Pursuing an MBA is one of the most popular career moves in India today. But with dozens of exams out there, MBA aspirants often ask — Which entrance exams should I take?

To help you out, here’s a comprehensive list of the top 20 MBA entrance exams in India, categorized into national-level, state-level, and university-level tests. This blog includes exam dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and B-schools that accept each exam—just like the style of top education portals.

National-Level MBA Entrance Exams

These exams are widely accepted across India and are open to all eligible graduates.

1. CAT (Common Admission Test)

• Conducted by: IIMs (once a year, usually November)
• Accepted by: All IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IITs, IMI, and 1300+ B-schools
• Sections: VARC, DILR, QA
• Marking: +3, -1
• Eligibility: Graduation with 50% (45% for reserved)
• Level: Tough

2. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

• Conducted by: XLRI Jamshedpur (Jan 4, 2026)
• Accepted by: XLRI, XIMB, IMT, TAPMI, 800+ institutes
• Sections: DM, VARC, QA-DI, GK, Essay
• Unique Feature: Decision Making section
• Level: High

3. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)

• Conducted by: NTA (Mar-Apr)
• Accepted by: JBIMS, K J Somaiya, GIM Goa, 1000+ institutes
• Sections: Quant, LR, Language, GK, Innovation
• Level: Moderate

4. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)

• Conducted by: AIMA (4 times/year)
• Accepted by: 600+ institutes
• Mode: CBT, PBT, IBT
• Sections: Language, Math, DI, Reasoning, GK
• Best For: Flexible attempt planning

5. NMAT by GMAC

• Accepted by: NMIMS, XIMB, SPJIMR (certificate), ISB (Adv. Mgmt)
• Attempts: 3 times allowed
• Sections: Language, Quant, Logic
• Duration: 2 hours
• Level: Easy to moderate

6. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)

• Conducted by: Symbiosis International
• Accepted by: SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIOM, etc.
• Duration: 60 mins
• Level: Speed-based test

7. ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions)

• Conducted by: AIMS
• Accepted by: Welingkar, Christ University, etc.
• Sections: 6 sections across Quant, Verbal, Reasoning

8. TISSNET (currently on hold, may resume)

• Conducted by: TISS
• Focus: HR & social science management
• Accepted by: TISS campuses
• Note: May be replaced by CUET PG

9. IBSAT

• Conducted by: ICFAI Foundation
• Accepted by: IBS Hyderabad, IBS Mumbai, etc.
• Mode: Online, proctored
• Focus: English-heavy test

10. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

• Conducted by: GMAC
• Accepted by: ISB, IIMs (Exec MBA), global B-schools
• Level: Adaptive, global standard

State-Level MBA Entrance Exams

These exams are primarily for admission into MBA colleges in specific states.

1. MAH MBA CET

• Conducted by: Maharashtra CET Cell
• Accepted by: JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA, etc.
• Format: Speed-based
• Seats: 40,000+ under DTE Maharashtra

2. TS ICET

• For: Telangana MBA colleges
• Accepted by: OU, KU, and other state colleges

3. AP ICET

• For: Andhra Pradesh MBA colleges
• Accepted by: SVU, AU, and others

4. KMAT (Karnataka Management Aptitude Test)

• For: Karnataka private MBA colleges
• Accepted by: 170+ B-schools

5. TANCET

• For: Tamil Nadu MBA colleges
• Accepted by: Anna University affiliated colleges

6. OJEE MBA

• For: Odisha government and private institutes

University-Level MBA Entrance Exams

Institutes that conduct their own entrance tests for MBA admissions.

1. IIFT Exam

• Conducted by: IIFT (through NTA)
• Focus: MBA in International Business
• Accepted by: IIFT Delhi & Kakinada

2. MICAT

• Conducted by: MICA Ahmedabad
• Focus: MBA in Strategic Marketing & Communication
• Includes: Psychometric + Descriptive + Aptitude

3. CUET PG – MBA

• Conducted by: NTA
• Accepted by: Central universities like BHU, DU (new), JMI, etc.
• New Option: Especially for general MBA and PGDM

4. Christ University MBA Entrance Test

• Includes: Aptitude + Essay + GD/PI + Micro Presentation
• Accepted by: Christ (Bangalore, NCR, Pune)

 Quick Comparison Table

How Many MBA Exams Should You Take?

Experts suggest appearing for at least 2–3 entrance exams to:

• Maximize options
• Ensure backup plans
• Adapt to different formats (e.g., time-based vs logic-based exams)

 MBA Exam Calendar Snapshot (Tentative)

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re aiming for an IIM, XLRI, NMIMS, or a state university, there’s an MBA entrance exam tailored for your path. Your success depends on choosing the right exams, preparing smartly, and diversifying your options.

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