41% of Students Preparing for CAT: Shiksha Poll Highlights Top Entrance Exams for students aspiring for MBA in India
A recent poll run by Shiksha.com has revealed striking trends in the academic aspirations of Indian students who are aiming for a career in Management. According to the survey, 41% of students are preparing for the CAT exam, 38% are gearing up for other MBA entrance exams while 15% are preparing for MAT exams. Read the article below to know more.
These statistics underline the popularity of management education in India and the dominant position CAT holds among MBA aspirants. Let’s explore the top MBA entrance exams in India, their details, and what candidates need to know to prepare effectively.
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Top MBA Entrance Exams in India
Management Education continues to hold significant appeal among Indian students. To get Admission into MBA in India, there are several nationally recognized MBA entrance exams, each with its own unique difficulty level, format, and acceptance by Colleges or Universities. Let’s take an in-depth look at the top MBA entrance exams in India to guide aspiring candidates on their journey.
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CAT (Common Admission Test)
CAT is the most desired MBA entrance exam in India. It is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, which not only provides admission into the 21 IIMs but also to over 1,200 top B-schools, including FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, and IMT Ghaziabad.
To be eligible for the exam, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). The exam is conducted once a year, typically in November.
The exam duration is two hours and is divided into three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Each section has a 40-minute time limit and is equally important for the final percentile calculation. The question paper usually has around 66 questions, and the marking scheme includes +3 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect answers (only for MCQs).
Syllabus for CAT Exam:
Candidates can check out the table below to know the syllabus of CAT exam:
| Section |
Topics |
|---|---|
| VARC |
Reading comprehension passages, para jumbles, sentence correction, and odd one out. |
| DILR |
Bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, seating arrangement, puzzles, data sufficiency. |
| QA |
Number systems, percentages, time-speed-distance, geometry, algebra, probability, and set theory. |
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
- SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
- Other Prominent MBA Entrance Exams
- Conclusion
MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
The MAT Exam is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) which offers candidates multiple opportunities in a year to appear for the exam. The exam is conducted in February, May, September, and December. It is accepted by over 600 business schools in India.
Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in any stream are eligible for the exam. MAT can be taken in three modes: paper-based test (PBT), computer-based test (CBT), and Internet-based test (IBT).
The exam lasts 150 minutes and includes 200 questions across five sections:
- Language Comprehension
- Mathematical Skills
- Data Analysis & Sufficiency
- Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
- Indian & Global Environment
Each section consists of 40 questions and the marking scheme is +1 for each correct answer and -0.25 for each wrong answer.
Syllabus for MAT Exam:
Interested candidates can check out the table below to know about MAT exam syllabus:
| Section |
Topics |
|---|---|
| Language |
Reading comprehension, antonyms, synonyms, grammar. |
| Math |
Averages, speed-time-distance, profit & loss, geometry. |
| Reasoning |
Series, statements & conclusions, analogies. |
| Data Analysis |
Graphs, data tables, charts. |
| GK |
Business awareness, current affairs, static GK. |
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XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
The XAT Exam is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur which is another premier MBA entrance exam accepted by more than 160 institutes across India. Known for its unique emphasis on decision-making and ethical reasoning, XAT is considered one of the toughest MBA exams in India.
The eligibility criteria require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. The exam is typically held in January every year.
The XAT exam spans 3 hours and 30 minutes and includes the sections mentioned below:
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Decision Making
- Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge
- Essay Writing (evaluated during the personal interview stage)
Syllabus for XAT Exam:
Refer to the table below to know about XAT Exam Syllabus:
| Section |
Topics |
|---|---|
| Decision Making |
Case-based questions require ethical and analytical decision-making. |
| Quant & DI |
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, Venn diagrams, tables, graphs. |
| Verbal |
Critical reasoning, vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. |
| General Knowledge |
Static GK, current affairs, economics, politics, and international events. |
-
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
The Snap Exam is organized by Symbiosis International (Deemed University), is the entry point for MBA programs offered by 15 Symbiosis institutes, including SIBM Pune and SCMHRD.
Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates). The exam is usually held in December and is known for its speed-focused format.
The exam has a total duration of 60 minutes and includes three sections:
- General English (Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability)
- Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning
The paper consists of 60 questions and follows a +1 for correct and -0.25 for incorrect answers marking scheme.
Syllabus for Snap Exam:
Here is the detailed syllabus for Snap Exam:
| Section |
Topics |
|---|---|
| Quant |
Time and work, percentages, permutation & combination, number systems. |
| Verbal |
Synonyms, idioms, para-jumbles, and reading passages. |
| Reasoning |
Syllogisms, coding-decoding, and visual reasoning. |
Click here for the detailed Snap Syllabus
Other Prominent MBA Entrance Exams
Apart from CAT, XAT, MAT, and SNAP, several other entrance exams are also highly regarded by Indian B-schools:
- NMAT by GMAC: Conducted for admission to NMIMS and other partner institutes. Offers multiple attempts in a testing window.
- CMAT (Common Management Admission Test): Conducted by NTA, accepted by 1,000+ AICTE-approved colleges.
- IBSAT: ICFAI Business School Admission Test for admission to IBS Hyderabad and other campuses.
- IIFT Exam: Specifically for Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (Delhi and Kolkata), includes questions on international business.
- TISSNET: For admission to Tata Institute of Social Sciences programs in HRM, health, and more.
Conclusion
The Shiksha poll clearly indicates a strong tilt towards the CAT exam, with 41% of students dedicating their time and effort toward this highly competitive test. However, the wide variety of other entrance exams such as MAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT provides flexibility and broader access to MBA programs tailored to different student profiles.
Understanding the eligibility criteria, exam patterns, and syllabi of these exams is crucial for aspirants to plan an effective preparation strategy. With diligent study, focused practice, and smart time management, students can ace their chosen entrance exams and secure admission to some of the most prestigious management institutes in India.