28,Oct 2024
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a very prestigious postgraduate career degree in India that can help you start a lucrative career in the corporate world. Students from various academic backgrounds, be it humanities, commerce, or science, appear in different entrance exams to grab a seat in the prestigious business school of their choice. The rush for MBA Course is immense. Some key factors behind its popularity are the cultivation of business acumen with management skills, growing economies worldwide, the ever-changing landscape of local and international businesses, and the shift in focus of state and central governments towards entrepreneurship.
| Quick Overview of MBA | ||
|---|---|---|
| MBA Full Form | Master of Business Administration | |
| Course Level | Post-Graduation | |
| Types of MBA |
Full-Time MBA Part-Time MBA Distance MBA Online MBA Executive MBA Integrated MBA |
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| MBA Course Fee | INR 4 lakh to 48 lakh and above | |
| MBA Admission Process |
Entrance Exam Group Discussion Personal Interview |
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| Major MBA Entrance Exams |
1. Common Admission Test (CAT) 2. Common Management Aptitude Test (CMAT) 3. General Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) 4. Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test (NMAT) 5. AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA) 6. Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) 7. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 8. Management Aptitude Test (MAT) and many more… |
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| Top MBA Colleges |
• Indian Institute of Management • Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi • SP Jain Institute of Management Research, Mumbai • Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur • Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida • Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara • Amity University, Greater Noida • Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune • Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad • Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi • Chandigarh University (CU), Chandigarh and many more… |
|
| MBA Specializations |
• Marketing • Operations • Finance • Human Resources • Digital Marketing • Business Analytics • Sales • Supply Chain Management |
|
| Average Salary | INR 5 lakh to 25 lakh per annum | |
| Top Recruiters | Morgan Stanley, Jasper Colin, Hitachi, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Flipkart, Dhanguard, Celebal Technologies, Mansukh, HCL, Nexgen, Global Logic, etc. | |
More than 10,000 institutes are functional in India; thus, misdirection through publicity is very much possible, especially when institutes continuously keep on adding and removing from the list. To eliminate this rush-related problem of institutes, the central government, autonomous bodies, and prestigious business schools come up with the idea of nation-wide entrance exams. These exams help candidates to focus only on distinguished business schools and plan their studies. Besides testing the academic skills of candidates, these exams identify the potential of deserving candidates and decide whether they fit enough to lift the burden of MBA academics and other activities associated with it and emerge as holistic corporate leaders or not.
The Indian MBA entrance exams are very much in demand globally by the prominent international business schools. Upon successfully clearing an exam, you automatically pave the way into top business schools and universities. Not this much, depending upon your area of interest, you can choose a business school that fulfills or offers you the desired specialization that you want to pursue and master in it. All prominent Indian MBA entrance exams vary from each other in terms of difficulty level, time duration, and marking scheme.
In this blog, you will come to know about the top MBA entrance exams that annually took place in India. In addition, you will gain access to all the necessary information that you want to know about each exam, such as the total number of questions, time duration, marking scheme, paper pattern, frequency, etc.
CAT is the most sought after and challenging MBA entrance exam inside and outside India. Each year different Indian Institute of Management (IIM) gets a chance to prepare and conduct the CAT exam. Clearing CAT means you have the eligibility to appear IIMs, plus more 1000 colleges offering MBA degree. In addition, you can also make your way into National Institutes of Technology (NIT; a group of excellent colleges setup by the government of India), MNIT (Malaviya National Institute of Technology; located in Jaipur, Rajasthan), and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT; world-renowned engineering colleges across India). A CAT exam syllabus typically prepares the candidates for language (verbal and reading comprehension), mathematics (quantitative aptitude), and reasoning (data interpretation and logical reasoning). As per the exam pattern of the CAT exam, the numbers of questions in each section are subject to change without any prior notice. In addition, negative marking disable the applicants to do guess-based answering. Once the governing authority releases the CAT exam schedule, you may note down the important dates and proceed ahead to fill up the application form.
Following are the key takeaways of the CAT exam:
| Table 1: CAT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online | |
| Total Duration of Exam | 2 hours (120 minutes) | |
| Total Number of Questions | 66 | |
| Total Marks | 198 | |
| Exam Sections | Three; annual shuffle in number of questions per section | |
| Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC) | 24 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | |
| Marking Scheme |
3 marks for correct answer -1 mark for incorrect answer No negative marking on skipping a question |
|
| Frequency | Once a year | |
| Date of Exam | November of every year | |
| Date of Result | Second week of January | |
CMAT exam is national level MBA entrance exam organized each year by National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). This pattern of CMAT exam comprises of the quantitative, language, reasoning, data interpretation, and general knowledge skills of candidates. The score of CMAT is accepted by all schools, colleges, and universities approved by AICTE. CMAT eligible candidates have a wider pool of institutions to select. You need to stay abreast to the official website of the NTA and AICTE to remain aware about the dates to fill the CMAT application form and appear in the allocated center to appear on the CMAT exam date.
