoning.
• Duration: 60 minutes.
• Scoring: Each correct answer earns 1.5 points, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 points for each wrong answer.

Acceptance:

SNAP scores are exclusively accepted by Symbiosis institutes.

4. NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)

Overview:

NMAT is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for admission to Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) and other reputed B-schools. The exam is held between October and December.

Exam Structure:

• Sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning.
• Duration: 120 minutes.
• Scoring: No negative marking.

Acceptance:

NMAT scores are accepted by NMIMS, SPJIMR (for PGMPW), and several other leading business schools.

5. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)

Overview:

Conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA), MAT is held four times a year (February, May, September, and December).

Exam Structure:

• Sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Indian & Global Environment.
• Duration: 150 minutes.
• Scoring: +1 Marks for Each Correct Answer, -0.25 Negative Marking

Acceptance:

MAT scores are accepted by over 600 B-schools across India.

6. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)

Overview:

CMAT is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and it will be held in May 2025

Exam Structure:

• Sections: Quantitative Technique, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness.
• Duration: 180 minutes.
• Scoring: Each correct answer earns 4 points, and each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 point.

Acceptance:

CMAT scores are accepted by AICTE-approved institutions and universities.

7. IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Entrance Exam)

Overview:

IIFT entrance exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. The exam is held in December.

Exam Structure:

• Sections: Quantitative Analysis, Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, General Awareness.
• Duration: 120 minutes.
• Scoring: The marking scheme varies across sections, and there is negative marking for incorrect answers.

Acceptance:

IIFT scores are exclusively accepted by IIFT Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada campuses.

8. ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admission)

Overview:

ATMA is conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) and is held multiple times a year.

Exam Structure:

• Sections: Analytical Reasoning Skills, Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills.
• Duration: 180 minutes.
• Scoring: +1 Marks for Each Correct Answer, -0.25 for every wrong answer

Acceptance:

ATMA scores are accepted by various management institutes across India.

Picking the right MBA entrance test relies on the business schools you want to attend, how well you know the material, and your job goals. Every test has its own format, amount of difficulty, and range of acceptable answers. Your chances of getting into a top MBA programme in India will go up a lot if you study hard, know how the test is set up, and take practice tests. Best of luck with your plans!

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.