For MBA aspirants in India, understanding the nuances of the top entrance exams is crucial for effective preparation and securing admission to premier business schools. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most popular MBA entrance exams in the country:
CAT: Common Admission Test
The CAT exam, one of India’s most prestigious MBA entrance tests, is conducted annually by the IIMs on a rotational basis. It takes place in November and is a computer-based test with multiple-choice and integer-type questions, structured as follows:
- Quantitative Ability: 22 questions
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: 24 questions
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning: 20 questions
Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers (integer-type questions have no negative marking).
Registration Fee: ₹2,300 (General); ₹1,150 (Reserved Categories).
Top management institutes like all IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and IMT Ghaziabad accept CAT scores.
XAT: Xavier Aptitude Test
The XAT exam, organized by Xavier School of Management (XLRI), is notable for its unique sections, especially the Decision-Making segment. Conducted in January, it is a computer-based test lasting 3 hours, divided into:
- Verbal and Logical Ability: 26 questions
- Decision Making: 21 questions
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation: 28 questions
- General Knowledge: 20 questions
Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for incorrect answers, and -0.10 for more than 8 consecutive unattempted questions (no negative marking for GK).
Institutions like XLRI, XIMB, SPJIMR, and TAPMI accept XAT scores.
GMAT: Graduate Management Admission Test
The GMAT is an internationally recognized test administered by GMAC, available year-round with flexible scheduling. It consists of four sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment: 1 question
- Integrated Reasoning: 12 questions
- Quantitative: 31 questions
- Verbal: 36 questions
Duration: 3 hours and 7 minutes, with no negative marking.
Registration Fee: USD 275 (approximately ₹23,000).
Institutes like ISB Hyderabad, IIMs (for Executive MBA programs), SPJIMR Mumbai, and Great Lakes Chennai accept GMAT scores.
MH-CET: Maharashtra Common Entrance Test
The MH-CET (MAH MBA/MMS-CET) is a state-level exam administered by the Maharashtra State CET Cell, typically in March. The 2.5-hour test comprises:
- Logical Reasoning: 75 questions
- Abstract Reasoning: 25 questions
- Quantitative Aptitude: 50 questions
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: 50 questions
Marking Scheme: +1 for each correct answer; no negative marking.
Registration Fee: ₹1,000 (General); ₹800 (Reserved Categories).
Top colleges in Maharashtra, including JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, and PUMBA Pune, accept MH-CET scores.
SNAP: Symbiosis National Aptitude Test
SNAP, conducted by Symbiosis International University, is held annually in December. It is a computer-based test completed in 1 hour, structured into:
- General English: 15 questions
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning: 25 questions
- Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency: 20 questions
Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for incorrect answers.
Registration Fee: ₹2,250 per test (up to three attempts allowed, with the best score considered).
SNAP scores are accepted by Symbiosis institutes such as SIBM Pune, SCMHRD Pune, SIIB Pune, and SIBM Bangalore.
NMAT: NMIMS Management Aptitude Test
The NMAT, conducted by GMAC, offers a flexible testing window from October to December. It is a 2-hour test with three timed sections:
- Language Skills: 36 questions
- Quantitative Skills: 36 questions
- Logical Reasoning: 36 questions
Candidates can take the test up to three times per season, with the highest score considered. No negative marking.
Registration Fee: ₹2,800 (additional charges for retakes).
NMAT scores are accepted by NMIMS Mumbai, XIMB, K J Somaiya Mumbai, and other renowned institutions in India and abroad.