Following are the key takeaways of the CMAT exam:
| Table 2: CMAT Exam Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online | |
| Total Duration of Exam | 3 hours (180 minutes) | |
| Total Number of Questions | 100 | |
| Total Marks | 400 | |
| Exam Sections | Five; 20 questions in each section | |
| Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC) | 20 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QADI) | 20 | |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | 20 | |
| General Awareness | 20 | |
| Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 20 | |
| Marking Scheme |
4 marks for correct answer -1 mark for incorrect answer No negative marking on skipping a question |
|
| Frequency | Once a year | |
| Date of Exam | January of every year | |
| Date of Result | May of every year | |
You may also check out the eligibility for CMAT exam and eligibility criteria.
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) conducts GMAT exam world-wide. This prestigious exam has a unique scoring algorithm that works on the adaptability skills of the candidate. The GMAT exam does not reward scores like conventional exams, where you will achieve 80% only when you answer eight questions correctly out of ten questions. In GMAT, if you attempt a question correctly, then the algorithm automatically puts the next question with a slightly higher difficulty level and ultimately increases the scoring mark for that question. On the other hand, if you attempt a question incorrectly, then the algorithm will put the next question at the same difficult level or lower, thereby reducing your chances to rapid-fire scoring chances. The syllabus of GMAT comprises questions related to quant, reasoning, and data interpretation. The exam pattern of GMAT is quite flexible. While giving the GMAT test, candidates can arrange the three section as per their choice and correct a maximum five questions per section. In addition, there is no limit on reviewing or bookmarking a question. You can give the GMAT exam from home or visit the nearby-allocated test center. Just as exam pattern, the eligibility criteria for GMAT is quite simple and English aware candidates are welcome to appear in the test. Now the 10th edition of the GMAT exam has been discontinued, and a new version, GMAT™ Focus Edition, is prevailing in the market. This change came from January 2024. Since GMAT exam is conducted multiple times a year, it is advisable to stay tuned to the official website of GMAC to know about the date of starting to fill up GMAT application form and GMAT exam date.
Following are the key takeaways of GMAT exam:
| Table 3: GMAT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online | |
| Total Duration of Exam | 2:15 hours | |
| Total Number of Questions | 64 | |
| Total Marks | 805 | |
| Exam Sections | Three; 21-23-20 questions in each section | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 21 questions in 45 minutes | |
| Verbal Reasoning (VR) | 23 questions in 45 minutes | |
| Data Insight (DI) | 20 questions in 45 minutes | |
| Marking Scheme |
Adaptive scoring algorithm No negative marking |
|
| Frequency | 5 times after enrolling (5 times in 12 months) | |
| Date of Exam | Candidate can choose their preferred date | |
| Date of Result | 20-30 days after commencing the exam | |
The NMAT exam is a national-level entrance examination organized by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). This exam serves as a gateway to MBA programs and other graduate-level management degrees offered by a diverse range of institutions across India. One of the most prominent institutions accepting NMAT scores is the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS). Renowned for its academic excellence and strong industry connections, NMIMS offers a variety of MBA specializations catering to different career aspirations.
Just like GMAT, candidates can choose the sequence of sections as per their preferences and get three times to improve their scores. The NMAT exam can be given from home or by visiting the nearest allocated test center. In addition to NMIMS, numerous other reputable institutions in India and abroad accept NMAT scores for their MBA programs. This provides candidates with a wider range of options to choose from based on their preferences, geographic location, and specific program requirements.
Following are the key takeaways of NMAT exam:
| Table 4: NMAT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online | |
| Total Duration of Exam | 2:00 hours | |
| Total Number of Questions | 108 | |
| Total Marks | 360 based on adaptive scoring algorithm | |
| Exam Sections | Three; 36 questions in each section | |
| Quantitative Skills (QS) | 36 questions | |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | 36 questions | |
| Language Skills (LS) | 36 questions | |
| Marking Scheme |
1 mark for correct answer Adaptive scoring algorithm No negative marking |
|
| Frequency | 3 times after enrolling | |
| Date of Exam | October to December | |
| Date of Result | 20-30 days after commencing the exam | |
The Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) conducts ATMA tests multiple times in a year. Students interested in pursuing higher management or technical courses such as MBA, PGDM, or MCA can go for the ATMA test. The majority of business schools and technical universities accept the ATMA score.
