MBA Preparation: How to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams 2025
How to prepare for MBA entrance exams 2025 - Know syllabus, pattern, best books and preparation strategy to crack top MBA entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, IIFT, SNAP, ATMA, NMAT, IBSAT, etc.
MBA preparation journey usually starts from the final year of graduation. Maximum percentage of the aspirants start MBA entrance exam preparation as soon as they step into the third year of their bachelor’s degree programme as one needs a good number of months to prepare for MBA entrance exam.
What is an MBA entrance exam? MBA entrance exam is a speed based test of English comprehension, logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude - skills essential to succeed as a manager/entrepreneur. A management aspirant often prepares for more than one MBA entrance exam so that, they have multiple options for MBA admission. In this article, we will share key insights on MBA preparation and tips on how to prepare for MBA entrance exam. First of all, let’s take a look at MBA entrance exams in India.
- MBA Entrance Exam 2025-2026
- MBA Entrance Exam Dates 2025-2026
- When to Start MBA Exam Preparation?
- MBA Entrance Exam Pattern
- MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus
- How to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exam: Tips and Tricks
- Best Books for MBA Entrance Exam Preparation 2025
- MBA Entrance Exam Question Papers and Mock Tests
- FAQs on MBA Preparation for Entrance Exam
MBA Entrance Exam 2025-2026
There are over 50 MBA entrance exams in India, out of which, some are national-level, some are state-level and some are university/institute level exams. The most popular national-level MBA entrance exams are CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, XAT, ATMA, NMAT and GMAT. Some of the most popular state-level MBA entrance exams are KMAT, Karnataka PGCET, TSICET, TANCET, MAH CET, APICET and Kerala KMAT. Some of the popular university/institute level entrance exams are SNAP, IBSAT and MICAT. Given below are the top MBA entrance exams that aspirants from across the country appear for in a large number:
| MBA Entrance Exam |
Full Form |
Description |
|---|---|---|
| Common Admission Test |
CAT is conducted annually by the IIMs for admission to over 1,300 MBA colleges in India. |
|
| Management Admission Test |
MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association and is accepted by over 700 MBA colleges in India. |
|
| Xavier’s Aptitude Test |
XAT is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur and is accepted by over 800 MBA colleges in India. |
|
| Common Management Admission Test |
CMAT is conducted by the National Testing Agency and the score is accepted by over 1,300 MBA colleges in India. |
|
| AIMS Test for Management Admission |
ATMA is conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools for admission to over 700 MBA colleges in India. ATMA is conducted multiple times a year in February, May, August and December. |
|
| NMAT by GMAC |
NMAT is conducted by Graduate Management Admission Council and the score is accepted by 114 MBA colleges in India. NMAT is an adaptive test and candidates get three attempts in a particular session. |
|
| GMAT |
Graduate Management Aptitude Test |
GMAT is conducted by Graduate Management Admission Council and the score is accepted by about 100 MBA colleges in India. |
| Symbiosis National Aptitude Test |
SNAP is conducted by Symbiosis International (deemed to be) University for admission to 16 constituent institutes. |
|
| IBS Aptitude Test |
IBSAT is conducted by IBS Hyderabad for admission to its constituent institutes. |
Also Read:
- Top MBA Entrance Exams in India 2025
- MBA admission 2025: Top Colleges, Application Process, Fees and Deadlines
MBA Entrance Exam Dates 2025-2026
Check the table below for tentative dates of CAT, XAT, SNAP, CMAT and other MBA entrance exams.
| MBA entrance exam |
MBA entrance exam date |
|---|---|
| CAT |
November 30, 2025 |
| SNAP |
December 7, 14, 21, 2025 |
| NMAT |
October to November, 2025 |
| XAT |
January 4, 2026 |
| CMAT |
Third week of January 2026 |
| MAT |
February, May, September, December |
| ATMA |
February, May, June, July |
| GMAT |
Candidate can choose the exam date |
When to Start MBA Exam Preparation?
MBA entrance exams like CAT, SNAP and XAT are conducted between November and January, so ideal time to start preparing for these exams is in May-June. Most of the MBA aspirants plan to appear for multiple entrance exams, which means they have to prepare for multiple exams simultaneously. Every MBA entrance exam has its own unique features and one needs to prepare accordingly, thus, a minimum of six months is required. Even if a candidate chooses to appear for only one MBA entrance exam, they must start preparaing six months before so that they can comfortably complete the MBA exam syllabus and have ample time to practice a good number of mock test along with revision.
