The MBA entrance exam is mainly a two-year post-graduation program that helps to enhance your business, conceptual and managerial skills in the business world. Top MBA entrance exams allow aspiring candidates to prove their mettle and secure admission to their dream MBA programs.
Each exam has its own unique structure, syllabus, and eligibility criteria. Aspirants must carefully research and prepare for these exams to maximize their chances of success. With dedication, perseverance, and strategic preparation, aspiring MBA students can unlock a world of opportunities and embark on a rewarding career journey in the dynamic realm of business and management.
|
Details |
MBA Entrance Exams |
|
Course Name |
|
|
MBA Full Form |
Master of Business Administration |
|
Course Level |
Post-Graduation |
|
Types of MBA |
Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Distance MBA, Online MBA, Executive MBA and Integrated MBA |
|
MBA Course Fee |
INR 2 lakh to 27 lakh and above |
|
MBA Admission Process |
Entrance Exam+ Group Discussion+ Personal Interview |
|
Major MBA Entrance Exams |
|
|
Top MBA Colleges |
There are 5000+ colleges in India offering Full-Time MBA. Most popular colleges include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, XLRI, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode among others |
|
MBA Specialisations |
Marketing, Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Digital Marketing and Business Analytics, Sales |
|
Average Salary for MBA |
INR 5 lakh to 25 lakh per annum |
|
Top Recruiters post MBA |
Boston Consulting Group, Mckinsey, Bain & Co, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Adobe, etc. |
Before diving into the specifics of MBA preparations and entrance exams, crafting a daily study plan tailored to your needs is crucial.
|
Choose the Right Exams |
Determine which MBA entrance exams align with your preferred colleges, and then go through the exam patterns, syllabus, and timeline of these entrance exams. |
|
Set Realistic Goals |
Define your daily target practice questions with deadlines. Having clear objectives will keep you boosted throughout the daily preparation journey. |
|
Daily Study Timetable |
Develop a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule that balances your study hours with other tasks and the right amount of breaks. |
|
Gather Resources |
Gather good study material with expert's help and suggestions. You look for both offline and online materials. |
|
Coaching Classes |
If you prefer structured guidance, join reliable coaching classes or online courses with seasoned mentors. |
|
Mocks are a must |
Appearing for regular mock tests is an indispensable part of your prep. Most importantly, keep analyzing your mocks to improve your scores. |
|
Track Your Progress |
Analyze and evaluate your performance daily, especially after appearing for mocks, to identify your strengths and weaknesses. |
|
Stay Healthy |
Maintain a balanced lifestyle by prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. A healthy mind and body are essential for optimal exam preparation. |
MBA Preparation- Popular Entrance Exams in India
Choosing the right MBA entrance exams depends on factors like your target colleges, exam pattern familiarity, syllabus comfort, and the exam's difficulty level. Here's a list of prominent MBA entrance exams in India:
|
Name of the MBA Entrance Exam |
About the Exam |
|
Common Admission Test (CAT) |
Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), CAT is the most widely accepted exam for Tier-1 MBA colleges in India. |
|
Management Aptitude Test (MAT) |
MAT, organized by the All India Management Association (AIMA), is held four times a year and is commonly accepted by Tier-2 and Tier-3 MBA colleges. |
|
Common Management Aptitude Test (CMAT) |
CMAT is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is accepted by AICTE and UGC-recognized MBA colleges in India. |
|
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH-CET) |
Also known as MAH MBA CET, this state-level exam is administered by the State Common Entrance Cell of Maharashtra and is accepted by MBA colleges within the state. |
|
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) |
Conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur, XAT is widely accepted by MBA colleges across the country. |
|
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) |
GMAT is a popular entrance exam for international as well as Indian MBA colleges and is administered by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC). |
|
IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test) |
Organized by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, IBSAT is accepted by ICFAI Business Schools and affiliated institutions for MBA admissions. |
|
NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test) |
GMAC conducts NMAT, which is accepted by various business schools in India and abroad, including NMIMS. |
