Top MBA Entrance Exams in India: Complete Guide with Dates 2024
Table of Contents
- jaro education
- 22, May 2024
- 5:44 pm
Pursuing an MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a significant step towards advancing one’s career in the field of business and management. In India, numerous prestigious MBA entrance exams are conducted annually by various institutions and organisations. These exams serve as gateways to admission into top-tier business schools and management institutes across the country. This guide provides detailed information about the top MBA entrance exams in India for the year 2024, including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, important dates, and preparation strategies.
Top MBA Entrance Exams Dates 2024: Your Gateway to Success
Are you aspiring to pursue an MBA and seeking the perfect entrance exam to kickstart your journey? Look no further! Below is a comprehensive list of the MBA exams in India in 2024, along with their application deadlines and key dates:
- CAT (Common Admission Test) – Tentative Date: November 24, 2024
- CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) – Tentative Date: May 4, 2024
- IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test) – Tentative Dates: December 23 and 24, 2024
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) – Over
- SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) – Tentative Dates: December 10, 17, and 22, 2024
- MAH MBA CET (Maharashtra MBA Common Entrance Test) – Dates: March 9-10, 2024
- NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test) – Over
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test) February Session – PBT: February 22, 2024; CBT: March 8, 2024
Additionally, candidates can also explore other MBA entrance exams such as TISSNET, MICAT, IIFT, Karnataka PGCET, KIITEE MBA, KMAT, KMAT Kerala, ATMA, OJEE, TANCET, and CUET PG MBA. Each exam presents unique opportunities for aspiring MBA students to showcase their skills and secure admission to top-notch institutes.
 *time4education.com
Details of the MBA Entrance Exams
Different MBA entrance exam syllabus, eligibility, exam pattern, and application fee are given below:
1. Common Admission Test (CAT)
Common Admission Test (CAT) is arguably the most renowned MBA entrance exam in India, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. Numerous prestigious business schools and management institutes across India accept CAT scores. The exam assesses candidates’ aptitude in areas such as Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR).
Eligibility: Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
Exam Pattern: The CAT is a computer-based test comprising multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs. It is 180 minutes long and divided into three sections.
Syllabus: The CAT 2024 question paper will focus on three main sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude. Here’s a brief overview of the CAT syllabus 2024:
- VARC Section: Covers English Grammar, Verbal Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension topics.
- Quantitative Aptitude Section: Includes mathematics topics from Classes 9 to 10, such as arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry, and Mensuration.
- DILR Section: This section involves the analytical interpretation of data presented through Puzzles, Pie Charts, Tables, and Bar Graphs.
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Application Fee: The CAT registration fee is anticipated to be INR 2400 for general category candidates and INR 1200 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. This fee covers both the CAT registration fee and the IIM application fee.
2. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance examination for admission to management programmes across the country. Formerly conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) until 2018, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has been responsible for organising the test since 2019. The NTA will administer CMAT-2021. It is one of the easiest MBA entrance exams.
Eligibility: Candidates aspiring to sit for the CMAT exam must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institution. A minimum of 50% marks in graduation is mandatory to be eligible for the CMAT exam. Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for the CMAT exam.
Exam Pattern: The examination comprises five mandatory sections: Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques, General Awareness, Language Comprehension, and the recently added Innovation and Entrepreneurship section. Each section consists of 20 questions, resulting in a total of 100 questions to be answered within 180 minutes.
Syllabus:
Quantitative Techniques
- Mensuration
- Ratios and Proportion
- Fractions and Decimals
- Work and Time
- Time-Speed-Distance
- Number Systems
- In-equations
- Allegation & Mixtures
- Partnership
- Algebra
- Permutations & Combinations
- Pipes and Cisterns
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Logical Reasoning
- Analytical Reasoning
- Cause and Effects
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Linear Arrangements
- Analogy Test
- Symbol Based Problems
- Statements Arguments
- Blood Relationship Tests
- Direction and Distance Test
- Statements and Conclusion
- Number Series
- Statements Assumptions
- Inferences
- Matrix Arrangements
- Ranking Tests
- Coding and Decoding
- Sequencing
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Language Comprehension
- English Grammar
- Paragraph Completion
- Sentence Improvement
- English Usage Errors
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Reading Comprehension
- One-word Substitution
- Jumbled Para
- Idioms and Phrases
- Sentence Correction
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General Awareness
- Literature
- Current Affairs of National and International Economy
- History
- Sports News
- Science in everyday life
- Politics
- Geography
- Culture
- Economics
- Trade Awareness
- Personalities in News
- Indian Constitution
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Application Fee: Male candidates from the General category are required to pay a fee of INR 2000. Transgender individuals, female candidates, and male aspirants belonging to the EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD categories will need to pay a reduced fee of INR 1000.
3. IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test)
The ICFAI Business Studies Aptitude Test (IBSAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to the MBA programmes offered by ICFAI Business School (IBS) Hyderabad, IBS Dehradun, and IBS Jaipur. These business schools are administered by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI), established as a not-for-profit educational society in 1984.
