With over 1,000 colleges in India accepting CAT scores, it serves as a gateway for admission to MBA programs. This widely recognized exam is not only crucial nationally but also holds international acclaim, being acknowledged globally for assessing business aptitude and facilitating admission to top-tier business schools. This year, with the application count anticipated to surpass the 3.5 Lakh mark, it’s essential to note down important points about MBA entrance exams.
Choose your institute
Entering the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) through MBA entrance exams like CAT (Common Admission Test) is an important step for aspiring students. In the CAT form for 2024, candidates will have the opportunity to select the specific IIMs they want to apply to for MBA admission. Candidates can prepare for the CAT exam either by opting for coaching from institutes or by self-preparation at home, depending on their preference.
It's worth noting that, even though candidates can apply to any of the 21 IIMs after the CAT result declaration, they should be aware that some institutes are very particular about registration, and you may or may not be eligible for admission to that specific institute. Additionally, for those considering institutions beyond the IIMs, it's essential to verify whether the chosen institute accepts CAT scores or prefers a different entrance exam to avoid investing time and effort in the wrong direction.
MBA Entrance Exams |
Name of the institute |
CAT |
|
XAT |
|
SNAP |
|
IBSAT |
|
NMAT by GMAC |
|
CMAT |
|
MAT |
|
MAH CET |
|
Important Information about MBA Entrance Exams
If you're planning to pursue an MBA, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the important details of these exams. Understanding the ins and outs will help you navigate the process more confidently,
Exam |
Conducting Institute |
Eligibility |
Registration Months |
Exam Month |
Result |
Time |
Syllabus |
CAT |
IIMs |
- Graduate in any discipline with 50% for General and 45% for Reserved -Final Year students may apply too |
Aug- Sep |
Nov |
Jan |
3 Hours |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
XAT |
Xavier School of Management |
- Graduate in any discipline -Final Year students may apply too |
Aug- Dec |
Jan |
Jan |
3:30 Hours |
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) Decision Making (DM) Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) General Knowledge (GK) Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) |
SNAP |
Symbiosis International University |
- Graduate with 50% -Final Year students may apply too |
Aug- Nov |
Dec |
Jan |
2 Hours |
- General English - Quantitative Aptitude - General Awareness - Logical and Analytical Reasoning |
IBSAT |
ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education |
- Graduation with 50% with the medium of instruction as English. - Applicants in their Final Year may also apply. |
July - December |
December |
January |
2 Hours |
- Verbal Ability - Reading Comprehension - Quantitative Aptitude - Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation |
NMAT |
Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
- Graduate in any discipline with 50% -Final Year students may apply too |
Jul- Oct |
Oct-Dec |
Jan |
2 Hours |
- Language Skills - Quantitative Skills - Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency - Logical Reasoning |
CMAT |
AICTE |
- Graduate in any discipline with 50% - Final Year students may apply too |
Nov |
Jan |
Feb |
3 Hours |
- Logical Reasoning - Language Comprehension - Quantitative Skills - Data Interpretation - General Awareness |
MAT |
AIMA |
- Graduate in any discipline |
Dec- Feb |
Feb |
Feb |
2.5 Hours |
- Verbal Ability - Quantitative Skills - Data Interpretation - Intelligence and Critical Reasoning - Indian and Global Environment |
MAH CET |
DTE Maharashtra |
- Graduate in any discipline with 50% - Final Year students may apply too |
Feb |
Mar |
Mar |
2.5 Hours |
- Logical Reasoning - Abstract Reasoning - Quantitative Ability - Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
MBA Entrance Exam Admit Card
Once you've chosen your desired institutes and identified the entrance exams you need to take, make sure to register within the specified timeframe and promptly download your Admit Card on the due date. This essential document is your key to entering the exam hall. Remember, without it, you won't be permitted to take the exam.
Packed with vital information such as your details, exam venue address, commencement time, and test system number, the Admit Card further assists in you filling up the answer sheet and staying compliant with the guidelines of the examination center.
Number of Candidates
In India, there are more than 12,000 MBA colleges, and they use a test called the Common Admission Test (CAT) for admissions. However, not all of these colleges accept CAT scores. Among these colleges, there are 7395 management colleges, which include 5974 private colleges and 1230 government colleges. It's essential to note that not every management college considers CAT scores for admissions. Therefore, if you are concerned about the competitiveness of the entrance exams, the numbers below reveal a fascinating insight into the popularity and significance of entrance tests individually.
In the competitive world of management entrance exams, the Common Admission Test (CAT) stands out as the most sought-after test, with an expected attendance of 3 lakh candidates in 2024. Following closely are the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) and Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP), where applications range from 2 lakh to 1 lakh. The reason behind this widespread preference lies in the aspirations of MBAs targeting the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
While numerous B-schools consider CAT scores as a primary criterion, other institutes have the flexibility to choose from various entrance exams.
Stay informed, Stay ahead and Stay inspired with MBA Rendezvous.