MBA Entrance Exam Pattern
All MBA entrance exams are conducted in Computer Based Mode. Only MAT offers the option to take the test in Paper Based Mode too. The pattern of entrances is usually the same with limited number of questions to be solved in a limited time duration. Some exams have 60-100 questions whereas some exams have up to 150-200 questions. The exam duration is typically 2 to 3 hours. Given below are the highlights of MBA exam pattern of top exams:
| MBA Entrance Exams |
Exam Duration and No. of questions |
Exam Mode |
Subjects |
Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 hours, 68 questions |
Computer Based Test |
VARC DILR Quantitative Aptitude |
+3 for correct attempt -1 for incorrect attempt |
|
| 2 hours, 150 questions |
Computer Based Test Paper Based Test Internet Based Test |
Language Comprehension Data Analysis & Sufficiency Mathematical Skills Intelligence & Critical Reasoning Economic and Business Environment |
+1 for each correct entry -0.25 for each incorrect entry |
|
| 3 hours, 95 questions |
Computer Based Test |
Decision Making Verbal & Logical Ability Quantitative Aptitude-Data Interpretation GK |
+1 mark for correct answer - 0.25 marks for incorrect answer - 0.10 marks for more than 8 un-attempted questions No negative marking in GK section |
|
| 3 hours, 100 questions |
Computer Based Test |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning Language Comprehension General Awareness Innovation and Entrepreneurship |
+4 marks for correct answer --1 mark for incorrect answer |
|
| 3 hours, 180 questions |
Internet Based Test |
Analytical Reasoning Skills Verbal Skills Quantitative Skills |
+1 mark for each correct answer -0.25 for every wrong answer
|
|
| 2 hours, 108 questions |
Computer Based Test Internet Based Test |
Language Skills Logical Reasoning Quantitative Skills |
+3 for correct attempt No negative marking |
|
| 1 hour, 60 questions |
Computer Based Test |
General English Analytical and Logical Reasoning Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation-Data Sufficiency |
+1 for each correct attempt No negative marking |
|
| 2 hours, 140 |
Internet Based Test |
Quantitative Aptitude Verbal Ability Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation Reading Comprehension |
+1 for correct attempt No negative marking |
MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus
The main subjects of MBA entrance exam syllabus are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. XAT has a unique section called Decision Making and CMAT has a unique section called Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Given below is brief description of MBA entrance exam syllabus:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section of MBA entrance exam syllabus includes English Grammar, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Cloze Test, Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Vocabulary, Synonyms, Antonyms, Odd One Out, Sentence Completion, etc.
Logical Reasoning (LR): This section of MBA entrance exam of syllabus includes Blood Relations, Seating Arrangement, Series, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Syllogism, Sets and Series, Number Systems, etc.
Data Interpretation (DI): This section of MBA entrance exam of syllabus includes Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, etc. This section is usually clubbed with Quantitative Aptitude or Reasoning in many exams.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section of MBA entrance exam of syllabus includes Mensuration, Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra, Square Roots & Cube Roots, Time Speed and Distance, Time and Work, HCM-LCM, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Probability, Mixtures & Alligations, Percentage, Profit, Loss and Discount, etc.
Explore colleges based on CAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
General Awareness (GA): This section of MBA entrance exam of syllabus includes current affairs and static GK. Topics to study for General Awareness are Business, Economy, Politics, Governance, Awards, Books, Personalities, World, Science & Technology, Entertainment, Art & Culture, etc.
MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus
| CAT Syllabus | CMAT Syllabus | NMAT Syllabus |
| MAT Syllabus | SNAP Syllabus | IBSAT Syllabus |
| XAT Syllabus | ATMA Syllabus | IIFT Syllabus |
How to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exam: Tips and Tricks
MBA preparation 2025 requires subject wise detailed study and practice of sample questions. The preparation strategy should be based on the entrance exams a candidate chooses to take. The overall, MBA exam preparation is common to all, but candidates need to have a flexible strategy that can be modified according to the exam pattern of the particular exam. It is very important to practice exam specific mock tests to gain control over each one of them. Given below is the common preparation strategy that can be applied to all MBA entrance exams:
Steps for MBA exam preparation
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
30 Oct '25
29 Oct '25 - 1 Nov '25
4 Nov '25
17 Oct '25 - 18 Nov '25
30 Sep '25 - 20 Nov '25
5 Nov '25 - 30 Nov '25
23 Oct '25 - 7 Dec '25
1 Aug '25 - 16 Dec '25
1 Jul '25 - 19 Dec '25
17 Dec '25
MBA Preparation Tips for VARC
For Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, the candidates need to start preparation early. Good command over English language can make the preparation easy, but those who do not have strong base in English must devote a year to it, as they will have to learn the fundamentals.