Eligibility: To appear for the IBSAT exam, candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institute or university. They must have achieved a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in their bachelor’s degree.
Exam Pattern: The IBSAT consists of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) distributed across four sections: Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Sufficiency, and Data Interpretation. The total number of questions in the exam is 140. The duration of the exam is 120 minutes, and there is no negative marking.
Syllabus:Â The IBSAT syllabus encompasses multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in English, covering various topics:
- Quantitative Ability: Includes percentages, ratios and proportions, profit and loss, time and work, time, speed and distance, averages, simple and compound interest, algebra, geometry, number system, and data interpretation.
- Verbal Ability: Covers English grammar, sentence formation, vocabulary usage, idioms, phrases, one-word substitution, jumbled paragraphs, and more.
- Reading Comprehension: Composing 30 questions.
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Application Fee: Students are required to pay an IBSAT exam fee of INR 1800.
4. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by XLRI (Xavier School of Management), Jamshedpur, for admission to management programs at XLRI and 148 other participating XAT institutes across the country. For more than 60 years, XLRI has been conducting admission tests in India to select the most suitable candidates for management education. Each year, approximately 90,000 candidates take the XAT exam.
Eligibility: Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institute, which took three years or more to complete, in any discipline. Candidates in their final year, expected to graduate by June 2024, are also eligible to take the XAT exam. There is no minimum pass percentage requirement for the XAT exam.
Exam Pattern: The XAT exam is conducted online, with a question paper comprising 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed within 210 minutes. There is a sectional time limit for the XAT exam. Therefore, candidates are advised to maintain sufficient speed across all four sections to complete the paper within the time allocated. Each correct answer carries one mark, and each incorrect answer results in a deduction of -0.25 marks.
- Decision Making: 22 questions
- Verbal and Logical Ability: 26 questions
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation: 28 questions
- General Knowledge: 25 questions
- Analytical Essay Writing: 1 essay (Evaluated for shortlisting)
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Syllabus: The XAT syllabus for 2025 includes all essential topics of Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Decision Making is a distinctive section for which no specific syllabus is provided; therefore, candidates are encouraged to refer to previous years’ question papers and sample test papers for preparation.
Application Fees: The XAT fee for online application submission is INR 2,100 for all candidates. The fee must be paid at the time of submitting the application form.
5. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP Test) is a standardised admission test administered by Symbiosis International (Deemed) University. It serves as the gateway to admission in MBA/PGDM programmes offered by its 16 constituent institutes. The Symbiosis International University (SIU) provides MBA/PGDM courses in a wide range of popular and niche specialisations.
Eligibility: For eligibility to appear in the SNAP exam 2024:
- Candidates must have a minimum of 50% aggregate in graduation (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) or equivalent from a recognised university or institute.
- Final-year graduation candidates are eligible to appear.
- There is no age limit for SNAP, but candidates must be at least 18 years old.
- International students need a certificate of equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to apply for SNAP 2024.
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Exam Pattern: The test lasts for 60 minutes and consists of 60 questions. Each correct answer is awarded one mark, while an incorrect response results in a deduction of 0.25 marks.
Syllabus: The SNAP Exam Syllabus covers the following topics:
- General English: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability (including Analogies, Grammar, Antonym-Synonym, One Word Substitution, Para jumbles, Fill in the Blanks).
- Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency: Trigonometry, Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic, Column Graphs, Pie Chart.
- Logical Reasoning: Coding and Decoding, Missing Sequence, Blood Relations, Directions, Syllogisms, Puzzles.
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Application Fees: The SNAP application fee is INR 2,250.
6. MAH MBA CET (Maharashtra MBA Common Entrance Test)
The Maharashtra MBA Common Entrance Test (MAH MBA CET) is a state-level entrance examination for admission to MBA/MMS programmes offered by over 300 colleges and institutes in Maharashtra. The exam is annually conducted by the Maharashtra State CET Cell and takes place from March to April.
Eligibility: Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any stream with a minimum aggregate of 50% (45% for reserved categories) from a university recognised by UGC/AIU (Association of Indian Universities). Additionally, final-year students may also apply provisionally for the MBA CET exam.
Exam Pattern:Â
Sections: Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
Number of questions: 200
Number of answer choices: Five options
Total marks for MBA CET: 200
Exam duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
MAH CET marking scheme: One mark for correct attempts, zero marks for incorrect attempts and unattempted questions, with no negative marking.
Syllabus: The syllabus for MBA entrance exams typically encompasses a range of topics such as quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and general knowledge.
Application Fees:
- For open category candidates from Maharashtra state, outside Maharashtra state (OMS), and J & K Migrant candidates: INR 1000
- For candidates of SC, ST, VJ/DT- NT (A), NT (B), NT (C), NT (D), OBC, SBC categories, and persons with disability candidates belonging to Maharashtra state only: INR 800
7. NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test)
NMAT stands for Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Management Aptitude Test. It is an annual entrance examination conducted by NMIMS University for admission to various management programs offered by NMIMS and other prestigious business schools in India.
