Entrance Exams for MBA: 7 Proven Tips for Guaranteed Success!
Table of Contents
For aspiring MBA students, entrance exams play a crucial role in the admission process. These exams assess your readiness for graduate-level business education and can significantly influence your acceptance into top programs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of entrance exams for MBA programs, the various types of exams available, their formats, preparation strategies, scoring systems, and tips for success.
Importance of Entrance Exams for MBA Programs
Entrance exams for MBA programs are essential for several reasons. They provide standardized assessments of academic ability, enabling admissions committees to evaluate candidates from diverse backgrounds fairly. Achieving high scores can significantly enhance your application and improve your chances of gaining admission to prestigious business schools. Additionally, these entrance exams are designed to assess critical skills necessary for success in an MBA program, such as analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and verbal communication. By excelling in these exams, you can position yourself as a strong contender for your desired MBA program.
Overview of the Post
In this guide to entrance exams for MBA, we’ll cover the different types of exams, their formats, effective preparation strategies, the scoring and evaluation process, admission requirements, and essential tips for success. By the end of this post, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to confidently navigate the MBA entrance exam landscape.
Top Entrance Exams for MBA in India
Here are some of India’s topmost prevalent entrance exams for admission to MBA courses. Many thousands of students from all over the nation are taking these examinations to enroll in the nation’s recognized institutions.
| S. No. | Entrance Exams | Exam Date |
| 1. | CAT 2023 | 26 Nov 2023 |
| 2. | CMAT 2023 | To be informed |
| 3. | IIFT 2024 | 7 Jan 2024 |
| 4. | IBSAT 2023 | To be informed |
| 5. | XAT 2024 | 7 Jan 2024 |
| 6. | TISSNET MBA 2024 | 28 Jan to 28 Feb 2024 |
| 7. | SNAP 2023 | To be informed |
| 8. | MAH CET 2024 | 25-26 March 2024 |
| 9. | NMAT 2023 | To be informed |
| 10. | MAT 2024 | To be informed |
Types of Entrance Exams for MBA
Some of these notable MBA entrance exams conducted by the concerned institutes can be classified into the following types:
- State-Level MBA Entrance Exam
- National Level MBA Entrance Exam
- Institute Level MBA Entrance Exam
1. State-Level Entrance Exams for MBA
Some deemed institutes at the national level impart business and strategic ideals to students in our nation. Similarly, several state-level institutions and universities offer a reputable infrastructure for providing essential business education as part of the mandatory MBA course. These state-level universities are affiliated with recognized technical universities, which conduct the required entrance exams for MBA selection in various disciplines.
2. National Level Entrance Exams for MBA
National Level Entrance Exams for MBA is an important examination that is conducted at a national level to select eligible candidates for admission to MBA programs offered by various institutions and universities in the country. These exams are usually highly competitive and require thorough preparation and understanding of various subjects related to business management. These exams assess a candidate’s analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills and ability to apply them to real-world business scenarios.
Some popular National Level Entrance Exams for MBA include:
- CAT (Common Admission Test)
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
- CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
- SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
3. Institute Level Entrance Exams for MBA
Institute Level Entrance Exams for MBA refers to an examination conducted by a particular institute or university to select eligible candidates for their MBA programs. These tests are typically given as a secondary selection process for admission to MBA programs, following the national-level exams. These exams are often designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude for the specific course offered by the Institute. This may include questions related to the Institute’s specialization, curriculum, and research areas.
Some examples of Institute Level Entrance Exams for MBA include the IIFT exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. The NMAT exam is conducted by the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies. Scoring well in these exams can increase a candidate’s chances of securing admission to their preferred MBA program in a particular institute or university.
State-Level Entrance Exams for MBA
Here are the top 10 state-level entrance exams for MBA
1. MAH MBA CET 2024
The entrance exams for MBA, conducted by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Cell, is for admission into various state management universities and institutes within the state. Both students from Maharashtra and other states are eligible to apply, provided they have completed their graduation in any field from a recognized university with at least 50% marks. The MBA entrance exam is expected to begin on 25 March 2024 for the upcoming admission cycle.
2. KMAT 2023
The KMAT, or Karnataka Management Aptitude Test, is a state-level entrance exam for MBA courses in Karnataka. Conducted by the Karnataka Post Graduate Private Colleges’ Association (KPPGCA), it offers admission into MBA programs at over 200 state management institutes. The upcoming entrance exams for MBA the 2023 academic year is scheduled to begin in the last week of July 2023.
3. OJCEE 2023
The Odisha joint entrance exam is the state-owned examination for admission into various graduate and post courses, including B. pharm, MBA, M. Tech, and others. The exam is conducted by the Odisha joint entrance exam cell, which is to take place between 8 – 12 May 2023.
4. TANCET – Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test 2024
The Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) is the state-level entrance exam for MBA and other postgraduate programs offered by respected institutes in Tamil Nadu. Anna University is the sole authority that conducts the TANCET across various centers in the state. The upcoming entrance exams for MBA for TANCET is expected to take place in the final week of March 2024.
