Top MBA Entrance Exams 2023: Dates, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern

Top MBA entrance exams in India include CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, IIFT, MAT, MAH CET, IBSAT, etc. MBA aspirants who are planning to pursue the course in the 2023 or 2024 academic session must know all about these top MBA entrance exams. Since, appearing for the MBA entrance exams is mandatory for admission to the course, aspirants must know gather all the information about these tests and then choose the one which is most convenient for them. For example, if an aspirant is aiming for IIMs, then they must appear for the CAT but if an aspirant is aiming for a Tier-2 private MBA college, then they should appear for CMAT or MAT. 

IIM administered CAT is the most popular entrance exam for MBA in India as over 1,200 MBA colleges select candidates for admission on the basis of marks obtained in this exam. Following CAT, the second most popular MBA entrance exam is CMAT conducted by the NTA. CMAT score is accepted by 1,000 MBA colleges across India. Third most popular MBA entrance exam is XAT which is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. XAT score is accepted by over 800 MBA colleges in India. 

Apart from these exams, there are more than 50 entrance tests for admission to the top MBA colleges in India. The MBA entrance exams in India are conducted at three different levels.

• National level: Most popular among them are CAT, CMAT and MAT
• State level: Most popular among them are MAH-CET, TSICET, APICET, KMAT and TANCET 
• University/College level: Some prominent entrance tests include XAT, SNAP, IIFT Exam and IRMASAT

Top MBA entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP, TISSNET, IBSAT, CMAT, etc. for 2023 academic session will be conducted between November 2023 and April 2024. MBA aspirants can also choose from MAT, ATMA, MAH-CET, GMAT, OJEE, KMAT, APICET, TSICET and other state level entrance exams from February to May 2024. CAT, XAT, SNAP, IIFT exams for 2023 are over but registrations for MAT and ATMA are underway. Read below to know which MBA exams you can take in the coming months, their registration process, eligibility, fees, syllabus, pattern and preparation strategy. This information will help you in deciding which entrance exam for MBA you can take this year and which MBA colleges you can apply to. 

Also Read:

• MBA admission 2023: Check Application dates, fees and process of top B-schools in India
• MBA preparation 2023: Tips to prepare for MBA entrance exams
• Top PGDM Colleges in India: NIRF Ranks, Placements, Fees, Courses

Top MBA Entrance Exams 2023: Application and Exam Dates

The table below lists the application deadline and the exam date of top 20 MBA exams in India. Read further below to know exam-wise registration process, fee and other exam related details.

MBA Entrance Exam	Last Date to Apply	Exam Date
CAT 2023	13-Sep-2023	26-Nov-2023
SNAP 2023	23-Nov-2023	10-Dec-2023 17-Dec-2023 22-Dec-2023
MAT 2023	03-Sep-23 (PBT) 17-Sep-23 (CBT) 02-Sep-23 (IBT) 09-Sep-23 (IBT) 10-Sep-23 (IBT) 16-Sep-23 (IBT)	29-Aug-23 (PBT) 12-Sep-23 (CBT) 30-Aug-23 (IBT) 06-Sep-23 (IBT) 07-Sep-23 (IBT) 13-Sep-23 (IBT)
CMAT 2024	To be announced	To be announced
IIFT 2024	Admission through CAT	Admission through CAT
XAT 2024	30-Nov-2023	07-Jan-2024
ATMA 2023	16-Jul-23	23-Jul-2023
OJEE 2023	Over	Over
IBSAT 2023	16-Dec-2023	To be announced
TISSNET 2024	To be announced	To be announced
TANCET 2023	OverOver
TSICET 2023	16-May-2023	Over
KMAT 2023	30-Sep-2023	08-Oct-2023
MAH-CET 2023	Over	Over
NMAT By GMAC 2023	10-Oct-2023	10-Oct-2023 to 19-Dec-2023
MICAT 2024	To be Announced	To be Announced
KIITEE MBA 2024	To be Announced	To be Announced
APICET 2023	Over	Over
Karnataka PGCET 2023	To be Announced	To be Announced

The subsequent sections provide details about the top MBA entrance exams in India and other related links.