|
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) |
Symbiosis International University conducts SNAP for admission to MBA and postgraduate programs offered by Symbiosis institutes. |
|
IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) |
IIFT conducts its entrance exam for its MBA (International Business) program, focusing on international business and trade. |
|
ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions) |
AIMS conducts ATMA, accepted by numerous management institutions in India for their MBA programs. |
MBA Preparation- Entrance Exam Patterns
Each MBA entrance exam has a unique pattern, with variations in the number of sections, total marks, and question types. To help you choose the right exam and prepare effectively, here's an overview of popular MBA entrance exams patterns:
|
Exam |
Duration |
No. of Questions |
Negative Marking |
|
120 mins |
66 |
-1 |
|
|
150 mins |
200 |
-1/4 |
|
|
CMAT |
180 mins |
100 |
-1 |
|
MAH CET |
150 mins |
200 |
No Negative Marking |
|
180 mins |
100 |
-1 |
|
|
GMAT |
187 mins |
80 |
No Negative Marking |
|
IBSAT |
120 mins |
140 |
No Negative Marking |
|
NMAT |
120 mins |
108 |
No Negative Marking |
|
60 mins |
60 |
-1/4 |
|
|
IIFT |
120 mins |
110 |
-1/3 |
|
ATMA |
180 mins |
180 |
-1/4 |
What to Study for MBA Entrance Exams
For a successful MBA preparation of entrance exam preparation, focus on three crucial sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
It’s all about Improve English language skills, including grammar and comprehension, Develop a good vocabulary, Practice reading and understanding complex passages.
|
Reading Practice |
Start by reading newspapers, magazines, and high-quality literature regularly to improve your reading speed and comprehension. |
|
Vocabulary Building |
Learn new words every day and understand their usage in sentences. Utilize flashcards and vocabulary apps for efficient learning. |
|
Grammar and Sentence Correction |
Brush up on your grammar rules and practice sentence correction exercises. |
|
Mock Tests |
Take regular mock tests for VARC to improve your time management and identify your weaknesses. |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
It’s all about enhancing data interpretation skills, sharpening logical and analytical reasoning, Solve complex problems quickly and accurately.
|
Concept Clarity |
Understand the fundamental concepts of data interpretation and logical reasoning. Solve basic problems to build a strong foundation. |
|
Practice Sets |
Solve a variety of practice sets and puzzles to enhance your problem-solving skills. |
|
Mock Tests |
Regularly attempt DI & LR mock tests to gauge your progress and improve your speed. |
Quantitative Ability (QA):
It’s all about focusing on fundamental mathematical concepts, Emphasizing basic mathematical functions and their applications, Ensure simplicity and familiarity with numbers.
|
Conceptual Clarity |
Master the basics of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and number theory. |
|
Practice |
Solve a wide range of quantitative problems from various sources, including CAT preparation books and online resources. |
|
Time Management |
Work on solving problems within the stipulated time, as time management is crucial in this section. |
|
Mock Tests |
Take full-length QA mock tests to simulate the exam environment |
Best Books for MBA Entrance Exam Preparation
Here are some of the best books to help you prepare for MBA entrance exams:
|
Section |
Book |
Author |
|
Verbal Ability |
Wiley's Exam Xpert Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
Captain AK Kalia |
|
Verbal Ability |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
Arun Sharma, Meenakshi Upadhayay |
|
Verbal Ability |
Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
|
Logical Reasoning |
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning |
R S Aggarwal |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Complete Guide for MAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams |
Disha Experts |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Concepts of LR - Logical Reasoning for CAT & Other MBA Exams |
Gajendra Kumar |
|
Quantitative Ability |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT |
Arun Sharma |
|
Quantitative Ability |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum Cat |
Sarvesh K Sharma |
|
Quantitative Ability |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations |
R S Aggarwal |
How to Start MBA Preparation at Home
How to start preparing by self-study? If you're looking to prepare for MBA entrance exams from the comfort of your home, here's how to do it effectively:
- Strengthen your English language skills by studying grammar rules.
- Create a well-structured study timetable.
- Practice using sample papers and mock tests.
- Balance your preparation with proper rest.
- Stay motivated and focused on your goals.
