An MBA from a top business school can lead to exciting career opportunities and help you achieve your goals. But the first step is to clear one of India’s national-level MBA entrance exams.
These exams are the key to getting into top colleges like IIMs, XLRI, Symbiosis, and many more. They test your skills and open doors to some of the best management programs in the country.
In this blog, we’ll explain the major MBA entrance exams, their features, and how you can prepare for them. Let’s get started!
List of National-Level MBA Entrance Exams
Below is a simple comparison of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India:
Exam Name | Conducted By | Eligibility | Format | Duration | Sections |
CAT | IIMs | Bachelor’s degree with 50% | Computer-based | 2 hours | Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur | Bachelor’s degree | Computer-based | 3 hours | Decision Making, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General Knowledge |
GMAT | GMAC | Open to all (18+ age) | Computer-adaptive | 3 hrs 7 mins | Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal |
CMAT | NTA | Bachelor’s degree | Computer-based | 3 hours | Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language, General Awareness |
SNAP | Symbiosis | Bachelor’s degree with 50% | Computer-based | 1 hour | General English, Quantitative Ability, Analytical Reasoning |
IIFT | IIFT Delhi | Bachelor’s degree | Computer-based | 2 hours | Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, General Knowledge |
NMAT | GMAC | Bachelor’s degree with 50% | Computer-based | 2 hours | Quantitative, Verbal, Logical Reasoning |
MAT | AIMA | Bachelor’s degree | Online/Offline | 2.5 hours | Math, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Knowledge |
Detailed Overview of Popular Exams
1. CAT (Common Admission Test)
CAT is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India, conducted by the IIMs.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD).
- Format: Computer-based.
- Sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR).
- Duration: 2 hours.
Start practicing with mock tests and improve your performance at Mock Test Portal.
2. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
XAT is conducted by XLRI and is widely accepted by top business schools.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree.
- Format: Computer-based.
- Sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Knowledge.
- Duration: 3 hours.
3. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
GMAT is an international exam accepted by both Indian and global MBA programs.
- Eligibility: Open to anyone aged 18 or above.
- Format: Computer-adaptive.
- Sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal.
- Duration: 3 hours 7 minutes.
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4. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
SNAP is required for admission to Symbiosis institutes across India.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
- Format: Computer-based.
- Sections: General English, Quantitative Ability, Analytical Reasoning.
- Duration: 1 hour.
5. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
CMAT is conducted by NTA and is accepted by AICTE-approved institutes.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree.
- Format: Computer-based.
- Sections: Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness.
- Duration: 3 hours.
6. Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
MAT, conducted by AIMA, is a widely accepted test that measures aptitude in mathematics, language, and reasoning.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree.
- Format: Computer-based (CBT), paper-based, and internet-based test
- Sections: Mathematical Skills, Language Comprehension, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Indian & Global Environment
- Exam Duration: 2.5 hours
How to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams
Preparing for these exams requires a combination of practice, time management, and strategy. Here are a few tips:
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Solve mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Focus on weaker areas while strengthening your core concepts.
- Use high-quality study materials and resources.
You can practice with the best mock tests on Mock Test Portal to boost your preparation.
Conclusion
Each MBA entrance exam in India is unique in its format, sections, and level of difficulty. Aspiring candidates must choose exams that align with their career goals, strengths, and preferred B-schools. Consistent practice, early preparation, and strategic planning are the keys to excelling in these exams and securing a seat at a top management institute.
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✔️ Mock interviews and career mapping
✔️ Comprehensive mock tests on our Mock Test Portal
📌 Don’t just prepare—prepare smartly with us! Your dream MBA institute is just a step away.
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