Top MBA Entrance Exams In India 2025, Fees, Dates, Eligibility *
The most sought-after qualification in this competitive employment market is an MBA Degree. An MBA degree opens you to a world of career options, including management roles, entrepreneurial chances, and extensive professional networking. It is quite difficult to get into India's best management schools. This is because many students take the MBA admission exam, and only the top candidates are considered. For deserving candidates, passing the MBA entrance test is the key for getting into prestigious B-schools like the Indian Institute of Management, XLRI, Symbiosis, NMIMS, etc.
To gain admission to prestigious MBA schools and universities like IIMs, XLRI, Symbiosis, and NMIMS, one must take the MBA entrance test. So let's find out which national and state MBA admission examinations are the finest in India for 2025 and how to prepare for them.
The Best MBA Entrance Exams in India for 2025
The Common Management Admission Test, Xavier Aptitude Test, Indian Aptitude Test, Symbiosis National Aptitude Test, NMIMS Management Aptitude Test, and MH-CET are only a few of the several MBA entrance tests that are administered in India for management admissions. The top MBA entrance tests are listed here, along with the universities that recognise the results for admission.
National MBA Entrance Exams
As stated below, national entrance tests are administered to determine admission to national-level colleges.
- Common Admission Test: Admission to the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) requires passing the CAT entrance exam. The nation is home to twenty-one IIMs. Among the most difficult admission tests for management education is this one.
- Xavier Aptitude Test: The purpose of the XAT test is to provide admission to management courses offered by the Xavier group of educational institutions throughout the nation.
- Symbiosis National Aptitude Test: The Symbiosis Institute administers this SNAP test to applicants for management courses. The level of difficulty of this exam is moderate.
- NMIMS Management Aptitude Test: The MBA entrance exam, usually referred to as the NMAT for MBA admission, is administered by the NMIMS School of Business Management. The institute includes campuses in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Indore, among other places around the country.
- Common Management Admission Test: The National Testing Agency administers the management entrance test (CMAT) for admission to university departments and institutions that have received AICTE approval.
States with Their Own MBA Entrance Exams
Below states conduct their entrance exams for admission to MBA courses in the respective states.
Andhra Pradesh – AP ICET
This AP ICET (Integrated Common Entrance Test) is conducted for admission into MBA courses in the Andhra Pradesh state universities and affiliated colleges. Few institutes also accept scores such as CAT, MAT and CMAT in the state.Gujarat – GUJCET MBA
GUJCET (Gujarat Common Entrance Test) exam for professional courses in Gujarat includes an MBA, is conducted. A lot of the colleges in the state also consider CAT, CMAT and MAT for admissions.Himachal Pradesh – HP CET
MBA Admission in participating institutes via the Common Entrance Test (HPCET) in Himachal Pradesh is conducted by HPU Himachal Pradesh. Many other institutions in the state accept CAT, CMAT and MAT scores.
Karnataka – KMAT Karnataka & PGCET Karnataka
In Karnataka, the KMAT exam is for private institutes and Karnataka PGCET is for government-affiliated colleges. Many top institutes also recognise CAT, MAT, and CMAT scores for MBA admissions.Kerala – KMAT Kerala
Kerala State level entrance test is for handling admissions of MBA in Kerala. However, several top institutions also accept CAT and CMAT scores.Madhya Pradesh – MP MET (Now Replaced by CMAT)
Madhya Pradesh had an MP MET but now almost all colleges accept CMAT as the only entrance test, followed by CAT and MAT.Maharashtra – MAH MBA CET
Common Entrance Test (MAH MBA CET) — It is recognised by most of the state universities and affiliated colleges for the admissions of MBA in the state. CAT, XAT, CMAT and MAT scores are also considered by many institutes.Odisha – OJEE MBA
OJEE MBA is common for admission to the MBA Program of Odisha. Other than OJEE, several top colleges prefer CAT, XAT, CMAT and MAT scores.Punjab – PU MET
PU MET (for admission to MBA courses) is conducted by Panjab University. But other state universities/colleges consider CAT, CMAT and MAT in their admission process too.Rajasthan – RMAT (Now Replaced by CMAT)
Rajasthan held previously an RMAT (Rajasthan Management Aptitude Test) but now as MBA entrance state and admissions, CMAT is the only exam.Tamil Nadu – TANCET MBA
TANCET MBA (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test) is considered one of the most accepted exams for MBAs in Tamil Nadu. A few institutes also consider MAT, CAT and CMAT scores.Telangana – TS ICET
TS ICET (Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test) is an MBA entrance exam for state-owned colleges. CAT, CMAT and MAT scores are also accepted by some of the institutions.Uttar Pradesh – UPSEE MBA (Now Replaced by CMAT)
UPSEE MBA exam was conducted by Uttar Pradesh earlier, but now admissions are on the sole basis of CMAT score and some colleges also consider scores of CAT and MAT.Uttarakhand – GBPUAT MBA
Entrance Test for MBA Programs in Govind Ballabh Pant University is conducted by itself. Other colleges from Uttarakhand consider CAT, CMAT & MAT scores.West Bengal – JEMAT
Joint Entrance Management Aptitude Test (JEMAT) is used for MBA admissions in West Bengal universities Many other institutes also consider CAT, MAT and CMAT.
