Top MBA Entrance Exams 2025: Check Exam Dates, Notification, Application Last Date
Top MBA entrance exams in India are CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, SNAP, NMAT. Take a look at upcoming application and exam dates of all top MBA entrance exams 2025 that are the gateway to popular B-Schools in India.
To pursue a full-time MBA programme, it is mandatory to have an entrance exam score. Top MBA entrance exams in India include CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, MAT, etc. Aspirants must choose and apply for the MBA entrance exam, most relevant to 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 CAT is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India as over 1,300 MBA colleges select candidates for admission on the basis of marks obtained in this exam. Over 2 lakh candidates appear for CAT every year. The second most popular MBA entrance exam is CMAT conducted by the NTA. CMAT score is accepted by 1,300 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. One can appear for all these entrance exam, if they have a graduation degree with a minimum of 50 percent marks.
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 and MICAT
In 2022, NTA introduced a pan India entrance exam for multiple courses, including MBA, CUET-PG. This, national-level MBA entrance exam score is accepted by all Central universities. Candidates interested in pursuing MBA from a Central university must appear for CUET-PG. It is held in May, every year.
- Top MBA Entrance Exams 2025: Application Last Date and Exam Dates
- Overview of CAT
- Overview of CMAT
- Overview of XAT
- Overview of SNAP
- Overview of NMAT by GMAC
- Overview of MAT
- Overview of ATMA
- Overview of IBSAT
- Overview of MICAT
- Overview of MAH MBA CET
- Overview of KIITEE MBA
- Overview of OJEE MBA
- Overview of KMAT
- Overview of APICET
- Overview of TSICET
- Overview of TANCET
- Overview of HPU MAT
- Overview of NBSAT
- FAQs Related to Top MBA Entrance Exams in India
Top MBA Entrance Exams 2025: Application Last Date and Exam Dates
The table below lists the upcoming MBA entrance exam 2025 and registration deadline. Don't miss the MBA entrance exam 2025 application last date. Read further below to know exam-wise registration process, fee and other exam related details.
| MBA Entrance Exam 2025-2026 |
Last Date to Apply |
Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| Third week of September 2025 |
30-Nov-2025 |
|
| To be announced |
To be announced |
|
| 25-May-2025 (PBT) 02-Jun-2025 (CBT) |
31-May-2025 (PBT) 08-Jun-2025 (CBT) |
|
| To be announced |
To be announced |
|
| 05-Dec-2025 |
04-Jan-2026 |
|
| 20-May-2025 |
01-Jun-2025 |
|
| 25-Mar-2025 |
02-May-2025 to 06-May-2025 |
|
| To be announnced |
2To be announnced |
|
| 21-Feb-2025 |
22-Mar-2025 | |
| 26-May-2025 |
08-Jun-2025 09-Jun-2025 |
|
| 25-Feb-2025 |
01-Apr-2025 02-Apr-2025 03-Apr-2025 |
|
| To be announced |
To be announced |
|
| To be announced |
To be announced |
|
| 06-Jan-2025 |
11-Jan-2025 to 13-Jan-2025 |
|
| 28-Apr-2025 |
07-May-2025 |
|
| 19-May-2025 |
22-Jun-2025 |
MBA Entrance Exam Flow
Also Read:
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
16 Jul '25
17 Jul '25
1 Jun '25 - 24 Jul '25
6 Aug '25 - 20 Sep '25
1 Aug '25 - 11 Oct '25
5 Aug '25 - 22 Nov '25
15 Jul '25 - 16 Jul '25
15 Jul '25 - 18 Jul '25
18 Jul '25
1 Aug '25
The subsequent sections provide details about the top MBA entrance exams 2025-2026 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 1300 other management institutes across the country for admission. More than two lakh students appear for the exam each year.
CAT was launched 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 and the duration of the exam was 120 minutes, the number of questions was reduced to 76. In 2021, the number of questions was further reduced to 66. In 2024, the number of questions was revised again, at 68. 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 |
|
|---|---|
The CAT application fee is INR 2,500 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates. For the SC/SCT/PWD candidates, the fee is INR 1,250. Applicants have to pay the fee at the time of form filling. The application form is not accepted without the payment of fees. Candidates must also keep in mind that the CAT application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Thus, candidates must fill their forms carefully as if they make a mistake they will have to fill the application form again and pay the fees again. There is a provision of form correction in CAT but only test centre, photo and signature can be edited in the already submitted form. In case, you, ve made a mistake in any other field, you will have to fill the form again.
The July ATMA registraiton started on June 2, 2025. The last date to apply is July 17, 2025. Candidates can pay the application fee till July 16.
ATMA June 2025 registration started on March 10, 2025. The last date to register for the exam was May 20, 2025. The application fee payment window closed on May 18, 2025.
The February session application form was release on December 24, 2024. The registration form was released online. The last date to fill the application form is February 4, 2025. Candidates can pay the application fee by February 2, 2025.
The schedule of every session of ATMA exam is usually released once the results of the previous session are announced. The application schedule is announced on the official website of ATMA AIMS. The ATMA application process begins with ATMA application fee payment. Candidates need to submit their ATMA application form before the deadline. Candidates will have to choose the their preferred institutes they wish to apply for MBA, MS and MCA admissions through ATMA score. Candidates will be eligible for admission to only those institutes that they had selected in the ATMA application form.
