MBA Entrance Exams 2026-27: Complete List of 25 Exams in India (Dates, Fees & Eligibility)
Admissions Enquiry
Summary: MBA entrance exams in India include CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, NMAT, SNAP and other national, state-level and university-specific tests. Most require a bachelor’s degree with around 50% aggregate marks, subject to exam-specific criteria. Compare exam dates, registration fees, eligibility and participating colleges to choose the right entrance exam for MBA admission in 2026-27.
Key Highlights
- CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, NMAT and SNAP are among the key MBA entrance exams in India.
- Most exams require a bachelor's degree with around 50% aggregate marks, subject to specific exam rules.
- CAT 2026 is scheduled for 29 November, while XAT 2027 is scheduled for 3 January.
- Focus on Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation and Verbal Ability.
- Compare registration fees, deadlines and accepted scores at your target B-schools before applying.
Pursuing an MBA is increasingly about building relevant business skills and achieving clear career outcomes. According to the GMAC Prospective Students Survey 2026, 72% of prospective graduate management education candidates cited gaining business knowledge as a motivation for pursuing graduate management education in 2025.
If you are planning to pursue an MBA in India, choosing the right entrance exam is an important first step. From CAT, XAT and CMAT to SNAP, NMAT and MAT, this guide covers 25 MBA entrance exams for the 2026-27 admission cycle, including their exam dates, application fees, eligibility criteria and participating colleges.
Which MBA Entrance Exam is Best for Admission to Top Business Schools?
The best MBA entrance exam depends on your target B-school, career goals and eligibility. Exams such as CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP and GMAT are accepted by various leading Indian and international business schools. For MBA admission in 2026-27, compare exam dates, application fees, eligibility criteria and participating colleges before choosing the right exam.
The table below covers 25 MBA entrance exams 2026-2027 to help you shortlist suitable options.
| S.No. | Exam | Level | Conducted By | 2026-27 Timing | Typically Used For |
| 1 | CAT | National | IIMs (IIM Indore in 2026) | 29 Nov 2026 | IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR and many top B-schools |
| 2 | XAT | National | XLRI Jamshedpur | 3 Jan 2027 | XLRI, XIMB, IMT, TAPMI and 250+ B-schools |
| 3 | NMAT by GMAC | National | GMAC | 2 Nov to 20 Dec 2026 | NMIMS, K J Somaiya, TAPMI and others |
| 4 | SNAP | National | Symbiosis | 13, 19, 26 Dec 2026 | SIBM Pune, SCMHRD and Symbiosis institutes |
| 5 | CMAT | National | NTA | Early 2027 (awaited) | 1,000+ AICTE-approved colleges |
| 6 | MAT | National | AIMA | Four sessions a year (Feb, May, Sep, Dec) | Wide range of private B-schools |
| 7 | ATMA | National | AIMS | Feb 2027 (verify) | Participating MBA and PGDM colleges |
| 8 | IBSAT | National | ICFAI Business School | Dec 2026 | IBS campuses |
| 9 | MICAT | Institute | MICA | 5 Dec 2026 and 12 Feb 2027 | MICA Ahmedabad |
| 10 | XGMT | Institute | XIM University | Jan 2027 (verify) | XIM University |
| 11 | GMAT | International | GMAC | On-demand booking | Selected Indian and global B-schools, Executive MBA |
| 12 | GRE | International | ETS | On-demand booking | Selected programmes including BMU |
| 13 | MAH MBA CET | State | Maharashtra CET Cell | April 2027 expected (2026: 6 to 8 Apr and 9 May) | JBIMS, SIMSREE and Maharashtra colleges |
| 14 | Karnataka PGCET | State | Karnataka Examinations Authority | 2027 awaited (2026: 14 Jun) | Karnataka MBA colleges |
| 15 | TANCET | State | Anna University | 2027 awaited (2026: 9 May) | Tamil Nadu MBA colleges |
| 16 | TG ICET | State | TGCHE | 2027 awaited (2026: 13 to 14 May) | Telangana colleges |
| 17 | AP ICET | State | Andhra Pradesh | 2027 awaited (2026: 2 May) | Andhra Pradesh colleges |
| 18 | KMAT Kerala | State | Kerala | 2027 awaited (2026: 22 Feb and 31 May) | Kerala MBA colleges |
| 19 | OJEE (MBA) | State | Odisha | 2027 awaited | Odisha MBA colleges |
| 20 | BMU-MAT | University | BML Munjal University | To be announced soon | BML Munjal University MBA |
| 21 | KIITEE (MBA) | University | KIIT | 9 to 11 Jan 2027 | KIIT School of Management |
| 22 | UPESMET | University | UPES | Check UPES site | UPES School of Business |
| 23 | SRMCAT | University | SRM | Check SRM site | SRM MBA |
| 24 | IGNOU OPENMAT | University | IGNOU | Check IGNOU site | IGNOU MBA |
| 25 | B-MAT | University | Bharati Vidyapeeth | Check university site | Bharati Vidyapeeth institutes |
Who Can Apply? Eligibility for MBA Entrance Exams
Candidates with a bachelor's degree in any discipline can generally apply for MBA entrance exams in India. Most exams require a minimum of 50% aggregate marks, with relaxations for reserved categories as specified by the exam or institution. Final-year undergraduate students can also apply to most MBA exams 2026, subject to completing their degree within the prescribed timeline.
