NTA Exam Calendar 2025 – Key MBA Entrance Exams Explained

Staff Writer: Sweata Maiti

Last Updated: December 30, 2025

Synopsis: The NTA exam calendar 2025 includes the country’s top management entrance tests which are crucial for MBA admissions across India. These national-level exams are highly accepted by hundreds of business schools and form the basis of shortlisting and selection for management programs. Understanding their features, timing and acceptance is important for aspirants planning to pursue an MBA in 2025-26.

The NTA Exam Calendar 2025 highlights several major MBA entrance examinations that aspirants should be aware of as they plan their preparation and application strategy.

The Common Admission Test (CAT), Management Aptitude Test (MAT), Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) and Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) are the most prominent in India.

CAT — conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) — remains the most competitive and widely recognised exam for entry into premier MBA programmes. It is accepted by over 1,300 business schools including top IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, IIT-DoMS, SPJIMR and more. CAT typically tests quantitative ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning and verbal skills.

MAT, administered by the All India Management Association (AIMA), is one of the most flexible exams in the NTA Exam Calendar 2025 — offered multiple times a year in paper-based, computer-based and remote proctored formats. Scores are accepted by over 800 MBA colleges such as Amity University, Christ University and ITM University.

The XAT — conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur — is another key exam and is accepted by large numbers of B-schools including XLRI, MICA, XIMB, LIBA and BIMTECH. XAT often includes additional sections like Decision Making and General Knowledge besides the usual aptitude areas, and the examination is considered on par with CAT in difficulty for its comprehensive testing approach.

CMAT, conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is also part of the NTA Exam Calendar 2025 and offers admission opportunities to all AICTE-approved colleges in the country. CMAT emphasizes quantitative techniques, language comprehension, logical reasoning and general awareness, aligning with the needs of management programs.

Final Thoughts on NTA Exam Calendar 2025

Although these exams share similarities in assessing analytical, reasoning and communication skills, they also differ in exam pattern, syllabus and sectional focus. Candidates often appear for multiple tests in the same session to maximize admission opportunities across various MBA colleges.

Aspiring MBA candidates should consult the NTA Exam Calendar 2025 carefully, map out the exam schedules, and tailor their preparation according to the specific requirements of each test — whether aiming for top-tier institutes or broader MBA college options.

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