The top exams in India include CAT (for IIMs), XAT (for XLRI and other top B-schools), NMAT (for NMIMS), and SNAP (for Symbiosis institutions), while GMAT is the preferred option for international programs. Around 2,50,000 students are expected to enrol annually in various MBA programmes worldwide. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is conducted by XLRI, and it is a major exam for admission to XLRI and other prestigious institutes like XIMB. NMAT is a key entrance exam for NMIMS and other reputable B-schools in India. SNAP is the exam for admission to institutions under the Symbiosis International University, and GMAT is accepted by over 2,300 business schools globally. It’s ideal for those aiming for Indian and international MBA programs. MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is conducted by AIMA and is accepted by more than 600 B-schools in India. The most popular exam in India, it’s the primary gateway to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools.
Top MBA Entrance Exams 2025 Overview
CAT – The Common Admission Test is a computer-based test for admission in graduate management programs. The test consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. CAT is one of the most common MBA entrance exams that students opt for. It is conducted regularly by one of the 20 IIMs. CAT examinations are typically conducted in November every year, with ~2.5 lakh students appearing for these exams. These MBA exams are considered among the toughest and top MBA entrance exams. The last date to apply for CAT is 20 September 2025, and the exam will be on 30 November 2025. The duration of the exam is 120 minutes.
XAT – The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI members for over 75 years, is one of India’s most trusted national-level entrance exams for admission to MBA/PGDM programs. It consists of 95 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) across four sections: Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge, with a total duration of 180 minutes (3 hours). It is accepted by 250+ premier B-Schools and conducted in 100+ test cities across India. The registration end date for the XAT exam is 5 December 2025, and students can download the admit card by 20 December 2025 (Tentative), and the exam will be on 4 January 2026 ( 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.).
NMAT – It is a computer-based test conducted by GMAC. Students are permitted three attempts within one admission window to clear the test. The NMAT by GMAC exam consists of three sections – Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. The registration end date for NMAT is 10 October 2025. Students can download the admit card up to 7 days before the scheduled exam date. The exams are conducted from 5 November 2025 to 20 December 2025.
SNAP is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International University (SIU) for admission to management programmes offered by its affiliated institutes and several other private B-schools. SNAP is conducted in the month of December/January. From 2020, it has been scheduled for three different slots. More than 60,000 candidates appear for SNAP every year.SNAP is a computer-based test consisting of three sections: General English, Reasoning, and Quantitative sections. In 2020, the time limit for SNAP was reduced from 2 hours to 1 hour, and the number of questions changed from 110 to 60. The same system and pattern will continue in 2025. The registration will end on 20 November 2025 and students can download their admit card, SNAP test 1 – 28 Nov,2025, SNAP test 2 – 14 Dec, SNAP test 3 -15 Dec,2025, and the exam will be conducted on 6 December, 14 December, 20 December, 2025, respectively.
MAT – Management Aptitude Test is a standardised National Level test being administered since 1988 to facilitate Business Schools (B-Schools) to screen candidates for admission to MBA and allied programmes.MAT has five sections, each with thirty questions. A total of 150 questions are to be attempted over 120 minutes. The Test structure consists of – Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, and Economic & Business Environment.
Top MBA Colleges In India: Courses & Fees
Top MBA colleges in India, like the IIMs, IITs, and other reputed institutes, are known for their quality education and strong placement opportunities. They offer MBA programs in areas such as Finance, Marketing, HR, and Business Analytics.
The fees can range widely, from less than INR 3 lakh in some colleges to over INR 30 lakhs in top institutes.
| College Name | Popular MBA Courses | Approximate Fees (INR) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | Post Graduate Programme (PGP) | 26.5 Lakhs (2 years) |
| IIM Bangalore | Post Graduate Programme | 26.15 Lakhs (2 years) |
| IIM Calcutta | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | 27 Lakhs (2 years) |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | MBA (HRM & BM) | 14.7 – 30.6 Lakhs (2 years) |
| SP Jain Institute of Management | MBA | 21 – 22.5 Lakhs (2 years) |
| FMS Delhi | MBA | 2.32 Lakhs (2 years) |
| MDI Gurgaon | Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) | 24 Lakhs (2 years) |
| NMIMS Mumbai | MBA (Various specializations) | 18–20 Lakhs (2 years) |
| SIBM Pune | MBA | 17–24 Lakhs (2 years) |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | PGPM, MBA (Various formats) | 9.5–11.5 Lakhs (1-2 years) |
Conclusion -The Common Admission Test is computer-based and consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. XAT consists of four sections: Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The NMAT by GMAC exam consists of three sections – Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. SNAP is a computer-based test consisting of three sections: General English, Reasoning, and Quantitative sections. The MAT consists of 5 sections – Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, and Economic & Business Environment
