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Top 6 Entrance Exams Considered for PGDM(MBA) Admissions
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, a degree in management has become a basic requirement for those who aspire to take up leadership roles in reputed firms. Year after year, thousands of students opt for an MBA or a PGDM to pursue a high-flying corporate career. However, getting admission to these coveted programs is no easy task. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most widely recognized entrance exam for management programs. Yet, only a limited number of students are able to clear the exam, and the competition becomes even tougher when they go through further selection rounds like Group Discussion and Personal Interviews.
While most PGDM colleges require aspiring MBA students to clear the CAT, some institutions use the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) as their selection criteria. Additionally, there are certain entrance exams that are specific to particular colleges, such as the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT).
In conclusion, securing admission to a management program is a challenging task, but it is a crucial step for those aspiring to build a successful career in the corporate world. Students must be prepared to put in their best effort to clear the entrance exams and selection rounds, as it is a crucial factor in determining their chances of getting into top B-schools. Here is a list of various entrance exams considered for admission in the Best PGDM(MBA) colleges in Bangalore as well as other parts of India. Read on to find out!
Here are the 6 Most popular MBA(PGDM) Entrance Exams to consider:
- CAT
- MAT
- CMAT
- GMAT
- XAT
- ATMA
Common Admission Test (CAT):
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is widely recognized as one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India. The exam takes place in the final week of November every year and evaluates candidates on three key parameters: verbal and quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. Following a recent change in the exam structure, each segment now has a duration of 40 minutes.
CAT scores are accepted by all IIMs, IITs, and other premier business schools in India, including FMS, SPJIMR, IMT, and MDI. These institutions consider the CAT scores of candidates while making admission decisions. With an ever-increasing number of MBA(PGDM) aspirants appearing for the CAT exam each year, it has become a highly competitive entrance exam that requires adequate preparation and dedication to secure a top score.
The CAT exam is a critical gateway for MBA(PGDM) aspirants to gain admission to some of the most prestigious B-schools in India. Given the exam’s popularity and competitiveness, aspirants must take a structured approach to exam preparation, which includes regular practice, consistent study, and attention to detail. With the right approach and dedication, candidates can excel in the CAT exam and secure admission to a top-tier Business School.
In summary, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive and popular MBA entrance exam in India that takes place in the final week of November each year. The exam evaluates candidates on three key parameters and is accepted by all IIMs, IITs, and several premier business schools in India. Adequate preparation and a structured approach are crucial to score well in the CAT exam and secure admission to a top B-school in India.
Management Aptitude Test (MAT):
The All-India Management Association (AIMA) conducts the Management Aptitude Test (MAT), a renowned entrance examination that has been evaluating the abilities of MBA aspirants since 1998. The exam is held four times a year, and more than 600 business schools across India provide admission into MBA and allied programmes based on the test results. Graduates in any discipline, as well as those appearing in their final year, can appear for the exam.
The MAT assesses candidates on various parameters, including mathematical skills, critical reasoning, language skills, and analytical ability, among others. The examination pattern and syllabus for this national-level entrance exam remain the same for all modes of the test, whether it is paper-based, computer-based, or internet-based.
Candidates have the flexibility to choose the mode of the test that suits them best. The MAT is a comprehensive exam that evaluates a candidate’s aptitude for management education and is accepted by several reputed business schools in India.
In conclusion, the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) conducted by AIMA is a prestigious entrance exam that evaluates the abilities of MBA aspirants. The test is held four times a year, and graduates from any discipline, as well as those appearing in their final year, can appear for the exam. The exam assesses candidates on various parameters, and they have the flexibility to choose the mode of the test that suits them best. MAT is a widely recognized entrance exam, and its score is accepted by several reputed business schools across India.
Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is another national-level entrance test held in India that attracts approximately 70,000 candidates every year. Previously conducted by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the exam has been conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) since 2019. CMAT is a computer-based online examination that MBA aspirants take for admission to AICTE-affiliated institutions. The scores obtained in this exam are accepted by several top B-schools such as JBIMS, NDIM, Great Lakes Institute of Management and SIMSREE.
The candidates appearing for CMAT are tested on various parameters such as logical reasoning, language comprehension, quantitative techniques, innovation, general awareness, and entrepreneurship. The paper consists of 100 questions and carries a total of 400 marks. The duration of the exam is three hours.
CMAT is a widely recognized entrance exam that evaluates a candidate’s aptitude for management education. It is conducted once a year and serves as a gateway to some of the best B-schools in the country. MBA(PGDM) aspirants who aim to pursue management education must prepare well for the exam to score well and increase their chances of securing admission to a top B-school.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT):
Candidates may take the GMAT exam as many times as they like throughout the course of the year. For MBA/PGDM admissions, almost all Top Tier universities around the world accept GMAT scores. Even IIMs like IIM-B, IIM-A, IIM-L, and IIM-I take GMAT results into account for their executive Programmes. Other prestigious B-Schools accept GMAT scores, including ISB, SPJIMR, MDI, XLRI, etc. The GMAT sets a higher bar for MBA/PGDM entry tests due to the quality of the questions, interface, and testing experience.
