If students are planning to pursue management programs, such as a full-time MBA program, from AICTE-approved institutions, they will be required to appear for the management exams. The most popular among them include the CAT (Common Admission Test), which is for the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several IIT management campuses; the XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test), conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur; the MAT (Management Aptitude Test), accepted by hundreds of B-schools across India; the CMAT (Common Management Admission Test), for AICTE-approved colleges. Other than this, there are some other exams, including IBSAT, ATMA, TANCET, and MAH MBA. These exams are students’ first step toward MBA programs covering fields such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Business Analytics, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship. Get detailed information about the top MBA Entrance Exams in this article.
National, State and University Level MBA Entrance Exams
Students can check out the table provided below listing all the national, state, and university-level MBA entrance exams:
| Level | Exam Name | Key Colleges / Institutes | Courses Offered |
| National
|
CAT (Common Admission Test) | IIMs, select IITs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI | MBA / PGDM, Management Programs |
| XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) | XLRI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, XIMB Bhubaneswar, IMT Ghaziabad | MBA / PGDM, Management Programs | |
| MAT (Management Aptitude Test) | Over 600 B-schools across India | MBA / PGDM, Management Programs | |
| CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) | AICTE-approved colleges nationwide | MBA / PGDM, Management Programs | |
| GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) | International B-schools, NMIMS Mumbai, select Indian programs | MBA / PGDM, Management Programs | |
| State
|
MAH-CET | JBIMS, SIMSREE, other Maharashtra MBA colleges | MBA / PGDM |
| TS ICET | Universities in Telangana | MBA / MCA | |
| AP ICET | Universities in Andhra Pradesh | MBA / MCA | |
| University / College
|
IIFT Entrance Exam | IIFT Delhi, IIFT Kolkata | MBA (International Business) |
| NMAT by GMAC | NMIMS Mumbai, XIMB, Alliance, and other partner B-schools | MBA / PGDM, Management Programs | |
| SNAP | SIBM Pune, Symbiosis B-schools | MBA / PGDM, Management Programs | |
| MICAT | MICA Ahmedabad | MBA / PGDM (Marketing & Communications) |
Top MBA Entrance Exams: Last date & Exam Date
The upcoming CAT exam is going to be conducted on November 30, 2025, and XAT exam will be held on January 4, 2026. Get the detailed MBA exam dates in the table provided below:
| MBA Entrance Exam | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date(s) |
| CAT 2025 | 20 Sep, 2025 | 30 Nov, 2025 |
| SNAP 2025 | 20 Nov, 2025 | 06 Dec, 2025, 14 Dec, 2025, 20 Dec, 2025 |
| MAT 2025 | 07 Dec, 2025 (PBT)
15 Dec, 2025 (CBT) |
13 Dec, 2025 (PBT)
21 Dec, 2025 (CBT) |
| CMAT 2026 | 17 Nov, 2025 | To be announced |
| XAT 2026 | 05 Dec, 2025 | 04 Jan, 2026 |
| ATMA 2025 | 20 May, 2025 | 01 Jun, 2025 |
| OJEE 2025 | 25 Mar, 2025 | 02 May, 2025 to 06 May, 2025 |
| IBSAT 2025 | 19 Dec, 2025 | 27 Dec, 2025, 28 Dec, 2025 |
| TANCET 2025 | 21 Feb, 2025 | 22 Mar, 2025 |
| TS ICET 2025 | 26 May, 2025 | 08 Jun, 2025, 09 Jun, 2025 |
| MAH MBA CET 2026 | To be announced | To be announced |
| NMAT 2025 | 18 Oct, 2025 | 05 Nov, 2025 to 19 Dec, 2025 |
| MICAT 2026 | 20 Nov, 2025 (MICAT 1)
29 Jan, 2026 (MICAT 2) |
06 Dec, 2025 (MICAT 1)
13 Feb, 2026 (MICAT 2) |
| KIITEE MBA 2026 | 09 Jan, 2026 | 16 Jan, 2026 to 18 Jan, 2026 |
| AP ICET 2025 | 28 Apr, 2025 | 07 May, 2025 |
| Karnataka PGCET 2025 | 19 May, 2025 | 22 Jun, 2025 |
National-level MBA Entrance Exams
The Top MBA Entrance Exams at the national level include CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, NMAT and GMAT. The details provided below are in the given sections:
CAT
The CAT Exam is the most popular and widely accepted MBA entrance test in India, conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis. Students can get into 21 IIMs and over 1,000 other top business schools with a valid CAT score. CAT assesses a student’s abilities in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, PGDM, Executive MBA, Management Programs |
| Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | IIMs, IITs (for MBA programs), FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, and more |
XAT
The XAT, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, is another widely known national-level exam. Over 160 institutes across India accept XAT scores, especially B-schools like XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, and TAPMI.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | XLRI Jamshedpur |
