Every year, a large number of MBA aspirants appear for different kinds of entrance exams to join the top business schools. It is very important to understand how each of these competitive exams differs from each other and which one is best suited for you. Most of the graduate management entrance exams like GMAT, CAT, XAT, MHCET, CMAT, ATMA, and MAT are considered for PGDM admissions. Let’s understand each one of these exams in brief.
CAT
The Common Admission Test or CAT is a computer-based test for admission to management programs. The test consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). In 2020, due to the COVID precautions, IIM Indore decided to conduct the CAT Exam in 2 hours with 40 minutes devoted to each section. The Indian Institute of Management started this exam and use the test to select students for their programs (MBA or PGDM). The test is conducted every year by one of the IIMs based on a policy of rotation.
GMAT
GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It is a standardized test to assess the analytical and reasoning skills of applicants who are seeking admission to MBA programs, and PGDM colleges. It is an international standard accepted by more than 2,900 business schools in 108 countries as a valid indicator for admission to business schools worldwide.
XAT
XAT or Xavier Aptitude Test is one of the country’s most revered PGDM entrance exams, conducted by the Xavier School of Management. The XAT exam consists of four sections, 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) each. These questions come from the areas of Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The exam is conducted on the first Sunday of every January.
MHCET
The MHCET or Maharashtra Common Entrance Test is conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education, for the fields of Engineering, Pharmacy, Law, and Management. The exam is held for 200 marks and consists of questions related to Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability, and Reading Comprehension, over a span of 2.5 hours. Like all the exams mentioned previously, this too is an online exam.
CMAT
The common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a computer-based examination conducted by the National Testing Agency that has been established by the Ministry of HRD. It is hosted for both India’s public and private institutions to select suitable students for admission into management programs that are approved by AICTE, India’s government agency in charge of this sector.
MAT
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) was developed by a group of subject matter experts to predict an individual’s aptitude for management studies. Since 1998, MAT has been used by over 600 business schools in India seeking candidates for their MBA and allied programs. The test comprises content covering various aspects including English Language, Numerical Ability, and Data Interpretation & Reasoning which require critical thinking across a wide range of subjects.
ATMA
ATMA is a single-window test that is conducted 4-5 times a year by AIMS (Association of Indian Management Schools) on behalf of a number of management schools across India. It provides an opportunity to candidates who have completed their higher education and wish to pursue further studies in business management.
If you are planning to apply to a B-School, then you will want to make sure that you secure a high score on your entrance exam. These exams cover a wide range of subjects and usually do not require much preparation. It is advised to study for entrance exams in the months prior to your exam so you have time to prepare.