MBA Entrance Exam 2024: Application Schedule and Fees
Given below are a few top MBA entrance exam registration dates schedule. Additionally, MBA entrance exam fees for these top examinations are also listed below:
|
MBA Exam |
MBA entrance exam 2024 registration start date |
MBA entrance exam 2024 application last date |
MBA entrance exam fees |
|
August 2, 2024 (Tentative) |
September 21, 2024 (Tentative) |
Rs.2300/- |
|
|
CMAT 2024 |
March 29, 2024 |
April 23, 2024 (Concluded) |
Rs.2000/- |
|
IBSAT 2024 |
July 1, 2024 (Tentative) |
December 16, 2024 (Tentative) |
Rs.1800/- |
|
XAT 2025 |
The second week of July 2024 |
Last week of November 2024 |
Rs.1750/- |
|
SNAP 2025 |
August 23, 2024 (Tentative) |
November 23, 2024 (Tentative) |
Rs.1950/- |
|
MAH CET MBA 2024 |
January 11, 2024 |
February 12, 2024 (Concluded) |
Rs.1000/- |
|
NMAT 2024 |
August 2024 |
September 2024 |
Rs.2800/- |
|
MAT 2024 |
NA |
PBT: August 18, 2024 |
Rs.1900/- |
|
KMAT 2024 |
June 30, 2024 (Tentative) |
October 25, 2024 (Tentative) |
Rs. 1000/- |
|
KMAT Kerala 2024 |
May 30, 2024 |
June 10, 2024 (Concluded) |
Rs. 1000/- |
|
ATMA 2024 |
June 24, 2023 |
July 13, 2024 |
Male: Rs 2000/- , Female: Rs. 1500/- |
|
TS ICET 2024 |
March 7, 2024 |
May 7, 2024 (Concluded) |
Rs.650 + service charge |
|
AP ICET 2024 |
March 6, 2024 |
April 22, 2024 (Concluded) |
Rs.650/- + Rs 29.50/- |
National-level MBA Entrance Exam Name
Check out the list of national-level MBA entrance exams along with MBA colleges accepting various entrance exams which a candidate can consider taking to pursue an MBA course in India.
|
National-level MBA entrance exam |
Top Institutes Accepting Exam Score |
|
CAT |
21 IIMs, FMS, IMI, IMT, MDI, SPJIMR, IITs, TAPMI + 500 Others |
|
CMAT |
K J Somaiya, BIMTECH, GIM, VIT, Great Lakes, and all the Institutes and Universities offering AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programmes |
|
XAT |
XLRI, XIME, GIM, Great Lakes, IMT, XIMB, TAPMI, FORE, LIBA + 140 Others |
|
SNAP |
SIBM, SIIB, SCMHRD, SIBM, SICSR, SIOM, SIMS, SIMC, SIDTM, and SCIT. |
|
NMAT |
NMIMS Mumba, K J Somaiya, SPJIMR, SDA Bocconi Asia Center, XIM, ICFAI business school, etc |
|
IBSAT |
IBS Hyderabad & all the other 8 campuses of ICFAI B-Schools |
|
MAT |
Amity University Noida, Amrita School of Business, LPU- LOvely Professional University, New Delhi Institute of Management, Jaipuria Noida- Jaipuria Institute of Management, Christ University, Birla Institute of Management, etc |
|
ATMA |
Master School of Management, Xavier Business School (XBS), Prin L N Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, The ICFAI University, International Institute of Management Studies (IIMS), Dr D Y Patil Global Business School & Research Centre, SPJIMR, etc |
State-level MBA Entrance Exams
In addition to the national-level MBA entrance exam 2024, there are some state-level MBA entrances too which are comparatively less competitive as compared to the national-level management entrance test. Check out the table below to know the list of entrance exams for MBA in India and those MBA exam-accepting colleges.
