Management Exams in India — List of Upcoming MBA Exams, Notification, Eligibility

Let’s admit it—not everyone is a fan of engineering exams, chasing their dreams into the government industry, or wishing to become a manager in the banking sector. Some aspirants have a knack for management, and they would leave nothing to chance when it comes to performing exceptionally well in the management exams after completing their 12th standard or graduation. These management exams come with exceedingly good, lucrative careers.

In the bustling realm of education and career opportunities in India, there exists a set of gateways that hold the power to transform lives — the Management Entrance Exams. CAT, CMAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and MAT; these acronyms are not just combinations of letters but the keys to a world of possibilities, and here’s why they are significant for aspirants. These management exams offer a coveted path to some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), XLRI, FMS, and NMIMS. 

These institutions are revered not only for their world-class faculty and cutting-edge infrastructure but also for the unparalleled industry connections they provide. For an aspirant, securing a seat in one of these esteemed institutions can be akin to reaching for the stars.

One of the remarkable aspects of management education is its adaptability. These programs embrace innovation and evolve to align with changing industry trends. Graduates are thus well-prepared to thrive in evolving markets. For working professionals, these exams provide a fast track to career progression. They can acquire new skills and knowledge while continuing to work, enhancing their career prospects.

Upcoming Management Exams in India

Staying up to date for management exams is crucial due to the transformative opportunities they offer. CAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, SNAP, or MAT provide access to prestigious institutions like IIMs and XLRI, renowned for world-class education and industry connections.

These exams adapt to industry changes, ensuring graduates are prepared for evolving markets. For professionals, they offer career advancement while working, making staying updated essential for enhanced prospects.

Here are the top MBA exams, with their registration and exam dates, at a glance:

List of MBA Entrance Examinations 2023-24	Registration Start Dates	Exam Date	Exam Registration Fees
CAT 2023	Aug 2, 2023	November 26, 2023	Rs.2400/-
IIFT 2024	Cancelled	Cancelled	To Accept CAT 2023 Score
XAT 2024	July 15, 2023	January 7, 2024	Rs.2100/-
NMAT 2023	Aug 1, 2023	Oct 10 to Dec 19, 2023	Rs.2800/-
IBSAT 2023	July 1, 2023	Dec 23 & 24, 2023	Rs.1800/-
SNAP 2023	Aug 23, 2023	Dec 10, 17 & 22, 2023	Rs.2250/-
TISSNET 2024	Dec 14, 2023	February 15, 2024	Rs.1000/-
MAT 2023	July 10, 2023	Aug 29 to Sep 17, 2023	Rs.1950/-
CMAT 2024	Dec 15, 2023	March 24, 2024	Rs.2000/-

Now, in addition to knowing the list of management exams organised by different universities, colleges, or institutes, what aspirants also need to understand is the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for MBA exams, such as CAT, MAT, or XAT, are essential guidelines that students must meticulously read before applying. These criteria typically include educational qualifications, minimum percentage requirements, and sometimes even work experience prerequisites.

Paying close attention ensures that candidates meet the necessary qualifications, saving them time, effort, and application fees. It also prevents disqualification during later stages of the admission process.

Moreover, understanding eligibility criteria helps students make informed decisions about which exams to take, maximising their chances of success and admission to their desired MBA programs.

Therefore, a thorough comprehension of these criteria is crucial for a smooth application process. Let’s take a look:

• Most MBA entrance exams require that aspirants should have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
• CAT requires a graduate degree with 50% marks.
• XLRI-XAT also necessitates the same but without any condition for minimum marks, but the degree should be a 3-year one.
• For CMAT, the education qualification is the same.
• GMAT requires that aspirants should have a basic qualification from a recognised university.
• Again, ATMA makes it mandatory for candidates to have at least 50% in their graduation.

Some exams even require a postgraduate degree, while we also have some that only need an intermediate certificate, i.e., a Class 12 marksheet — but these are close to zero.

Success in the management or MBA exams can only be achieved if one puts one’s mind to it — without any hindrance.

We have already discussed above that one should only have a graduate degree in any discipline to be eligible; let us understand what it takes to ace the management entrance tests.

CAT Exam Pattern

CAT is one of the most prestigious and competitive management entrance tests, and here is its exam pattern:

• CAT includes a total of 66 questions.
• The questions are asked from Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
• The time given to complete the test is 120 minutes (2 hours); previously, it was 180 minutes (3 hours). 

XAT Exam Pattern

Now, coming to the XAT exam pattern, the test includes three parts: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. 

• Part 1 is about Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision-making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and a total of 76 questions are asked in the same.
• Part 2 is a keyboard testing (mock) around with a duration of 5 minutes. 
• Part 3 includes 25 questions from General Knowledge (GK), and 1 essay — out of 3 given options — has to be written.

