Planning for an MBA in India? You need to know about the MBA entrance exam process, top MBA exams, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. The most popular MBA entrance exams in India include CAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, and GMAT. If you are wondering what exam to write for MBA, or is there any entrance exam for MBA, the answer is YES – almost all top B-schools in India require an entrance test for MBA.
This blog covers:
✔ List of MBA entrance exams in India
✔ Which exam is best for MBA
✔ Upcoming MBA entrance exams 2025
✔ How many entrance exams for MBA exist
✔ Easiest MBA entrance exams
What is an MBA Entrance Exam?
An MBA entrance exam is a competitive test that evaluates your aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and verbal ability for admission into MBA programs in India or abroad.
✔ Why required? – Most top MBA colleges use these exams for shortlisting candidates for GD-PI rounds.
✔ Common sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness.
Is There Any Entrance Exam for MBA?
Yes. Almost all top MBA colleges in India, including IIMs, XLRI, NMIMS, Symbiosis, require MBA admission tests in India such as CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP.
Which Exam is Required for MBA?
✔ In India: CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, SNAP, NMAT
✔ For abroad: GMAT, GRE
How Many Entrance Exams for MBA?
There are 15+ MBA entrance exams in India, including national-level, state-level, and university-level tests.
Top MBA Entrance Exams in India (2025)
Here is the MBA entrance exams list for 2025:
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Level | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | IIMs | National | Online |
| XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur | National | Online |
| MAT | AIMA | National | Online/PBT |
| NMAT | GMAC | National | Online |
| SNAP | Symbiosis International | University | Online |
| CMAT | NTA | National | Online |
| TISSNET | Tata Institute of Social Sciences | University | Online |
MBA Entrance Exam for Government Colleges
✔ CAT (Common Admission Test) – For IIMs and top government B-schools
✔ CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) – Accepted by many AICTE-approved colleges
✔ MAH-CET – For Maharashtra government colleges
✔ TANCET – For Tamil Nadu government MBA programs
MBA Entrance Exam 2025 – Important Dates
✔ CAT 2025 – Registration in August 2025, Exam in November 2025
✔ XAT 2025 – Registration in August 2025, Exam in January 2026
✔ NMAT 2025 – September to December 2025
✔ MAT 2025 – February, May, September, December cycles
✔ CMAT 2025 – April 2025
Upcoming MBA Entrance Exams 2025
✔ CAT 2025
✔ XAT 2025
✔ NMAT 2025
✔ SNAP 2025
✔ CMAT 2025
Which MBA Entrance Exam is Best?
✔ CAT – Best for IIMs and top B-schools
✔ XAT – For XLRI and other top colleges
✔ NMAT – For NMIMS and global MBA options
✔ GMAT – For international MBA programs
Which MBA Entrance Exam is Easy?
✔ MAT – Easier than CAT, accepted by 600+ colleges
✔ ATMA – Moderate difficulty
✔ TANCET – Easier for state-level admission
Easiest MBA Entrance Exam
✔ MAT
✔ CMAT
✔ ATMA
These are considered easier compared to CAT or XAT because of their moderate difficulty level and predictable pattern.
Different Exams for MBA
✔ National Level: CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT
✔ University Level: SNAP (Symbiosis), NMAT (NMIMS), TISSNET
✔ International: GMAT, GRE
MBA Exam Fees (Approx.)
✔ CAT: ₹2,400
✔ XAT: ₹2,000
✔ NMAT: ₹2,800
✔ MAT: ₹1,900
✔ GMAT: $275
How to Get Admission in MBA Colleges After Entrance Exam?
✔ Clear the MBA entrance test
✔ Appear for Group Discussion (GD)
✔ Clear Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT)
✔ Submit documents and pay the fee
MBA Admission Tests in India – Key Highlights
✔ Most exams are online CBT mode
✔ Duration: 2–3 hours
✔ Sections: Quant, Verbal, Logical, Data Interpretation, GK (optional)
What Exam to Write for MBA Abroad?
✔ GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) – Most preferred
✔ GRE (Graduate Record Examination) – Accepted by many B-schools
✔ IELTS/TOEFL – For English proficiency
How to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams?
✔ Start 6–12 months before the exam
✔ Focus on Quant, Verbal, DI, and Reasoning
✔ Take mock tests and previous year papers
Which MBA Entrance Exam Has More Scope?
✔ CAT – For 20 IIMs and 1,000+ colleges
✔ XAT – For XLRI and 700+ institutes
✔ NMAT – For NMIMS and global colleges
✔ GMAT – For top international B-schools
FAQs
Q. What exam is required for MBA in India?
A. CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, SNAP, NMAT.
Q. How many entrance exams for MBA are there?
A. Over 15 exams including national, state, and university level.
Q. Which MBA entrance exam is easy?
A. MAT and CMAT are easier compared to CAT.
Q. Is GMAT required for MBA in India?
A. Only for select B-schools and international programs.
Q. Which MBA entrance exam is best for government colleges?
A. CAT and CMAT.
Conclusion
MBA entrance exams are the gateway to top B-schools in India and abroad. If you are planning for MBA admission in 2025, start your exam preparation early, choose the right exam (CAT, XAT, NMAT, GMAT) based on your target colleges, and keep track of upcoming MBA exams and registration dates.
Whether you choose CAT for IIMs or GMAT for global opportunities, clearing the right MBA admission test is the first step towards your management career.
