MBA Entrance Exams in India 2025: Complete Guide to CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT & More
- Sudikshita Jha
- Dec 4
- 3 min read
Introduction
If you’re planning to pursue an MBA in India, the first major step is choosing the right entrance exam. While CAT continues to dominate as the gateway to the IIMs, several other important tests—like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, MICAT, and TISSNET—offer entry to India’s leading private and specialized business schools.
This guide breaks down each exam, expected cut-offs, and what different tiers of B-schools look for, helping you choose the exam that matches your profile and career goals.
Major MBA Entrance Exams in India (2025)
CAT — Common Admission Test
Accepted by: IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon Key Features: Highly competitive; heavy focus on quantitative and verbal aptitude
Top Scores:
95–99 percentile for IIM A/B/C
90 percentile+ for Tier 2 schools
XAT — Xavier Aptitude Test
Accepted by: XLRI, XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad Key Features: Includes Decision Making and General Knowledge
Top Scores:
93–98 percentile for XLRI
NMAT (by GMAC)
Accepted by: NMIMS Mumbai and selected Indian & international universities
Key Features: Candidate-friendly; can be taken up to 3 times
Top Scores:
230–250 for NMIMS Mumbai
SNAP — Symbiosis National Aptitude Test
Accepted by: SIBM Pune, SCMHRD and all Symbiosis institutes
Key Features: 60-minute test with an emphasis on LR and verbal reasoning
Top Scores:
97 percentile for SIBM Pune
CMAT — Common Management Admission Test
Accepted by: AICTE-approved colleges including Great Lakes, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar
Key Features: Cost-effective exam for Tier 2 and Tier 3 colleges
Top Scores:
320–340
TISSNET — Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Accepted by: TISS Mumbai & campuses
Key Features: Ideal for HRM, Development Studies, Social Work
Top Scores:
65+ marks for HRM
MICAT — MICA Admission Test
Accepted by: MICA Ahmedabad
Key Features: Focus on creative writing, psychometrics, communication
Top Scores:
50+ marks (qualifying requirement)
Understanding India’s MBA B-School Tiers
Tier 1
Examples: IIM A/B/C/L/K/I, ISB, XLRI, SPJIMR Expected Scores:
95–99 percentile CAT/XAT
720+ GMAT Average Package Range: ₹25–40 LPA
Tier 2
Examples: NMIMS, MDI, IIFT, TAPMI, Great Lakes Expected Scores:
80–95 percentile Average Package Range: ₹12–20 LPA
Tier 3
Examples: BIMTECH, Christ University, IFMR, XIME Expected Scores:
60–80 percentile Average Package Range: ₹6–10 LPA
Trends to Watch in 2025
Hybrid score acceptance: Many B-schools accept GMAT/GRE alongside CAT/XAT.
Global MBA options: Schools like IIM Kozhikode & IIM Udaipur increasingly offer international MBA tracks through GRE/GMAT.
Entrepreneurship and digital leadership: NMIMS, Symbiosis, and Jindal emphasize real-world projects in strategy, analytics, and design thinking.
AI & sustainability: Core modules now include AI for Managers, Business Analytics, ESG, and Sustainable Leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions (2025)
1. Which MBA entrance exam is the toughest? CAT, because of competition volume, adaptive Quant difficulty, and limited attempts.
2. Can I enter IIMs without CAT? Some programs—like IIM Udaipur’s Global MBA—accept GMAT/GRE scores.
3. Which private colleges accept NMAT? NMIMS, KJ Somaiya, SDA Bocconi Asia Center, Alliance University, and several others.
4. Are Tier 2/Tier 3 colleges good for ROI? Yes. Institutes like TAPMI, IFMR, and Great Lakes offer solid placements with reasonable fees.
5. Do MBA programs in India include AI or sustainability? Yes. Nearly all top B-schools have added modules in AI, digital strategy, climate policy, and sustainability.
Additional Reading
World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs Report 2025
Financial Times – Global MBA Ranking 2025
Related Blog: GRE vs GMAT vs CAT – Which Test Should You Choose? (Use this anchor text for interlinking.)
Need Help Choosing the Right MBA Exam?
MetierHunt’s mentors create a personalized exam strategy and B-school roadmap tailored to your academic strengths, test profile, and long-term goals.
Visit metierhunt.in or email metierhunt1806@gmail.com for guidance.
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