So, there will be a total of 105 questions, out of which the number for MCQs will be 101. As per the question paper, the MCQs appear in the following sections:

• Decision Making
• Verbal and Logical Ability
• Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
• General Knowledge

For more information, please refer to our article on the XAT exam pattern.

IPMAT Exam Pattern

IPMAT — just like most management (MBA) exams — is conducted online. It includes the following three sections:

• Verbal Ability (MCQ)
• Quantitative Ability (MCQ)
• Quantitative Aptitude (SA)

The duration of IPMAT is 2 hours or 120 minutes, and every candidate must complete the test, or the online test will end automatically. 

The total number of questions asked in IPMAT is 90. For a correct answer, 4 marks are awarded, whereas an incorrect response could result in a penalty of 1 negative mark. Therefore, aspirants should attempt the test carefully.

CMAT Exam Pattern

Unlike other MBA exams, the CMAT exam pattern includes a total of five sections:

• Language Comprehension
• Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
• Logical Reasoning
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• General Awareness

CMAT is one of those management exams that include negative markings. Put differently, for every incorrect answer, there will be a deduction of 1 (one) mark. 

The CMAT question paper includes 100 questions, and test takers are required to complete the test within 180 minutes or 3 hours of time duration.

MBA Syllabus 2023-24

Various MBA entrance exams in India, such as CAT, XAT, and MAT, often have overlapping syllabus sections. These sections evaluate candidates on their proficiency in various areas crucial for business management. Here are some similar syllabus sections and their elaborated topics:

Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss.
• Algebra: Quadratic Equations, Linear & Quadratic Inequalities.
• Geometry: Lines, Triangles, Circles, Polygons.
• Number System: LCM & HCF, Divisibility Rules.
• Modern Mathematics: Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)

• Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs.
• Logical Reasoning: Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding.
• Critical Reasoning: Assumptions, Arguments, Inferences.

Verbal Ability (VA)

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and analysing passages.
• Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies.
• Grammar: Sentence Correction, Error Spotting.
• Verbal Reasoning: Jumbled Sentences, Para Completion.

General Awareness (GA)

• Current Affairs: National & International News.
• Business & Economics: Company Profiles, Economic Indicators.
• Static GK: History, Geography, Awards, and Honors.

Essay Writing & Written Ability Test (WAT)

• Candidates are often required to write essays or answer questions based on current events, business, or socio-economic topics.

Business Awareness

• Questions related to the business environment, corporate news, and industry trends.

While the core syllabus sections are similar, the difficulty level and the number of questions may vary between exams. Aspirants should carefully review the specific syllabus and pattern for each exam they plan to take. Additionally, they must adapt their preparation strategies to suit the particular emphasis of each test.

We have so far understood the exam calendar, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus of the MBA; it is about time we shed light on the list of MBA exams in India.

CAT 2024

CAT — as mentioned several times above — stands for Common Admission Test, a computer-based test (CBT). CAT is conducted for a duration of 2 hours, and its score is valid for up to 1 year from the date it is credited.  CAT is conducted to provide admission to postgraduate management programmes. Aspirants should note that in order to apply for CAT 2024, they should have at least 50% in the graduation or an equal CGPA (45% for SC, ST, PWD, & DA).

Every year, the number of CAT applicants is increasing. In 2021, the registrations received for CAT were 229,969, whereas in 2022, the number rose to 255,501. Candidates must have a good grasp of the CAT syllabus and exam pattern to pass the test with flying colours—especially on their first attempts. Usually, the CAT exam pattern changes every year; however, topics barely change. We, therefore, recommend that all aspirants keep a close eye on the news related to CAT 2024.

XAT 2024

XAT is another well-known national-level management entrance test conducted to admit deserving candidates for various postgraduate management programmes. In addition to XLRI and 10 other XAMI member colleges, XAT scores are accepted at more than 1,000 B-schools for admission. Currently, the online registrations for XAT 2024 are ongoing — i.e., from July 15 to November 23, 2023. XAT admit card will be issued on December 20, 2023, whereas the entrance test will be conducted on January 7, 2024.

XAT is conducted once a year, and the exam duration is 3.5 hours. The question paper includes a total of 100 questions formatted as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The question paper is set in English and conducted at around 80 exam centres with more than 98,000 participants. What is good about XAT, unlike other MBA entrance tests, is that it does not require a minimum of 50% marks in graduation.

IPMAT 2024

IPMAT stands for Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test, a management entrance test conducted at the national level and is a gateway for admission to a 5-year Integrated Program in Management, which is offered at IIM Indore. In other words, IPMAT combines bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes (under a dual-degree programme) into one. Aspirants willing to pursue their careers in managerial and business fields can opt for this one.