Following are the key takeaways of ATMA exam:
| Table 5: ATMA Exam Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online | |
| Total Duration of Exam | 3:00 hours | |
| Total Number of Questions | 180 | |
| Total Marks | 300 (100 marks for each section) | |
| Exam Sections | Three; 60 questions in each section | |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) Part I and Part II | 30+30=60 questions | |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) Part I and Part II | 30+30=60 questions | |
| Verbal Ability (VA) Part I and Part II | 30+30=60 questions | |
| Marking Scheme |
1 mark for correct answer -0.25 for wrong answer |
|
| Frequency | 4 times a year | |
| Upcoming Date of Exam | December 2024 | |
| Upcoming Date of Result | December 2024 | |
SNAP, a national-level management entrance exam, is conducted by Symbiosis International University (SUI) located in Pune. Once cleared, students can take admission in the numerous management specialization courses offered in different campuses of SIU. Merely clearing the exam with distinction does not pave the way for you to enter the SIU campuses. SIU emphasizes a lot on personal interview and group discussion. As a result, PI and GD together comprise 50%, and your score in the exam scores the remaining 50%. Thus, clearing a single exam, PI, and GD will open doors to different specialization courses for you and enable you to select the desired specialization course from the campus of your choice. The growing popularity and heavy footfall of applicants coming for the SNAP exam forces SIU to start online mode of exam in 2017. The SNAP exam gauges the language, quantitative, and reasoning skills of the candidates appearing in the exam.
Following are the key takeaways of SNAP exam:
| Table 6: SNAP | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online | |
| Total Duration of Exam | 1:00 hour | |
| Total Number of Questions | 60 | |
| Total Marks | 60 | |
| Exam Sections | Three; 15-25-20 questions in each section | |
| Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning & Ability | 15 questions | |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning | 25 questions | |
| Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Sufficiency | 20 questions | |
| Marking Scheme |
1 mark for correct answer -0.25 for wrong answer |
|
| Frequency | 3 times a year | |
| Upcoming Date of Exam | December 2024 | |
| Upcoming Date of Result | January 2025 | |
Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) conducts the XAT exam annually in India to identify, select, and groom future business and innovation leaders. The governing body of XAT, XLRI, is located in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. XLRI is one of the oldest business and innovation institutes in India, and annually more than one hundred thousand students appear in the XAT exam. The score of XAT is accepted by almost all leading business schools operating in India. The eligibility criteria of XAT encourage and welcome candidates from diversified social and national background. The syllabus of XAT is quite diversified and the pattern of the XAT divides the entire exam into four sections – decision making, verbal ability and logical reasoning, quantitative ability and data interpretation, and general knowledge. The score of the general knowledge section is not considered while computing the percentile of candidates. Rather, it is kept reserved and clubbed with the score of the personal interview round. And the same is applicable with the essay writing section, but with no marks. Thus, general knowledge and essay writing are kept reserved for evaluating the candidate during the personal interview round. XAT exam requires plenty of preparation and practice so, stay tuned to the official website of XAT to know about the date to fill up XAT application form and XAT exam date
Following are the key takeaways of XAT exam:
| Table 7: XAT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online | |
| Total Duration of Exam | 3:10 hours | |
| Total Number of Questions | 95 | |
| Total Marks | 95 | |
| Exam Sections | Four; 21-26-28-20 questions in each | |
| Decision Making (DM) | 21 questions | |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR) | 26 questions | |
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QADI) | 28 questions | |
| General Knowledge | 20 questions | |
| Marking Scheme |
1 mark for correct answer -0.25 for wrong answer -0.10 marks if 8 questions unanswered consecutively No negative marking for GK; No marks for essay writing |
|
| Frequency | 1 time a year | |
| Upcoming Date of Exam | January 2025 | |
| Upcoming Date of Result | January 2025 | |
MAT is a prominent national-level exam conducted four times in a year in online and paper-based modes by the All India Management Association (AIMA). The MAT exam usually took place in the months of February, May, September, and December in different modes. The updated MAT structure has brought significant changes in the exams as total duration and total number of questions are reduced. Earlier, the duration of the exam was 2:30 hours with 200 questions. In the updated version of MAT, there are now 150 questions, which need to be attempted in 2 hours. The total number of sections remains unchanged, and students have the liberty to start from any section without under pressure of any sectional limit. Since MAT exams took place in different modes, choose between online and PBT judicially as it can affect the allocation of test centers and cost of the exam.
Following are the key takeaways of MAT exam:
| Table 8: MAT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | CBT, online proctored, and paper based | |
| Total Duration of Exam | 2 hours | |
| Total Number of Questions | 150 | |
| Total Marks | 150 | |
| Exam Sections | Five; 30 questions in each section | |
| Language Comprehension | 30 questions | |
| Intelligence and Critical Thinking | 30 questions | |
| Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency | 30 questions | |
| Quantitative Ability | 30 questions | |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 30 questions | |
| Marking Scheme |
1 mark for correct answer -0.25 for wrong answer 0 mark for unanswered questions |
|
| Frequency | 4 times a year | |
| Upcoming Date of Exam | December 2024 (3 slots: 1 PBT and 2 CBT) | |
| Upcoming Date of Result | January 2025 | |
