The MBA opens the door to admission to the best business institutions in the nation. The CAT is the most well-known and competitive of the top MBA entrance tests in India because it is the only route to the IIMs. However, more than 2 lakh candidates take the CAT every year, vying for a small number of places at prestigious B-schools like the IIMs, FMS Delhi, and MDI Gurgaon. The XAT, NMAT, SNAP, IIFT, CMAT, and other major MBA entrance examinations are just a few examples.
Over 800 MBA colleges in India recognise the results of the XAT Exam, which is administered by XLRI Jamshedpur. It's difficult to get accepted into the best business schools. Therefore, every student should prepare to take 5 to 6 entrance examinations in order to assure admission to at least one B-school.The majority of MBA admission tests have a standardized syllabus and can be prepared for concurrently. Learn more about some of the top MBA entrance examinations in this article, including their format and universities that accept them.
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India. Over 2 Lakh students prepare for and take multiple admission examinations each year to pursue an MBA, and the numbers are growing. You can climb the corporate leadership ladder with an MBA from a top business school like IIM, FMS, TISS, XLRI, etc.
CAT is currently used interchangeably with MBA entrance exams in India; as we all know, it is one of the most popular exams for postgraduate study in India, drawing more than two lakh applicants each year. CAT is the most coveted B-School entrance exam, however there are also other MBA entrance exam which are important for you to prepare for your MBA journey. Along with your CAT preparation, you should also prepare for others to multiply your selection chance in Top MBA Colleges.
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Common entrance exam One of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India is the CAT. As everyone is aware, the CAT exam takes place in the final week of November. The exam evaluates candidates in three categories: verbal and quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. Each segment has 40 minutes now that the exam structure has just been changed. All IIMs, IITs, and premier business schools including FMS, SPJIMR, IMT, and MDI take CAT results into account while making admissions decisions. With over 2 lakh candidates each year, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most popular MBA entrance tests. Over 150 B-schools accept the CAT score for admission to their programs, and it is the only entrance exam for admission to MBA programs at the IIMs.
CAT Exam Particulars | CAT 2023 Details |
|---|---|
CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
Conducting Institute for 2023 | IIM Lucknow |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
CAT Exam Date | November 26, 2023 |
CAT Exam Timings | Session 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Session 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Session 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
CAT Exam Fees | INR 2,400 (General category) and INR 1,200 (Reserved category) |
Eligibility Criteria | Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST students) |
Number of Applications | 2.55 lakh (in 2022) |
Number of Test Takers | 2.22 lakh (in 2022) |
Exam Purpose | Admission to IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT and over 1,200 B-Schools in India |
Courses Offered | MBA/PGDM |
CAT syllabus | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)Quantitative Ability (QA) |
CAT Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs |
No. of Test Cities | 150 |
CAT Exam Website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
Exam Helpdesk No. | 1800-210-1088 (Toll Free) |
Candidates may take the GMAT exam as many times as they'd like throughout the course of the year. For MBA admissions, almost all Top Tier universities around the world accept GMAT scores. Even IIMs like IIM-B, IIM-A, IIM-L, and IIM-I take GMAT results into account for their executive programs. Other prestigious B-Schools accept GMAT scores, including ISB, SPJIMR, MDI, XLRI, etc. The GMAT sets a higher bar among MBA entry examinations due to the caliber of the questions, interface, and testing experience.
Comparing the GMAT to other MBA entrance examinations is like playing a separate game because it has four sections with set sectional scheduling. Candidates can pick between three predetermined alternatives for the order in which they attempt each section. The GMAT test is computer adaptive. Because Depending on the previous response, the degree of difficulty is changed. While the GMAT does require a different approach to preparation, by paying attention to a few subtleties, one can quickly switch from their CAT preparation to the GMAT.