Below are the detailed eligibility criteria for the top MBA entrance exams eligibility criteria-
| Requirement | General Rule for Most Exams |
| Education | Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university |
| Minimum marks | Usually 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories, as per each exam's rules) |
| Final-year students | Can generally apply, subject to completing the degree |
| Age limit | No upper limit for most major exams |
| Work experience | Not required for a regular full-time MBA. CMAT does not require any work experience. |
Note: Eligibility for an exam is not always the same as eligibility for a college. Individual institutes can add their own criteria, so check each programme page.
Which MBA Entrance Tests Should I Take for Business Schools in India and Abroad?
The best MBA entrance exam depends on your target colleges, eligibility and career goals. If you want to study at the IIMs, prioritise CAT; for XLRI, take XAT. For NMIMS Mumbai, consider NMAT, while SNAP is the primary entrance exam for Symbiosis institutes.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you choose the right entrance exam for MBA 2026-27.
| Your Goal | Take |
| IIMs and top-tier B-schools | CAT (mandatory for IIMs) |
| XLRI | XAT (mandatory) |
| Symbiosis (SIBM Pune, SCMHRD) | SNAP |
| NMIMS Mumbai | NMAT |
| Wide choice of AICTE-approved colleges | CMAT and MAT |
| Maharashtra government and private colleges | MAH MBA CET, plus CAT or CMAT |
| NCR private universities such as BMU | NMAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, GRE or BMU-MAT |
| International programmes | GMAT or GRE |
Which MBA entrance exams should you prepare for together?
- For Top B-schools- CAT + XAT + SNAP or NMAT.
- For More College Options- CAT or CMAT + MAT.
- For a Broader Admission Strategy- NMAT or SNAP + CMAT or MAT, depending on your target colleges.
When are the Major MBA Entrance Exams Held and What are the Registration Deadlines?
The MBA entrance exam calendar for 2026-27 helps aspirants track upcoming exams, registration deadlines and application fees for admission to leading business schools in India. Major exams include CAT 2026, XAT 2027, NMAT, SNAP, MAT and CMAT.
Check the latest upcoming MBA entrance exams schedule below to identify open registrations, upcoming exam dates and notifications that are yet to be announced.
| MBA Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Exam Date | Application Fee | Registration Status |
| CAT 2026 | IIM Indore | 29 November 2026 | ₹2,700 | Closed |
| XAT 2027 | XLRI Jamshedpur | 3 January 2027 | ₹2,200 | Open |
| NMAT 2026 | GMAC | 2 November to 20 December 2026 | ₹3,000 | Verify current availability |
| SNAP 2026 | Symbiosis International University | 13, 19 and 26 December 2026 | ₹2,550 | Open |
| MAT December 2026 | AIMA | 20 December (PBT); 27 December (CBT) | ₹1,800 | Check official schedule |
| CMAT 2027 | NTA | To be announced | To be confirmed | Awaiting notification |
| IBSAT 2026 | ICFAI Business School | December 2026 | ₹1,800 | Open |
| MICAT 2026-27 | MICA Ahmedabad | 5 December 2026; 12 February 2027 | Verify official fee | Check deadlines |
| ATMA 2027 | AIMS | To be confirmed | Verify official fee | Awaiting confirmation |
MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus, Pattern and Important Topics to Study
The MBA entrance exam syllabus in India generally covers Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Some exams, such as XAT, CMAT and SNAP, also include sections such as Decision Making, General Awareness or Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The exam pattern, number of questions and marking scheme vary by test.
| Section | Important Topics to Study |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems and Modern Mathematics |
| Logical Reasoning | Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Series and Syllogisms |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Charts, Graphs, Caselets and Data Sufficiency |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Para Jumbles, Sentence Correction and Vocabulary |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, Business News, Economics and Static GK |
| Decision Making | Business scenarios, Ethical Dilemmas and Case-based Questions |
How Many Months of Study Do I Need to Crack the CAT With a High Percentile?
