How Many Entrance Exams for MBA?

For aspiring management students, the first step for admission in prestigious MBA college is choosing the right MBA entrance exam. In India, there are multiple entrance examination for MBA admission process. These are conducted nationally and by private universities.

 

Each exam has its own MBA entrance exam syllabus, eligibility criteria, selection and MBA entrance exam date. In this blog we will explore all major MBA entrance exams 2026 and highlight their syllabus, eligibility, and important dates.



 

Overview of MBA Entrance Exams in India

 

Depending on the institute, candidates for admissions in MBA program generally appears in one or more MBA entrance exams depending on their target institutions. Each of these MBA entrance exams has their own syllabus and test pattern. Mentioned below are the top MBA entrance exams 2026:

 

·         CAT-Common Admission Test

·         XAT -Xavier Aptitude Test

·         CMAT -Common Management Admission Test

·         MAT-Management Aptitude Test

·         SNAP-Symbiosis National Aptitude Test

·         NMAT -Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test

·         MAH MBA CET -Maharashtra MBA Common Entrance Test

·         MICAT -MICA Admission Test

·         XGMT-XIM University MBA Entrance Test

·         ACAT -Amrita Common Admission Test

 

Details of major MBA entrance exams 2026

 

1. CAT - Common Admission Test

 

In India, CAT (Common admission test) is the most widely accepted MBA entrance exam. CAT is conducted by IIMs Indian Institutes of Management. Following are the CAT entrance exam details:

 

Events

CAT details

Sections of entrance exam

CAT tests candidates in following section:

·          Quantitative Ability (QA)

·         Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

·         Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Exam duration

2hours

Total questions

66 questions

MBA entrance exam date

30th November 2025

MBA entrance exam eligibility

Candidates require a graduate degree with minimum 50% qualifying marks and 45% for SC/ST/PwD.

 

2. XAT - Xavier Aptitude Test

 

XAT is the gateway to admission in XLRI Xavier School of Management, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. Following are the XAT entrance exam details:

 

Events

CAT details

Sections of entrance exam

XAT tests candidates in following section:

·         Verbal and Logical Ability

·         Decision Making

·         Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

·         General Knowledge

Exam duration

3hours

Total questions

95 questions

MBA entrance exam date

4th January 2026

MBA entrance exam eligibility

Candidates require a graduate degree with no fixed minimum percentage criteria mentioned.

 

3. CMAT - Common Management Admission Test

 

The CMAT is accepted by various government and private MBA colleges in India. The entrance exam is conducted by NTA- National Testing Agency. Following are the CMAT entrance exam details:

 

Events

CAT details

Sections of entrance exam

CMAT tests candidates in following section:

·         Language Comprehension

·         Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

·         Logical Reasoning

·         General Awareness

·         Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Exam duration

3hours

Total questions

100 questions

MBA entrance exam date

25th January 2026

MBA entrance exam eligibility

Candidates require a graduate degree with 50% minimum percentage criteria as mentioned by AICTE norms.

 

4. MAT - Management Aptitude Test

 

MAT is accepted by over 600 management schools. The entrance exam is conducted four times a year. The organizing body is AIMA-All India Management Association. Following are the MAT entrance exam details:

 

Events

CAT details

Sections of entrance exam

MAT tests candidates in following section:

·         Language Comprehension

·         Mathematical Skills

·         Data Analysis and Sufficiency

·         Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

·         Indian and Global Environment

Exam duration

2.5 hours

Total questions

200 questions

MBA entrance exam date

7th December 2025

MBA entrance exam eligibility

Candidates require a graduate degree with 50% minimum percentage required.

 

5. SNAP - Symbiosis National Aptitude Test

 

SNAP entrance exam is for admission in Symbiosis international university.  Following are the MAT entrance exam details:

 

Events

CAT details

Sections of entrance exam

SNAP tests candidates in following section:

·         General English

·         Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency

·         Analytical and Logical Reasoning

Exam duration

1 hours

Total questions

60 questions

MBA entrance exam date

6th December to 20th December 2025

MBA entrance exam eligibility

Candidates require a graduate degree with 50% (45% SC/ST) is required minimum percentage.

 

6. NMAT - Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test

 

NMAT is the MBA entrance exam, conducted by GMAC. The NMAT is for admission in NMIMS and other leading business schools. Following are the MAT entrance exam details:

 

Events

CAT details

Sections of entrance exam

NMAT tests candidates in following section:

·         Language Skills

·         Quantitative Skills

·         Logical Reasoning

Exam duration

2 hours

Total questions

108 questions

MBA entrance exam date

5th November to 19th December 2025

MBA entrance exam eligibility

Candidates require a graduate degree with preference given to candidates with work experience.

 

MBA entrance exam syllabus

 

MBA entrance exam syllabus differs for each MBA entrance exam. The difference is slight, there :

 

Quantitative Aptitude:

·         Arithmetic,

·         Algebra,

·         Geometry,

·         Number System,

·         Data Interpretation.

 

Logical Reasoning:

·         Puzzles,

·         Seating Arrangements,

·         Blood Relations,

·         Critical Reasoning.

 

Verbal Ability:

·         Reading Comprehension,

·         Grammar,

·         Vocabulary,

·         Para Jumbles.

 

General Knowledge/Current Affairs

Only in XAT, CMAT, MICAT

Decision Making and Situational Analysis

specific to XAT

 

MBA entrance exam eligibility

 

MBA entrance exam eligibility criteria for most of the top MBA colleges are:

 

·         A Bachelor's degree from any recognized university. The required percentage is minimum 50% to 60% aggregate marks.

·         Appearing in final-year university examination students can also apply provisionally.

·         There is no strict age limits. But some exams might have upper age limits for certain categories.

·         Relaxation in graduation percentage in specific reservations criteria for reserved category as per government norms.

 

Final Takeaway

 

In conclusion, MBA admission has become more accessible with several options of MBA entrance exams 2026 offered to candidates. For aspiring MBA aspirants, it is essential to explore all types of institutes, their fee structure, eligibility and accepting entrance exam as per university norms.

 

This blog will provides a complete guide on several MBA entrance exams 2026, their eligibility and syllabus. Candidates should have the understanding of all these practical details to start your MBA admission preparation. Aspirants should be aware of the syllabus, exam dates, and eligibility that will help aspirants plan their preparation and effectively apply for successful journey in MBA entrance exam.

 

FAQs

 

Q1: How many MBA entrance exams 2026 are there in India?

Ans1: There are over 10 major MBA entrance exams in India, including CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, SNAP and NMAT.

 

Q2: What is the MBA entrance exam syllabus?

Ans2: Generally, all MBA entrance exam syllabus covers Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and some include General Knowledge and Decision Making.

 

Q3: When are MBA entrance exams conducted for 2026 admissions?

Ans3. The MBA entrance exam dates are conducted throughout the year, with CAT in November, XAT and CMAT in January, MAH MBA CET in April, and others scattered from August to March.

 

Q4 : What is the MBA Entrance Exam eligibility?

Ans4: Typically, a candidate must have a graduate degree from a recognized university with minimum qualifying marks. Final-year students are also eligible to appear.

 

Q5: Can I appear for multiple MBA entrance exams?

Ans5: Yes, candidates often appear for multiple MBA entrance exams to increase candidate’s chances for MBA admission in their preferred MBA colleges.

 

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