| Courses Offered | MBA, PGDM, Business Management, Human Resource Management |
| Exam Date | January 4, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | XLRI, XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI, Great Lakes, FORE, and others
|
CMAT
The CMAT is a national-level entrance exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam tests candidates in quantitative techniques, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, PGDM, Executive MBA, Management Programs |
| Exam Date | To be announced (likely February 2026) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | AICTE-approved institutions and top private B-schools
|
MAT
The MAT exam, organised by the All India Management Association (AIMA), is conducted multiple times a year (in PBT, CBT, and IBT modes). MAT is accepted by over 600 B-schools across India.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, PGDM, Management Programs |
| Exam Date | December 13, 2025 (PBT), December 21, 2025 (CBT) |
| Exam Mode | Paper-Based Test (PBT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | Over 600 B-schools nationwide |
NMAT
The NMAT by GMAC is known for its student-friendly approach, i.e., students can choose their exam date, take the test up to three times, and decide which score to send to participating institutes.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, PGDM, Management Programs |
| Exam Date | November 5, 2025 – December 19, 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) and Online Proctored from Home |
| Accepting Institutes | NMIMS Mumbai, XIM University, SDA Bocconi Asia Center, ISB (Advanced Management Program) |
GMAT
The GMAT is a global exam for MBA admissions, accepted by over 7,000 management programs worldwide, including top Indian B-schools like ISB, SPJIMR, and NMIMS. It assesses analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal skills.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, Global MBA, Executive MBA |
| Exam Date | Choose-your-own date (multiple attempts allowed) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) and Online Proctored Exam |
| Accepting Institutes | ISB Hyderabad, SPJIMR, NMIMS, and top global B-schools like Harvard, INSEAD, Wharton, and London Business School |
State-level MBA Entrance Exams
Some of the state-level MBA Entrance Exams include MAH MBA CET, TANCET, TS ICET, and many more. Get more details in the sections given below:
MAH MBA CET
The MAH MBA CET Exam, conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, is one of the most popular state-level management exams in India. It’s the gateway to top B-schools in Maharashtra like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra |
| Courses Offered | MBA, MMS |
| Exam Date | To be announced (expected March 2026) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, PUMBA Pune, KJ Somaiya, and other Maharashtra B-schools |
TANCET
The TANCET exam is conducted by Anna University, Chennai, for admission into MBA and MCA programs across Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most recognised state-level exams in South India. The test assesses general English, quantitative ability, business analysis, and data sufficiency skills.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | Anna University, Chennai |
| Courses Offered | MBA, MCA |
| Exam Date | March 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Pen and Paper (Offline) |
| Accepting Institutes | Anna University, PSG Institute of Management, Loyola Institute of Technology, SRM University (MBA) |
TS ICET
The TS ICET is conducted by Kakatiya University, Warangal on behalf of the Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE). The exam evaluates analytical ability, mathematical skills, and communication ability.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | Kakatiya University, Warangal (for TSCHE) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, MCA |
| Exam Date | June 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | Osmania University, Kakatiya University, JNTU Hyderabad, and affiliated colleges in Telangana
|
AP ICET
The AP ICET is conducted by Sri Krishnadevaraya University. It evaluates a candidate’s aptitude for business and management studies through sections like analytical ability, communication skills, and mathematical ability.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur |
| Courses Offered | MBA, MCA |
| Exam Date | May 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | Andhra University, SV University, Acharya Nagarjuna University, and other state-affiliated institutions |
Karnataka PGCET
