MBA Admission 2025: Candidates who intend to enrol in a postgraduate management program in the next academic year need to be aware of the MBA entrance exams and admissions process. Admissions began in August 2024 for the 2025–2027 group based on CAT, NMAT, MAT, ATMA, and XAT. While CAT 2024 registration is already closed, XAT, MAT, NMAT, and SNAP application forms are still open through December 2024. On their respective websites, candidates for the MBA exams can complete the forms.
Completing the MBA admissions form is the first step. Depending on their academic record and entrance exam results, the MBA Colleges will invite candidates for a personal interview or group discussion. When applying for admission, candidates must highlight all of their relevant accomplishments, including employment experience.
MBA Admission Process 2025
The dates of the MBA entrance exams determine the MBA admission cycle. Colleges that accept test results for admission start their selection process in January because the CAT, XAT, NMAT, and SNAP tests are administered in December and January. Based on CMAT, MAT, ATMA, and GMAT scores, a large number of private B-schools maintain an open admissions window into September.
There are three processes involved in applying for an MBA in India. The steps listed below must be followed by any applicant who intends to enrol in an MBA program through a traditional educational setting.
- STEP 1: Shortlist MBA colleges
- STEP 2: Check MBA Admission Process
- STEP 3: Participate in MBA Admission Process
MBA Admission Dates 2025
Below, we have provided important MBA entrance exam dates & registration dates for major MBA exams in 2025, including CAT, SNAP, NMAT, MAT, CMAT and XAT etc. These dates are essential for candidates to plan and prepare effectively for their MBA entrance tests and secure admissions to top management institutes.
Exam Name | Registration Start Date | Registration Last Date | Exam Date |
August 2025 | September 2025 (tentative) | 30th November 2025 | |
5 August 2025 (Tentative) | 22 november 2025 (Tentative) | 8 December 2025 (Tentative) | |
1st August 2025(Tentative) | 10 October 2025 (Tentative) | Can book date | |
Four sessions (Feb, May, Sep, Dec). Registration typically opens about three months before the exam date for each session. | Various dates | Various dates for IBT, CBT, and PBT sessions | |
15th February 2025 | 20th April 2025 | 10th May 2025 | |
15 July 2024 (Now Open) | 30th November 2024 | 5th January 2025 | |
CUET PG Exam | 26th December 2024 | 10th February 2025 | 12th March 2025 |
MAH CET MBA Exam | 10th January 2025 | 16th February 2025 | 10th March 2025 |
MBA Application Dates 2025
Some MBA colleges are now accepting applications for MBA programs for the current and next admission sessions. The application status chart for more than 20 well-known MBA schools in India is shown below. By completing the online application form found on their official websites, you can submit an application to these institutions.
MBA College | MBA Exam Score Accepted | Application status MBA/PGDM 2025 batches |
International Management Institute, Kolkata | CAT, XAT, GMAT | Open |
International Management Institute, Bhubaneswar | CAT, XAT, GMAT | Open |
CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT | Open | |
CAT | Opening soon for 2025 | |
CAT, GMAT | Open | |
IIFT Entrance Exam | Opening soon for 2025 | |
XAT, GMAT | Open | |
CAT, XAT, CMAT | Open | |
Symbiosis International University (Deemed) | SNAP | Open |
CAT, GMAT | Open | |
Vijay Patil School of Management | CAT, XAT, GMAT, GRE | Open |
Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune | CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, AIET | Open |
KIIT SOM | CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, GMAT, KIITEE MBA | Open |
Christ University | CUET | Open |
Alliance School of Business, Alliance University | CAT, XAT, GMAT, NMAT, SNAP, KMAT, MAT, CMAT, IBSAT, ALLIANCE-AMAT | Open |
Crescent School of Business | CAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, MAT, GMAT, TANCET and CSBAT | Open |
Asia-Pacific Institute of Management | CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT | Open |
Birla Institute of Management Technology, Noida | CAT, GMAT | Open |
JK Business School | CAT, MAT, CMAT | Open |
ITM Business School | CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, MAH-CET | Open |
Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute Of Management | CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA | Open |
Thiagarajar School of Management | CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, GMAT, ATMA | Open |
Jaipuria Institute of Management | CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA | Open |
Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB) | CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, MAT | Open |
EMPI Business School | CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA | Open |
Lloyd Business School Noida | CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, GMAT | Open |
IPE Hyderabad | CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, MAT | Open |
Indian School of Business (ISB) | GMAT, GRE | Open |
IFMR - Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR GSB), Sri City | CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, GRE | Open |
MBA Eligibility Criteria 2025
The MBA eligibility criteria generally include several key components. Here’s a comprehensive overview based on current information from various top business schools:
MBA Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Most programs require a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in graduation; however, top institutes may have stricter cutoffs (e.g., 60% or higher).