Start reading books, novels and newspapers daily to improve reading comprehension. This will also help you improve your vocabulary and grammar. For fundamentals, take help from High School Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin. Verbal Ability topics can be tackled with the help of sample questions. Practice different types of verbal ability and reading comprehension exercises available in the books recommended for MBA preparation and previous years question papers.
Also Read: VARC Preparation Tips for MBA Exams
MBA Preparation Tips for DILR
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning are subjects that do not have formulae or theorems. They are completely based on one’s interpretation and analytical skills. So how to prepare for such subjects? The best way to prepare for DI and LR is by practicing a variety of sample questions of easy, moderate and high difficulty level.
For preparing this section, candidates must take help from mentors and guides on tricks and shortcuts as they are of great help in solving questions, which require eye for detailing. Solving puzzles and patterns is also a great way of developing the reasoning skills.
DI includes basic calculations, so the candidates must memorise Tables up to 20, Square Roots, Cube Roots, Fraction and other such mathematical values for quick calculation.
While solving DI or LR questions, apply the method of elimination. Remove the two option, which are definitely not the right answer and then focus on the remaining two options. This is a good practice as it saves a lot of time.
Also Read:
MBA Preparation Tips for Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section of any MBA entrance exam is calculation intensive and one cannot crack his section without having conceptual clarity of each topic. So, the first step in Quantitative Aptitude preparation is understanding the basics. The candidates must check the topics included in the syllabus of the entrance exam. List out the formulae and theorems attached to each one of them then begin with understanding the fundamentals of topics one by one. The candidates must remember not to study more than on Quantitative Aptitude topic at a time.
Break down the steps and simplify the process to understand a question. After completing each topic practice a number of questions to understand application of the concept. For each Quantitative Aptitude topic, practice 50-60 sample questions to gain a grip over them.
Also Read: QA Preparation Tips for MBA Exams
MBA Preparation Tips for General Awareness
Preparation of General Awareness section of MBA entrance exam is not too difficult. Since the questions are memory-based, all that the candidate needs to do is make a list of all important dates and events and keep revising it. GK yearbooks are the best source for General Awareness preparation.
Also Read: MBA preparation tip for GK
MBA Preparation
| CAT Preparation 2025 | CMAT Preparation 2026 | ATMA Preparation 2025 |
| MAT Preparation 2025 | NMAT Preparation 2025 | IBSAT Preparation 2025 |
| XAT Preparation 2026 | SNAP Preparation 2025 | |
Best Books for MBA Entrance Exam Preparation 2025
Books for MBA preparation are the most essential part of this journey. Performance in an MBA entrance exam greatly depends upon the books a candidate chooses to study. Candidates must choose books based on expert recommendation as well as reviews by previous years’ exam toppers. A good MBA preparation book has two elements – chapter wise explanations and sample questions for practice. We have listed below the most recommended books for MBA preparation 2025 comprising concepts, explanation, tips, exercises and model questions. Check below:
| Best Books for MBA Preparation |
Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| NCERT Mathematics books (Class 6-10) |
NCERT |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT |
Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations |
Abhijit Guha |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT |
Sarvesh Verma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT |
Nishit Sinha |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
RS Aggarwal |
| A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning |
RS Agarwal |
| How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT |
Arun Sharma |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT |
Arun Sharma |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT |
Nishit Sinha |
| Data Interpretation |
Nishit Sinha |
| CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
Gautam Puri |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT |
Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension For The CAT |
Nishit Sinha |
| Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
| High School Grammar and Composition |
Wren and Martin |
| 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary |
Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/ Simon & Schuster |
Also Read:
- CAT Books for Preparation
- CMAT Books for Preparation
- NMAT Books for Preparation
- MAT Books for Preparation
- ATMA Books for Preparation
- IBSAT Books for Preparation
- SNAP Books for Preparation
- XAT Books for Preparation
MBA Entrance Exam Question Papers and Mock Tests
A very important aspect of MBA preparation is practice of questions. All the efforts of understanding concepts and formulae will go in vain of there is not enough practice of application of the same. In the above paragraphs, it has already been mentioned that whether it is VARC, DILR or Quantitative Aptitude, one needs to practice enough number of questions to score well in the exams. Practicing mock tests and question papers is important because they help in increasing speed and accuracy of solving the questions. Since, all MBA entrance exams are speed-based, quick calculation is of dire necessity. Shiksha has a repository of previous years’ question papers of top MBA exams that you can download for free. Click on the links below for free Mock Tests by Shiksha:
Shiksha Mock Tests for MBA
| CAT Moct Tests | MAT Mock Tests | XAT Mock Tests |
| CMAT Mock Tests | SNAP Mock Tests | NMAT Mock Tests |
Download Free Sample Paper Question Bank for VARC, DILR and QA
FAQs on MBA Preparation for Entrance Exam
Q: How much time is required for MBA exam preparation?
