ITM Business School

MBA Entrance

Viral Patel

5 min

Are you planning on pursuing an MBA in 2024? Understanding the specifics of MBA entrance tests is critical. This blog will walk you through the rules for who can apply and when. It will also cover other essential details for the MBA 2024 entrance exams.

The following are some of the most popular MBA admission tests in India and worldwide. You will find the MBA entrance exam application date in this list:

Common Admission Test (CAT)

  • The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) conduct CAT.
  • The most prestigious and widely acknowledged MBA entrance exam in India.
  • The tests assess numeric aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation.
  • It is usually held in November of each year. The application process usually starts in August and ends in September. The MBA entrance exam 2024 application last date for CAT will be 21st September.

Management Aptitude Test (MAT).

  • The All India Management Association (AIMA) conducts MAT.
  • It occurs four times a year: February, May, September, and December.
  • The sections include language comprehension, mathematical capabilities, data analysis, and sufficiency. Critical thinking and knowledge of the Indian and global environments are also tested.
  • The MAT exam is conducted four times a year. The application dates vary for each session.

Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

  • XLRI Jamshedpur conducts XAT.
  • Accepted by several major Indian business schools.
  • The sections are numeric ability, English language, and logical reasoning. It also includes decision-making and general knowledge.
  • It is conducted in January. The application process usually starts in August and ends in November.

Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP).

  • Symbiosis International (Deemed University) conducts SNAP.
  • It is required for admission into MBA programs in Symbiosis institutes.
  • The sections include English, mathematical skills, and data interpretation. It also covers analytical and logical reasoning.
  • The test is conducted in December.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

  • The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) conducts GMAT.
  • Accepted by more than 2,300 business schools worldwide.
  • Analytical writing, integrated reasoning, mathematical, and verbal abilities are all assessed.
  • Candidates can select their test date for the entire year. You can apply for the GMAT anytime. It is conducted multiple times a year.

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

  • The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts CMAT.
  • Management institutes accredited by the AICTE accept CMAT scores.
  • Contains sections on quantitative skills, logical reasoning, language understanding, and general knowledge.
  • This exam is usually held in January. The MBA entrance exam application date is usually between November and December.

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Entrance Exam

  • The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this exam.
  • This test is for admission to the IIFT MBA (International Business) program.
  • The tests cover quantitative analysis, reading comprehension, verbal aptitude, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and general awareness.
  • It is usually held in December.

NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT)

  • Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
  • Accepted by NMIMS and other top business schools in India and overseas.
  • Language, quantitative, and logical reasoning abilities are also tested.
  • It is conducted over 75 days, allowing flexibility in selecting a test day.

MBA Entrance Exam Eligibility Criteria

You must meet specific qualifying requirements to apply for an MBA admission exam. These requirements ensure that candidates have the essential knowledge and abilities to succeed in an MBA program. While specific requirements can vary based on the exam and the institution, below are some general MBA entrance exam eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualification

  • Bachelor's degree: You must have earned a degree from a recognized university or institution. The degree can be in any field but must be equivalent to a bachelor's degree in duration and course content.
  • Minimum marks: Many tests demand a certain percentage of marks from your bachelor's degree. This is typically around 50% for general category students.
  • Final year students: Most MBA admission tests accept applications from students in the final year of their bachelor's degree. If accepted into an MBA program, you must produce proof of graduation within the specified time frame.

Work Experience

  • Not required: MBA admission exams typically do not require work experience. Fresh graduates may also apply.
  • Some MBA programs favor students with work experience, especially executive MBA programs.

Age Limit

  • There is often no maximum age limit for applying to MBA entrance examinations. However, you should check the institution's unique requirements before applying.

MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus

The MBA entrance exam syllabus tests candidates' aptitude for business management courses. Each exam has its parts and question patterns, covering similar areas of knowledge. Here's a detailed look at the typical portions and subjects :

Quantitative Aptitude

This part checks mathematical skills and numerical skills. The key subjects include:

  • Arithmetic: This includes topics like percentages, profit, and loss. It also includes ratio, proportion, mixtures, allegations, and time and work.
  • Algebra: This section includes algebraic expressions, equations (both linear and quadratic), and inequalities.
  • Geometry: It includes topics like lines and angles, triangles, circles, and polygons. It also contains coordinate geometry.
  • Mensuration: It includes areas, volumes, and surface areas of various shapes.
  • Number systems: This includes integers, fractions, decimals, prime numbers, dividing rules, LCM, and HCF.
  • Modern math: This section includes permutations and combinations, probability, and set theory.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

This section evaluates English language and comprehension abilities. The key subjects include:

  • Reading comprehension: Passages with questions about inference, main idea, tone, and vocabulary.
  • Grammar: Sentence correction, error detection, use of articles, prepositions, conjunctions, and tenses.
  • Vocabulary: It has synonyms, antonyms, analogies, and one-word substitution questions. Idioms and phrases are all examples of vocabulary.
  • Verbal reasoning: Includes logical word sequences, syllogisms, and critical reasoning. It also includes arguments, courses of action, para jumbles, and sentence completion.

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation

This section tests logical reasoning and analytical skills. The key subjects include:

  • Logical reasoning: This section includes puzzles, seating arrangements, and blood relations. It also covers direction sense, series completion, coding, and decoding.
  • Data interpretation: It includes interpreting data from tables, graphs, and charts. It could also incorporate data sufficiency issues.

General Awareness

This section checks knowledge of current events and general knowledge. The key subjects include:

  • Current affairs: It questions significant events from the last six to twelve months. It also includes political, economic, sporting, and international events.
  • General knowledge: These topics include history, geography, and science. It also covers business, books and authors, awards and honors, and important dates.

More Sections for Specific Exams

Some MBA admission tests have extra sections or have different formats. Here are some examples.

  • Decision-making: This section is exclusive to XAT. It uses scenario questions to assess ethical and managerial decision-making abilities.
  • Innovation and entrepreneurship: Introduced in some exams, such as the CMAT, it tests entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking.
  • Integrated reasoning: This section of the GMAT examines the ability to understand data. It also tests analyzing information from many sources.

Conclusion

MBA admission examinations are your ticket to top business institutions. Understanding the eligibility requirements, syllabus, and application deadlines is critical. Prepare thoroughly and maintain focus.

ITM offers some great MBA courses you can check out. We provide MBAs in various subjects to suit your needs. We have an almost full placement record and high-average placement packages. Our Global Immersion Program ensures you get diverse experiences and exposure. Our alumni testimonials speak volumes about their satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Which MBA exam is best for an MBA?

The most suitable MBA entrance exam depends on your target business schools and career goals. CAT is ideal for admission to IIMs and other top Indian business schools. GMAT is preferred for international MBA programs and some Indian schools. XAT, MAT, and CMAT are also good options, depending on the specific institutions you are aiming for. Choose the exam that aligns with the requirements of your desired MBA program.

2) Can I join an MBA without an entrance exam?

Yes, specific colleges offer MBA programs without an entrance exam. These colleges and business schools provide direct admission based on academic performance, work experience, or other criteria. Also, certain executive and online MBA programs may not need an entrance exam.

3) When is a good time to prepare for the MBA entrance exam (2025)?

You can start preparing for the MBA entrance exam 2025 as early as now. Early preparation gives you enough time to understand the syllabus. It also gives you time to practice various sections and take mock tests.

4) Which MBA stream is best for a CEO?

The best MBA stream for aspiring CEOs often depends on the industry and the individual's career goals. For example, an MBA in finance is a good idea if you are in the finance industry.