Exams that can be attempted after CAT preparation are MAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and others. These exams are considered by top B schools and the syllabus is easier than the CAT exam, thus the success ratio is comparatively high.
A lot of candidates sit for the CAT exam every year, but not all of them secure the desired position even after multiple attempts. What should the candidates do in that case? Well, there are several other alternatives that they can think of.
You can prepare for other MBA entrance exams, such as MAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, or others. All these are management entrance exams and have a high success rate in comparison to the CAT exam. Since the difficulty level of these MBA management exams is comparatively less than the CAT exam, you have a high chance of qualifying for them.
The syllabus is quite similar to the CAT exam and thus you do not face a complete shift. The list of all such exams that can be attempted after CAT preparation has been shared below for your better reference.
1. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is one of the widely attempted entrance exams. It is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admissions into over 600 Business Schools in India. It occurs four times yearly in February, May, September, and December. You are free to attempt the exam as many times as you wish, and the best score shall be considered. The MAT exam is offered in three different formats: paper-based (PBT), computer-based (CBT), and remotely proctored (IBT).
| MAT Exam Highlights | |
| Exam Name | MAT |
| Full Form | Management Aptitude Test |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Paper-Based Test (Offline), Computer Based Test (Online), & Internet-Based Test (IBT) |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any discipline, Final year candidates can also apply |
| Conducting Body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Exam Stream | Management |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours 30 Minutes (150 Minutes) |
| Official Website | mat.aima.in |
Check These Links for MAT Exam Details:
2. XAT (Xavier's Aptitude Test)
The Xavier's Aptitude Test (XAT) is conducted by XLRI (Xavier Labour Relations Institute), Jamshedpur, for admission into MBA and PGDM programs across Xavier B-Schools and other major management colleges in India. More than 160 B-schools accept the XAT scores in the country. It is an online computer-based test that takes place every January and has a total duration of three hours.
| XAT Exam Highlights | |
| Exam Name | XAT |
| Full Form | Xavier Aptitude Test |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Conducted By | XLRI, Xavier School of Management |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Exam Duration | 180 Minutes |
| Course Offered | MBA/PGDM |
| Official Website | xatonline.in |
Check These Links for XAT Exam Details:
3. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
The SNAP entrance exam is administered by Symbiosis International (Deemed) University. The exam is held thrice every year, and you can attempt any or all of the slots. The best score shall be considered for admission. The SNAP score shall be accepted by the 15 participating institutes under Symbiosis University.
| SNAP Exam Highlights | |
| Exam Name | SNAP |
| Full Form | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test |
| Conducting Authority | Symbiosis International (Deemed) University (SIU) |
| Exam Duration | 1 hour |
| Exam Fees | INR 1950 |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Language | English |
| Frequency | Once a Year |
| Courses offered | MBA, M.Sc (CA) / M.Sc (SS) |
| Official Website | snaptest.org |
Check These Links for SNAP Exam Details:
4. NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test)
The NMAT is a national-level entrance exam for MBA admissions at NMIMS University and other prestigious business schools in India and overseas. The exam is conducted by GMAC. The exam is held once a year for more than a month and you are free to select the desired exam date from the schedule and venue.
| NMAT Exam Details | |
|
Exam Name |
NMAT |
|
Exam Category |
PG |
|
Exam Mode |
CBT from the Test Centre |
|
Language |
English |
|
Duration |
2 hours |
|
Conducting Body |
Graduate Management Admission Council |
|
Frequency |
Once a year with 3 attempts |
|
No. of Questions |
108 |
|
Course Offered |
MBA/PGDM |
|
Official Website |
mba.com/exams/nmat |
Check These Links for NMAT Exam Details:
5. KMAT Kerala (Karnataka Management Aptitude Test)
The KMT Kerala exam is organized by Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association (KPPGCA) and is situated in Bangalore. The exam is conducted remotely online, and you will be able to take it from the comfort of your own homes.
| KMAT Exam Details | |
| Exam Name | KMAT |
| Full Form | Karnataka Management Aptitude Test |
| Exam Level | National |
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Private Post Graduate College’s Association |
| Exam Mode | Remote Proctored Exam |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Official Website | kmatindia.com |
Important Date for Different MBA Entrance Exams 2025
The important dates in relevance to the important MBA entrance exams have been listed in the table below for the candidate's ease. The candidates are advised to check and mark the dates for their reference and appear for the exam accordingly.
| MBA Exam Name | Last Date to Fill Application Form | Exam Date |
Application Fee
|
|
| General Category |
Reserved Category
|
|||
| ATMA | August 24, 2025 | August 30, 2025 | INR 2200/- | INR 1100/- |
| CMAT | December 2025 | Janusry 24, 2026 | INR 2000/- | INR 1000/- |
| CAT | September 20, 2025 | November 30, 2025 | INR 2200/- | INR 1100/- |
| GMAT | Available All Year | Available All Year | INR 2500/- | INR 1000/- |
| IIFT | Cancelled | Cancelled | INR 2500/- | INR 1000/- |
| MAT | September 15, 2025 | September 21 and 28, 2025 | INR 1650/- | INR 1650/- |
| NMAT | October 10, 2025 | November 5- December 19, 2025 | INR 2300/- | INR 2300/- |
| SNAP | November 20, 2025 | December 6, 14, 20, 2025 | INR 1950/- | INR 1950/- |
| XAT | December 5, 2025 | January 4, 2025 | INR 1800/- | INR 1800/- |
Check These Links to Understand the Importance of MBA:
Quick Facts
-
MAT, by AIMA, occurs four times yearly in PBT, CBT, and IBT formats. -
XAT, by XLRI, is accepted by 160+ B-schools and is a computer-based test. -
SNAP by SIU is held thrice annually; your best score from 3 attempts is considered. -
NMAT, conducted by GMAC, offers 3 attempts over a month-long exam window.