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:
Exam
Full form
CAT
Common Admission Test
XAT
Xavier Aptitude Test
MAT
Management Aptitude Test
NMAT
Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test
ATMA
AIMS Test for Management Admissions
CMAT
Common Management Admission Test
TS ICET
Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test
AP ICET
Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test
TANCET
Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test
IBSAT
ICFAI Business Studies Aptitude Test
MAH CET
Maharashtra Common Entrance Exam
SNAP
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test
TISSNET
Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test
IIFT
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
Karnataka PGCET
Karnataka Post-Graduate Commin Entrance Test
KMAT Kerala
Kerala Management Aptitude Test
KMAT
Karnataka Management Aptitude Test
List of National-level and other MBA Entrance Exams
Exam Name
Top institutes accepting exam scores
CAT
All IIMs, IITs, IMT, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, TAPMI, FMS, and 500 others
XAT
XLRI, XIME, XIMB, IMT, GIM, Great Lakes, TAPMI, LIBA, FORE, and 140 others
MAT
Amity University Noida, Lovely Professional University, Amrita School of Business, Birla Institute of Management, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Christ University, etc.
NMAT
NMIMS, SPJIMR, ICFAI Business School, K J Somaiya, XIM, Asia Centre, etc.
BIMTECH, Great Lakes, VIT, K J Somaiya, GIM, and all institutes with AICTE approved MBA/PGDM programs
ATMA
Xavier 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.
IBSAT
IBS 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.
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).
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.
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.
23 April 2025
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