Head | GMAT Exam Details |
|---|---|
Exam Name | GMAT |
GMAT Full Form | Graduate Management Admission Test |
Official Website | https://www.mba.com |
Most Popular For | MBA courses outside and in India |
Also Accepted For | 1. MS courses outside India |
2. MBA courses in India | |
Conducted By | GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) |
Mode of Exam | Computer-based adaptive test |
GMAT Fees in India | US $275 (INR 22,800 approx) for the GMAT exam at the test centre and US $300 (INR 24,600 approx) for the online GMAT exam |
GMAT Score Range | Min 200, Max 800 (for the current version of the GMAT 2023 exam) |
GMAT Contact | Phone: +91 120-439-7830, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Indian Standard Time Fax: +91-120-4001660. Contact: https://www.mba.com/service/contact-us.aspx |
A similar important entrance test to the CAT is the Xavier Aptitude Test, or XAT. The three-hour computer-based XAT has four components. It takes place the first week of January. As is well known, XLRI Jamshedpur is the school's flagship and the aspirational school for XAT test takers. Although Xavier Universities like XLRI, XUB, etc. do accept XAT scores. More than 150 Indian colleges, including IMT, MICA, and Great Lakes, accept XAT scores as a requirement for admission. The exam is divided into two parts; the first portion includes the VARC, Decision making, and Quant sections. G.K.-related 25 MCQs and an essay question make up the second section. The second portion has no sectional cutoff.
There are no set sectional times with the XAT, which gives it flexibility. You have the option to switch between sections using XAT as well. This enables you to prioritize your strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly. As we all know, in order to pass each part without failing, a certain amount of questions must be answered."The ability to set your own sectional timings can help you meet this obstacle".
With the exception of business decision making, XAT preparation is comparable to CAT preparation. Online resources for business decision-making study are many and should be adequate for covering this area, along with previous year's exam questions. For admission to Xavier member institutions including XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB, and XIME, an MBA entrance exam is required. Over 75,000 candidates take the exam each year, which is administered in January. Great Lakes Chennai, SPJIMR, TAPMI, and other prestigious B-schools are a few more that accept the XAT.
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XAT is a speed-based three and a half-hour test. It is designed to assess candidate's business and quantitative aptitude skills. Check key highlights of XAT 2024 exam in the table below:
Particulars | XAT Details |
|---|---|
XAT Full Form | Xavier Aptitude Test |
Conducting Body | XLRI, Jamshedpur |
XAT 2024 Exam Date | 07-Jan-2024 |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
Exam Mode | Online |
Exam Duration | 3.30 hours |
Exam Syllabus | Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, Essay Writing |
Exam Pattern | 100 questions in MCQ format |
Language | English |
Exam Fees | INR 2,000 (all categories) |
Exam Purpose | Admission to 1,000+ MBA colleges |
Course Offered | MBA/PGDM |
No. of Test Takers | Nearly 98,000 |
No. of Test Cities | 79 (in 2023) |
Exam Helpdesk No. | 1800-267-4008 |
Exam Website | https://xatonline.in/ |
Three campuses of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade are located throughout India: in Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada. The candidate's performance on the National Testing Agency's IIFT exam determines whether or not they get admitted to these universities. There are four sections and 110 multiple-choice questions in the exam. There is no sectional timing, just as the XAT. The exam is held the Sunday following the CAT exam during the first week of December. The IIFT has a little different scoring system. Every accurate response earns three points in the first three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA), whereas every incorrect response loses one point. The G.K. segment awards 1.5 points for accurate responses and docks 0.5 points for incorrect ones. An estimated 60,000 students take the university-level exam each year in an online format. The entrance exam serves as a doorway for enrollment at all three IIFT campuses as well as other reputable institutions.
