MBA Entrance Exams
India • 2026 Intake
MBA Entrance Exams in India (2025–26 / 2026 Admission): Full List, Dates, Fees, and How to Choose the Right Exam
Planning for an MBA/PGDM? Here’s a practical, exam-by-exam roadmap — national, state, university-level, and international tests — with latest updates and a simple decision guide.
Top Exams: CAT • XAT • NMAT • SNAP • CMAT • MAT • ATMA
State Exams: MAH CET • TANCET • PGCET • KMAT • TG ICET • AP ICET
Abroad/Global: GMAT • GRE
Why MBA Entrance Exams Matter (and why many students write multiple exams)
MBA entrance exams are the primary gateway to full-time MBA/PGDM programs in India. Each exam unlocks a different set of colleges:
CAT is key for IIMs and many top institutes, XAT is essential for XLRI and other XAT colleges, while exams like
CMAT/MAT/ATMA expand your options across a large number of AICTE-approved and private B-schools.
In 2025–26 season, most national exams are already done, and the focus shifts to state-level MBA tests (Feb–May 2026) plus
MAT/ATMA windows that still give you admission opportunities.
Quick Fact Box
| Category | Examples | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| National (Top) | CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP | Top-tier institutes (IIMs/XLRI/NMIMS/Symbiosis etc.) |
| National (Broad Acceptance) | CMAT, MAT, ATMA | More colleges + multiple intake windows |
| State Level | MAH CET, TANCET, PGCET, KMAT, TG ICET, AP ICET | State universities + local MBA colleges |
| Global / International | GMAT, GRE | International B-schools + select Indian programs |
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MBA Entrance Exam Calendar (Key Dates + Fees + Typical Accepting Colleges)
Dates and fees below reflect the latest widely-reported schedule for the 2025–26 cycle / 2026 intake. Always cross-check the official notification before paying the fee.
| Exam | Exam Date / Window | Approx. Fee | Commonly Accepted By |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 | 30 Nov 2025 | ₹2600 (approx.) | IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IITs, IIFT & more |
| XAT 2026 | 04 Jan 2026 | ₹2200 (approx.) | XLRI, IMT, IMI, XIMB, TAPMI & more |
| NMAT 2025 | 05 Nov – 19 Dec 2025 | ₹3000 (approx.) | NMIMS, XIMB, TAPMI, KJ Somaiya & others |
| SNAP 2025 | 06 / 14 / 20 Dec 2025 | ₹2250 (approx.) | SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIBM Bengaluru & Symbiosis institutes |
| CMAT 2026 | 25 Jan 2026 | ₹2500 (approx.) | Wide acceptance across AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM colleges |
| MAH MBA CET 2026 | 06–08 Apr 2026 (and one additional date as per schedule) | ₹1000 (approx.) | JBIMS, SIMSREE, Welingkar, PUMBA, SIES & more |
| KMAT Kerala 2026 | 22 Feb 2026 | ₹750 (approx.) | Kerala colleges + select universities |
| TANCET 2026 | Mar 2026 | ₹1000 (approx.) | Anna University affiliated colleges, TN institutes |
| Karnataka PGCET 2026 | 14 May 2026 | ₹650 (approx.) | Karnataka colleges / participating institutes |
| TG ICET 2026 | 13–14 May 2026 | ₹750 (approx.) | OU/JNTU affiliated colleges, Hyderabad institutes |
| AP ICET 2026 | 02 May 2026 | ₹750 (approx.) | AP universities + participating MBA colleges |
| MAT 2026 | Mar 2026 (PBT/CBT windows) | ₹1800 (approx.) | Many Tier-2/Tier-3 B-schools + multiple sessions |
Note: Some exams run multiple sessions or have additional dates depending on authorities; confirm the latest notice on official portals.
National MBA Entrance Exams (Most Popular)
CAT (Common Admission Test)
The primary exam for IIM admissions and accepted by many top non-IIM institutes. If your target list includes IIMs, CAT is non-negotiable.
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Mandatory for XLRI and widely accepted by other reputed schools. It’s known for Decision Making and a slightly different style compared to CAT.
NMAT by GMAC
Exam window based, candidate-scheduled; major for NMIMS and accepted by several universities/institutes.
SNAP
Symbiosis University’s gateway. If SIBM/SCMHRD/Symbiosis colleges are on your list, SNAP is the required route.
CMAT / MAT / ATMA
These exams are often chosen to widen your shortlist quickly. Many colleges accept them, and they can be helpful if you missed CAT/XAT
or need additional admission opportunities.
State-Level MBA Entrance Exams (Feb–May 2026 Focus)
If you prefer colleges in a particular state (fee advantage, local networks, easier logistics), state exams can be a smart move — especially after national exams end.
- MAH MBA CET: Major exam for Maharashtra MBA/MMS admissions (JBIMS etc.).
- TANCET: Tamil Nadu state MBA admissions through Anna University/affiliated institutes.
- Karnataka PGCET: Karnataka MBA admissions for participating colleges.
- KMAT (Kerala): Useful for Kerala universities and local B-schools.
- TG ICET & AP ICET: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh MBA admissions.
University / College-Level MBA Exams You Should Know
Some universities run their own tests or accept a specific exam for admissions. If you missed CAT/XAT or want a dedicated route, these can help:
GMAT & GRE (International MBA + Select Indian Programs)
Planning for international business schools in the US/Europe? GMAT and GRE are widely accepted.
Many Indian institutes may also accept GMAT/GRE for certain programs (often executive or special admissions tracks).
prioritize CAT/XAT/CMAT/MAT/ATMA/State CETs first, and keep GMAT/GRE for international or special-case applications.
How to Choose the Right MBA Entrance Exam (Decision Framework)
1) Start with your target colleges
Make a shortlist of 10–20 colleges. Then map which exams they accept. This single step prevents wasted fees and wrong exam choices.
2) Use “one core exam + one backup” strategy
Example: CAT (core) + CMAT/MAT (backup) OR XAT (core) + ATMA (backup).
This improves your odds without burning out.
3) If you want local admissions, focus on state CETs
For Maharashtra choose MAH CET; for Andhra Pradesh choose AP ICET; for Telangana choose TG ICET; for Tamil Nadu choose TANCET, etc.
4) Don’t ignore GD/PI/WAT preparation
Many colleges select through Group Discussion, Personal Interview and Writing rounds after the exam. Build your profile and communication early.
Timeline: What Happens Next (Feb–May 2026)
Safety Checklist (Avoid Fake Links & Admission Scams)
- Pay fees only on the official exam portal / official college website.
- Never share OTP, UPI PIN, or card details with “agents” claiming guaranteed admission.
- Confirm exam dates from the official notice, not only from social media forwards.
- For CMAT, use the official NTA CMAT portal for notices, answer key, and scorecard.
FAQ: MBA Entrance Exams 2026 (India)
Which is the best MBA entrance exam in India for top colleges?
Many students also write NMAT (NMIMS route) and SNAP (Symbiosis route).
If I missed CAT/XAT, can I still get MBA admission in 2026?
Your best option depends on your target state and college list.
What is the CMAT exam used for?
It is accepted by a wide set of AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programs.
Should I attempt more than one MBA entrance exam?
like CMAT/MAT/ATMA or your state CET. This increases admission probability.
What should I prepare besides the exam syllabus?
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