MBA is one of the most coveted degrees in the current generation of companies. An MBA allows people to develop their skills in many different areas. Most, if not all, students take MBA entrance exams to jump into a managerial career and have the best chance of succeeding at their company. Most institutions offering MBA degrees have a similar admissions process. This includes an entrance exam, a group discussion or writing test, and a personal interview.
Some institutions conduct their entrance exams, while others accept specific MBA entrance exam results. The Common Entrance Exam, or CAT exam, is one of the most popular and widely accepted MBA entrance exams in India for the admission process by various institutions, including IIM. Passing the CAT exam allows candidates to apply to IIMs and top business schools in India. This is a highly competitive exam conducted by IIM. Approximately 200,000 to 300,000 candidates apply for the exam each year. Besides the CAT, candidates can prepare for other MBA entrance exams. We have provided a list of MBA entrance exams, along with the participating colleges.
Top MBA Entrance Exams and Participating Colleges
A list of top MBA entrance exams and the participating colleges in India are:
| CAT | IIMs, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMI Delhi, XLRI Jamshedpur, LIBA |
| MAT | ITM Business School, NIT Warangal, KIIT Bhubaneswar, XIME Bangalore, SIESCOM, VIT Vellore |
| GMAT | IMI New Delhi, MICA Ahmedabad, GIM Goa, Great Lakes Chennai, SPJIMR Mumbai |
| XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur, LIBA, BIMTECH-Noida, MICA Ahmedabad, Great Lakes Chennai |
| SNAP | Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Symbiosis Institute of International Business, SSMC Bangalore, SRMS Bareilly |
| IIFT | Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, Community Institute of Management Studies Bangalore, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata |
| NMAT | Alliance University, Amity Business School, Noida, VIT University, Jindal Global Business School |
| TANCET | PSG Tech Coimbatore, MOP Vaishnav, American College Madurai, St. Joseph’s College Chennai, KCT Business School |
| MAH CET | Welingkar, CIMR, PUMBA, JBIMS, N.L Dalmia Institute |
| TISSNET | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, ATLAS SKILLTECH UNIVERSITY, Mumbai |
| KMAT | AIMS Institute, Alliance University, Karnataka Colleges of Management, ISBR Business School, Acharya Business School |
Group Discussion for MBA
A group discussion is a formal exchange of ideas about a single topic, issue, problem, or situation. In addition, it helps in decision-making and problem-solving. Group discussions, unlike debates, are not necessarily presented in order. Effective listening and the use of gestures are also crucial in group discussions. You need to use clear language and convincingly state your thoughts on the subject, whether positive or negative. MBA group discussions are part of the admissions process as they can highlight your qualities, knowledge, and overall perceptions. The topics of group discussions can be extensive. Candidates should be informed of current business and economic events so that they can critically present their views. The flow of information and answers to questions are very important. Additionally, no resources are provided to prepare candidates for group discussion for MBA.
There are various factors on which candidates will be assessed in the group discussion. Some of them are:
- Effectiveness in speech
- Communication skills
- Presentation and creativity
- Clarity in speech
- Confidence
- Analytical and reasoning skills
- Body language
- Subject knowledge and relevance
- Listening power