The IIFT exam is usually moderate to tough in terms of difficulty level. It is on par with the CAT exam conducted by the IIM. About 728 candidates are inducted for the full time MBA programmes. However, for 2024-25 session, the candidates will be selected on the basis of CAT 2023 score. The number of applicants through the IIFT entrance exam is around 30,000. Check the table below for some important highlights of IIFT entrance exam 2024:
IIFT Exam Features | IIFT Exam Details |
|---|---|
Exam Name | IIFT Exam |
Conducting Body | National Testing Agency |
IIFT 2024 Exam Date | Through CAT (November 26, 2023) |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
Exam Mode | Online |
Exam Duration | 2 hours (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) |
Exam Syllabus | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation, Quantitative Analysis |
Exam Pattern | 110 questions in MCQ format |
Language | English |
Exam Fees | INR 2,500 (General category) |
Exam Purpose | Admission into IIFT Delhi, IIFT Kolkata and IIFT Kakinada |
Course Offered | MBA-International Business |
No. of Test Cities | 63 |
Number of Applicants | 30,622 (2023 data) |
Number of Seats | 400 (approx.) |
Exam Helpdesk No. | 0120-6895200 |
Exam Website | https://iift.nta.nic.in/ |
Contact Details | NTA office: Block C-20/1A/8, Sector 62,Gautam Buddh Nagar, Noida -201309 (UP) NTA Helpdesk: 0120-6895200 (Operational 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM during working days) |
The NMAT by GMAC exam is managed by NMIMS. The three-month exam window runs from the middle of October to the beginning of January. The test lasts for two hours. Each of the three components is equally weighted. 108 objective questions with no deductible marks are presented to the candidates. Candidates are given a best of three options by NMAT. The exam can be taken three times by any applicant. The highest score among the tries determines admission. NMAT scores are taken into account for admission by SPJIMR and a few ISB programs in addition to NMIMS University.
The table below covers some of the major highlights of the NMAT by GMAC exam.
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Name | NMAT by GMAC |
Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
Exam Level | National level for PG admission |
Frequency | Once a year (70-day test window) |
Mode | CBT from test centre |
Duration | 120 minutes |
Syllabus | Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning |
Pattern | 108 Questions |
Language | English |
Fees | INR 2,800 |
Exam purpose | Admission into India's top business schools such as NMIMS, SPJIMR, ISB, XIMB, VIT, ICFAI, Shiv Nadar, SDA Bocconi, LM Thapar, etc. |
Course offered | MBA/PGDM |
Number of test centres and cities | 73 test cities |
Exam helpdesk number | 0120 4397855 |
Exam website | https://www.mba.com/en-in/exams/nmat |
An hour-long aptitude test with 60 questions is administered by Symbiosis International University (SIU). SNAP test results are a key factor in admission to all 16 Symbiosis Management programs offered throughout India, including SIBM, SCMHRD, SIIP, and others. due to the fact that the exam is offered three times between November and January. A candidate may run twice in a given year. There is a time limit for each component of the exam, which comprises three sections: general English, analytical and logical thinking, and quantitative, data interpretation, and data sufficiency. There is no need for additional study because the exam's syllabus is comparable to that of the CAT. For admission to its 15 member institutions, which include SIBM, SCMHRD, and SICSR, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) administers the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP). The three-day national test is held each year. Candidates have three chances to take the test; the highest score will be used as the final result, with no normalization.
Before reading about SNAP exam 2023 in detail, take a look at the key highlights of the same in the table below:
SNAP Features | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Name | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) |
Conducting Body | Symbiosis International (Deemed) University (SIU) |
SNAP Exam Dates | Decemer 10, 17, 22, 2023 |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Frequency | Once a year (three attempts) |
Exam Mode | Online |
Exam Duration | 60 minutes |
Exam Syllabus | General English, Quantitative-Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, Analytical & Logical Reasoning |
Exam Pattern | 60 questions in MCQ format |
Language | English |
Exam Fees | INR 2250 |
Number of Candidates | 50,000 (average) |
Exam Purpose | Admission to SIU affiliated colleges and 20 other institutes |
Course Offered | MBA/PGDM |
No. of Test Cities | 94 |
Exam Helpdesk No. | 020-39116226 |
Exam Website | https://www.snaptest.org/ |
The MAH-CET, also known as the MAH MBA CET, is a state-level test for MBA candidates that is administered by the state of Maharashtra. This score is taken into account by more than 300 colleges in Maharashtra, including JBIMS and KJSOM. The MAH-CET, also known as the MAH MBA CET, is a state-level test for MBA candidates that is administered by the state of Maharashtra. This score is taken into consideration for admission by more than 300 colleges in Maharashtra, including JBIMS, KJSOM, etc. There are six spots available for the exam in June. Each of the three exam days will have two slots. Computer-based MAH CET is used. The centers are mostly in and around Maharashtra because the test is administered by the state government. The exam centers are located in 16 locations across India, according to other states. There are 200 multiple-choice questions on the exam, each with five possible answers. There are three sections to the 150-minute test, and there are no negative points. One mark is awarded for each right response. The curriculum is comparable to the CAT curriculum.
