Top MBA Entrance Exams 2025–2026: Application Deadlines, Exam Dates, and What They Mean for You

Every year, as the admission season begins, thousands of MBA aspirants in India start preparing for the big exams — CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, and many others. Between August and December, your calendar gets filled with deadlines, mocks, and test-day anxiety. But don’t worry — this guide is here to help you understand not just the dates but also how to plan your preparation smartly.

The MBA Entrance Season 2025–2026

Here’s a simple summary of the major exams and their timelines.

CAT 2025 (Common Admission Test):

• Exam Date: November 30, 2025
• Registration Ended on: September 13, 2025

CAT is the most popular exam for admission to the IIMs and top B-schools like FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and IMI Delhi. It tests your ability in Quant, Verbal, and Data Interpretation — but more than that, it tests your patience and preparation discipline.

XAT 2026 (Xavier Aptitude Test):

• Exam Date: January 4, 2026
• Registration Ends: December 5, 2025

XAT, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, includes unique sections like Decision Making and Essay Writing. It’s perfect for candidates aiming for leadership-focused programs and top institutes like XLRI, XIMB, and TAPMI.

NMAT by GMAC™ 2025:

• Registration Period: August 1 – October 10, 2025
• Exam Window: November 5 – December 19, 2025

NMAT offers flexibility — you can choose your exam date and even retake the test. It’s ideal for students targeting NMIMS, K J Somaiya, and other reputed B-schools.

SNAP 2025 (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test):

• Exam Month: December 2025
• Registration Ends: Likely by November 2025

SNAP is designed for speed and accuracy, with a format that rewards quick thinking. It’s your ticket to the Symbiosis group of institutes like SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, and SIIB.

Other exams like CMAT (expected in April 2026) and MAT (held multiple times a year) are also good options for those seeking AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programs.

Why Dates Aren’t Everything — Planning Is

Knowing the deadlines is one thing, but the real challenge is managing your preparation timeline. The best approach is to plan your exams around your strengths:

• Start with CAT: It builds your base for Quant, VARC, and DILR — sections that appear in most other exams.
• Use CAT prep for NMAT and SNAP: Both have easier patterns but demand higher speed.
• Focus on XAT after CAT: Once CAT is done, you can dedicate time to XAT’s decision-making and essay sections.
• Keep NMAT flexible: Register early and schedule your attempt strategically; you can retake it if needed.

Instead of preparing for all exams equally, focus on the ones that fit your target colleges and learning style.

Beyond Percentiles — Finding the Right College

Not every MBA dream is about getting into an IIM. Many great B-schools offer excellent placements, global exposure, and strong alumni networks.

• 95–99 percentile: Top institutes like FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, and IMI Delhi.
• 80–95 percentile: Strong PGDM colleges such as IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI, and FORE.
• 60–80 percentile: Affordable, high-ROI options across Delhi NCR, Pune, and Mumbai.

This is where MyCollegeRoute helps. It’s not just an information portal — it’s a platform that helps you compare MBA colleges in India based on placement data, ROI, specialization, and student reviews. So, instead of just chasing ranks, you can find the college that truly matches your goals.

Smart Tips for the Final Stretch

With deadlines closing soon, here’s what you can do right now:

• Register early: Don’t wait for the last date — sites often crash or charge late fees.
• Pick your top exams: Focus on two or three key tests instead of spreading yourself too thin.
• Take regular mocks: Every mock is a mirror — analyze, learn, and improve.
• Stay updated: Check official websites for pattern changes or announcements.
• Rest and recharge: No strategy works if you’re burned out. Take short breaks and trust your process.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for MBA entrances is not about who studies the most — it’s about who plans best. The next few months will test your focus, patience, and decision-making — the very skills that define a good manager.

So, whether you’re aiming for an IIM, NMIMS, or Symbiosis — start now, plan smartly, and make your route to success clear with MyCollegeRoute, your trusted guide to every step of your MBA journey.