According to recent studies Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a staggering 77% of individuals experience a significant salary increase after completing their MBA. But taking admission to a top MBA college requires planning, strategy, and exam preparation.
Top MBA entrance exams in India include CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, NMAT, SNAP, IIFT, MAH CET, IBSAT, etc. MBA aspirants must know all about these top MBA entrance exams. Appearing for an MBA entrance exam is mandatory for admission to the MBA/PGDM courses in India.
Here we explore important aspects of these top MBA entrance exams, equipping you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and Start your career towards a fulfilling MBA experience.
Top MBA Entrance Exams Accepting Best MBA Colleges in India
Exam Name | Conducted By | Frequency | Duration | Key Sections | Unique Features |
CAT | IIMs | Annually | 2 hours | VARC, DILR, QA | Most competitive, IIMs, Focus on foundation, Time management |
XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur | Annually | 3 hours | Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, QA & DI, General Knowledge | Decision Making, General Knowledge, Case studies, Current Affairs |
MAT | AIMA | Four times a year | 2.5 hours | Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Indian & Global Environment | Accepted by many colleges, General Knowledge, Brush up on math, Practice reasoning |
CMAT | NTA | Annually | 3 hours | Quantitative Techniques & DI, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (optional) | AICTE affiliated colleges, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Business news, Speed in quant |
GMAT | GMAC | Year-round | 3.5 hours | Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning | Global recognition, Integrated Reasoning, AWA, Critical reasoning |
ATMA | AIMS | Annually | 3 hours | Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal and Reading Comprehension | Less difficult than CAT, Reasoning & problem-solving, Reading comprehension |
NMAT | GMAC | Annually | 2 hours | Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning | Flexible attempts, Schedule convenience, Speed & accuracy, Verbal skills |
SNAP | Symbiosis International University | Annually | 2 hours | General English, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative, Data Interpretation, General Awareness | Symbiosis University, General Awareness, Time management, Current affairs |
General Preparation Tips
- Focus on fundamental concepts in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.
- Improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and critical reasoning skills.
- Practice various types of puzzles, data sufficiency, and critical thinking problems.
- Take regular timed mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve speed and accuracy.
- Practice allocating time effectively to each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay updated on current events, business news, and general knowledge.
- CAT: Focus on building a strong foundation in mathematics for the Quantitative Ability section. Improve reading speed and comprehension for the VARC section.
- XAT: Work on improving your decision-making skills by practicing case studies. Stay updated with current affairs for the General Knowledge section.
- MAT: Brush up on basic mathematics and practice reasoning questions regularly. Strengthen your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills for the Language Comprehension section.
- CMAT: Review business news and updates for the General Awareness section. Focus on building speed in the quantitative section by practicing data interpretation and math problems.
- GMAT: Work on honing your writing skills for the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. Practice critical reasoning and data interpretation questions for the Integrated Reasoning section.
- ATMA: Focus on practicing logical reasoning puzzles and quantitative problems. Strengthen your reading comprehension skills by reading varied materials.
- NMAT: Focus on increasing speed and accuracy in the Quantitative and Logical Reasoning sections. Enhance your verbal skills by practicing vocabulary, reading comprehension, and grammar.
- SNAP: Stay updated on current affairs, especially related to business and economics. Work on your time management to tackle all sections within the allotted time.
MBA Colleges Accepting Top 15 MBA Entrance Exams Score in India in 2025
CAT | IIMs, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMI Delhi, Taxila Business School, XLRI Jamshedpur, LIBA |
MAT | ITM Business School, NIT Warangal, KIIT Bhubaneshwar, XIME Bangalore, SIESCOM, VIT Vellore |
GMAT | IMI New Delhi, MICA Ahmedabad, GIM Goa, Great Lakes Chennai, SPJIMR Mumbai |
XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur, LIBA, BIMTECH-Noida, Taxila Business School, MICA Ahmedabad, Great Lakes Chennai |
SNAP | Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Symbiosis Institute of International Business, SSMC Bangalore, SRMS Bareilly |
IIFT | Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, Community Institute of Management Studies Bangalore, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata |
NMAT | Alliance University, Amity Business School, Noida, VIT University, Jindal Global Business School |
TANCET | PSG Tech Coimbatore, MOP Vaishnav, American College Madurai, St.Joseph’s college Chennai, KCT Business School |
MAH CET | Welingkar, CIMR, PUMBA, JBIMS, N.L Dalmia Institute |
TISSNET | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, ATLAS SKILLTECH UNIVERSITY, MUMBAI |
KMAT | AIMS Institute, Alliance University, Karnataka Colleges of Management, ISBR Business School, Acharya Business School |
IBSAT | ICFAI B-schools, Vanguard Business School, Rachna International Institute of Research and StudiesJK Business School |
PG-CET | ISBR Bangalore, CMRIMS, ITM Business School, Chennai, IIBS Kolkota, BIT Bangalore |
CMAT | Amity University, Noida, GIM Goa, Great Lakes, Chennai, ABBS Bangalore, NL Dalmia Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, Taxila Business School |
IBSAT | ICFAI Business Schools |
ATMA | PUMBA, IMS Ghaziabad, PSGCT, Xavier Institute of Management and Research, KIIT School of Management |
Also Read: Top MBA Colleges in India