Overview of CAT 

Common Admission Test or CAT, the most popular entrance exam for MBA of India, is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM). CAT score is used by 20 IIMs and over 1200 other management institutes across the country for admission. More than two lakh students appear for the exam each year.

CAT started in 1950 and graduated to being an online-entrance test in 2009 of 3 hours. The CAT question paper consists of MCQs and Non-MCQs. In 2020, CAT exam was conducted in three sessions instead of two due to COVID-19 pandemic and the duration of the exam was 120 minutes, the number of questions was reduced to 76. Since then it is conducted in three slots and for 2 hours only. Registration for CAT is online and the exam is held at over 400 exam centres. CAT exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.

These segments are grouped into three sections:

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC)

Also Read:

All About CAT
CAT Syllabus	CAT Exam Pattern
CAT Admit Card	CAT Result
Colleges Accepting CAT Score	CAT Question Papers
CAT Cut Offs	CAT Preparation Tips

Overview of CMAT

The second-largest management entrance examination of the country, the Common Management Admission Test or CMAT is taken by roughly 1.5 lakh candidates. Conducted by the National Testing Agency, CMAT is a popular option among MBA aspirants after CAT. The first CMAT exam took place in 2012. The exam score is accepted by more than 1,000 MBA institutes across the country. The exam is held between January and March. 

CMAT is a computer-based exam (held for 180 minutes) and tests the candidate’s aptitude in four main sections:

• Quantitative Technique
• Logical Reasoning
• Language Comprehension
• General Awareness
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Also Read:

All About CMAT
CMAT Syllabus	CMAT Exam Pattern
CMAT Admit Card	CMAT Result
Colleges Accepting CMAT Score	CMAT Cut Offs
CMAT Question Papers	CMAT Preparation Tips

Overview of XAT

Another top management entrance, Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT is a computer-based management aptitude test. Conducted by Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) Jamshedpur, XAT is taken by approximately one lakh candidates, annually. XAT is held on the first Sunday of the year (January). XAT scores are accepted by XLRI Jamshedpur and more than 800 management institutes.

XAT exam tests the candidate on four fronts:

• Quantitative Ability
• English Language & Logical Reasoning
• Decision Making
• General Knowledge

Also Read:

All About XAT
XAT Syllabus	XAT Exam Pattern
XAT Admit Card	XAT Result
Colleges Accepting XAT Score	XAT Cut Offs
XAT Question Papers	XAT Preparation Tips

Overview of SNAP

Conducted by Symbiosis International University, Symbiosis National Aptitude Test or SNAP is also a national-level management entrance examination. SNAP score is primarily used for admission to 16 institutes under Symbiosis International University. In SNAP, candidates get three attempts and the best of three scores is taken into consideration for admission shortlisting process. SNAP registrations take place from August to November and the exam is held in December.

SNAP Test is a computer-based exam and the duration is two hours. It tests candidates on:

• General English
• Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
• Analytical & Logical Reasoning

Also Read: 

All About SNAP
SNAP Syllabus	Colleges Accepting SNAP Score
SNAP Admit Card	SNAP Result
SNAP Exam Pattern	SNAP Question Papers
SNAP Cut Offs	SNAP Preparation Tips

Overview of NMAT by GMAC

NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) is also one of the popular MBA entrance exams. It was acquired by GMAC in 2015 and rebranded as NMAT by GMAC. NMAT by GMAC is a computer-based exam, held over a 75-day testing window, between October and December. Candidates need to attempt 108 MCQs in 120 minutes. This year, NMAC has provided the facility of taking the test from home in remotely proctored mode, to students. This provision has been made in wake of COVID-19 situation in the country.

