What are the top B-school entrance exams other than CAT?

Some of the top B-school entrance exams besides CAT include GMAT, CMAT, XAT, NMAT, and IIFT. These exams are accepted by various prestigious business schools across India and internationally.

How does the GMAT differ from the CAT for MBA admissions?

The GMAT is an international exam accepted by business schools worldwide, focusing on quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing skills. In contrast, CAT is an Indian exam primarily used for admissions to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top Indian business schools.

What is the eligibility for CMAT, and how does it compare to CAT?

CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) is open to graduates in any discipline, and it is primarily used for admissions to MBA/PGDM programs in AICTE-approved institutions. Unlike CAT, which is more focused on IIMs, CMAT has a broader acceptance among various B-schools across India.

Can I apply for multiple entrance exams for B-school admissions?

Yes, you can apply for multiple entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, CMAT, and others. Many business schools accept multiple exam scores, allowing candidates to increase their chances of admission by appearing for more than one exam.

Which B-schools accept GMAT scores in India?

In India, several top B-schools accept GMAT scores, including the Indian School of Business (ISB), XLRI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon, among others. GMAT is especially useful for candidates applying to international programs or those seeking management education abroad.

Top B-School Entrance Exams Beyond CAT: GMAT, CMAT, and More

These exams will not lead you to an IIM like the CAT exam does. However, many of the top business schools in the country do accept these tests. Read the complete article and understand more about it.

Top B-School Entrance Exams

The Common Admission Test, or CAT, is considered the most elite entrance exam for postgraduate management courses in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates take the exam, but only a small percentage succeed in clearing it. Therefore, many aspirants seek alternatives to improve their chances of getting admission to their desired business schools.

The following tests will not take you to an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) like the CAT exam does. However, most of the top business schools in the country accept these test scores as part of their admission processes. In addition, some of these tests are recognized by institutions abroad.

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GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a standardized examination that tests the critical thinking, quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing abilities of candidates. Besides being an important criterion for entry into many of the world's top business schools, this test also provides the way to scholarships and better job opportunities after graduation.

CMAT

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is the entrance test for admission to management courses offered by All India Council for 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 examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode to evaluate the candidates' ability in Quantitative Technique, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension and General Awareness. The application window will close on December 25.

XAT

Xavier Aptitude Test is another national-level entrance test for postgraduate management courses. The application process for XAT 2025 has closed. More than 250 institutions have agreed to use this test for admission to postgraduate management programmes this time around. Check the complete list here.

NMAT

Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test is computer administered, and owned by the Graduate Management Global Connection, India Private Limited. GMGC is a subsidiary of the Graduate Management Admission Council or GMAC. NMAT 2025 by GMAC can be taken in two modes test centre-based examination or online proctored examination at homes within India.

AIMA MAT

All India Management Association conducts the Management Aptitude Test, which is a government-approved national-level entrance examination for MBA and allied courses. This examination is conducted at 600 B schools across India.

List of participating B-schools Here