Entrance exams are compulsory for all top management colleges. The top B-Schools in India follow a rigorous admission process to identify the most suitable and capable candidates. These entrance tests play a crucial role in evaluating applicants’ knowledge, reasoning ability, and academic potential.
The exams typically assess areas such as General Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude (including topics like Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Functions, and Probability), Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and overall aptitude.
Therefore, clearing an entrance exam is an important and necessary step for admission into leading management institutions in India.
For PGDM/MBA Entrance exams for the upcoming Batch 2026–28 admissions, between November 2025 and January 2026, plan to take the test, depending on the target institutes, at least from one major approved national test: CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, MAT & other exams
MBA/PGDM Entrance Test Guide: Dates, Fees & Important Exams
| Exam | Typical Exam Window (for 2026–28 admissions) | Who Conducts It / Main Accepting Institutes | Basic Pattern (Sections) | Negative Marking | Typical Difficulty | Approx. Registration Fee (India) |
| CAT | Late Nov 2025 (single day, 3 slots) | Conducted by one of the IIMs accepted by all IIMs and 1000+ institutes | 3 sections – VARC, DILR, QA | Yes for most MCQs usually none for some non‑MCQs | High (most competitive) | Around ₹2,600 (Gen/EWS/OBC) ₹1,300 (SC/ST/PwD) |
| XAT | Early Jan 2026 (usually first Sunday) | XLRI Jamshedpur accepted by 150+ institutes | VA & LR, Decision Making, QA & DI, GK (+ Essay, evaluated separately) | Yes in objective sections GK often excluded from percentile |
High, especially Decision Making | Around ₹2,200 base exam fee extra per XLRI programme |
| NMAT | Early Nov–mid/late Dec 2025 (multiple slots in a window) | GMAC major for NMIMS and some Indian/foreign B‑schools |
3 sections – Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning | No | Moderate speed and time management focused | About ₹3,000 + taxes per attempt retakes also ~₹3,000 + taxes |
| SNAP | Early–late Dec 2025 (typically 2–3 test dates) | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for Symbiosis institutes | 3 sections – General English Analytical & Logical Reasoning; Quant, DI & DS | Yes (fixed penalty per wrong answer) | Easy to moderate short duration, high speed | About ₹2,250 per attempt ~₹1,000 per programme extra |
| CMAT | Likely Jan 2026 (exact day notified closer to exam) | National Testing Agency (NTA) for many AICTE‑ approved institutes |
5 sections – QA & DI, LR Language GK Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Yes | Easy to moderate | Roughly ₹2,500 for General male ~₹1,250 for women and reserved categories |
| MAT | Multiple sessions: Feb, May, Sep, Dec 2025/26 | AIMA; accepted by many universities and tier‑2/3 B‑schools | 5 sections – Language Mathematical Skills Data Analysis & Sufficiency Intelligence & Critical Reasoning Indian & Global Environment | Yes (except some institutes may ignore GK section in score) | Generally easier than CAT/XAT easy–moderate | Around ₹1,950–₹2,200 for one mode ~₹3,250–₹3,800 for two modes/sessions |
Candidates must start by genuinely understanding where they stand before selecting which PGDM/MBA entrance exams to appear in.
Take one or two tests of a difficult exam like CAT and a less difficult exam like NMAT or CMAT, and analyse how you perform in different areas like Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning/Data Interpretation, English comprehension and verbal ability and General Knowledge.
Also Read: How to Select the Right PGDM Institute in Delhi NCR : 7 Key Factors to Consider
Compare the marks, accuracy, question types which are easy to handle and those which are difficult to handle with time constraint. After analysing the pattern, speed, interest etc, start matching yourself to exams.
If you are conceptually strong and can with no trouble handle tricky questions and pressure, then you can definitely go for CAT and XAT and then appear for exams like NMAT, SNAP or CMAT.
If you are more comfortable with reasonable‑level questions accurately and quickly, you may apply for NMAT, SNAP, CMAT and MAT.
Also Read: How To Clear Mat Exam 2025: Expert Tips & Strategies
Also Read: CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria: All You Need to Know
Experienced students may consider exams that offer flexible windows or multiple attempts, such as NMAT and MAT. After choosing one main exam, start your preparation: develop solid concepts and extensive reading habits; do more mock tests to assess your speed.
Make a doable daily study slot, balance out concept learning with practice and mocks, and review to identify which exam pattern you are good at and which needs improvement.
Be ready to adjust your preparation based on results and stress levels so that, by the time forms open, you are registering for exams that genuinely fit your strengths and preparation.
So, wishing you all the best for the upcoming exams and hope you get into your desired college and have a great career ahead. All the Best!
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