Also Read: Colleges Accepting NMAT by GMAC score

NMAT by GMAC has various candidate-friendly options. For instance, candidates can appear for the exam a total of three times and the best of three scores will be used for admission. The NMAT exam has three main sections:

• Language Skills
• Quantitative Skills
• Logical Reasoning

Also Read:

All About NMAT
NMAT Application Form	NMAT Question Papers
NMAT Syllabus	NMAT Exam Pattern
NMAT Admit Card	NMAT Result
NMAT Preparation	NMAT Cut Offs

Overview of MAT

Management Aptitude Test or MAT is also a very popular MBA entrance exam. More than 600 institutes accept MAT exam scores for admission to management programmes. Conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA), MAT is held four times a year – February, May, September and December.  The exam is held in Computer Based Test (CBT), Paper Based Test (PBT) mode and Internet Based Test (IBT) mode. Held for 150 minutes, MAT exam has 200 questions. The aspirant is tested on the following subjects:

• Indian and Global Environment
• Language Comprehension
• Data Analysis and Sufficiency
• Mathematical Skills
• Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Also Read:

All About MAT
MAT Syllabus	MAT Exam Pattern
MAT Admit Card	MAT Result
College Accepting MAT score	MAT Question Papers
MAT Cut Offs	MAT preparation tips

Overview of IIFT Exam

IIFT exam is an institute specific entrance test. The exam is conducted by the NTA for admission to the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). IIFT exam score is valid for admission to IIFT only. It is held in online mode in over 200 cities. IIFT exam is conducted in December. The duration of exam is two hours and the question paper consists of 110 multiple choice questions. IIFT exam tests a candidate’s aptitude in the following areas:

• English Comprehension
• General Knowledge & Awareness
• Logical Reasoning
• Quantitative Analysis  

Also Read:

All About IIFT Exam
IIFT Syllabus	IIFT Exam Pattern
IIFT Admit Card	IIFT Result
Colleges Accepting IIFT Exam Score	IIFT Question Papers
IIFT Cut Offs	IIFT Preparation Tips

Overview of ATMA

AIMS Test for Management Admissions or ATMA is also a national-level management entrance test. It is conducted online in internet based test mode and held four times a year--February, May, July and August. ATMA score is used for admission by several management programmes in over 500 MBA institutes.

Held for three hours, ATMA question paper consists of the following sections:

• Analytical Reasoning Skills Part 1
• Analytical Reasoning Skills Part 2
• Quantitative Skills Part 1
• Quantitative Skills Part 2
• Verbal Skills Part 1
• Verbal Skills Part 2

Also Read:

All About ATMA
ATMA Syllabus	ATMA Exam Pattern
ATMA Admit Card	ATMA Result
Colleges Accepting ATMA Score	ATMA Question Papers
ATMA Application Form	ATMA Cut Off

Overview of IBSAT

ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test or IBSAT is an institute-level entrance test. The exam is conducted by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education. IBSAT exam score is used for admission to MBA and PhD programmes at nine ICFAI Business School (IBS) campuses – Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Dehradun, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune.

IBSAT exam is an Internet Based Test (IBT) and it assesses the candidate’s ability in the following:

• Verbal Ability
• Reading Comprehension
• Quantitative Aptitude
• Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation 

Also Read:

All About IBSAT
IBSAT Syllabus	IBSAT Exam Pattern
IBSAT Admit Card	IBSAT Result
Colleges Accepting IBSAT Score	IBSAT Preparation Tips
IBSAT Application Form	IBSAT Question Papers
IBSAT Cut Offs	IBSAT Books

 

Overview of MICAT 

MICAT is the online entrance test for MICA's flagship two-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications (PGDM-C). To be eligible for MICAT, candidates first need to apply with CAT, XAT and GMAT. Selected applicants will be called for MICAT entrance test which is held in December and February.

Also Read: Colleges accepting MICAT score

Conducted for over 125 minutes, MICAT has two sections:

• Section 1 assesses the candidates’ Analytical Skills, Logical Skills, Verbal Skills, Divergent Thinking, Written Communication Skills and General Awareness.
• Section 2 consists of a Psychometric Test

Also Read:

All About MICAT
MICAT Syllabus	MICAT Exam Pattern
MICAT Application Form	MICAT Result
MICAT Question Papers	MICAT Admit Card

Overview of MAH MBA CET

Maharashtra Common Entrance Test or MAH-CET is a state-level MBA entrance exam. The exam is conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra, for admission to various management courses such as MBA, MMS, PGDBM and PGDM in various institutes in the state of Maharashtra. MAH CET MBA is held in the month of March. Candidates need to attempt 200 questions in 150 minutes.