- Some institutes might offer relaxation in minimum marks for reserved category students (such as SC/ST candidates) in India.
MBA Entrance Exams:
- Candidates must appear for MBA entrance exams such as CAT, GMAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, or institute-specific exams like SNAP (for Symbiosis), NMAT (for NMIMS), or IIFT (for IIFT Delhi and Kolkata).
- Each entrance exam has its own eligibility criteria (like CAT requiring 50% marks in graduation for general category students).
MBA Age Limit:
- There is generally no age limit for MBA programs, although some executive programs may require candidates to be at least 25 years old.
MBA Admission Criteria 2025
MBA admission criteria 2025 typically include a combination of the following factors:
Entrance Exam Scores: Candidates must appear for national or state-level exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, SNAP, NMAT, or MAT. Each institute has its own preferred exam.
Academic Performance: Consistent academic records from Class 10, 12, and graduation are considered.
Work Experience: Many top B-schools value candidates with relevant work experience (2-5 years).
Group Discussion (GD)/Written Ability Test (WAT): Shortlisted candidates must participate in group discussions or essay writing to assess their communication skills, critical thinking, and knowledge.
Personal Interview (PI): Candidates undergo a personal interview to evaluate their personality, leadership qualities, and suitability for the MBA program.
Diversity Factors: Some institutes give weightage to diversity in terms of academic background, gender, and socio-economic factors.
Extra-curricular and Achievements: Participation in sports, arts, or social work can add value to an applicant’s profile.
MBA Colleges Admission 2025
Here is an overview of the top MBA colleges for admission in 2025, including key details such as application fees, tentative deadlines, accepted entrance exams, and cutoff scores for institutions like XLRI, SPJIMR, IIFT, MDI, and others. Below, we have provided a detailed table to help you compare crucial information for each college and streamline your application process.
Name | MBA Colleges Application Fees | Exam Accepted | Cutoff |
XLRI - Jamshedpur and NCR | 2200 + 200 / per program | XAT | 95+ (official) |
SJMSOM (IIT Bombay) | 1600 | CAT | 98+ |
SPJIMR | 2000 + 1000 | CAT | Profile-based |
MDI, Gurgaon | 3000 | CAT | 95+ HRM, 98+ BM |
DMS (IIT Delhi) | 2500 | CAT | 97+ |
IIFT - Delhi and Kolkata | 3000 | CAT | 95+ (Kolkata), 98+ (Delhi) |
SIBM, Pune | 1000 + SNAP Fee (2250) | SNAP | 98+ |
SCMHRD | 1000 + SNAP Fee (2250) | SNAP | 98+ |
XIMB | 1700 for first choice + 300/ subsequent options | 90+ | |
NMIMS | 2800 | NMAT | 237+ for Mumbai |
DSE, DU | 2000 | CAT | 92+ |
MBA Admission 2025 Conclusion
In conclusion, MBA admissions for 2025 follow a structured process, starting with entrance exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT. Candidates must carefully track application deadlines for top institutes, which generally fall between November 2024 and January 2025. After submitting applications, shortlisted candidates go through GD, PI, and WAT rounds, where overall performance is assessed.
Final selections consider factors such as exam scores, academic records, and interview performance. Planning and timely preparation are essential for securing a spot in the top MBA colleges, as competition remains intense across institutions.