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 1,300 MBA institutes across the country. The exam is held in May, but in 2025, it will be held in January, as per announcement made by the NTA.
CMAT is a computer-based exam (held for 180 minutes) in two sessions 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 Preparation Tips 2026 | |
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.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 the following:
- Quantitative Ability
- English Language & Logical Reasoning
- Decision Making
- General Knowledge
Also Read:
| All About XAT |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
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. During COVID-19, NMAT was conducted in remote proctored mode. Now, it is again conducted in computer based test mode at designated exam centres.
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 |
|
|---|---|
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. The MAT exam pattern has changed recently. It is now held for 150 minutes and 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 |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
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 2025 |
|
|---|---|
Overview of KIITEE MBA
KIITEE is a national-level computer-based test for multiple courses, one of them being MBA. The KIITEE Management 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 |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
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 |
|
|---|---|
| Planning to study MBA in India? Find useful insights & emerging trends on student preferences for MBA colleges, locations and more. |
FAQs Related to Top MBA Entrance Exams in India
Q: Which is the top most MBA entrance exam in India?
A: Common Admission Test or CAT by IIM is considered the top MBA entrance exam in India. CAT 2025 will be held on November 30 in 155 cities across India. Apart from CAT, the top MBA entrance exams include XAT, CMAT and MAT.
Q: Which is the easiest MBA entrance exam?
A: The difficulty level of SNAP and MAT exams is usually lower than other MBA entrance exams. However, the candidates must not take any exam lightly preparation requires exhaustive study and practice of sample questions. Also Read: Is MAT tougher than CMAT?
Q: What is the syllabus of an MBA entrance exam?
A: MBA entrance exam syllabus consists of topics from Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, English Comprehension and General Awareness. CAT exam does not have General Awareness sections. CMAT has an extra section which is called Innovation and Entrepreneurship. XAT has a unique section which is called Decision Making.
Q: How many times is MAT conducted in a year?
A: MAT exam is conducted is multiple sessions, four times a year – February, May, September and December. Candidates can take the exam in the month they are best prepared to appear for it. MAT is conducted in three modes - Computer Based Test (CBT), Paper Based Test (PBT) and Internet Based Test (IBT).
Q: How many attempts are allowed in NMAT?
A: In NMAT, three attempts are allowed to each candidate within the 75-day test window. Performance in the last attempt is accepted for admission by NMAT participating colleges. Candidates can retake and reschedule the exam as and when during the 75-day test window.
Q: Is NMAT same as GMAT?
A: Both NMAT and GMAT are conducted by the same agency - GMAC. Both are adaptive tests and their scoring pattern is similar but there are several differences between NMAT and GMAT. For example, NMAT is conducted for admission to India B-schools whereas GMAT is accepted for MBA admission worldwide. You can appear for NMAT during a specific exam window of 75 days, but you can appear for GMAT anytime throughout the year. For more details, read: NMAT and GMAT: What are the key differences?
Q: Should I take CAT or GMAT?
A: GMAT scores are accepted by foreign universities but CAT score is not, thus if a candidate is planning to study management abroad, then they must take GMAT. Many Indian b-schools also accept GMAT for MBA and Executive MBA admission. But if the candidate is targeting the IIMs for full time MBA, they must take CAT. Also Read: CAT vs GMAT - which one to choose
Q: Which are the state level top MBA entrance exams?
A: Some of the top state level MBA entrance exams are MAH CET for Maharashtra, TSICET for Telangana, TANCET for Tamil Nadu, APICET for Andhra Pradesh, KMAT for Karnataka, KMAT Kerala for Kerala, DAVVCET for Madhya Pradesh, UPSEE for Uttar Pradesh, HPU MAT for Himachal Pradesh and OJEE for Odisha.
Q: How many colleges accept XAT exam score?
A: Over 700 MBA colleges accept XAT exam scores for admission apart from XLRI Jamshedpur, which includes Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), SP Jain Institute of Management Research (SPJIMR), Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME), international Management Institute (IMI), etc. Also Read: Top MBA colleges accepting XAT score for admission
Q: Which top MBA colleges apart from IIMs accept CAT?
A: CAT is accepted by all top MBA colleges in India including FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, XIME, IMI, IITs (Department of Management), BIMTECH, Fore School of Management, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Goa Institute of Management, etc. About 1300 MBA colleges in India accept CAT score for MBA admission.
Q: Are all MBA entrance exams conducted online?
A: All the top MBA entrance exams are conducted online but a few state-level and university entrances such as Karnataka PGCET and VMOU MET are conducted in pen and paper mode. MAT is conducted in both online and offline modes.
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IIFT 2025 application form was released on October 17, 2024. The registration process will go on till November 22, 2024. The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi announced the registration schedule online at its offiical website. Candidates interested in pursuing MBA International Business and MBA Business Analytics from IIFT, will have to fill the IIFT 2025 application form by creating a login ID. The process will include online registration, filling up of application form, uploading relevant documents and fee payment. Candidates will have to qualify CAT to get admission into IIFT.