MAH MBA CET question paper has three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
• Quantitative Aptitude
• Logical / Abstract Reasoning

Also Read:

All About MAH CET MBA
MAH-CET Syllabus	MAH-CET Exam Pattern
MAH-CET Application Form	MAH-CET Result
Colleges Accepting MAH-CET Score	MAH-CET Preparation
MAH-CET Admit Card	MAH-CET Question Papers
MAH-CET Cut Offs	MAH-CET Counselling

 

Overview of IRMASAT

IRMA Social Awareness Test or IRMASAT is an institute-level entrance examination. It is conducted for admission to Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management (PGDRM) and Fellow Programme in Rural Management (FPRM) at Institute of Rural Management, Anand. IRMA exam is held in the month of January.

IRMA uses CAT/XAT scores to shortlist candidates in the first round. Shortlisted candidates are called for IRMA written test or IRMASAT on the subject of “Issues of Social Concern”.

Also Read:

All About IRMASAT
IRMASAT Syllabus	IRMASAT Exam Pattern
IRMASAT Admit Card	IRMASAT Result
IRMASAT Cut Off	IRMASAT Preparation
IRMASAT Question Papers	IRMASAT Counselling

Overview of KIITEE MBA Test

KIITEE is a national-level computer-based test for multiple courses, one of them being MBA. The KIITEE exam is conducted by KIIT University in January every year. The KIITEE MBA exam scores are primarily used for admission for two programmes: 

• MBA at KIIT School of Management (offered at KIIT University) 
• MBA (Rural Management) (KIIT School of Rural Management)

Candidates need to answer 150 questions in 150 minutes. There are four sections in KIITEE MBA:

• Quantitative Aptitude
• Analytical Reasoning
• English
• General Knowledge
• Issue of Social concern

Also Read: Colleges Accepting KIITEE MBA score

All About KIITEE MBA
KIITEE MBA Syllabus	KIITEE MBA Exam Pattern
KIITEE MBA Application Form	KIITEE MBA Result
KIITEE MBA Admit Card	KIITEE MBA Question Papers

Overview of OJEE MBA

Odisha Joint Entrance Exam or OJEE is a state-level MBA entrance test conducted by the Government of Orissa. The test scores are used for admission to various MBA courses in Odisha. The exam is conducted in April-May. OJEE is an online test in which candidates need to attempt 120 questions in 120 minutes.

OJEE MBA has five sections:

• Verbal reasoning
• Analytical reasoning
• General Knowledge
• Comprehension
• Computer and Business fundamentals

Also Read:

All About OJEE MBA
OJEE MBA Syllabus	OJEE MBA Exam Pattern
OJEE MBA Application Form	OJEE MBA Result
Colleges accepting OJEE MBA score	OJEE Preparation Tips
OJEE MBA Question Papers	OJEE MBA Admit Card
OJEE MBA Books	OJEE MBA Cut Off

Overview of KMAT

Karnataka Management Aptitude Test or KMAT is also a state-level MBA entrance examination for admission to post-graduate level programmes offered by MBA colleges and B-schools in the state of Karnataka. KMAT exam is held thrice in the months of May, July and September. The candidates can choose a slot on the exam day to take the test from home.

Conducted by Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association (KPPGCA), KMAT scores are used for admission by more than 169 colleges across the state.

Candidates need to attempt 120 questions in 120 minutes.

KMAT consists of the following sections:

• Language Comprehension
• Mathematical Skills
• Basic Aptitude

Also Read:

All About KMAT
KMAT Syllabus	KMAT Exam Pattern
KMAT Application Form	KMAT Result
KMAT Books	KMAT Admit Card
Colleges Accepting KMAT score	KMAT Preparation Tips
KMAT Question Papers	KMAT Cut Off

Overview of APICET

Andhra Pradesh - Integrated Common Entrance Test or APICET is a state-level MBA entrance examination conducted for admission to various B-schools and MBA colleges in Andhra Pradesh. APICET is generally held in the month of May. The exam is conducted by Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, on behalf of Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE).

Also Read: Colleges accepting APICET score

APICET is a paper-based entrance test. Candidates need to attempt 200 questions in 150 minutes. 