A: About six to nine months are required for MBA entrance exam preparation. For top exams like CAT, XAT and GMAT, candidates start exam preparation one year in advance. However, it depends totally on the candidate and their ability to prepare in a given duration. If an aspirant is appearing for a entrance exam for MBA for the first time, they will require about an year for preparation and if an aspirant is making a second/third attempt, they can prepare in six months or less than that.
Q: Which are the top MBA entrance exams for MBA admission?
A: The top MBA entrance exams for MBA admission are CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, NMAT, GMAT, SNAP and IIFT entrance exam. These exams are held between November to May. MAT and ATMA are held in four phases, so candidates can choose to appear for them as per their convenience. NMAT and GMAT have a 2-3 month long test window, during which candidates can choose a day to appear for the exam.
Q: Are the syllabus and preparation strategy same for all MBA entrance exams?
A: Yes, the syllabus and preparation strategy are more or less same for all MBA entrance exams. A bit of modification is required viz. specific aspects of the exam pattern. For example, some exams have General Knowledge as a section. In XAT there is a unique section called Decision Making for which, preparation has to be done separately. In CMAT, Innovation and Entrepreneurship is the unique section, that candidates have to prepare separately.
Q: What is the common MBA entrance exam pattern?
A: MBA entrance exams are speed based aptitude test, in which candidates have to solve a certain number of questions in a given time limit. The questions are in MCQ format. So, there are no subjective type questions in the any entrance exam for MBA. Candidates have to select the correct answers from options given in the test paper. Nowadays, all top MBA entrance exams are held in computer based test mode wherein candidates have to visit a designated exam centre and take the test on a computer system.
Q: What subjects to study for MBA preparation?
A: An MBA entrance exam syllabus consists of subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Analytical Reasoning, English Comprehension, Verbal Ability and General Knowledge. The topics of focus are - Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Tables & Charts, Coding-Decoding, Series, Number System, Visual Reasoning, Family Tree, Blood Relation, Verbal Ability, Para Jumbles, etc.
Q: Should I appear for MBA entrance exam in my final year of graduation?
A: Yes, it is a good idea to appear for an MBA entrance exam while in final year of graduation. One can take it as a practice test if they don’t score as per expectation and appear again the next year. And if they perform as per expectation, they can start their MBA journey without dropping a year.
Q: Which is the toughest MBA entrance exam in India?
A: CAT and XAT are considered to have highest difficulty level among all the MBA entrance exams. CMAT, IIFT, NMAT and SNAP are moderately difficult whereas ATMA and MAT are easy.
Q: Is joining a coaching institute necessary for MBA exam preparation?
A: Joining a coaching institute in not necessary for MBA exam preparation but advisable as guidance of a mentor helps the candidates in plan, prepare and focus better. They also give study material and easy tips for scoring high to students. Moreover, when you study in a class, it keeps you motivation and confidence high and the competitive environment gives you a constant boost to perform better.
Q: How helpful are previous year question papers of entrance exams in MBA preparation?
A: previous year question papers of MBA entrance exams are extremely helpful in test preparation as they provide key insights such as types of questions, topic wise weightage, difficulty levels and other trends over the years. Along with the online mock tests, previous years' questions papers are highly recommended for exam preparation. Without them, your preparation is incomplete.
Q: How can I improve my verbal skills for MBA?
A: To improve verbal skills for MBA entrance exams, candidates must develop the habit of reading newspapers, magazines, novels, books, blogs and reports. For English grammar, they must study Wren & Martin High School English Grammar.
Q: What are the main topics in Quantitative Aptitude section of MBA entrance exams?
A: The main topics of Quantitative Aptitude section of MBA entrance exams are Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry and Mensuration. Candidates must study all Maths topics of class 9 and 10.
CMAT RC passages are easy. Candidates need not worry about RCs in CMAT because they are short and pretty much straight forward. Questions are fact based and generally require candidates to identify the main argument/theme/idea of the passage. Sometimes, there are a few vocabulary and idiom based questions too, but mostly from familiar areas and topics. The length is about 200-500 words.