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Tata Capital > Blog > Loan for Education > India’s Top MBA Admission Tests: List & Details

Loan for Education

India’s Top MBA Admission Tests: List & Details

India’s Top MBA Admission Tests: List & Details

Pursuing an MBA from a reputed institute can unlock a world of career opportunities. However, gaining admission to a top business school in India requires clearing an MBA entrance exam. These exams assess your aptitude in areas like logical reasoning, quantitative skills, and verbal ability. Scoring well in them can open doors to prestigious institutes like the IIMs, XLRI, NMIMS, and others. Each exam comes with its own eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and selection process. Below is a list of the major MBA entrance exams in India, along with the institutes that accept their scores.

List of MBA entrance exams (Including statewise) in India

India has various MBA entrance exams, including national and state-level tests for admission to top business schools. These include:

ExamFull form
CATCommon Admission Test
XATXavier Aptitude Test
MATManagement Aptitude Test
NMATNarsee Monjee Aptitude Test
ATMAAIMS Test for Management Admissions
CMATCommon Management Admission Test
TS ICETTelangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test
AP ICETAndhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test
TANCETTamil Nadu Common Entrance Test
IBSATICFAI Business Studies Aptitude Test
MAH CETMaharashtra Common Entrance Exam
SNAPSymbiosis National Aptitude Test
TISSNETTata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test
IIFTIndian Institute of Foreign Trade
Karnataka PGCETKarnataka Post-Graduate Commin Entrance Test
KMAT KeralaKerala Management Aptitude Test
KMATKarnataka Management Aptitude Test

List of National-level and other MBA Entrance Exams

Exam NameTop institutes accepting exam scores
CATAll IIMs, IITs, IMT, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, TAPMI, FMS, and 500 others
XATXLRI, XIME, XIMB, IMT, GIM, Great Lakes, TAPMI, LIBA, FORE, and 140 others
MATAmity University Noida, Lovely Professional University, Amrita School of Business, Birla Institute of Management, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Christ University, etc.
NMATNMIMS, SPJIMR, ICFAI Business School, K J Somaiya, XIM, Asia Centre, etc.
SNAPSIBM, SCHMRD, SIBM, SIMS, SIIB, SICSR, SIMC, SIOM, SCIT, and SIDTM
CMATBIMTECH, Great Lakes, VIT, K J Somaiya, GIM, and all institutes with AICTE approved MBA/PGDM programs
ATMAXavier Business School, ICFAI University, Master School of Management, SPIJMR, International Institute of Management Studies (IIMS), Dr. D Y Patil Global Business School and Research Centre, etc.
IBSATIBS Hyderabad and 8 other campuses of ICFAI Business School

These national-level MBA entrance exams are widely accepted by top business schools across India. Scoring well in these tests can secure admission to prestigious institutions like the IIMs, XLRI, and other reputed management colleges.

Details of Top MBA Entrance Exams

1. Common Admission Test (CAT)

CAT is the most commonly recognized MBA entrance exam in India, required for admission to IIMs and top B-schools. It is conducted online by the Indian Institutes of Management during November-December every year.

Duration: 2 hours

Syllabus: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude

Eligibility: Minimum 50% marks in graduation (45% for reserved categories)

2. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

XAT is conducted online by XLRI and accepted by over 150+ management institutes in India.

Duration: 3 hours

Syllabus: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, English Language & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, General Knowledge

Eligibility: Any graduate can apply

3. Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)

GMAT is a globally recognized exam for admission to MBA programs in India and abroad. It is conducted online by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

Duration: 2 hours

Syllabus: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning

Eligibility: Any graduate can apply

4. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

CMAT is conducted online by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the scores are accepted by AICTE-approved MBA colleges in India.

Duration: 3 hours

Syllabus: Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Quantitative Techniques, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Eligibility: Final-year students and graduates from any discipline

5. Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

MAT is conducted online four times a year by the All India Management Association (AIMA).

Duration: 2 hours

Syllabus: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Indian & Global Environment

Eligibility: Any graduate can apply

Securing an Education Loan for MBA College

Pursuing an MBA can be expensive, but an education loan helps cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for an MBA education loan online.

1. Research and Choose the Right Lender

Compare the loan amount, interest rates, and repayment terms offered by different financial institutions. Prioritize lenders offering lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.

2. Visit the Lender’s Website

Navigate to the ‘Education Loan’ section on the official website of your preferred lender or financial institution and check the eligibility criteria.

3. Fill Out the Online Application Form

Provide personal details, including name, contact information, and academic background.

4. Upload the Required Documents

Upload documents like identity proof, address proof, academic records, income proof, collateral (if needed).

5. Submit the Application and Wait for Verification

Once submitted, the lender will review your eligibility, application, and documents. A representative may contact you for additional details or verification.

6. Loan Approval and Sanctioning

If you satisfy all the criteria, the lender will sanction the loan and offer a loan agreement with terms and conditions.

7. Loan Disbursement

Once the loan is approved, the amount is disbursed directly to the MBA college for tuition fees.

Conclusion

Clearing an MBA entrance exam is the first step toward securing admission to a top business school in India. With multiple national and state-level exams available, you can choose the one that best aligns with your career goals. While an MBA requires a significant financial investment, Tata Capital’s Education Loan offers flexible repayment options and competitive interest rates to help you finance your education without financial stress. Apply today and take a step closer to your dream career.

FAQs

Which is the top-most MBA entrance exam in India?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the top MBA entrance exams in India. It is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and is accepted by top business schools across the country.

Which exam is best for an MBA in India?

Some of the best MBA entrance exams in India are CAT, XAT, MAT, NMAT, SNAP, TISSNET, and IBSAT.

Should I take CAT or GMAT?

You should take a CAT exam if you're targeting Indian business schools, particularly the IIMs and other top-tier B-schools in India. Whereas, GMAT is suitable if you wish to apply to international business schools.

How many colleges accept XAT exam score?

XAT exam scores are accepted by over 160 colleges in India for admission to their MBA programs.

Which exam is required for an MBA?

The exam required for an MBA depends on the institution you are applying to. Some common exams include CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, SMAP, etc.

Is CAT compulsory for MBA?

No, CAT is not compulsory for an MBA. While it is required for admission to IIMs and many top B-schools, other entrance exams like XAT, GMAT, CMAT, and MAT are also accepted by various institutes across India.

Is GMAT difficult to crack?

No, GMAT is a relatively easy MBA entrance exam. However, it's important to prepare well to achieve a competitive score for admission to top business schools in India.

How many attempts in CMAT?

There is no limit on the number of attempts for CMAT. You can take the exam multiple times as long as you fulfil the eligibility criteria, and you can use the best score for MBA admissions.

What is a good score in MAT?

A good MAT score varies by college, but generally, a score above 600 is considered competitive for admission to reputed MBA institutes. Top B-schools may require scores above 700 for higher chances of selection.