Embarking on a journey towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a significant step for aspiring business leaders. With numerous MBA entrance exams available, it’s essential to stay informed about the top exams, their dates, and the application deadlines. In this guide, we’ll delve into the top MBA entrance exams of 2024, providing valuable insights to help you navigate this crucial phase of your academic and professional life.
India’s Top MBA Exam
In 2024, prominent MBA colleges entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP, and NMAT will be conducted initially. Following these, exams like CMAT, ATMA, MAH CET, TANCET, TSICET, and others will be held for the 2024 academic year. Below, you’ll find the application and exam dates for each of these leading MBA entrance exams in India, which serve as the doorway to renowned MBA institutions across the country.
- MBA Entrance Popular Exams 2024
The popular MBA entrance exams in 2024 may vary depending on the country or region you’re referring to. However, some of the commonly recognized MBA entrance exams worldwide include:
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test):
Widely accepted by business schools globally, the GMAT assesses analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination):
Though not specifically designed for MBA admissions, many business schools accept GRE scores for their MBA programs. It evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
- CAT (Common Admission Test):
Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT is a prerequisite for admission to various management programs offered by IIMs and other prestigious B-schools in India.
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test):
This exam is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) and is accepted by numerous management institutes across India.
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test):
Administered by XLRI Jamshedpur, XAT is used by several B-schools in India for admission to their management programs.
- CMAT (Common Management Admission Test):
Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CMAT scores are accepted by various AICTE-approved institutions in India.
- SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test):
Conducted by the Symbiosis International University, SNAP scores are accepted for admission to various MBA programs offered by Symbiosis Institutes.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other MBA entrance exams conducted in different countries and regions. It’s essential for aspiring MBA candidates to research and identify the exams most relevant to their target schools and career goals.
Upcoming MBA Entrance Exams 2024
| Exam Name | Registration Deadlines | Exam Date |
| CAT 2024 | Third week of September 2024 | 24-Nov-2024 |
| APICET 2024 | Registration 6 Mar–7 Apr 2024 | 6–7 May 2024 |
| SNAP 2024 | November last week 2024 | 8,15 &22 December |
| CMAT 2024 | Registration ends Third week of March 2024 | April-May 2024 |
| Karnataka PGCET | Registration 2024 is expected to start in the second week of June | —————— |
| TSICET | April 30 | June 4 and 5 |
Levels Of Exam
In addition to the aforementioned examinations, there are over 50 entrance tests designed for admission to leading MBA colleges in India, categorized into three levels:
- National Level: Notable among these are CAT, CMAT, and MAT.
- State Level: Prominent examinations at this level include MAH-CET, TSICET, APICET, KMAT, and TANCET.
- University/College Level: Some significant entrance tests at this level comprise XAT, SNAP, IIFT Exam, and IRMASAT.
Overview Top-Exam
Common Admission Test (CAT)
- The Common Admission Test, commonly known as CAT, is one of the most prestigious MBA entrance exams in India, attracting thousands of aspirants every year. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT assesses candidates on various parameters, including Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. The exam typically takes place in November or December, with registrations opening in August and closing in September. Aspirants must stay updated with the official CAT website for any changes in exam dates or application deadlines.
- Conducted by: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- Key Subjects: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning
- Exam Month: November/December
- Registration Period: August to September
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is recognized by business schools worldwide for admission into MBA and other management programs. Unlike CAT, GMAT is a computer-adaptive test that evaluates candidates’ analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills. One of the key advantages of GMAT is its flexibility, allowing candidates to choose their exam date throughout the year. However, it’s crucial to plan ahead and register well in advance to secure your preferred test date, as slots may fill up quickly during peak seasons.
- Recognized by: Business schools worldwide
- Test Format: Computer-adaptive
- Skills Assessed: Analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning
- Flexibility: Choose exam date throughout the year
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)
- Conducted by Xavier School of Management (XLRI), XAT is another prominent MBA entrance exam in India. It evaluates candidates’ aptitude in areas such as Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, and General Knowledge. XAT is usually held in January, with registrations opening in August and closing in November. Aspirants must also be aware of the specific eligibility criteria and exam pattern outlined by XLRI and other participating institutes.
- Conducted by: Xavier School of Management (XLRI)
- Key Areas: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, General Knowledge
- Exam Month: January
- Registration Period: August to November
Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
- MAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA and allied programs. It assesses candidates’ proficiency in Mathematical Skills, Language Comprehension, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment. MAT is conducted four times a year, typically in February, May, September, and December. Aspirants have the flexibility to choose their preferred mode of examination, either Paper-Based Test (PBT) or Computer-Based Test (CBT), based on their convenience and preparation.
- Conducted by: All India Management Association (AIMA)
- Test Frequency: Four times a year (February, May, September, December)
- Modes: Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Subjects: Mathematical Skills, Language Comprehension, Data Analysis, Critical Reasoning
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)
- SNAP is conducted by the Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admission to MBA programs offered by various Symbiosis institutes. The exam assesses candidates’ aptitude in Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Reasoning, along with General Awareness. SNAP is typically held in December, with registrations commencing in August and closing in November. Aspirants must carefully review the eligibility criteria and selection process of individual Symbiosis institutes before applying for SNAP.
- Conducted by: Symbiosis International (Deemed University)
- Eligibility: Varies for different Symbiosis institutes
- Exam Month: December
- Registration Period: August to November
- Key Areas: Quantitative, Verbal, Analytical Reasoning, General Awareness
Each exam has its unique features and focuses, catering to diverse needs and preferences of MBA aspirants.
| Exam Name | Conducted By | Key Subjects | Exam Month | Registration Period |
| Common Admission Test (CAT) | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning | November/December | August to September |
| Graduate Management Admission Test | Business schools worldwide | Analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning | Throughout the year | Flexible, plan ahead |
| Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) | Xavier School of Management (XLRI) | Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, General Knowledge | January | August to November |
| Management Aptitude Test (MAT) | All India Management Association (AIMA) | Mathematical Skills, Language Comprehension, Data Analysis, Critical Reasoning | February, May, September, December | Flexible, PBT/CBT |
| Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) | Quantitative, Verbal, Analytical Reasoning, General Awareness | December | August to November |
Also Read:
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Kirloskar Institute Admissions 2024: Your Journey Begins
Bottom Line:
The journey towards pursuing an MBA is both challenging and rewarding, requiring meticulous planning and preparation. By staying informed about the top MBA entrance exams of 2024, including their dates and application deadlines, aspirants can enhance their chances of success in securing admission to their desired business school. Whether opting for CAT, GMAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP, or any other entrance exam, diligent preparation and strategic approach are key to achieving your academic and professional goals in the dynamic field of management.