MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2024: Exam Pattern, Preparation Tips

The MBA entrance exam syllabus normally covers various topics, including quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and general knowledge. Potential students should study these topics in depth to perform well in the MBA entrance exam 2024 and get into top MBA universities. Top MBA entrance exams include the CAT, XAT, SNAP, MAT, CMAT, NMAT, etc.

Table of Contents:

• MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus
  • CAT MBA Syllabus
  • XAT MBA Syllabus
  • SNAP MBA Syllabus
  • IIFT MBA Syllabus
  • NMAT MBA Syllabus
• MBA Entrance Exams Dates
• MBA Entrance Exam Pattern
• Eligibility for MBA Entrance Exam 2024
• State-Level MBA Exam List
• Top MBA Reference Books
• Preparation Tips for MBA Entrance Exam 2024
• Top MBA Colleges in India
• Top MBA Specialisations List
• Jobs and Career Opportunities After MBA

Also Read on MBA Admission Details

MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus

All main MBA entrance exams follow nearly the same syllabus. The MBA entrance syllabus usually has various subjects covering management, economics, arithmetic, and reasoning abilities. The following section provides a detailed description of the top 5 MBA entrance exams syllabus.

CAT MBA Syllabus

The CAT MBA exam pattern 2024 comprises Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The sections and subjects included in the CAT entrance exam are outlined in the following section.

Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus includes:

• Number Systems
• Profit, Loss, and Discount
• LCM and HCF
• Speed, Time, and Distance
• Percentages
• Time and Work
• Ratio and Proportion
• Averages
• Quadratic Equations & Linear Equations
• Complex Numbers
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Logarithm
• Sequences and Series
• Inequalities
• Probability
• Surds and Indices
• Set Theory & Function
• Permutation and Combination
• Mixtures and Allegations
• Trigonometry
• Coordinate Geometry
• Geometry
• Mensuration
• Coordinate Geometry
• Geometry
• Mensuration
• Coordinate Geometry
• Geometry
• Mensuration

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Syllabus includes:

• Tables
• Caselets
• Bar Graphs
• Line Charts
• Column Graphs
• Venn Diagrams
• Pie Chart
• Other Basic Reasoning Questions
• Calendars
• Number and Letter Series
• Clocks
• Venn Diagrams
• Cubes
• Seating Arrangement
• Binary Logic
• Logical Matching
• Logical Sequence
• Syllogism
• Logical Connectives
• Blood Relations

Verbal Reasoning Syllabus includes:

• English Usage or Grammar
• Vocabulary Based 
• Fill in the blanks
• Sentence Correction
• Cloze Passage
• Jumbled Paragraph
• Meaning-Usage Match
• Analogies or Reverse Analogies
• Summary Questions
• Verbal Reasoning
• Facts-Inferences-Judgments
• Reading Comprehension

Read More: CAT Syllabus 2024

XAT MBA Syllabus

The XAT Syllabus 2024 covers four main sections: quantitative and data interpretation, verbal and logical reasoning, decision-making, and general knowledge. XAT entrance exam sections and subjects are outlined below: 

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation include:

• Algebra Functions
• Geometry
• Probability
• Profit and Loss
• Quadratic Equations
• Logarithm
• Statistics
• Trigonometry
• Arithmetic
• Direction Sense & Time
• Data Interpretation – Table, Combination
• Mensuration – 2D and 3D
• Complex Numbers
• Clocks
• Heights & Distance
• Graphs
• Table
• Surds and Indices
• Linear Equations
• Speed & Distance

Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning include:

• English Usage Topics
• Grammar
• The contextual meaning of words
• Para completion and para jumble
• Error correction
• Vocabulary (Antonyms and Synonyms)
• Critical Reasoning
• Arguments
• Reading Comprehension Topics
• Narration of Incidents
• Science
• Literature and fiction
• Psychology and social issues
• Economy
• Culture

Decision Making includes:

• Decision Making in a situation
• Data Arrangement Test
• Case Lets
• Reading Comprehension
• Condition and Group Testing
• Arithmetic
• Analytical Reasoning
• Situational Questions
• Semi-Quantitative Topics

General Knowledge includes:

• Politics
• History
• Sports
• Business
• International Relations
• Merger & Acquisitions
• Nation and States
• Literature
• Awards and Recognitions
• Economics
• Society

Read More: XAT Syllabus 2024

SNAP MBA Syllabus

SNAP entrance exam generally covers these 3 sections Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, General English, Analytical and Logical Reasoning. The following list details SNAP entrance exam sections and the topics covered. 

Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency includes:

• Algebra
• Mensuration
• Linear Equations & Quadratic Equations
• Progressions
• Inequalities
• Mixtures & Allegations
• Graphs-Pie Chart
• Geometry
• Number System
• Set Theory
• Binomial Theorem
• Permutation & Combination
• Coordinate Geometry
• Bar Graphs
• Trigonometry
• Logarithm
• Arithmetic
• Surds and Indices
• Probability Functions
• Series
• Tables

Analytical and Logical Reasoning includes:

• Family Tree/Blood Relations
• Seating Arrangement
• Clocks & Calendars
• Critical Reasoning
• Coding/Decoding
• Direction Sense
• Syllogisms
• Visual Reasoning
• Analogy & Series
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Meaningful Word/Matrix
• Verbal & Miscellaneous Reasoning

General English includes:

• Sentence Completion
• Analogies
• Active Voice and Passive Voice
• Sentence Correction
• Synonyms and Antonyms
• One Word Substitution
• Jumbled Paragraphs
• Contextual Usage
• Odd One Out
• Fill in the Blanks
• Idioms and Syllogisms
• Vocabulary

Read More: SNAP Syllabus 2024

IIFT MBA Syllabus

The IIFT admission examination consists of sections on verbal ability & reading comprehension, data interpretation & logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness. The sections and topics covered on the IIFT entrance exam are mentioned in the following list.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension includes:

• Vocabulary
• Analogies
• English Proficiency
• Sentence Reconstruction
• Fill in the Blanks
• Paragraph Completion
• Grammar
• Odd Word Out
• Synonyms
• Spelling Mistakes
• Sentence Formation
• Sentence Improvement
• Rearrangement of Words
• Jumbled Paragraph
• Word Meaning
• Sentence Correction
• Antonyms
• Idioms and Phrases
• One Word Substitution
• Sentence Completion
• Paragraph Formation
• Reading Comprehension
• Preposition
• Phrases

Quantitative Aptitude includes:

• Percentages
• Arithmetic Progression
• HCF & LCM
• Compound interest
• Standard Deviation
• Installments/ payments 
• Trigonometry
• Clocks
• Geometric Progression
• Profit & Loss
• Geometric Mean
• Geometry
• Number System
• Simple Interest
• BODMAS
• Arithmetic Mean
• Vectors
• Permutation & Combination
• Mensuration
• Time, Speed, Distance
• Averages
• Venn Diagram
• Ratios & Proportions
• Work & Time
• Binomial Expansion
• Ratios
• Median
• Coordinate geometry
• Set Theory
• Mode
• Probability
• Logarithm
• Inequations Quadratic
• Calendar
• Linear Equations Algebra
• Harmonic Mean

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning includes:

• Decision Making
• Blood Relations
• Syllogisms
• Linear & Matrix Arrangements
• Statement & Conclusion
• Partnership
• Bar
• Series
• Coding-Decoding
• Verbal Logic
• Puzzles
• Cause & Effect
• Line Graph
• Pie-Graphs
• Data Structures
• Alphabetical Series
• Visual & Critical Reasoning
• Family Tree Problem
• Input & Output
• Tables

General Knowledge includes:

• Politics
• Business
• Science
• Awards & Awardees
• Mythology
• Industry
• Society
• Economics
• Entertainment
• History
• Geography
• International Affairs
• Banking
• Sports

Read More: IIFT Syllabus 2024

NMAT MBA Syllabus

Typically, the NMAT entrance exam consists of three sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Ability, and Logical Reasoning. The sections and topics covered on the NMAT entrance exam are outlined below.

English Language includes:

• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Analogies
• Fill in the Blanks
• Cloze Test
• Identify the Error
• Choose the Correct Proposition
• Reading Comprehension & Para jumbles

Quantitative Aptitude includes:

• Time & Work
• Simple & Compound Interest
• Ratio-Proportions
• Percentages
• Numbers
• HCF-LCM
• Equations
• Inequalities
• Linear Equations
• HCF-LCM
• Quadratic Equation
• Absolute Value
• Logarithm
• Triangles
• Angles
• Polygons
• Square & Rectangles
• Cubes
• 3 Dimensional Figures
• Pythagoras Theorem
• Base Angle Theorem
• Longest Side Theorem
• Quadrilaterals
• Parallelogram
• Rhombus
• Trapezium
• Cuboid
• Cylinder
• Cone
• Sphere
• Permutation & Combination
• Probability
• Coordinate Geometry
• Set Theory
• Venn Diagrams
• Bar Chart & Pie Chart
• Line Graphs

 Logical Reasoning includes:

• Statement and Argument Questions
• Statement and Assumption Questions
• Statement and Inference Questions
• Decision making and Course of Action
• Critical Reasoning
• Linear and Circular Arrangements
• Classification
• Syllogisms
• Blood Relation Questions
• Coding Questions
• Series Questions
• Direction Questions
• Alphabet Test Questions
• Input-Output questions
• Matrix Type Questions
• Symbol Based Questions
• Other Reasoning Questions

Read More: NMAT Syllabus 2024

MBA Entrance Exams Dates

Preparing and passing the MBA entrance exam 2024 is essential for gaining admission to a reputable MBA program. Students can verify the announcement regarding the schedules of the MBA entrance exam dates below.

