CAT Exam Alternatives To Get Into Top B-Schools!

MBA aspirants slog for months to make it into their dream college through CAT. But the CAT exam isn't your only gateway to a top MBA college in India. There are multiple other MBA entrance exams that you can appear for and get into a top-tier B-School. We have compiled a list of CAT alternative MBA entrance exams to give wings to your MBA dreams and act as the safest backup options for your CAT-fueled MBA aspirations. Check it out ahead:

MBA Entrance Exams In India: Quick Overview

**TISSNET for 2024 has been cancelled. The institute will admit students through the Common University Entrance Test Postgraduate (CUET PG 2024) for admission to all postgraduate courses offered except for two, which will be done on the basis of CAT.

5 Popular CAT Alternatives That You Must Target!

Here are some popular exam apart from CAT for MBA admission.

1. IIFT

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) entrance exam is a national-level management entrance test conducted for admission to the MBA (International Business) program offered by IIFT campuses in Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada. Here is a detailed look at the IIFT exam:

Key Features of IIFT Exam

Exam Structure:

• Quantitative Ability: Questions assess mathematical skills and numerical ability.
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning: Includes data sets to interpret and logical reasoning problems.
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: Tests vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills.
• General Awareness: Questions cover current affairs and general knowledge.
• Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes).
• Question Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• Marking Scheme: Variable marking with negative marking for incorrect answers.

Targeted Institution:

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) with campuses in:

• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Kakinada

2. XAT

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by XLRI (Xavier School of Management) on behalf of Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). It is one of the most prestigious MBA entrance exams in India and is accepted by over 160 institutes for admission into various management programs. Here are the key features of the XAT exam:

Key Features of XAT Exam

Exam Structure:

• Verbal and Logical Ability: Questions assess English language skills, critical reasoning, and comprehension.
• Decision Making: Tests the candidate's ability to handle complex situations and make sound decisions.
• Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation: Includes mathematical problems and data interpretation sets.
• General Knowledge: Covers current affairs and general awareness.
• Essay Writing: This section is evaluated during the personal interview stage of the admission process.
• Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes), with additional time for essay writing.
• Question Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and an essay.
• Marking Scheme: Varies, with negative marking for incorrect answers.

Targeted Institutions:

• XLRI (Xavier School of Management)
• XIMB (Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar)
• SPJIMR (S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research)
• IMT (Institute of Management Technology)
• And over 160 other management institutes across India

3. SNAP

The Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Test is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admission to its various postgraduate management programs. The exam is specifically designed to evaluate the aptitude of candidates aspiring to join the Symbiosis institutes. Here are the key features of the SNAP exam:

Key Features of SNAP Exam

Exam Structure:

• General English: Includes Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, and Verbal Ability.
• Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency: Tests mathematical skills, interpretation of data, and problem-solving abilities.
• Analytical & Logical Reasoning: Assesses logical thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making abilities.
• Duration: 1 hour (60 minutes).
• Question Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• Marking Scheme: Each question carries 1 mark with a penalty of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers.

Targeted Institutions:

• Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Pune
• Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) Pune
• Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD) Pune
• Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) Pune
• Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Bengaluru
• And other Symbiosis institutes across India

4. NMAT

The NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for admission to MBA programs in various top business schools, primarily Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) and other associated institutions. Here are the key features of the NMAT exam:

Key Features of NMAT Exam

Exam Structure:

• Language Skills: Assesses grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary skills.
• Quantitative Skills: Tests mathematical ability, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills.
• Logical Reasoning: Evaluates logical thinking, pattern recognition, and analytical skills.
• Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes).
• Question Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• Marking Scheme: Each section is individually timed, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

Targeted Institutions:

• NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other campuses
• K J Somaiya Institute of Management
• Xavier University, Bhubaneswar
• SDA Bocconi Asia Center
• ICFAI Business School (IBS)
• Alliance University
• Amity University
• And several other associated institutions

5. MICAT

The Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) Admission Test (MICAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to MICA's flagship Post Graduate Diploma in Management - Communications (PGDM-C) and other programs. The MICAT exam evaluates candidates on a variety of skills necessary for a career in strategic marketing and communications.

Key Features of MICAT Exam

Exam Structure:

• Psychometric Test: Assesses the candidate's personality traits and suitability for the communications field.
• Descriptive Test: Evaluates written communication skills through essay writing and story completion tasks.
• Verbal Ability: Tests vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills.
• Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation: Includes mathematical problems and data interpretation sets.
• General Awareness: Covers current affairs, media, marketing, and advertising knowledge.
• Divergent and Convergent Thinking: Measures creative thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Question Format: Combination of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and descriptive questions.
• Marking Scheme: Variable marking with no negative marking for the Psychometric Test section.

Targeted Institution:

• Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA)

Mitigating risk is the way forward

Exploring popular CAT alternatives is crucial for candidates as it broadens their opportunities and mitigates risks associated with a single exam. Diverse exams cater to different skill sets and testing patterns, enhancing the chances of securing admission into a prestigious institution. Moreover, alternative exams often have varying difficulty levels and competition ratios, providing a balanced approach to achieving academic goals.

By diversifying their exam portfolio, candidates not only reduce the pressure but also gain a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately paving the way for a more successful and fulfilling management education journey. All the best! 

Here is a list of inspirational stories that are going to give you a push in the right direction:

1. How To Prepare For MBA Entrance Exam- Preparation Tips From 99 Percentiler Minkesh Devani (SNAP 2020), IIM Shillong
2. Did not make it to IIMs? Don’t worry, it is not the end!
   
3. From being clueless about MBA to getting 99% in CAT, XAT and IIFT- By Shivansh Mishra From XLRI, Jamshedpur
4. Anubhav’s journey from chronic insomnia and anxiety to NMIMS, Mumbai