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
Last updated: 31 August 2026. CAT 2026 is confirmed for 29 November 2026 (registration closes 15 September 2026). Dates for XAT 2027, SNAP 2026, NMAT 2026 and IBSAT 2026 below are from official notifications; CMAT 2027 and the MAT December 2026 session are still provisional pending formal NTA/AIMA notices. Always verify the final date on each exam’s own website before paying any fee.
MBA Entrance Exams 2026–27: Master Date & Fee Table
| Exam | Registration Opens | Exam Date | Result Date | Fee | Conducting Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2026 | 3 Aug – 15 Sep 2026 | 29 Nov 2026 | ~3rd week Dec 2026 | ₹2,400 (Gen/EWS/OBC) / ₹1,200 (SC/ST/PwD) | IIM Indore |
| XAT 2027 | 15 Jul – 6 Dec 2026 | 3 Jan 2027 | Mid-Jan 2027 (tentative) | ₹2,300 (+₹200 per programme) | XLRI Jamshedpur |
| SNAP 2026 | 21 Aug – 25 Nov 2026 | 13 / 19 / 26 Dec 2026 | 12 Jan 2027 | ₹2,550 per attempt | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) |
| CMAT 2027 | ~Mid-Oct 2026 (expected) | 24 Jan 2027 (expected) | ~Feb 2027 (expected) | ₹2,500 (Gen. male) / ₹1,250 (women/reserved) | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| NMAT 2026 | 20 Aug – 10 Oct 2026 | 2 Nov – 20 Dec 2026 (own-choice window) | Within ~1 week of your test | ₹3,000 | GMAC |
| MAT (Dec 2026 session) | Expected ~Nov 2026 (not yet announced) | Expected 2nd–3rd week Dec 2026 (tentative) | ~2–3 weeks after exam | ₹2,300 (single mode) / ₹4,000 (PBT+CBT) | AIMA |
| IBSAT 2026 | 1 Jul – 3rd week Dec 2026 | 26–27 Dec 2026 | 30 Dec 2026 | ₹1,800 | ICFAI Business Schools (IBS) |
CMAT 2027 and MAT (Dec 2026) dates are provisional/expected as of 31 August 2026, pending official NTA/AIMA notification. All other dates above are from confirmed official notifications.
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?
Which MBA entrance exam is easiest for beginners?
Can I give multiple MBA entrance exams in the same year?
Do I need work experience to apply for CAT, XAT, or SNAP?
What is a good percentile to target for a top B-school?
Can I switch to a state-level exam if I don’t clear a national exam’s cutoff?
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