Comprehensive Guide to Entrance Exams for MBA Admissions in India

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta successfully conducted the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 on Sunday, November 24, for students aspiring to join prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for MBA and other management courses. However, since there are fewer seats and the exam is very competitive, most of the aspirants may wish to explore other entrance exams for MBA. Given below is the list of some of the most popular entrance exams to get into top management programs in India.

1. Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

MAT stands for Management Aptitude Test. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted all over India for getting admission in MBA and other postgraduate management courses. It happens four times in a year: February, May, September, and December. MAT offers a candidate the opportunity to apply to more than 600 B-Schools all over the country. With so many institutions recognizing it, MAT has emerged as one of the versatile options for management aspirants.

2. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

The Common Management Admission Test, or CMAT, is conducted by the National Testing Agency, or NTA, for admission into various management programs across India. The test is computer-based and conducted at multiple centers in the country, and scores are accepted by a large number of business schools, making it easier for candidates to choose from a wide array of institutions.

 3. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

Xavier School of Management (XLRI) in Jamshedpur conducts the Xavier Aptitude Test, an entrance exam for admission to postgraduate management programs at XLRI and other participating institutes. XAT scores are accepted by over 150 management institutes across India, making it one of the most sought-after exams for aspiring MBA candidates.

4. Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)

SNAP is a qualifying test through which students are enrolled for the MBA course of Symbiosis International University, or SIU. This exam is taken during the month of December, and candidates get three attempts to it. It is the qualifying test for entry into one of the premier Symbiosis Business Schools, SIBM Pune and SIIB.

 5. Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH MBA CET)

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH MBA CET) is conducted by the Maharashtra CET Cell for admission into MBA programs in government and private institutions across Maharashtra. The exam is an important option for students targeting management colleges in this region.

6. Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT)

The Karnataka Management Aptitude Test is conducted by the Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association, popularly known as KPPGCA. It is for admission to MBA and MCA programs in several colleges across Karnataka, including Bangalore. This test is open to all India candidates and Karnataka domiciles.

 7. VITEEE

Though it is primarily aimed at undergraduate engineering programs, another VITEEE is held by VIT University which provides an alternative route to higher education in the technological and management fields. Each of these entrance exams provides an alternate route for students interested in pursuing an MBA from India. Based on their choice of institution, a candidate can choose the test that best suits his or her career objectives.