|
State-level MBA entrance exam name |
Top Institutes Accepting Exam Score |
|
MAH MBA CET |
KJ Somaiya, Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, FLAME University, ITM Business School Navi Mumbai, MIT School of Management, Pune, Balaji Institute of International Business, Tathawad, etc |
|
OJEE MBA |
Utkal University, KIIT School of Rural Management, United School of Business Management, GIET University, Gandhi Engineering College,etc |
|
AP ICET |
Sri balaji pg college, Abhinav inst of mngt and tech, Andhra loyola college, Sri Venkateswara University, Andhra University, Acharya Nagarjuna University, etc |
|
TS ICET |
Dr B R Ambedkar Institute of Management & Technology, Malla Reddy Engineering College, Kakatiya Institute of Technology and Science, Vivekvardhini College School of Business Management, Guru Nanak Institute of Technology, St Xaviers PG College, etc |
|
KMAT Kerala |
Saintgits Institute of Management, SCMS School of Technology and Management, Albertian Institute of Management, Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies, TKM Institute of Management, Union Christian College, ITM Group of Institutions, etc |
|
KMAT Karnataka |
MCC Bangalore, Alliance University, Bangalore; Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore; JNC Bangalore, Bangalore; Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur; St George College of Management Science and Nursing, Bangalore; NHCE, Bangalore, etc |
|
TANCET MBA |
College of Engineering, Guindy, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, University of Madras, SSN College of Engineering, Thiagarajar School of Management, Kumaraguru College of Technology, etc |
Institute-level MBA Exams Name
Apart from national or state-level MBA entrance tests, there are some institute-level MBA entrance exams in which a candidate can consider pursuing an MBA in various specializations.
|
Institute-level MBA entrance exam name |
Institute Accepting Exam Score |
|
PUCAT |
|
|
UPESMET |
|
|
B-MAT |
|
|
HPU MAT |
|
|
SPSAT |
Register Now To Apply
Get details and latest updates
Related News
View AllRelated Articles
View AllTrending Articles
View All-
NIMCET Counselling 2025 के पहले राउंड का सीट आवंटन परिणाम जारी, 11 जुलाई तक लेना होगा प्रवेश
Jul, 09, 2025 Read More -
PTET Result 2025: Rajasthan PTET रिजल्ट ऑफिसियल वेबसाइट पर होगा घोषित, यहां मिलेगा स्कोरकार्ड लिंक
Jul, 01, 2025 Read More -
DU LLB Seat Allotment 2025 Out – Check Round-Wise Allotment Results Here
Jun, 24, 2025 Read More -
SAT Exam Dates 2025 in India – Month-Wise Schedule & Test Centers
Jun, 23, 2025 Read More -
IPU BTech Admission 2025: Registration Open – Apply Now, Check Fees & Counselling Details
Jun, 19, 2025 Read More -
GATE 2025 Cutoff: Opening and Closing Cutoff Marks 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 of NITs, Cutoff Factors
Jun, 14, 2025 Read More -
TS LAWCET 2025 Provisional Answer Key Released – Raise Objections & Download PDFs
Jun, 12, 2025 Read More -
IISER Counselling 2025: Dates, Registration, Seat Allotment & Verification Details
Jun, 12, 2025 Read More -
JoSAA Participating Institutes 2025 – Check Top Engineering Colleges List
Jun, 11, 2025 Read More -
DAIICT MDes Admission 2025: Exam Date, Pattern, Admit Card & Process
Jun, 10, 2025 Read More
Trending News
View All-
Guntur Shines in CMA Dec 2025 Results with 23 Toppers
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
UP BEd JEE Registration 2026: Check Steps to Apply, Eligibility & Application Deadline Here
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
AIBE 21 Registration 2026: Link to Apply, Last Date & Bar Exam Fees
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
NEET SS 2025 Counselling Schedule Soon; Check Eligibility, Registration Process
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
JEE Main 2026 Result Soon: Final Answer Key PDF Likely Today, Session 1 Scorecard Link & Cutoff
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
CMA Dec 2025 Results OUT; ICMAI Inter, Final Pass Percentage & Toppers List
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
CMAT 2026 Result: Scorecard Release Date, Link and Download Process
Feb, 10, 2026 Read More -
SLAT 2026 1st Merit List: Download Category-wise SLAT First Seat Allotment & SLSs Cutoff
Feb, 10, 2026 Read More -
CUET Form Correction 2026: Last Date (Tomorrow); How to Edit CUET Application
Feb, 10, 2026 Read More -
Goa HSSC Exam 2026 Begins Today; Check Goa Board Class 12 Time Table
Feb, 10, 2026 Read More
back