MBA Entrance Exams in India — Dates, Pattern, Eligibility & Cutoffs
Browse every major management entrance test with verified exam dates, registration windows, paper pattern and accepting colleges. Filter by month, mode or application status to build your own test calendar.
Showing 5 of 5 exams
CAT
Common Admission Test
CAT (Common Admission Test) is India's premier management entrance exam conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis. It is the gateway to 20 IIMs and over 1,200 other B-schools across India. CAT tests a candidate's aptitude in verbal ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. Over 2.5 lakh candidates appear for CAT annually, making it one of the most competitive exams globally.
- Exam date
- November 2026
- Registration ends
- September 2026
- Conducted by
- IIMs (on rotation)
- Duration
- 2 hours
GMAT
Graduate Management Admission Test
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is the most widely accepted exam for MBA admissions globally. Conducted by GMAC, the GMAT Focus Edition consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The exam uses computer-adaptive technology, adjusting question difficulty based on performance. GMAT scores are accepted by over 7,700 programs at approximately 2,400 universities and institutions worldwide.
- Exam date
- To be announced
- Registration ends
- To be announced
- Conducted by
- GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
- Duration
- 2 hours 15 minutes (Focus Edition)
MAT
Management Aptitude Test
MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is conducted by AIMA and is accepted by over 600 B-schools across India. It is considered one of the easier MBA entrance exams compared to CAT or XAT, making it ideal for aspirants targeting mid-tier MBA colleges. MAT is offered in multiple sessions throughout the year, giving students flexibility in choosing their exam date.
- Exam date
- May 2026
- Registration ends
- To be announced
- Conducted by
- AIMA (All India Management Association)
- Duration
- 2 hours 30 minutes
SNAP
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) is the gateway to MBA programs at Symbiosis International University's institutes including SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB, SIMS, and others. The exam is relatively shorter at 60 minutes and tests general English, quantitative skills, and logical reasoning. SNAP offers multiple test dates, and the best score is considered for admissions.
- Exam date
- December 2026
- Registration ends
- November 2026
- Conducted by
- Symbiosis International University
- Duration
- 1 hour
XAT
Xavier Aptitude Test
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur and is the gateway to XLRI and over 150 other B-schools across India. XAT is unique among MBA entrance exams for its Decision Making section, which tests analytical and ethical reasoning abilities. The GK section is also a distinguishing feature. XAT is taken by approximately 1 lakh candidates annually.
- Exam date
- January 2027
- Registration ends
- November 2026
- Conducted by
- XLRI Jamshedpur
- Duration
- 3 hours
How to choose which MBA exams to take
Start with CAT — it opens the IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools. Add XAT for XLRI and the Xavier network, NMAT for NMIMS, and SNAP for the Symbiosis institutes. CMAT and MAT widen your safety net across AICTE-approved colleges, while GMAT is the route for one-year and international programmes. State tests such as MAH MBA CET matter if you are targeting Maharashtra colleges.
- • Pick three to four exams so a single bad test day does not end your season.
- • Check registration deadlines first — they close weeks before the exam.
- • Match the paper pattern to your strengths (decision making in XAT, GK in XAT and SNAP).