Common Entrance Test (CAT) is recognized as the most prestigious entrance test for postgraduate management courses in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates take the exam, but only a small percentage manage to clear it. As a result, many candidates look for options to improve their chances of getting admitted to their desired business schools.
The exams mentioned below will not get you into the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) like the CAT exam. However, many top business schools across the country accept these test scores as part of their admissions processes. In addition, some of these tests are recognized by foreign organizations.
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that assesses candidates’ critical thinking, quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing skills. Apart from being the main criteria for admission to many top-tier business schools around the world, this exam also opens up scholarship and better job opportunities after graduation.
CMAT
Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is an entrance test for admission to management courses offered by All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE)-approved institutions, university departments, constituent and affiliated colleges. CMAT-2025 will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a three-hour exam in Computer Based Testing (CBT) mode to assess candidates’ ability in Quantitative Technique, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension and General Awareness. The application window will close on December 25.
XAT
The Xavier Eligibility Test is another national level entrance exam for admission to postgraduate management courses. The application window for XAT 2025 has closed. This time, more than 250 institutions will use this exam for admission to postgraduate management programs. Check out the full list here.
NMAT
Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test (NMAT by GMAC™) is a computer administered test owned by Graduate Management Global Connection (India) Private Limited (GMGC), a subsidiary of Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). This exam is available in two modes – test center based exam and online proctored exam at homes within India.
AIMA MAT
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) conducted by the All India Management Association is a national level examination recognized by the government for admission to MBA and related courses. This exam is conducted by 600 B-schools across India.
AIMA MAT: List of Participating B-Schools