5. MP MBA Admission – Madhya Pradesh MBA Admission
The MP MBA Admission test is the DTE, Madhya Pradesh’s examination for admitting students into state-owned management institutes. This includes IIM Indore, ITM Gwalior, and others. Graduates in any field with a minimum of 50% aggregate are eligible to participate in the exam. MP MBA admission test 2023 is to be held under three tiers.
6. RMAT – Rajasthan Management Aptitude Test
The Rajasthan Management aptitude test is the state-owned common entrance exam. Rajasthan Technical University is conducting this exam for admission into the MBA course in various state Institutes. The RMAT exam 2023 is about to take place on 29 August 2023, though registration for the exam starts on 15 July 2023.
7. PAM-CAT
The examination to the state-owned institutes and universities in the field of MBA and MCA is done by the Punjab Technical University Jalandhar. The individual applying for the exam must be a graduate in the respected discipline from a UGC-recognized university with at least a 50 % mark.
8. GCET
For admission to management and engineering programs in 2023, the Goa Common Entrance Test has been announced. The exam will be carried around the various centers across the state between 13 to 14 May 2023. DTE, Goa, is the body that examines admission into the respective courses in varied institutes.
9. HPCMAT – Himachal Pradesh Combined Management Aptitude Test
The University of Himachal Pradesh takes the combined management aptitude exam for accepting admission. This applies to management programs at state-owned universities and a few affiliated management institutes. Individuals wishing to get admission into the respective course must have a three-year degree with about 50 percent marks in some field.
10. CUSAT -Cochin University of Science and Technology
Our last entry on this list is the Cochin University of Technology and Science; as a recognized technology institute across India, it also offers courses in management to young enthusiasts.
Also Read: MBA after Engineering for Success in 2023 – Benefits, Scope, Salary, Colleges
National Level Entrance Exams for MBA
1. Common Aptitude Test or CAT 2023
If you ask me which entrance exam is best for MBA, then my answer would be CAT without any doubt. Indian Institute of Management, IIM Bangalore, conducts the CAT examination to give admission to the graduates in MBA courses in the 20 IIMs and 12000 B-schools scattered across the country. The CAT MBA entrance exam registration period is from 23 August to 23 September, and the exam itself will take place on 23 November 2023.
2. IIFT 2023
IIFT, or Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, is an MBA entrance examination for getting admission into Institutes located around Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada. The NTA, or National Testing Agency, conducts the entrance exam. Interested students can fill out the registration for the IIFT examination from 23 Sept to 23 Nov, and the exam will be held on Dec 23.
3. Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT 2023
The XLRI Jamshedpur, in collaboration with other Xavier Management groups, conducts the XAT examination to enroll students from across the country into over 160 management institutes, many of which are affiliated with the Xavier network. The application period for the upcoming XAT, an important entrance exam for MBA programs, runs from August 10, 2023, to November 30, 2023.
4. TISSNET 2023
The TISSNET or Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test. It is conducted by Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, for enrolling the graduate in over 57 full-time Master’s programs. These programs include M.A., M.Sc, MHA, and others across their number of education centers, such as in Mumbai, Tuljapur, Guwahati, and Hyderabad.
5. SNAP 2023
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test or SNAP is organized by Symbiosis International University (SIU). This is conducted in association with other associate universities to provide admission into the 24 various kinds of MBA/ PGDM courses. The application process for the upcoming SNAP exam is supposed to begin in August 2023.
6. MAT 2023
MAT is a national-level common aptitude test conducted by the All India Management Association or AIMA. This is to give admission to graduates in over 800 plus B school management institutes across India. The examination offers three distinct modes of evaluation viz, Paper Based Test (PBT), Computer Based Test (CBT), and Internet Based Test (IBT) modes.
7. CMAT 2023
This is significantly the second MBA entrance exam 2023 on our list that the National Testing Agency is conducting. CMAT allows the management aspiring graduates to get admission to the various MBA and PGDM courses within the concerned universities. The upcoming education year’s examinations were held on 9 April 2023.
8. ATMA 2023
The application form for admission to the MCA, MBA, PGDM, and PGDBA courses is likely to be out on 20 May, and the exam will be held on 28 May.
9. GMAT 2023
GMAT 2023 is well known for offering the required MBA courses to the disciples in the Institutes SPJIMR, IMI, IMT, XIMB, TAPMI, FORE, LBSIM, and GIM Goa.
10. NMAT by GMAC 2022
Examining some of the top Management institutes around the country, including NMIMS, K J Somaiya, XUB, VIT Vellore, and SD Bocconi Asia Centre, will be held on 19 Dec 2023.
Institute Level Entrance Exams for MBA
1. IBSAT
The IBS Aptitude Test is an institute-level entrance examination for getting admission into the MBA/PGPM programs. It is conducted by the ICFAI Foundation to admit students across various education centers in India.
2. MICAT 2023
MICAT exam is the entrance examination for getting admission into the Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications (PGDM-C)in Mudra Institute of Communication Ahmedabad. The selection procedure for the upcoming session of 2023-2025 is yet to be declared by the MICA.
