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So Many Options, Which MBA entrance should I Choose

So Many Options, Which MBA entrance should I Choose

MBA Entrance | CAT | 9th October 2022

So Many Options, Which MBA entrance should I Choose

 

Are you confused by the variety of Masters of Business Administration (MBA) entrance exams available out there? The different exam patterns and sets of rules; it is bound to make people feel overwhelmed. With the already hectic schedule, you are following to make a study plan for yourself. The added pressure of managing the different demands of the various entrance exams like CAT, SNAP, XAT, or GMAT makes things all the more difficult. The only weapon in your arsenal will be thorough preparation of the examination's content, as the syllabus for all these entrance exams is more or less the same.

However, we cannot just rely on the fact that the syllabus for these exams is overlapping. Any smart aspirant will tell you that your knowledge will take you up to some level in an entrance exam, and the rest would be on time management. Without proper preparation for any of these specific exams and keeping their rules in your mind, it will be challenging for anybody to crack it. To make matters more conducive for you to understand, given below are the top MBA entrance exams you can choose from. Depending upon your goals, pick the one that suits your needs the best.

Different MBA exams for which you can prepare:

Given below are the top MBA entrance exams that you can take:

CAT

The most popular MBA entrance exam, the Common Admission Test (CAT), is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management. Various aspirants looking forward to joining different MBA programs like marketing, operations, finance, analytics, technology management, entrepreneurship, consulting, etc., are all advised to prepare for this exam. This is because most of the top management institutions and b schools consider your CAT scores for admissions into any of their MBA programs. The eligibility to sit for this exam is that the aspirants must complete their bachelor's of business administration and complete their high school degree (12th standard) with at least 50% marks.

XAT

Conducted by Xavier School of Management (Jamshedpur), the XAT is a computer-based entrance exam whose scores are recognized in over 150 B-schools across India. To sit for this exam, you need to have a bachelor's degree in any recognized Institute or University discipline. This exam is conducted once a year, and aspirants who get the top scores will get the chance to study at top institutions like Xavier Labour Relations Institute and the Institute of Management technology.

CMAT

The annual Common Management aptitude test is an entrance exam conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency) that MBA aspirants can prepare for. The scores of this examination are recognized in about 150 B-schools in this country. The question paper of this examination is divided into four sections quantitative analysis and data interpretation, logical reasoning, general knowledge, and language comprehension. Candidates willing to sit for this exam must have a bachelor's degree from any recognized institution with a minimum of 50%.

MAT

The Management aptitude test, which has been conducted since 1988, is a standardized test that MBA aspirants sit for. It is recognized that the All India Management Association conducts the exam. Unlike the CAT exam conducted annually, the MAT is conducted in three modes four times a year. The scores of this exam are accepted in as many as 500 B-schools in our country.

SNAP

Conducted by Symbiosis International Deemed University, this online examination occurs once a year. This examination's eligibility criteria are that aspirants must have a bachelor's degree from any stream with at least 50% marks.

IIFT

The IIFT exam is conducted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade annually. Aspirants who can clear this exam can seek admission to any of the three campuses of IIFT at Kolkata, Kakinada, and Delhi. Aspirants must have a bachelor's degree from any recognized institution with a minimum mark of 50% to sit for this exam.

Summarizing the Different kinds of MBA Exams for Future Aspirants

Entrance Exams

Conducting Body

Difficulty Level

Duration of the Exam

No. of Sections

Question Paper Format

Total Marks

CAT

IIM

Difficult

120 mins

3

MCQs and non-MCQ

198

XAT

XLRI

Difficult

180 mins

4

MCQs

100

CMAT

NTA

Difficult to Moderate

180 mins

4+1

MCQs

400

MAT

AIMA

Moderate

150 mins

5

MCQs

200

SNAP

Symbiosis International Deemed University

Easy to Moderate

60 mins

4

MCQs

60

IIFT

IIFT

Moderate

120 mins

6

MCQs

100

Conclusion

Now that you are clear about the different exams and their advantages, it is time for you to consider which exam is best suited for your needs. Do not rush yourself, as taking a hasty decision can cost you in the future. It is, of course, taken for granted that you will prepare for the CAT exam; however, with so many people appearing for the CAT exam, it will be beneficial for you to choose a second entrance exam as a safety net.

Take your time to make the best choice for yourself and clear the MBA entrance exams with flying colours!