States and Union Territories Without a Specific MBA Entrance Exam
Most of the states and union territories of India do not have their own MBA entrance tests but they are dependent on the national-level entrance exams for admissions. In states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Haryana, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura the students who apply for MBA admissions will have to take tests like CAT, MAT, CMAT, XAT AND GMAT.
Primary eligibility for numerous universities as well as private institutes, are these examinations!! Similarly, Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Daman & Diu, Delhi, JK, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry also follow the same approach with top institutes shortlisting the students based on their national-level entrance exam performances. This is a uniform process that ensures candidates from these regions enjoy a level playing field to compete for admissions in leading business schools across the country.
The Best MBA Entrance Exams: Fees, Dates and Eligibility
Below are the specifics of the entrance examinations, fees, and tentative dates. A bachelor's degree in any field is the basic eligibility for appearing for these MBA admission tests. Students in their last year of graduation are also allowed to take these tests, provided they submit their graduation certificates before the academic semester begins at their respective B-schools.
| Exam | Conducting Agency | Exam Fees. | Tentative Exam Dates. |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | IIMs | ₹2,500 (Gen), ₹1,250 (SC/ST/PwD) | Nov-25 |
| XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur | ₹2,200 | Jan-26 |
| SNAP | Symbiosis International University | ₹2,250 per attempt | Dec-25 |
| NMAT | GMAC | ₹3000 | October December 2025 |
| CMAT | National Testing Agency (NTA) | ₹2,500 (Gen), ₹1,250 (SC/ST/PwD/Female) | May-25 |
| MAH CET | Maharashtra CET Cell | ₹1,000 (Gen), ₹800 (Reserved category) | Mar-25 |
Comparative Analysis & Choosing the Right Exam
The level of difficulty in MBA admission exams varies depending on the exam structure, competitiveness, and question complexity. The common aptitude test and Xavier aptitude test are recognised as the most difficult, requiring a high level of quant (maths), verbal ability, problem-solving skills, and an unpredictable pattern to guarantee that no one can specialise in one area. Symbiosis National Aptitude test and the NMIMS Aptitude test are slightly less challenging than the previous two in that they prioritise speed and accuracy over complicated problem solving, and the NMIMS test offers no negative feedback, allowing you to attempt as many times as you like.
CMAT and MAH CET are slightly simpler since they are more generic, focussing on aptitude, logical thinking, and managerial acumen, which should be more useful for students of all levels, quantitative and verbal. But the Competition is high and you still won’t get top percentile in any exams.
| Exam | Difficulty Level | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| CAT | High | IIM aspirants |
| XAT | High | XLRI aspirants |
| SNAP | Moderate | Symbiosis aspirants |
| NMAT | Moderate | Flexible retakes |
| CMAT | Easy-Moderate | AICTE-approved colleges |
| MAH CET | Moderate | Maharashtra colleges |
Preparation Strategy and Tips
If you are preparing for MBA entrance exams, then try to concentrate on a particular entrance exam with strategic and structured planning.
- For MBA entrance curriculum concepts, it is better to focus on Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability rather than just shortcuts. This method will help if a person wants to clear MBA entrance exams with flying colours.
- Mock Tests help a lot in knowing what is easily understandable and what can be given more emphasis through regular practice (with speed & accuracy) along with evaluation.
- While standard reference books like the CAT series of Arun Sharma offer lengthy explanations and a lot of problems to practice, you can try Nishit Sinha's LRDI book and Word Power Made Easy for a further boost in problem-solving skills and vocabulary.
- By using online coaching platforms like Unacademy, BYJU’S, IMS, TIME and Career Launcher can help in gaining access to structured classes, live doubts solving and expert guidance.
- Lastly, YouTube tutorials, group study, and forums can enhance motivation and set proper peer support; hence, it is the best way to make preparation based on regular concept understanding, and study practices rather than depending on exam day study.
Conclusion
To qualify for the best MBA college entrance exams in India, the students need to follow an organised path, hard work, and access to the right study materials. Aspiring MBA students can consider appearing in exams such as CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT and MAH CET but need to choose the right exam that supports their career goals and abilities. The students should get knowledge of exam patterns, fees and eligibility which can ensure an informed decision.
The competition for MBA admission is tough, so one has to start preparing early with the practice of mock tests, access to coaching platforms and study of prescribed books. Keep yourself informed with Govt. notifications, follow a planned study schedule and take your first stride towards your MBA journey today!