3. KIITEE Management 2023
KIITEE Management 2023 is a computer-based common aptitude test for the admission of graduate students to different MBA courses. The test is held across 15 different cities in India and is conducted every year by the KIIT School of Management (KSOM).
4. IRMASAT 2023
The IRMA Social Awareness Test is the entrance test for selection into the Diploma and Graduation in Rural Management courses. It is regularly conducted by the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA).
5. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Conducted by XLRI (Xavier Labour Relations Institute) Jamshedpur, this exam is considered one of India’s toughest MBA entrance exams. It is a computer-based test and is conducted in January every year.
6. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
Symbiosis International University conducts SNAP. This is a national-level entrance exam for admission to various MBA programs offered by the Symbiosis Institutes. It is a computer-based test and is usually conducted in December.
7. NMAT by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Conducted by GMAC, this exam is accepted by various leading B-schools in India, including NMIMS, and Mumbai. It is a computer-based test and is conducted from October to December every year.
8. IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade)
Conducted by IIFT, this exam is for admission to its MBA (International Business) program. It is a pen-and-paper-based test and is conducted in December every year.
9. TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test)
Conducted by TISS, this exam is for admission to its various postgraduate programs, including its MBA program in Human Resources Management. It is a computer-based test and is usually conducted in January.
10. MAH CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
Conducted by the Government of Maharashtra, this exam is for admission to various MBA/MMS programs offered by B-schools in Maharashtra. It is a computer-based test and is usually conducted in March.
Here, we discussed the MBA Entrance exam list of the different levels based on their participation and conducting bodies.
Tips for Entrance Exams for MBA
To maximize your chances of success, consider these preparation strategies:
Study Groups and Classes: Joining a study group or enrolling in a prep course can provide structure and accountability, enhancing your learning experience.
Study Materials and Resources: Utilize official test prep books, online courses, and practice materials tailored to your chosen exam.
Practice Tests: Regularly take full-length practice exams to familiarize yourself with the test format and timing.
Also, Read- Everything You Need to Know About BBA MBA Integrated Courses
Entrance Exams for MBA Colleges in India
Varying national and state-level institutional bodies conduct various types of entrance exams regularly. These exams are for selecting the required number of students into the distinct Management courses around the different institutional centers. The selection procedure for most of these institutes is quite similar in nature, which makes it possible for one to prepare for multiple examinations simultaneously.
With the help of our comprehensive list of MBA college entrance exams for all categories of colleges, you can make a well-informed decision for the college best for you. These entrance exams are taken by lakhs of MBA aspirants each year and therefore it is essential to prepare well for these exams by creating a strategy for preparation and working on it consistently. With proper planning and execution, you will be one step closer to the college of your choice. also read about the MBA Interview Questions and Answers.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q1. Which entrance exam is easy for MBA?
Ans. There is significantly no MBA entrance exam in India that can be said to be easy as you need to prepare for the respective examination to pass it. However, some form of guidelines and procedure may separate it from the rest of the examination. For instance, the CAT entrance exams for MBA is significantly one of the toughest exams in terms of its pattern and usually high cut-off ranges, so if you find it tougher, then you can certainly move towards other significant tests, such as CMAT, XAT, and others.
Q2. Is CAT compulsory for MBA?
Ans. As we discussed above, different kinds of examinations are conducted by the state, national, and Institute level authorities in India for admission into the varying MBA courses. So if you find it difficult to clear the CAT exam, you can move towards similar exams like MAT, CMAT, and others.
Q3. Which is better, MAT or CAT?
Ans. There is no doubt that CAT is the most prestigious MBA entrance exam as it is accepted as the mode of admission in IIMs and other top Management Institutes in India. However, it is also the toughest MBA entrance exam in India, with a low acceptance rate and high competition. On the other hand, MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is a popular entrance exam that is accepted by more than 600 B-schools in India for admission to their MBA programs.
Q4. What is MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus?
Ans. The MBA entrance exam in India consists of three main sections: English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning ability. However, the syllabus may differ from varying state institutes and other institutional bodies.
Q5. Which MBA Entrance Exam has more scope?
Ans. In terms of scope, no other examination can significantly offer you such an enormous level of possibility than the CAT. The fact that it is viable in the top institutes for MBA in India makes it stand out from all others.
Q6. Is the MBA Entrance Exam conducted online mode or offline mode?
Ans. Yes, most of the MBA entrance exams in India are computer-delivered tests, including the CAT exam. This means that candidates take the exam on a computer at a designated test center or home, depending on the exam. The flexibility to select test dates, instant test results, and the option to check and amend answers before submitting the final exam are just a few benefits of computer-based tests.
Q7. Which subjects do I need to study to crack an MBA Entrance Exam 2023?
Ans. You would have to study all three subjects with absolute intent to get a relative cut-off in the examination. These subjects include English, Quantitative, and Reasoning ability.
Other Related Reads
To read more related articles, click here.
Got a question on this topic?