Top MBA Entrance Exams In India
An MBA is one of the most reputed and sought-after post-graduation degrees in India. Students and their parents look forward to these admissions every year, ensuring that they get into the best B-school in the country.
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However, getting into prestigious MBA institutes in the country is not easy. Applicants often need to take MBA entrance tests beforehand. These examinations check an individual’s aptitude, reasoning skills, technical knowledge, and much more. These examinations assist colleges in identifying students who are innovative and committed to pursuing prestigious careers.
If you plan to pursue an MBA, you should know the top MBA entrance exams in India. They not only help you qualify for some of the country’s best colleges but also lead to personal growth. Preparing for high-brow entrance exams builds your mental strength and enhances your knowledge about various domains.
Let us look at some of the best and most valued MBA entrance exams in India :
CAT
Discussing an MBA is incomplete without mentioning the Common Admission Test (CAT). The exam has become synonymous with the degree. The best B-schools in the country evaluate CAT scores as a critical step in their admission processes.
Lacs of people appear for this examination every year, hoping to find themselves in their dream colleges. The high competition and complexity of the subjects involved make CAT one of the most difficult MBA entrance examinations to crack.
GMAT
Business schools across the globe grant admissions to students based on their GMAT scores. The Graduate Management Entrance Test is all about testing your analytical, language, mathematical, and critical reasoning skills. Giving this exam qualifies you for business colleges within and outside India.
CMAT
The Common Management Admission Test is another reputed entrance examination for MBA aspirants. It is approved by the AICTE and conducted on a national level every April.
Your CMAT score can also grant you admission to colleges outside India. Many countries have allowed these test scores to allow aspiring Indian students to study abroad. Unlike many entrance exams, CMAT allows candidates to choose the section they scored better in for grading. This gives students motivation and confidence to give their best without fearing the test.
MAT
All India Management Association (AIMA) conducts the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) for MBA and other similar degrees. Candidates can apply for this test four times a year. It takes place in the months of December, February, May, and September. The cutoffs for MAT are different for different months and colleges.
XAT
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is often considered a close second after CAT in terms of popularity. It is conducted every year by the Xavier School of Management in January. In fact, two XAT sections are considered even more difficult than CAT: essay writing and decision making.
The essay writing section in XAT may contain topics related to current affairs. This requires you to stay updated with everything happening within and outside India. If you are an MBA aspirant, you should know that many other colleges also accept XAT scores for admissions. You might want to check the admission criteria of that institute before applying.
NMAT
The Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test (NMAT) is another reputed and sought-after MBA entrance exam in India. You will need to take this test if you are seeking admission to the NMIMS campuses of Mumbai, Bangalore, or Hyderabad.
NMAT is conducted between October and December every year. Candidates get an exam window of 75 days. If you wish to take this test, you can do so thrice in a year, no-shows included. All you need to do is wait for at least two weeks (15 days precisely) before your second attempt. While NMAT is compulsory for NMIMS, other colleges and universities also accept these scores for MBA admissions.
ATMA
You can appear for the AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA) four to five times a year. This computer-based test makes candidates eligible for programs like MBA, MCA, PGDM, and MMS. ATMA is reputed at a national level and recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education as well as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).
You need not have any experience in the field of management studies to appear for this exam. ATMA will test your aptitude, language, analytical capabilities, and logical reasoning. You can apply to more than the top 200 ranking colleges in the country by cracking this test. AIMS is one of the largest management studies networks across the globe, with over 740 members.
The Final Word
These were some of the top MBA entrance exams in India. If you are an aspirant, go through these examinations (and more) according to the colleges you want to go to. Many of these tests make you eligible for multiple institutions across the country. Find the exam(s) you find best for you and start preparing immediately.
We advise against overstretching yourself by preparing for multiple tests. These entrance exams can be pretty exhausting and lead to burnout. The key to cracking them is to have a singular focus and make the most of it. Do not get disheartened if you do not clear your test, as you can always reappear for it. Pay close attention to the registration dates so that you do not miss out. We wish you all the best!