Candidates must take the entrance exam in order to enroll in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Students that follow a well-structured study method instead of chasing competition ace the MBA entrance tests.
The breadth of the syllabus, the level of the questions’ difficulty, and the level of competitiveness are just a few of the difficulties that come with preparing for the MBA exam.
Preparation tips for the MBA entrance exams
Making a study plan that takes into account every facet of the MBA entrance exam is crucial before beginning the preparation process. You must work hard enough to assist you get into the desired MBA colleges in India, but this plan does not need to be flawless in every way.
- The greatest study strategies and tips for preparing for the MBA exam are presented in this article. Check out these suggestions to see which ones you may use in your study routine, how to get ready for the MBA entrance exams, and how to make a wise study schedule for applying for MBA admission in India.
Top MBA Entrance Exams Ranking Criteria
When studying for MBA admission, picking the right MBA entrance tests is crucial. It relies on a person’s choice and a variety of factors:
- Selection of MBA school
- Suitable exam pattern
- Knowledge of the curriculum or the types of questions
- The degree of difficulty of the entrance exam.
The most well-known MBA entrance tests offered in India are listed below.
Common Admission Test (CAT)
Indian Institute of Management conducts a national-level entrance examination known as Common Admission Test (CAT). It is the option that MBA colleges accept the most, however it is mostly chosen to enroll in Tier-1 MBA colleges.
Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
The All India Management Association once again administers the MAT at the national level (AIMA). The majority of Tier-2 and Tier-3 MBA colleges accept it, and it is presented four times annually.
Common Management Aptitude Test (CMAT)
The National Testing Agency administers a national-level entrance exams known as CMAT. India’s CMAT is used to apply to MBA programs in schools authorized by the AICTE and UGC.
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH-CET)
This state-level MBA entrance exam, also known as MAH MBA CET or MAH MBA/ MMS CET, is held by the State Common Entrance Cell of Maharashtra and is required for enrollment in MBA programs within the state.
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)
The Jamshedpur-based Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) administers the XAT MBA entrance exam. However, several MBA universities across the nation accept this exam with great popularity.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Another well-followed exam for universities offering MBAs is the GMAT. The Graduate Management Admissions Council oversees its administration (GMAC).
Candidates frequently select this option since it takes a different overall stance when administering tests. However, compared to the numerous MBA admission tests on this list, it is only recognized by a small number of universities.
IPU CET MBA Entrance exam
The entrance test for admission to the MBA programs with specifications in MBA (International Business), MBA (Financial Management), MBA (Financial Analysis), at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University is known as the IPU CET MBA. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University will be hosting the IPU CET MBA in 2023. The entrance exam time period is 150 minutes.
These are some of the most popular examinations for MBA admission. In India, numerous MBA entrance tests are held, and only few institutions offer their programs there. To determine which MBA exam is ideal for you, review the schedule for MBA entrance exams and compare the CAT to other MBA entrance exams.
MBA Entrance exam pattern
| Exam | Duration | Question | Marks |
| CAT | 120 Min | 100 | +3 |
| MAT | 150 Min | 200 | +1 |
| CMAT | 180 Min | 100 | +4 |
| MAH CET | 150 Min | 200 | +1 |
| XAT | 180 Min | 100 | +1 |
| IBSAT | 120 Min | 140 | +1 |
| IPU CET | 150 Min | 100 | +4 |
Different sections of MBA entrance exam
Each MBA admission exam has a unique exact exam format. However, all MBA admission exams in India have a few fundamental components in common.
Verbal Ability
This component evaluates a candidate’s proficiency with the English language and comprehension. To ace this section, students must improve their grammar and reading abilities.
Popular books for practicing verbal ability:
- Captain AK Kalia – Wiley’s ExamXpert Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Arun Sharma, MeenakshiUpadhayay – How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- Norman Lewis – Word Power Made Easy
This section includes the following topics:
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
- English Grammar and Usage
- Fill in the Blanks
- Jumbled Paragraph
- Sentence Correction
- Vocabulary / Synonyms and Antonyms etc.
Reasoning Ability
Candidates should apply their logical and analytical reasoning abilities to the problems in this part. Questions measure a candidate’s capacity for innovative problem-solving and speedy accuracy.
Popular books for practicing verbal ability:
- R S Aggarwal – A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Disha Experts – Complete Guide for MAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams
- Gajendra Kuma – Koncepts of LR – Logical Reasoning for CAT & Other MBA Exams
This section includes the following topics:
- Series
- Blood Relations
- Seating Arrangement
- Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogism etc.
Quantitative Ability
This component evaluates a candidate’s aptitude for mathematics. It is a test of simplicity and familiarity with numbers and number functions rather than a test of a candidate’s knowledge of intricate mathematical theory.
Popular books for practicing verbal ability:
- Arun Sharma – How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT
- Sarvesh K Sharma – Quantitative Aptitude Quantum Cat
- S Chand PublishingR S Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
This section includes the following topics:
- Data Interpretation
- Geometry
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Number System
- HCF and LCM
- Profit, Loss, and Discount
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Probability
- Mixtures and Allegations
- Time and Work
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration etc.
Conclusion
Get to know the tips to prepare for MBA entrance exams to find your place in a reputed MBA college in India. The above information will help you streamline your study for MBA entrance exams regardless of which one you choose. Best of luck.