Important Deadlines for MBA Entrance Exams

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First off, it is important to understand that there is a difference between applying for MBA Entrance exams and applying for MBA Colleges. We have another blog discussing the latter. Check it out here!

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MBA Entrance Exams

It is that time of the year. As always, the buzz is all about – Where to apply? Which exams to write? What’s the last date? etc. We will answer all of these questions in this blog article.

Which MBA Entrance exams should you apply for?

There are quite a few MBA Entrance Exams to keep tabs on – Lets get some clarity on these. This will be a brief introduction about the various MBA entrance exams. The order, in which the exams have been listed, is based on the number of students who write this exam (which is a likely indicator of the importance that the exam carries).

CAT

CAT is the biggest fish in the sea. Anybody that wants to do an MBA in one of the top MBA Colleges across the country should write CAT. CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Every year roughly 2 to 2.5 lakhs students compete for 4000+ seats across the 20 IIMs. However, a large number of non-IIM institutes also admit students based on their CAT scores. As of 2020, roughly 120+ institutes accept CAT scores.

XAT

Almost half of those writing CAT also write XAT. This is thereabouts of 80,000 to 90,000 students. XAT is conducted by Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur formerly Xavier Labor Relations Institute (XLRI) on behalf of XAMI. XLRI is probably the only premium MBA College in the XAT group. But just like CAT, many other institutes accept XAT scores for admission. There is a big overlap here since many institutes accept both CAT and XAT. XAT is important because it can give you a second shot at getting into a fantastic B-School if you have messed up CAT.

Here’s everything you need to know about this cycle’s XAT. Click to read!

IIFT

We have entered a narrow territory here. This exam, as the name suggests is conducted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) for their MBA in International Business. Though a specialised MBA, students get jobs across the gamut of domains as any other b-school. Around 50,000 students write this exam. There are three branches – IIFT Delhi, IIFT Kolkata and IIFT Kakinada. IIFT Delhi has always featured in the top 10 b-schools. Up until 2018, IIFT used to be 2 hour intensive pen and paper exam but from 2019 onwards, IIFT has switched to a computer based test.

NMAT

NMAT is a relatively new exam. Probably less than half a decade old. NMAT stands for NMIMS Management Aptitude Test. This exam is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) in association with Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai for admission into the NMIMS MBA programs. GMAC is the same body which conducts the global level exam “GMAT” for entry into foreign B-schools and for executive MBA programs in top Indian b-schools (including IIMs). Roughly 50,000 take NMAT every year. The number cranks up to 70,000 if one considers the second attempts. This is slightly different from other entrance exams since this exam can be taken twice over a period of two months by booking a suitable slot.

Here’s all you need to know about the NMAT 2020 notification! Check it out.

SNAP

SNAP stands for Symbiosis National Aptitude Test. Yet again, this exam will give you shot at a narrow range of colleges under the Symbiosis International University (SIU). There are 16 institutes under this university that offers MBA in different specialisations. Some noteworthy programs are offered by SIBM Pune, SCMHRD Pune. The test taker count is similar to that of NMAT. SNAP is easier to crack compared to the other Management Entrance Exams.

Click on this link to find out about SNAP 2020’s updates and changes!

TISSNET

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) conducts TISSNET for their various PG programs in Arts and Humanities but what attracts an MBA aspirant here is their M.A. in Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM & LR). This program is a really good option for people with inclination towards Human Resource Management. It is considered equivalent to an M.B.A in Human Resource Management by the industry. About 30,000 aspirants take up TISSNET every year. TISS has 60 seats in the HRM & LR program. This is a simpler exam and far easier to crack. The paper is skewed towards General Awareness section with a standalone weightage of 40%. It is important to note that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

MICAT and IRMASAT

Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA), Ahmedabad conducts MICAT. This is compulsory if an aspirant is looking to join MICA. Apart from a valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score, MICAT scores will be considered for the final admission. MICAT is conducted twice per season and one can choose to write either one or both. The best of the two attempts will be considered for selection.

IRMASAT is conducted by Institute of Rural Management, Anand for their admission process. Previously, it used to be a qualifying exam, however it has been included now as a part of the GD-PI process and carries only 10% weightage in the final selection. Here are a few insights into the workings of a Rural Management programme!

MAT, CMAT, ATMA, etc…

There are a few other national level exams like MAT, CMAT, ATMA which will open up doors to a few Tier 3 MBA Colleges. Other state level entrance exams like MH-CET, TANCET, KMAT, TSICET etc are useful if you are looking to join a b-school in your home state.

GMAT

As a special mention, GMAT is included in this list of exams that can open up b-schools in India. As mentioned earlier, this is conducted by GMAC. The scores are accepted by over 2300+ business schools across the world (and about 40 schools in India). Anybody with a reasonable amount of work experience (2+ years) looking for a graduate management program (MBA) should write this exam. GMAT can be taken throughout the year.

In India, a valid GMAT score can be used to apply to the Flagship programs of a few MBA colleges namely – SPJIMR, ISB, GLIM. Beside this, B-Schools like IIMs, XLRI, etc. accept GMAT scores for their executive MBA program.

GMAT can be taken up to five times a year but no more than 8 times in a lifetime. Two attempts must be at least 16 days apart. Annually, around 200,000 students across the globe take this test. GMAT is a bit on the expensive side (~$250 per attempt).

If you’ve prepared well for CAT, almost every other exam is taken care of. Just make sure you take a few mock tests to get comfortable with their format. However, GMAT is different – In the way it is conducted (Computer Adaptive Test), what portion gets tested, what question templates get tested. So, you will need to train yourself exclusively for GMAT & if you’re looking for a good GMAT Prep buddy, Wizako’s Online GMAT Course is the place to look for.

If you are on the fence about choosing between CAT and GMAT, maybe this article is for you! 🙂

If you are still confused about which management exam to write, amongst all these options, check out this wonderful article to gain some more insights and arrive at a decision!