Upon successful completion of the programme at IIM Indore, candidates will be awarded a BA (Foundations of Management) and MBA degrees. Unlike most MBA entrance exams, IPMA only requires a 12th-class certificate from a reputed university or college; however, they must have scored a minimum of 60% aggregate. There is a relaxation of 5% for reserved category candidates. To ace the IPMAT 2024, aspirants must take a IPMAT mock test series to improve their exam-taking performance.

Let’s admit it—management exams may not seem taxing at first, but when you delve deeper, you understand that they are not any less than other competitive exams conducted in India. That is why they require you to have strategic planning, a well-thought-out approach, and an unyielding determination to leave no stone unturned.

Whether you are preparing for CAT, XAT, or MAT, it is highly recommended that you take as many MBA mock tests as possible to ensure your optimal performance in the test.

Here are other reasons why you should take Embibe’s management exam mock tests:

• Familiarity with Exam Pattern: Mock tests simulate the actual exam pattern, including the number of sections, time limits, and question types. This familiarity reduces anxiety on the actual test day.
• Time Management: Management entrance exams are known for their strict time constraints. Mock tests help students practice time management, allowing them to allocate the right amount of time to each section.
• Identifying Weaknesses: Mock tests reveal a student’s strengths and weaknesses in various sections. This information helps in tailoring a study plan to focus on areas that need improvement.
• Adaptive Learning: Many mock tests are adaptive, meaning they adjust the difficulty of questions based on a student’s performance. This mirrors the actual exam’s adaptive nature and ensures that students are adequately prepared.
• Benchmarking: Mock tests provide a benchmark to assess one’s performance relative to other test-takers. This helps students gauge where they stand and set realistic goals.
• Real Exam Simulation: Mock tests recreate the testing environment, helping students get used to the pressure, time constraints, and distractions they may face during the actual exam.
• Error Analysis: Reviewing mock test results allows students to identify and learn from their mistakes. They can understand why they got certain questions wrong and avoid making the same errors in the future.
• Confidence Building: Performing well in mock tests boosts confidence, which is crucial for success in management exams. Confident test-takers are more likely to perform at their best on the actual exam.
• Revision and Practice: Mock tests serve as an excellent revision tool. Students can use them to reinforce what they’ve learned and gain additional practice.
• Rank Prediction: Some mock tests provide estimated percentile scores and rank predictions, giving students a sense of where they might rank among other test-takers.
• Adaptable Strategy: Through repeated mock tests, students can adapt and refine their test-taking strategies, improving their overall performance.

Now, let us take a look at some of the MBA exams offered by Embibe:

• CAT Mock Test
• XAT Mock Test
• IPMAT Indore Mock Test

Preparing for management exams requires dedication and a strategic approach. Here are some valuable preparation tips for management entrance exams like CAT, XAT, and others:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Begin by thoroughly understanding the exam pattern, including the number of sections, time limits, and question types. This will help you structure your preparation plan accordingly.

2. Create a Study Schedule: Develop a realistic study schedule that covers all the topics. Allocate more time to areas you find challenging and less time to those you are already proficient in.

3. Collect Study Material: Gather the necessary study material, including textbooks, reference books, online resources, and mock test series. Ensure your study materials are up-to-date.

4. Focus on Basics: Build a strong foundation in fundamental concepts. In subjects like mathematics, understand the basics before attempting complex problems.

5. Take Mock Tests: Mock tests are your best friends in exam preparation. Take full-length mock tests regularly to assess your progress, improve time management, and identify weak areas.

6. Analyse Embibe’s MBA mock test results: After taking a mock test, analyse the results thoroughly. Identify which sections and types of questions need improvement. Work on minimising errors.

7. Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve the previous year’s question papers to get a sense of the exam’s difficulty level and question patterns.

8. Time Management: Time management is crucial in management exams. Practice solving questions within the allotted time frame to avoid a last-minute rush during the actual exam.

9. Stay Updated: Keep up with current affairs, especially for exams with a general knowledge section. Read newspapers magazines, and watch the news regularly.

10. Stay Healthy: Don’t neglect your health. Maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and incorporate some physical activity into your routine. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.

11. Revision: Regularly revise what you’ve studied. Create summary notes or flashcards for quick revision closer to the exam date.

12. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and stay confident. Self-belief plays a significant role in exam success.

13. Join Coaching if Necessary: If you find certain topics particularly challenging or need structured guidance, consider joining a coaching institute.

14. Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, mentors, or peers if you’re struggling with specific topics.

15. Manage Stress: It’s natural to feel stressed, but excessive stress can hinder your performance. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing to manage stress.

16. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Stick to your study schedule, even when you don’t feel like studying. Small, regular efforts lead to big results.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about management/MBA entrance exams that aspirants are interested in knowing:

We hope that this article on management exams in India or top MBA exams after 12th/graduation has been helpful. If you still have any questions or would like to suggest anything, feel to reach out to us on Embibe — The Learning Outcomes app!

Happy job hunting!