Beyond CAT: Exploring alternative MBA entrance exams and their benefits

CAT has often dominated the landscape for admission to the management programmes. However, there are multiple other exams that cater to several preferences and career aspirations besides CAT. With a plethora of options available, candidates can align their strengths and goals with the right entrance exam to maximize their chances of success. The present article will aid the candidates in understanding the options available to them other than the much-taken CAT exam.

– Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
This exam is among the most flexible exams that can be undertaken around the year. These exams are considered by prominent B-Schools including Indian School of Business (ISB) and XLRI. GMAT also aids an individual with global opportunities by being accepted in over 7000 programmes across the globe. Students are also able to enhance their scores by taking this exam multiple times. The format is used in the in the exam is also computer adaptive and adjusts the difficulty level based upon the performance of the candidate.

– Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)
XAT is among the test that is also accepted by over 160 business schools in India. Under this test, the students are marked upon their verbal ability, decision making ability and general knowledge. Another section that is specifically unique to this exam is decision making section that aids the student in testing their real-world decision-making scenarios. XAT is also accepted in the institutions like SPJIMR, IMT etc. Other than this, XAT has no sectional cut-offs in certain sections aiding candidates who excel in certain areas.

– Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)
SNAP can be considered as an entry point for 15 Symbiosis institutes in the country. These tests aids the aspiring management graduates to enter specialised programs like Innovation and Entrepreneurship. SNAP can be defined as an institute specific course. The format of the exam sticks to a two-hour format and is smoother as compared to the rest of the exams.

– Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
This test is conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA) and is among the most accessible management exams in the country. MAT is paper-based, computer based and remote proctored base in nature and is conducted 4 times in an year. This exam is a good go for the managers aspiring mid-tier B-Schools in the country.

– Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)
Administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CMAT is widely accepted by AICTE-approved institutes across India. The exam assesses quantitative techniques, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness.

Other than the above-mentioned exams, the aspiring management graduates can also go for exams like NMAT, IIFT exam or institute-specific exams as per their requirements.

(The author is the Director of Jaipuria Institute of Management, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad)

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