PGDM / MBA Entrance Exam 2025: Top Tests, Eligibility & Preparation Tips
Achieving a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) is of utmost importance for students wishing to go into the corporate sector. The PGDM/MBA Entrance Exam is the first hurdle one faces when trying to secure a seat in a renowned business school. Students, in India, have a plethora of entrance tests available and tend to face issues in selection, eligibility criteria, and adequate preparation.
This comprehensive guide provides information on the PGDM/MBA Entrance Exam 2025 including, but not limited to, the best exams, their eligibility requirements, exam formats, and expert tips on preparation.
Why Are PGDM / MBA Entrance Exams Important?
PGDM and MBA courses prepare students with managerial, leadership, and industry-relevant skills. Given the general popularity of these programs, entrance exams have become an effective tool in filtering potential top business school candidates.
Scoring well in a PGDM / MBA Entrance Exam can provide benefits such as:
- Admission to top business schools
- Higher chances of scholarships
- Better career opportunities and salary packages
- Increased confidence in handling business challenges
Now, let’s explore the top PGDM / MBA Entrance Exams in 2025 and how to prepare for them effectively.
Top PGDM / MBA Entrance Exams in 2025
There are several national, state, and university-level exams for PGDM and MBA admissions. Below are the most popular ones:
- Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025
- Conducted by: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- Exam Date: November 2025 (Tentative)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% (45% for reserved categories)
- Exam Pattern:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025
- Conducted by: XLRI, Jamshedpur
- Exam Date: January – February 2025
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (No minimum percentage required)
- Exam Pattern:
- Verbal & Logical Ability
- Decision Making
- Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2025
- Conducted by: All India Management Association (AIMA)
- Exam Date: Held in February, May, September, and December
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (Final year students can also apply)
- Exam Pattern:
- Language Comprehension
- Mathematical Skills
- Data Analysis & Sufficiency
- Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
- Indian & Global Environment
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) 2025
- Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
- Exam Date: Available multiple times a year
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (No minimum percentage required)
- Exam Pattern:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Integrated Reasoning
- Analytical Writing Assessment
- Duration: 187 minutes
- Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2025
- Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Exam Date: April 2025
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Exam Pattern:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) 2025
- Conducted by: Symbiosis International University (SIU)
- Exam Date: December 2025
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)
- Exam Pattern:
- General English
- Quantitative & Data Interpretation
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning
- Duration: 60 minutes
- NMAT by GMAC 2025
- Conducted by: GMAC
- Exam Date: October to December 2025
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (Final year students can apply)
- Exam Pattern:
- Language Skills
- Quantitative Skills
- Logical Reasoning
- Duration: 120 minutes
Eligibility Criteria for PGDM / MBA Entrance Exam
While specific eligibility varies by exam, general criteria include:
- Educational Qualification:
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Minimum marks required: 50% (General Category), 45% (Reserved Category) for some exams.
- Final-Year Students:
- Candidates in their final year of graduation can apply, provided they complete their degree before the academic session begins.
- Age Limit:
- Most PGDM / MBA Entrance Exams have no age restriction.
Preparation Tips for PGDM / MBA Entrance Exam 2025
To score well in a PGDM / MBA Entrance Exam, a structured preparation plan is essential. Follow these expert tips:
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Each entrance exam has a different structure. Analyze the syllabus, question types, and marking scheme to create a targeted study plan.
- Strengthen Basic Concepts: Focus on fundamentals in Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and English. Use NCERT books and standard preparation material.
- Practice Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers: Regular mock tests improve speed, accuracy, and time management. Solve past exam papers to understand question trends.
- Improve Reading & Comprehension Skills: Reading newspapers, magazines, and business articles helps in Verbal Ability & General Awareness. The Editorial section of The Hindu or Economic Times is highly recommended.
- Focus on Time Management: Create a study timetable, allocate specific hours for each section, and take regular breaks to maintain productivity.
- Join Coaching or Online Courses: If self-study is difficult, enroll in coaching classes, online courses, or study groups for expert guidance.
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Most exams have a General Knowledge section. Read about business trends, government policies, and international events to stay informed.
Conclusion
In 2025, candidates need to be willing to dedicate time, plan well, and prepare intelligently to clear a PGDM/MBA Entrance Exam. A wise selection must be made as students have and will continue to have, a plethora of exams available considering their goals and standards of citizenship in India.
The systematic approach to goal achievement through exercises with mock tests and actively keeping track of exam patterns increases the chances of candidates gaining admission into the prestigious PGDM/MBA institutions in India, as well as succeeding in their management career endeavors.
Don’t delay any further and start working towards securing a successful business career!
PGDM from GIBS Business School in Bangalore
The GIBS Business School in Bangalore has opened its application portal for the admission of 2025. Candidates who have recently completed their entrance exams are encouraged to apply for the school’s PGDM program. Applications can be submitted through various entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, NMAT, and ATMA. Recognized among the Top 10 MBA/PGDM Colleges in Bangalore, GIBS offers an industry-focused education system with skill development and 100% placement assistance. The institution is also known for its intensive training practices, which help students excel in their respective careers. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to a limited number of spots being available for the class.