The Karnataka PGCET, conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), is the main entrance exam for MBA, MCA, M.Tech, and M.Arch programs across Karnataka. The test covers quantitative techniques, English, reasoning, and general awareness.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, MCA, M.Tech |
| Exam Date | June 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Pen and Paper (Offline) |
| Accepting Institutes | Bangalore University, PES University, R.V. Institute of Management, Alliance University, and other B-schools in Karnataka |
OJEE
The OJEE exam is conducted by the Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Board (OJEEB). It assesses quantitative techniques, logical reasoning, verbal ability, and general awareness.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Board (OJEEB) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.Pharm |
| Exam Date | May 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | BPUT, Utkal University, KIIT School of Management, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar (for some programs)
|
Institute-level MBA Entrance Exams
Apart from national and state-level tests, several top business schools in India conduct their own entrance exams for MBA admissions. Get more details here:
NMAT by GMAC
The NMAT by GMAC is one of the most well-known institute-level MBA entrance exams, conducted for admission to NMIMS University and other partner B-schools. The exam tests quantitative, logical, and verbal abilities.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, PGDM |
| Exam Date | November 5 – December 19, 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (at test centres or online from home) |
| Accepting Institutes | NMIMS Mumbai, XIM University Bhubaneswar, ISB (Advanced Management Program), and SDA Bocconi Asia Center |
SNAP
The SNAP Test is conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University). SNAP evaluates general English, quantitative data interpretation, and logical reasoning skills.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, MBA (Innovation & Entrepreneurship), MBA (Business Analytics) |
| Exam Date | December 6, 14, and 20, 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | SIBM Pune, SCMHRD Pune, SIIB, SIBM Bengaluru, and other Symbiosis B-schools |
Get more information on Exam Results
MICAT
The MICAT, conducted by MICA Ahmedabad, is a unique entrance test designed for students interested in marketing, branding, and communications. It’s held twice a year (MICAT I & MICAT II) and includes creative writing, psychometric, and aptitude sections.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | MICA, Ahmedabad |
| Courses Offered | PGDM (Communications), PGDM (Marketing and Digital Management) |
| Exam Date | MICAT I: December 6, 2025
MICAT II: February 13, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | MICA Ahmedabad
|
IIFT MBA
The IIFT Entrance Exam is conducted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, assesses quantitative, verbal, logical, and general awareness skills with a global trade perspective.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) for IIFT |
| Courses Offered | MBA (International Business) |
| Exam Date | December 2025 (Exact date to be announced) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | IIFT Delhi, IIFT Kolkata, IIFT Kakinada |
KIITEE MBA
The KIITEE Management Exam, conducted by KIIT School of Management (KSOM), Bhubaneswar, is a university-level test for admission to its MBA program. The exam assesses candidates on quantitative aptitude, analytical reasoning, English, general knowledge, and issue analysis.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | KIIT School of Management (KSOM), Bhubaneswar |
| Courses Offered | MBA, MBA (Business Analytics) |
| Exam Date | January 16–18, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | KIIT School of Management (KSOM), KIIT University |
IBSAT
The IBSAT, conducted by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, is an aptitude test for admission to ICFAI Business Schools located in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurgaon, and other cities. The exam focuses on quantitative ability, data adequacy, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
| Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education |
| Courses Offered | MBA, PGPM |
| Exam Date | December 27–28, 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Accepting Institutes | ICFAI Business Schools (Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Dehradun, Jaipur, Nagpur)
|
Final Words
Choosing the right MBA entrance exam is one of the first and important steps in students’ management dream. They must select the exam depending on their choice of courses and colleges. Students first understand their goal, explore which exam aligns best with their college, and plan their preparation accordingly.
