MBA entrance exams 2021-22: Dates, syllabus, pattern (apply to these exams before registration ends!)

While talking about MBA entrance examinations, CAT is the first thing that crosses our minds. However, one should be aware of the fact that there are a few more important exams that can get you a place in a good B-School. But before you appear in these examinations, a smart analysis is necessary. Have a look at how these MBA exams differ from each other and what can benefit you in scoring good marks.

Top 7 MBA exams you must take!

Here is the list of the top 7 MBA entrance exams you should never miss. Though CAT remains the most important of all, taking other exams along with it will boost your confidence and increase your chances of securing a rank. Exams such as CAT, CMAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP, NMAT, and IBSAT will be conducted between November 2021 and February 2022.

Important MBA entrance exam dates

Here is a list of all important dates of major MBA exams. Mark your calendars and make sure to submit the respective application forms before the registration ends.

Comparing all MBA exams: What are the commons? 

The popular one, Common Admission Test or CAT

CAT is an aptitude test score that plays an important role in the admissions to 20 IIMs and over 1200 B-Schools in India. This is considered as the most difficult of all MBA entrance exams and is conducted by IIMs. The paper has 3 sections in total,

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Over 2 lakh students appear in the exam every year. The CAT question paper consists of 100 MCQ questions to be solved in 3 hours. However, last year in 2020, the exam duration came down to 2 hours, and the exam structured was revised due to the pandemic. We can expect some changes post-pandemic as well. Needless to say, rigorous preparation is required and therefore students must ensure the right preparation strategy to ace the test.

CMAT

CMAT, Common Management Admission Test is the second-largest management entrance exam and is conducted by NTA. Around 1.5 lakh students appear for this exam every year. It is a 3-hour MCA based test having four sections,

1. Quantitative Technique
2. Logical Reasoning
3. Language Comprehension
4. General Awareness

XAT

This exam is conducted by Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) Jamshedpur. Around 1 lakh students appear annually. The exam has four sections,

1. Quantitative Ability
2. English Language & Logical Reasoning
3. Decision Making
4. General Knowledge

IIFT

IIFT is an institute-specific entrance test conducted by NTA. Students can take this test to get admission to the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). Its score is only valid for admission to IIFT. The question paper consists of 110 MCQs to be solved in 2 hours. The paper has the following sections,

1. English Comprehension
2. General Knowledge & Awareness
3. Logical Reasoning
4. Quantitative Analysis  

SNAP

SNAP is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International University. SNAP score is accepted by 16 institutes under Symbiosis International University along with many other MBA colleges for admission. It is a 2-hour test based on,

1. General English
2. Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
3. Analytical & Logical Reasoning

NMAT

NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) is also one of the popular MBA entrance exams in the country. In this exam, candidates have to attempt 108 MCQs in 2 hours. Students can appear 3 times within the 75-day test window where the best of 3 is considered for admission. It has the following sections,

1.   Language Skills
2.   Quantitative Skills
3.   Logical Reasoning

IBSAT

ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test or IBSAT is an institute-level entrance test conducted by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education. IBSAT exam score is used for admission to MBA at nine ICFAI Business School (IBS) campuses – Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Dehradun, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune.

IBSAT exam has the following sections:

1. Verbal Ability
2. Reading Comprehension
3. Quantitative Aptitude
4. Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation 

Frequently asked questions about MBA entrance exams

1. Which is the easiest MBA entrance exam?

CMAT is usually considered the easiest of all. However, MAT and IBSAT are also relatively easier. CMAT has an easy to moderate difficulty level with only 25% negative marking whereas CAT has 33% negative marking. No candidate in CMAT is disqualified, however, CAT has a minimum qualifying sectional score which makes it slightly more difficult.

2. How many attempts are allowed in CAT, NMAT, and XAT?

Attempts in CAT: Unlimited

Attempts in NMAT: 3 times within one testing period

Attempts in XAT: Unlimited

3. What is the eligibility criteria for CAT?

As per the released CAT eligibility criteria, candidates should have secured 50% marks or equivalent CGPA  (45% in the case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories).

Even if you are confident enough with your targeted MBA entrance exam, taking other exams will help you gain more confidence. Along with that, you will have multiple options. So don’t delay and begin with the registrations now!

Good luck!

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• CAT, MAT, and XAT: MBA entrance exams you should definitely prepare for