Eligibility:Â
- Completion of graduation under the 10+2+3 or four years of education pattern from any stream.
- Attainment of at least 50% aggregate in the final year of graduation.
- Candidates awaiting results or in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for NMAT 2024.
Exam Pattern: The NMAT exam consists of 108 questions, equally distributed among three sections: Language Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills. Candidates have 120 minutes to complete the NMAT paper. Each candidate can attempt a maximum of three NMAT exams in one year.
Syllabus:
Language Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- English Grammar & Vocabulary
- English Usage
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms, Phrases, Clauses
- Sentence Error/Correction
- Word Meaning
- Para jumbles
- Statement correction
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Quantitative Skills
- Algebra (Linear/Quadratic Equation)
- Number Systems
- Percentage
- Trigonometry
- Ratio/Proportion
- Line graphs, Bar graphs, Pie Charts, Tables
- Profit and Loss
- Arithmetic
- Average
- 2D and 3D Geometry and Statistics
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Modern Maths
- Work/Time
- Mixture & Solution
- Simple/Compound interest
- Mensuration
- Permutations and Combinations
- Probability
- Coordinate Geometry
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Logical Reasoning
- Coding & Decoding
- Numeric Grid
- Series
- Critical Reasoning
- Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments
- Calendars
- Multi-dimensional arrangements
- Syllogisms
- Puzzles
- Statement Conclusions
- Arrangement
- Course of Action
- Family tree
- Blood Relations
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Application Fee: Candidates are required to pay a registration fee of INR 2,800 to schedule the exam.
8. MAT (Management Aptitude Test) February Session
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) has been a standardised test conducted since 1988 to assist Business Schools (B-schools) in selecting candidates for admission to MBA and related programmes. In 2003, the Government of India Ministry of HRD approved MAT as a national-level test. Any B-School, whether national or international, can use MAT scores as part of their admission criteria, based on the scorecards issued to candidates. As the largest test of its kind in the country, MAT serves as a gateway to over 600 B-schools across India.
Eligibility: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university or its equivalent. Students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree course are also eligible to appear for MAT.
Exam Pattern: The MAT 2024 exam will consist of 150 questions distributed across 5 sections, with 30 questions in each section. Students will have a total of 120 minutes to complete the paper. Since there are no sectional time limits, students can strategically allocate their time across sections to maximise their scores.
Syllabus: The syllabus for the MAT exam is similar to that of other MBA entrance exams, comprising five subjects: Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Indian and Global Environment.
Application Fee: The MAT application fee remains consistent across all exam modes, requiring candidates to pay INR 2100 for each attempt, regardless of the mode chosen. If a candidate opts to combine two attempts (e.g. IBT+IBT, PBT+CBT, IBT+PBT, IBT+CBT), they will need to pay an additional INR 1200.
National-Level MBA Entrance Examinations and Participating Institutions
Here’s an MBA entrance exams list and the prestigious institutes accepting their scores:
- CAT (Common Admission Test)– Accepted by 21 IIMs, FMS, IMI, IMT, MDI, SPJIMR, IITs, TAPMI, and over 500 other institutes.
- CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)– Recognised by K J Somaiya, BIMTECH, GIM, VIT, Great Lakes, and all AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM offering institutions.
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)– Scores accepted by XLRI, XIME, GIM, Great Lakes, IMT, XIMB, TAPMI, FORE, LIBA, and more than 140 other institutes.
- SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)– Recognised by SIBM, SIIB, SCMHRD, SICSR, SIOM, SIMS, SIMC, SIDTM, SCIT, and other Symbiosis institutes.
- NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test)– Accepted by NMIMS Mumbai, K J Somaiya, SPJIMR, SDA Bocconi Asia Center, XIM, ICFAI Business School, and others.
- IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test) – Scores accepted by IBS Hyderabad and all other 8 campuses of ICFAI B-Schools.
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test)– Accepted by Amity University Noida, Amrita School of Business, LPU, New Delhi Institute of Management, Christ University, and numerous others.
- ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions)– Accepted by Master School of Management, Xavier Business School, Welingkar Institute of Management, SPJIMR, and other leading institutes.
Conclusion
These top MBA entrance exams in India offer aspiring candidates the opportunity to pursue their management education from prestigious institutes and enhance their career prospects. By understanding the eligibility criteria, exam patterns, and important dates for these exams, candidates can effectively prepare and perform well in their MBA entrance journey. Whether it’s CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, or SNAP, each exam presents its unique challenges and opportunities to showcase the candidate’s aptitude and potential in the field of management.By strategically planning for the MBA entrance examinations, the students can fulfil their journey towards their academic and professional aspirations in 2024.
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