MAH MBA CET 2023 is the most popular MBA entrance exam in Maharashtra. Take a look at the table below for key highlights of MAH MBA CET 2023:
Exam Particulars | Exam Details |
|---|---|
Exam Name | MAH MBA/MMS-CET or MAH-CET |
Conducting Body | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra |
MAH MBA CET 2023 Exam Dates | 25-Mar-2023 & 26-Mar-2023 |
Exam Level | Postgraduate exam at the state level |
Exam Frequency | Annual |
Mode of Exam | Computed Based Test (CBT) |
Total Registrations | About 1 lakh |
Courses Offered Through Entrance Exam | MBA/MMS/PGDM |
Exam Fees | INR 1,000 (General category) INR 800 (Reserved category) |
Exam Duration | 2.5 hours |
Total Marks | 200 |
Total Questions | 200 |
Marking Scheme | 1. One mark for each correct answer 2. No negative marking |
Language/Medium of Exam | English |
Colleges Accepting Exam Score | JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA, Prin. LN Welingkar, Balaji Institute of Modern Management, ITM Business School, etc. |
No. of Test Cities | 48 |
Official Website | https://cetcell.mahacet.org/ |
Contact Details | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra State, Mumbai 8th Floor, New Excelsior Building, A.K.Nayak Marg, Fort, Mumbai-400001 Helpline Number (10:00 AM to 06:00 PM) +91-9513850008 |
Studying for an MBA or PGDM has become very popular recently for a variety of reasons. The amount of time and effort a candidate must invest before and after MBA admissions is the main concern associated to MBA. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the numerous MBA entry tests to determine their level of relevance to the objectives.
Features | MBA Entrance Exam 2023 |
|---|---|
MBA Program Fees | INR 2 - 30 lakhs |
MBA Specializations | Human Resource Management |
Finance | |
Marketing | |
International Business | |
Digital Marketing | |
Business Analytics, and others | |
MBA Average CTC Offered | Tier 1 B-schools: INR 27 - 34 lakhs |
Tier 2 B-schools: INR 18 - 27 lakhs | |
Tier 3 B-schools: INR 15 - 20 lakhs | |
Top Recruiting Sectors | Human Resource Management |
Banking & Finance | |
Branding & Advertising | |
Digital Marketing | |
Foreign Trade | |
Top Recruiters | Amazon, Apple, Bain & Company, Citigroup, Deloitte, Facebook, Accenture, Boston Consulting Group, JP Morgan and Chase Co, Morgan Stanley, etc. |
Important Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
Eligibility Criteria | At least 50% in graduation, final year students can register as well. |
Age Limit | none |
Selection of the Entrance exam based on targeted colleges | 20 IIMs, FMS, IMT, MDI, IMI and IITs accept CAT scores |
XLRI accepts only XAT scores | |
NMIMS accepts only NMAT score | |
Sixteen symbiosis member institutes accept the SNAP score. | |
Selection of shortlisted students for further admission rounds (Group Discussion- Written Ability Test-Personal Interview) | Shortlisting is based on weightage given to several parameters including exam score, academic background, professional work experience, and gender diversity. |
Top B-schools like IIMs, FMS, IMT, and MDI conduct mandatory batch-wise group discussion sessions for students who are shortlisted. | |
Declaration of merit lists by the universities | The institutes announce the result of candidates in the form of merit lists. It can be downloaded from the official website of the institute. The list usually contains the name of the selected student, registration number, roll number, entrance exam score, and entrance exam percentile. |
Accepting admission letter and payment of acceptance fees | Post declaration of the result, the university/B-school sends an e-offer letter via an official email. A candidate needs to revert to the email by accepting the offer letter and paying the acceptance fees by the given date to confirm the admission. |
Cut-offs, weighting, batch profiles, gender diversity, academic diversity, summer placements, and final placements are just a few examples of the data/statistics that are created each year and play a vital part in determining the reputation of the institute. The majority of the admissions processes at the best business schools in our nation can be compared to one another.