APICET consist of three sections:

• Mathematical Ability
• Analytical Ability
• Communication

Also Read:

All About APICET
APICET Application Form	APICET Admit Card
APICET Syllabus	APICET Exam Pattern
APICET Admit Card	APICET Result
APICET Question Papers	APICET Counselling

Overview of TSICET

Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test or TSICET is a state-level written MBA entrance test. TSICET was held for the first time in May 2015. The test scores are used for admission to various MBA courses in the state of Telangana.

Also Read: Colleges accepting TSICET score

TSICET question paper has three sections:

• Analytical Ability
• Mathematical Ability
• Communication Ability

Also Read:

All About TSICET
TSICET Application Form	TSICET Cut Offs
TSICET Syllabus	TSICET Exam Pattern
TSICET Admit Card	TSICET Result
TSICET Counselling	TSICET Question Papers

Overview of TANCET

Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test or TANCET is a state-level written entrance examination conducted for admission to MBA courses in the state of Tamil Nadu. TANCET is conducted by Anna University, Chennai, on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Also Read: Colleges accepting TANCET Score 

TANCET exam is held in May, is for two hours (100 questions) and tests the candidates ability in:

• Analysis of Business Situations 
• Reading Comprehension
• Quantitative Ability
• Data Sufficiency
• English Usage

Also Read:

All About TANCET
TANCET Syllabus	TANCET Exam Pattern
TANCET Application Form	TANCET Result
TANCET Question Papers	TANCET Admit Card
TANCET Preparation	TANCET Cut Offs

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Overview of TISSNET

Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test or TISSNET is an institute-level exam conducted by Tata Institute of Social Sciences for all Masters programmes offered in TISS-Mumbai, Tuljapur, Hyderabad, Guwahati, IMHST Chennai, MHAT Calicut and G-SET Ranchi. A computer-based exam, TISSNET is held for 100 minutes (1 hour & 40 minutes).

Also Read: Colleges Accepting TISSNET Score

Questions asked TISSNET are related to:

• Social Sensitivity
• Logical Reasoning
• Analytical Ability
• Knowledge on Contemporary issues

Also Read:

All About TISSNET
TISSNET Syllabus	TISSNET Exam Pattern
TISSNET Application Form	TISSNET Result
TISSNET Question Papers	TISSNET Admit Card

Overview of HPU MAT

HP University Management Aptitude Test or HPU MAT is an institute-level entrance examination conducted for admission to Himachal Pradesh University Business School and and HPU Regional Center, Dharamshala.

Also Read: Colleges Accepting HPUMAT Score

The HPU-MAT entrance test has four sections:

• English Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Business Environment
• Arithmetic Comprehension & Data Interpretation

Also Read:

All About HPU MAT
HPU MAT Syllabus	HPU MAT Exam Pattern
HPU MAT Application Form	HPU MAT Admit Card
HPU MAT Question Papers	HPU MAT Result

Overview of NBSAT

Narayana Business School Admission Test or NBSAT is a common entrance test conducted by Narayana Business School for admission to its PGDM/MBA programmes. It is an online proctored test that can be taken from home. The test is of two hours duration and comprises questions from Quantitative Techniques (QT), Data Interpretation & Data Adequacy (DI & DA), Vocabulary & Analytical Reasoning (AR) and Reading Comprehension (RC).

All About NBSAT
NBSAT Dates	NBSAT Application Process
NBSAT Pattern	NBSAT Results

Other Popular MBA Entrance Exams

The table below indicated MBA entrance exams beyond the ones already discussed above. Click on the links below to get detailed information about each examination.

MBA Entrance Exams
Karnataka PGCET	UPESMET
SPJAT	MPMET
SRMJEEM	KMAT Kerala
SMAT	X-GMT
PESSAT MBA	Alliance-AMAT
GSIB Entrance Exam	JEMAT
HBSAT	PGRRCDE MBA Entrance Test
RMAT	SRMCHAT
JKLU-MET	REVA MAT
UPM CAT	VMOU MET
GNDU GMET	IGNOU OPENMAT
B-MAT	BET