Compared to other MBA/PGDM admission tests, the GMAT has four sections with set sectional schedule, thus preparation is a different game. Candidates can pick between three predetermined alternatives for the order in which they attempt each section. The GMAT test is computer adaptive. Because Depending on the previous response, the degree of difficulty is changed. While the GMAT does require a different approach to preparation, by paying attention to a few subtleties, one can quickly switch from their CAT preparation to the GMAT.
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT):
A similar important entrance test to the CAT is the Xavier Aptitude Test, or XAT. The three-hour computer-based XAT has four components. It takes place the first week of January. As is well known, XLRI Jamshedpur is the school’s flagship and the aspirational school for XAT test takers. Although Xavier Universities like XLRI, XUB, etc. do accept XAT scores. More than 150 Indian colleges, including IMT, MICA, and Great Lakes, accept XAT scores as a requirement for admission. The exam is divided into two parts; the first portion includes the VARC, Decision making, and Quant sections. G.K.-related 25 MCQs and an essay question make up the second section. The second portion has no sectional cut-off.
There are no set sectional times with the XAT, which gives it flexibility. You have the option to switch between sections using XAT as well. This enables you to prioritise your strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly. As we all know, in order to pass each part without failing, a certain number of questions must be answered. The ability to set your own sectional timings can help you meet this obstacle.
With the exception of business decision making, XAT preparation is comparable to CAT preparation. Online resources for business decision-making study are many and should be adequate for covering this area, along with previous year’s exam questions.
AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA)
ATMA or the AIMS Test for Management Admissions, is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS). The exam is conducted four times a year, and its score is accepted by various B-schools in India for admission to MBA/PGDM programs. The ATMA exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions that are divided into six sections, namely Analytical Reasoning Skills, Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills, Verbal Ability, Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Each section has 30 questions, and the total duration of the exam is three hours. The exam aims to evaluate the candidate’s aptitude for management education and test their analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills. The ATMA exam is conducted in online mode, and the candidate can choose to appear for the exam in either English or Hindi. ATMA score is accepted by over 200 B-schools in India, including some of the top ones like Welingkar Mumbai, PUMBA Pune, XIME Bangalore, GIBS Bangalore etc. The ATMA exam is considered one of the most reliable and credible exams for MBA/PGDM admissions.
As Quick Recap
– CAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, XAT and ATMA are some of the toughest PGDM/ MBA entrance exams held in India. They are a competent means to shortlist candidates for top PGDM Colleges in Bangalore and institutions in other parts of the country. Thousands of MBA(PGDM) aspirants appear for these exams every year but only a few get through. It takes years of preparation, guidance, dedication and discipline to crack these exams.
GIBS Business School is a top B-school in Bangalore that offers a two-year full-time PGDM program that is approved by AICTE. GIBS accepts the scores of all the above-mentioned entrance exams for admission to its PGDM program.
GIBS Business School has a unique pedagogy that combines classroom teaching with experiential learning. The institute believes in providing practical exposure to its students and has tie-ups with various corporate houses, NGOs, and government organizations for the same. GIBS also conducts various workshops, seminars, and guest lectures to provide industry insights to its students.
Apart from the PGDM program, GIBS Business School also offers various other courses like Executive PGDM(PGP+IRE), International PGDM, and Global PGDM. The institute has a diverse student community with students from over 20+ states and various cultural backgrounds. GIBS also provides excellent placement opportunities to its students, with top recruiters like Deloitte, IBM, Wipro, etc.
In conclusion, clearing the entrance exams mentioned above is crucial for securing admission to the best PGDM(MBA) programs in India. Each entrance exam has its unique evaluation criteria and is accepted by different B-schools. Hence, students must choose the entrance exams they wish to appear for based on the B-schools they want to target. GIBS Business School is a top B-school in Bangalore that accepts scores from various entrance exams and provides excellent academic and placement opportunities to its students.
GIBS Business School is an Exclusive Business School offering PGDM – AICTE Approved Program & BBA – Bangalore University Program. GIBS Has been considered as a Top Business School in India with Best ROI College in Bangalore. GIBS has Ranked under TOP 10 Business Schools in India under Management Category. Being a Best PGDM/MBA Colleges in India GIBS’s 70% focus will be on Practical Exposure. GIBS Accept CAT/MAT/CMAT/ATMA Entrance Test with a minimum 60 percentile. GIBS is promoted & Driven by IIM Alumni and being a Top B School in Bangalore our Focus will be on Holistic Development of IQ, EQ, SQ & HQ. GIBS is a preferred choice for the Management student because GIBS IRE School & Finishing School is one of the unique programs which provides best placements for PGDM & BBA Students in Bangalore. To get PGDM Admission in Bangalore aspirants can call GIBS executives any moment and clarify their queries.
GIBS always believe in seeing is believing and we bet that you will love the state-of-art corporate infrastructure and you will also love meeting the team of innovative minds at GIBS who believe in spreading the Power of Positivity. Looking forward to meeting all of you in person at our campus. Thanks one and all.
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