Here is a simple six-month strategy to crack the CAT exam with a high percentage-
Coaching or self-study? Coaching gives structure, peer benchmarking and mock access. Self-study suits disciplined candidates with strong fundamentals and costs less. Many aspirants combine a mock-test series with self-study. Choose based on how you learn, not on what others do.
XAT vs MAT vs CMAT- Which is Easier and More Useful for Indian MBA aspirants?
MAT is generally considered the most accessible of the three exams, while XAT is often more challenging because of its Decision Making section. CMAT offers a middle ground, with a broad range of colleges accepting its scores. The best MBA entrance exam depends on your target B-schools, preparation level and admission goals.
| Comparison Factor | XAT | MAT | CMAT |
| Difficulty level | Generally challenging | Generally more accessible | Moderate |
| Conducting body | XLRI Jamshedpur | All India Management Association (AIMA) | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Key sections | Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation, General Knowledge | Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Economic and Business Environment | Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation and Entrepreneurship |
| Exam frequency | Once a year | Multiple sessions annually | Generally once a year |
| Best suited for | Candidates targeting XLRI and other XAT-accepting B-schools | Candidates seeking flexible exam dates and a wider range of participating colleges | Candidates targeting AICTE-approved management institutions |
| Official website | xatonline.in | mat.aima.in | cmat.nta.nic.in |
Conclusion
Choosing the right MBA entrance exam is the first step towards securing admission to a business school that matches your career goals. From CAT, XAT and CMAT to SNAP, NMAT and MAT, compare exam dates, application fees, eligibility criteria and participating colleges before finalising your options. Start preparing early, practise mock tests and keep track of registration deadlines for the 2026-27 admission cycle.
FAQs
There is no single fixed number. About 10 to 15 exams are commonly considered, and 25 or more when you include state-level, university-level and international tests. The six most widely used are CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT and MAT.
As of 18 October 2026, XAT 2027 (until 6 December), SNAP 2026 (until 25 November) and MAT’s December session are open. CAT registration has closed, and NMAT registration closed on 10 October. CMAT 2027 is awaiting its notification.
Yes. Most serious aspirants take three to five exams, because their syllabi overlap. Manage registration deadlines carefully and prioritise the exams your target colleges actually accept.
CAT (for MCQs), XAT, SNAP, CMAT and MAT have negative marking. NMAT has none. Always read the current marking scheme on the official site before you start timed practice.
Not for a regular full-time MBA. CMAT, CAT, XAT and similar exams do not require work experience. Executive MBA programmes are designed for working professionals and weigh experience more heavily.
Yes. Many universities accept NMAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, GRE or their own test. Many universities like BMU accept CAT, NMAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, GRE and BMU-MAT, so CAT is not mandatory for admission.
Visit the official exam website, fill out the application form, upload the required documents, pay the registration fee and submit your application before the deadline.
Common requirements include a recent photograph, signature, valid photo ID, academic details and a category certificate, if applicable. Check the official notification for exam-specific requirements.
Recommended books include How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. IMS, Career Launcher, Cracku and Rodha offer online courses, mock tests and practice materials.
Final-year students can generally apply for CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, NMAT and SNAP, subject to each exam’s eligibility criteria. Admission is usually provisional until they complete their degree and meet the required marks.
Related Blogs
Management Entrance Exams in India: Which One Is Right for You?
Key Takeaways There is no single best management entrance exam for every MBA aspirant. Compare CAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, GMAT, SNAP, MAT and ATMA ...
Data Science vs Computer Science: Which Course Should You Choose After 12th?
Key Takeaways Computer Science builds software; Data Science turns data into AI-driven insights. Choose Computer Science if you enjoy coding a...
Is Work-Life Balance Really Possible During an Executive MBA in India?
Key Takeaways India has the highest employee burnout rate globally, with 59% of Indian professionals reporting burnout symptoms against a 20% w...
17 Best AI Tools for Students in 2026 (Free & Paid, Category-Wise)
Key Takeaways: 17 AI tools reviewed across 6 categories- concept clarity, research, writing, organisation, presentations and coding Most tools...
MBA Without CAT in India: Top Colleges, Entrance Exams & Direct Admission 2026
Can you do an MBA without CAT in India? The answer is yes and it is more common than most students realise. CAT was designed as an entry filter for...
The Benefits of an Integrated BBA MBA: Career Growth & How It Compares to Traditional MBA
Integrated BBA MBA programmes are becoming increasingly popular among students who want to start building management careers right after Class 12. Wha...