MBA Entrance Exam Pattern

An applicant can prepare for the MBA exam syllabus by reviewing the MBA exam pattern. To do well on the MBA entrance exam 2024, candidates should familiarize themselves with the course material and pattern before. Below is the MBA exam pattern for some of the most competitive exams. 

Eligibility for MBA Entrance Exam 2024

The top-tier MBA entrance exam 2024 requires certain criteria, which vary by specialty and institution. However, MBA applicants should note the following minimum criteria.

• The applicant must have a recognized bachelor's degree with the university's minimal marks.
• Students in their final year of graduation may also sit for the MBA entrance exam 2024 if they can provide proof of graduation at the time of admission.
• As one of the most important qualifying requirements, numerous institutions prefer applicants with relevant work experience.

State-Level MBA Exam List

The candidates must get to know the state-level exams which are conducted by the educational board of each state. This list will help the students to apply, get the books, plan, and prepare for the MBA state-level examinations. The state-level MBA exams registration is in online mode but the exams are conducted offline mode. Therefore, the candidates can start researching to apply for these exams online. And the admit card for every state-level exam is released 7 to 10 days before the MBA entrance exam. 

Top MBA Reference Books

The MBA entrance exams have 5 core sections in their examination immaterial of the state or national-level exam. The core sections of the MBA entrance exams include - Critical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Language Comprehension. The candidates can also practice with the previous year's question papers and question banks to inculcate time management, negative marking, strategizing and more. 

Preparation Tips for MBA Entrance Exam 2024

The MBA entrance exam syllabus requires thorough preparation to ensure students comprehend the subjects. Although preparing for an MBA entrance exam syllabus can be challenging, it is doable with the correct approach. Below are some tips to help students prepare for the MBA entrance exam 2024.

• Understand the examination format - The test format helps you comprehend the number of sections, duration, types of questions, and scoring system. When familiar with the pattern, you can devise a suitable study strategy. 
• Organize studying time - Create a study schedule that contains subjects to cover, review time, and take practice tests based on the exam format, your skills, and shortcomings. The key to success is to plan and adhere to reasonable limits.
• Collect study materials - Collect preparatory materials such as books, past year's exam questions, and online resources. For more help, you can also enroll in mentoring sessions or online training.
• Use your time wisely - The MBA entrance exam has a strict time limit, so time management skills are essential. Practice answering questions in the given amount of time to get quicker and more accurate.
• Practice assessment tests - The best method to evaluate your development and find your areas for growth is to take practice exams. To monitor your progress, take at least one practice exam each week.
• Pay attention to the basics - One must have a strong basis in arithmetic, language, and comprehension for the MBA admission test. Before tackling more complex subjects, concentrate on laying a solid basis in these areas.
• Keep up with current events - It is essential to keep updated on current events to answer queries about them on the MBA admission exam. Stay updated by reading, watching, and following the news.
• Stay encouraged - While studying for the MBA admissions test, keeping your motivation up is essential. Make plans, enjoy minor wins, and don't let failures derail you.
• Take breaks and keep fit - Remember to rest and take care of yourself. Eat healthily, move frequently, and get enough sleep. Maintaining good bodily and emotional health will help you concentrate and perform better on tests.

Read More: MBA Entrance Exams

Top MBA Colleges in India

Students must consider their goals, passions, prior academic work, and most importantly a vision when choosing an MBA course. The following is a list of the finest institutions and the MBA exams required to pursue an MBA at those institutions. 

Read More: Top MBA Colleges in India

Top MBA Specialisations List

The candidates will be choosing their major MBA specializations during the 2nd year of the academic program. There are 4 major programs in the management courses but apart from those, the institutions have worked on implementing an interesting combination of courses according to the new industrial standards. 

• MBA in Digital Marketing
• MBA in Catering and Hotel Management 
• MBA in Business Analytics
• MBA in Data Analytics
• MBA in Information Technology
• MBA in Entrepreneurship
• MBA in Finance
• MBA in Business Management (General)
• MBA in Strategy
• MBA in International Business
• MBA in Marketing and Sales
• MBA in Human Resource Management
• MBA in Tourism Management
• MBA in Risk Management
• MBA in Operations
• MBA in Supply Chain Management 

Jobs And Career Opportunities After MBA

The jobs and career opportunities after MBA have increased enormously with an equal increase in the number of industries and companies. The candidates will usually have an aptitude round, group discussion, technical and final interview rounds while appearing for the job interviews with top MNCs and other startups. Check out the booming roles and responsibilities after an MBA  for the students from Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 MBA colleges. 

• The salary ranges of Tier 1 MBA College 2024 candidates are between INR 18 LPA to INR 9.75 LPA on average. 
• The salary is decided based on the industry in which the candidates will be working and the roles & responsibilities taken.
• The highest salary package of INR 25 LPA was offered to candidates from IIM Ahmedabad in 2022. 
• The average salary of IIMs is INR 32 LPA per annum and the top recruiters are McKinsey, JP Morgan, Mastercard, Goldman Sachs, etc.
• The highest salary for IIMs candidates ranges between INR 20 LPA to INR 1 crore.