Business schools don't all conduct interviews in accordance with the same format. It serves as a crucial screening tool for some. Others use it to assess cases that are on the edge. And some even use it as an application-related information session. We'll teach you how to treat the MBA interview like a pleasant discussion rather than the agony you may be dreading it to be.
Selecting an Interview
Accept the interview if one is extended. You might be a stronger prospect in person. You can improve upon your weaknesses or make your application essays more engaging. More importantly, you can exhibit the traits that the admissions committee looks for and which frequently influence decisions, such as enthusiasm, humor, maturity, and determination.
Business school interviews are frequently informal and less structured. It still could feel like a job interview, though.It just implies that they want to understand who you are as a complete. Your interviewer might ask detailed inquiries about your duties at work or general inquiries about your background, character, and objectives. You might discuss your interests, a recent cross-country journey, or even your worst job to date.
Interviews are done by faculty, admissions personnel, existing students, or alumni. Students follow a strict script and report back to the admissions committee, so don't write them off as lightweights. However, these sessions are more likely to be unsuccessful because they are relatively inexperienced interviewers. To make your points, you might need to put in more effort.
There are numerous strategies to get ready for business school interview questions:
1. Talk about your accomplishments more often. Bring samples of your accomplishments, or perhaps a portfolio of your work, to demonstrate your abilities.
2. Though you shouldn't presume the interviewer has read your essays, be prepared to go into more detail than you did in them.
3. Prepare two or three highlights of your personality that you want the interviewer to recall.
4. Avoid using too much business speak. The goal is to make the interviewer see you as someone who will significantly enhance campus life. Be as natural as possible.
5. When the inevitable "why this school?" question is posed by the interviewer, be ready to respond with a solid argument.
A strong interview might tilt the scales in favor of acceptance. How do you tell whether it was fantastic? You were attentive and collected. Your views and self-expression were both crystal obvious. And you and the interviewer struck up a good connection.
Yes, you are still able to pursue an MBA without taking the CAT. Other MBA entrance tests, such as the XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, etc., are also an option. However, without acing the CAT, you won't be able to enroll in prestigious B-schools like the IIMs.
With over two lakh registrants, the CAT, or Common Admission Test, is the most well-known MBA entrance exam. The CAT offers the chance to enroll in esteemed institutions like the IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, etc.
Choosing the courses and institutions you want to enroll in before choosing the entrance examinations to register for is the best line of action. Determine the MBA entry examinations necessary to satisfy the specific requirements of the B-schools based on the list.
Each MBA admission exam has its own registration deadline. Make sure to record every entrance you intend to make. CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT registrations should start in the first week of August, while IIFT registrations should start in October 2023.
Any exam preparation demands a carefully considered plan. It is essential that you start studying for the exam that is closest to you if you are taking multiple MBA admission examinations. Since most entrance examinations have overlapping topics and syllabi, you can concentrate on the exam that is closest to you while covering the remaining topics as the test dates approach.
Most MBA aspirants take these important exams. While MICA and other business schools have their own admissions exams. They also take into account CAT scores. As CAT and XAT are the most difficult and difficult exams to pass, I would strongly advise concentrating your preparation on these exams.
You must always have a ton of choices, so pick the one that best fits your ideals. We hope this blog was of some help to you and we wish you luck for your upcoming MBA entrance exams. Happy preparation ! Let us know if you have any further doubts.
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