A Guide to Top MBA Exams in India

  • UPES Editorial Team
  • Published 05/02/2025
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Successfully completing an MBA degree from a premiere business school/college opens up diverse career opportunities and roles. The tough task is getting into one! MBA is one of the most competitive courses and getting admission into the top MBA colleges requires qualifying an MBA entrance exam. The preparation that goes into qualifying is intense, focussed, and requires immense hard work and dedication. Candidates are assessed on their aptitude, reasoning, and managerial potential. This guide provides a detailed overview of the top MBA entrance exams 2025, including their conducting bodies, exam syllabus, exam dates, preparation tips, and eligibility criteria. 
For those looking for a world-class MBA program, check out the UPES School of Business, which offers industry-relevant MBA specializations.

Top MBA Entrance Exams in India 2025

Here’s a list of the most important MBA entrance exams for MBA admission 2025:

Exam NameConducting BodyExam Date 2025Eligibility Criteria
CAT (Common Admission Test)Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)Nov 2025 (Tentative)Bachelor’s degree with 50% (45% for SC/ST)
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)XLRI JamshedpurJan 2025Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
MAT (Management Aptitude Test)AIMA (All India Management Association)Feb/May/Sep/Dec 2025Bachelor’s degree in any field
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)NTA (National Testing Agency)April 2025Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks
NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)GMACOct-Dec 2025Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)Symbiosis International UniversityDec 2025Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)GMACMultiple dates throughout the yearNo minimum qualification required
TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test)TISSJan 2025Bachelor’s degree

Make sure you are clear on the dates, eligibility criteria, and other important information. Having them as a list helps memorise them better!

MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus

Most MBA entrance exams 2024 cover similar topics, focusing on aptitude, reasoning, and verbal ability. The general syllabus includes:

1. Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Data Interpretation.

2. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Reading comprehension, Sentence correction, Vocabulary.

3. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI): Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations, Coding Decoding.

4. General Awareness (GA): Current Affairs, Business & Economy, Government Policies.

One of the ways to make sure you crack your MBA entrance exams is by being very thorough with the syllabus. Make a strategic preparation strategy for each section and practise every day to nail them.

How to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams?

Here are some expert tips to crack your MBA entrance exam:

✔ Understand the Exam Pattern: Browsing through the previous years’ papers is always helpful to understand question trends.

✔ Create a Study Plan: Don’t neglect any section. Allocate time to each and practice regularly.

✔ Take Mock Tests: To improve time management and accuracy, make sure you create a fake realistic exam setting in your home. Always time your performance.

✔ Strengthen Basics: Fundamental concepts in quantitative aptitude and reasoning make most questions. Focus on them.

✔ Stay Updated: Read business newspapers and magazines for General Awareness.

✔ Use Online Resources: You can always bank on online study materials, discussion forums, and coaching centre mock exams for structured preparation.

These generalised MBA exam strategies always work for every MBA entrance exam. After all, the fundamentals always remain the same.

MBA Exam Date 2025 & Admission Deadlines

For students aiming for MBA admission 2025, keeping track of important dates is crucial. The MBA exam date 2025 varies for each test. Make sure to regularly check the official websites of respective exams to avoid missing deadlines. 
Also, keep in mind the admission date for top business schools and submit applications before the deadline.
Which MBA Entrance Exam Should You Take? 
Choosing the right MBA entrance exam depends on your target B-schools. Here’s a quick guide:

• For IIMs & Top Institutes → Take CAT, XAT, GMAT

• For Tier-1 & Tier-2 B-schools → Consider MAT, CMAT, NMAT, SNAP

• For International MBA → Take GMAT

• For Social Sciences & HR Programs → Consider TISSNET

Every institution has its unique and personal MBA Entrance exam. Make sure you have an idea about them all.

Conclusion

Getting into a prestigious B-School is truly a dream come true! You’ll be unlocking doors to diverse career opportunities, global networking, and top-tier placements. With multiple exams for MBA available, it is crucial to select the right test, understand the syllabus, and prepare strategically. If you're looking for a leading MBA program with industry-aligned specializations, explore UPES School of Business for an edge in your management career.
 

UPES Editorial Team

Written by the UPES Editorial Team

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