You have shortlisted a few MBA programs, started thinking about your future career and are ready to prepare for admissions. Then comes the question: which entrance exam should you take?
It matters more than it looks. The GMAT, GRE, CAT, SPJAT and NMAT each test different skills, follow different timelines and open different doors. Choosing between them requires more than comparing exam patterns or difficulty levels. Pick well, and your preparation works for you from day one. Or else, you could spend months training for a test that suits neither you nor your target schools.
This guide breaks down what each MBA entrance exam tests, who can take it, how long you may need to prepare, and which common mistakes can you avoid.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is one of the most widely accepted entrance exams by business schools. It is a strong option if you are considering an MBA or a specialised business master's program, particularly at schools that accept GMAT scores internationally.
The current GMAT consists of three sections:
The exam lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, with 64 questions across the three sections. Each section lasts 45 minutes.
You must generally be at least 18 to take the GMAT, subject to the test's policies. There is no universal undergraduate degree requirement to sit the exam, although your chosen business school will have its own admission criteria.
You can take the GMAT up to five times within a rolling 12-month period, with a minimum 16-day gap between attempts. There is no lifetime attempt limit. Scores remain valid for five years.
Allow approximately three to six months if you need to strengthen your fundamentals and build familiarity with the question formats. Your preparation may be shorter if you already have strong quantitative and verbal reasoning skills.
Begin with a diagnostic test, identify your weakest areas and practise under timed conditions. Review every incorrect answer to understand the reasoning behind the correct solution.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a general standardised admissions test accepted by many graduate schools, including business schools. It may suit you if you are considering management education alongside other postgraduate options.
The GRE General Test measures three key skill areas:
The current test takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.
There is no universal undergraduate degree requirement to sit the GRE General Test. However, individual business schools determine their own academic and admissions requirements.
You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any continuous 365-day period. Scores are generally valid for five years.
Plan for around two to four months, depending on your starting level. Vocabulary, reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning deserve consistent practice.
If you are comfortable with mathematics but struggle with complex reading passages, allocate more time to verbal exercises. Your preparation should reflect your actual performance rather than an assumption that every section requires equal effort.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's principal entrance examinations for postgraduate management education programs in India. It is worth considering if you plan to pursue management education at institutions that accept CAT scores.
CAT typically covers three sections:
The exam is designed to assess how effectively you solve problems under time pressure. Strong preparation requires both conceptual understanding and the ability to choose an efficient approach.
Candidates generally need a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. The minimum is 45% for candidates belonging to the reserved categories. Final-year undergraduate students may also apply, subject to the applicable rules.
CAT is conducted annually, and there is no fixed lifetime limit on the number of attempts. You must register and meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant examination cycle.
A preparation period of six to nine months can be useful, particularly if you are balancing CAT with college or work. Start by strengthening mathematical fundamentals, reading regularly and practising logical reasoning.
As the exam approaches, take timed mock tests and analyse your performance. A high number of practice questions is less valuable than understanding why you lose marks and correcting those weaknesses.
The SP Jain Aptitude Test (SPJAT) is an online aptitude test used in the admissions process for selected postgraduate management programs at SP Jain Global.
It suits graduates from any discipline who want an efficient route into SP Jain Global programs and need an alternative to other accepted entrance examinations.
SPJAT evaluates five areas:
The published postgraduate test format includes up to 34 questions and a maximum score of 100. The test is online, and there are no sectional cut-offs. The overall score must meet the applicable requirement.
SPJAT is an admissions assessment rather than a standalone qualification. You must meet the academic and other entry requirements of your chosen program. Check the latest test and admission policies before scheduling your attempt.
Allow approximately four to six weeks for focused preparation if you already have sound mathematical and verbal fundamentals. You may need longer if these skills require development.
Practise sample papers, work on numerical accuracy and familiarise yourself with diagrammatic and logical reasoning questions. Timed practice is particularly useful because it helps you make decisions without spending too long on individual questions.
The NMAT by GMAC exam is a computer-based entrance test accepted by participating business schools in India and selected institutions elsewhere.
Its section structure and retake policy may appeal to applicants who want opportunities to improve their performance within the examination cycle.
The test contains three sections:
The exam contains 108 questions and takes 120 minutes. Each section is individually timed, and you can choose the order of the sections.
As a candidate, you may need a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. Check the academic qualifications and other criteria set by your target institutions.
You can take NMAT up to three times in a testing cycle, including your first attempt and two retakes. A minimum seven-day gap applies between eligible attempts.
However, do not assume every school will consider your best score. Some institutions may have different policies regarding repeat attempts.
Around six to eight weeks may be sufficient if your fundamentals are strong. Otherwise, allow two to three months to improve your accuracy and speed.
Practise each section within its individual time limit. Because you cannot transfer unused time between sections, your ability to pace yourself is just as important as knowing the concepts.
For most applicants, preparing seriously for one or two exams is practical. Registering for every available test in one year rarely helps, as each one asks for a different kind of preparation, and your scores tend to suffer. Choose one primary exam that covers most of your target schools. Consider a second exam if it opens meaningful additional options and the preparation overlaps with your existing study plan. For example, if SPJAT is an option for your chosen SP Jain Global postgraduate program, assess its preparation requirements before adding another test.
Remember that more scores do not automatically make your application stronger. Your time may be better spent improving one result and preparing a thoughtful application.
The best MBA entrance exam is the one that matches your goals and gives you a fair shot at your best score. Pick it early, and you give yourself time to prepare well.
Ready to see where your score could take you? Read through the admissions criteria for SP Jain Global’s postgraduate programs and build your exam plan around the path you want to take.
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