MBA Entrance Exam Calendar: Key Dates, Top Exams & Best B-Schools


Share Top MBA entrance exams in India

If you are planning to pursue an MBA, the very first step is to stay updated with the MBA Entrance Exam Calendar. Each exam is a gateway to prestigious B-schools like the IIMs, XLRI, IIFT, NMIMS, Symbiosis, SPJIMR, FMS Delhi, and many more. Choosing the right exam not only opens doors to your dream college but also shapes your MBA journey ahead.

Types of MBA Entrance Exams in India

MBA entrance exams in India are broadly categorized into three levels:

  • National-Level Exams – Accepted by top B-schools across India (CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, etc.)

  • Institute-Level Exams – Conducted by individual institutes for their own programs (IIFT, SNAP, IBSAT, TISSNET, etc.)

  • State-Level Exams – Organized by state authorities for regional universities and colleges (MAH CET, TSICET, TANCET, Karnataka PGCET, etc.)

Top MBA Entrance Exams You Must Track

Here’s a quick look at the most popular exams and their highlights:

1. CAT (Common Admission Test)

  • Purpose: Entry into IIMs and 500+ B-schools

  • Accepted By: IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, IITs

  • Application Window: Aug – Sep

2. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

  • Purpose: Admission to XLRI and 140+ B-schools

  • Accepted By: XLRI, XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI

  • Application Window: Aug – Nov

3. NMAT (NMAT by GMAC)

  • Purpose: Admission to NMIMS and 50+ institutes

  • Accepted By: NMIMS, K J Somaiya, XUB, VIT Vellore

  • Application Window: Aug – Oct

4. IIFT

  • Purpose: Exclusive MBA in International Business

  • Accepted By: IIFT Delhi, Kolkata & Kakinada

  • Application Window: Sep – Oct

5. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)

  • Purpose: Admission into 15 Symbiosis Institutes

  • Accepted By: SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB

  • Application Window: Aug – Nov

👉 Other important exams include CMAT, MAT, IBSAT, MICAT, TISSNET, MAH CET, TSICET, TANCET, and Karnataka PGCET.

Eligibility for MBA Entrance Exams

Most MBA exams require:

  • A graduate degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).

  • Final-year students are eligible.

  • Work experience is not mandatory but adds value in some institutes.

MBA Entrance Exam Fees

  • CAT: ₹2300

  • XAT: ₹2100

  • NMAT: ₹2300

  • IIFT: ₹2500

  • SNAP: ₹1950 per attempt

  • Others (CMAT, MAT, IBSAT, etc.): ₹1000 – ₹2500

📌 MBA Entrance Exam Calendar – Quick Reference

 
📌 MBA Entrance Exam Calendar – Quick Reference
     
Exam Application Timeline Accepted By (Top Colleges) Registration Fee (Approx.)
CAT Aug – Sep IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI, IITs ₹2300
XAT Aug – Nov XLRI, XIMB, TAPMI, IMT Ghaziabad ₹2100
NMAT Aug – Oct NMIMS, K J Somaiya, XUB, VIT ₹2300
IIFT Sep – Oct IIFT Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada ₹2500
SNAP Aug – Nov SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB ₹1950 per test
CMAT Feb – Mar 1000+ AICTE-approved B-schools ₹2000
MAT Multiple Rounds (Feb, May, Sep, Dec) Many private/autonomous colleges ₹1900
TISSNET Dec – Jan Tata Institute of Social Sciences ₹1030
IBSAT Sep – Dec ICFAI Business Schools ₹1800
MICAT Oct – Nov MICA, Ahmedabad ₹2100
MAH CET Jan – Feb JBIMS, SIMSREE, Welingkar ₹1000 (State) / ₹2000 (Others)
Karnataka PGCET May – Jun Alliance Univ, IBA, State Colleges ₹650
TANCET Jan – Feb Anna Univ, PSGIM Coimbatore ₹1000
TSICET Mar – Apr Telangana State MBA Colleges ₹650

How to Choose the Right MBA Entrance Exam?

  • Dreaming of IIMs? – Take CAT

  • Targeting XLRI? – Go for XAT

  • Want NMIMS or Symbiosis? – Attempt NMAT & SNAP

  • Exploring wide AICTE-approved B-schools? – Consider CMAT/MAT

  • Focused on state-level colleges? – Appear for MAH CET, TSICET, TANCET, or PGCET

✅ Final Word

Keeping track of the MBA Entrance Exam Calendar helps you plan better and avoid missing key deadlines. Each exam carries unique advantages, so align your choice with your dream B-school list.

âš¡ Pro Tip: Always cross-check dates on official websites. And if you need expert guidance for exam prep, applications, or selecting the right MBA/PGDM colleges, BookMyColleges.com is here to support you every step of the way.

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