Post Graduate Diploma in Management, or also known as PGDM, is a very sought-after program for students who are planning to establish a business and management career. Unlike an MBA, PGDM is provided by autonomous institutions and is deemed equivalent if it is approved by AICTE and recognised by AIU. PGDM admissions in India are mainly merit-based on the basis of national-level entrance tests. The most popular among them are the Common Aptitude Test, XAT, MAT, CMAT, and SNAP. It is essential for the aspirants to be aware of the differences in different exams, as these exams have a different pattern, eligibility requirements and list of accepting colleges of their own.
In 2025, these tests will be held across different dates, providing students with multiple chances to get through. From the extremely competitive CAT for IIMs to the flexible MAT accepted by more than 600 B-schools, students have the option of choosing according to their strength and target school. This blog gives a comprehensive analysis of each test, including pattern, eligibility, registration dates, and college-wise acceptance. It also responds to frequently asked questions and provides tips on choosing the most appropriate exam. Whether you are looking at top colleges or have your eyes on a wider range of choices, this guide streamlines your path to the best exam for PGDM admission at top colleges and plans preparation accordingly.
Entrance Exams Accepted for PGDM: SNAP vs CAT vs MAT vs XAT vs CMAT
CAT (Common Admission Test)
CAT is the most competitive exam among PGDM entrance exams in India in 2025. It comprises three sections, namely Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. The exam is computer-based and lasts 2 hours. Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks. Scores of CAT are accepted by FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, and over 1,000 B-schools. Registration for the examination opens in August and closes mid-September, with the exam scheduled for November 30, 2025.
MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
MAT, conducted by AIMA, is known for its flexibility. It offers multiple sessions throughout the year in paper-based, computer-based, and internet-based formats. The exam includes five sections and lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. MAT is ideal for students seeking moderate difficulty and broader college options. It is recognised by more than 600 institutions, such as BIMTECH, Christ University, and Jaipuria Institute.
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
XAT is administered by XLRI Jamshedpur and has a reputation for analytical acuteness. It has Decision Making and General Knowledge tests, and hence it stands apart from the other exams. XAT is accepted by XLRI, XIMB, TAPMI, and more than 160 institutions. With its reputation, XAT is a sure shot in the CAT vs MAT vs XAT for PGDM debate. XAT is to be held on January 4, 2026.
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
CMAT, carried out by NTA, is a balanced exam containing five sections such as Innovation & Entrepreneurship. It is accepted by JBIMS, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar, and more than 1,000 colleges. CMAT is appropriate for students aiming at mid-tier institutes and provides a rational opportunity for admission. The registration for the examination opened on 14 november 2024 and the last date to submit an application was 13 December 2024. Meanwhile, The exam was conducted on 25th january 2025.
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
SNAP is required for Symbiosis colleges such as SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. It's a one-hour computer-based test with English, Quantitative Ability, and Logical Reasoning sections. If you are considering Symbiosis, SNAP is the ideal exam for PGDM admission for top colleges within that category.
To understand the comparison between SNAP vs NMAT vs CAT vs MAT vs XAT for PGDM, let's look at the table given below. The table will carry almost all the crucial information, such as the exam duration, sections, acceptance by, Registration duration, and exam dates.
CAT vs MAT vs XAT: College-Wise Acceptance
Entrance exams like CAT scores are widely accepted by most of the top-rated PGDM colleges in India, such as IIMs accept admissions through CAT only. Top-tier institutes like FMS and MDI accept entrance exam scores like GMAT and CMAT. Apart from these, XAT is preferred by XLRI and analytical-focused schools. However, MAT and CMAT are accepted by mid-tier colleges and offer broader access, and SNAP is exclusive to Symbiosis institutes. Knowing which colleges accept which exams helps align your preparation with your goals.
PGDM Exam Dates and Registration 2025
The timely registration for each exam is a crucial step, and the windows for the top MBA entrance exams in 2025-26 vary, giving candidates multiple opportunities to apply based on their preparation schedule and preferred colleges. CAT registration usually opens in early August and closes by late September, with the date of the examination set for November 30, 2025. MAT provides several windows for examination throughout the year (August, September, December, February, May) with flexible registration and exam dates. XAT registration is in July itself and extends till December, with the test on January 4, 2026. CMAT registration is a bit later in the year, usually from November and closing by December, with a test date in mid-January or early February 2026. SNAP registration is between August and November, with more than one test date in December 2025. These registration periods mesh well with their individual exam dates so that aspirants can plan accordingly.
Eligibility Criteria For CAT, MAT, XAT, SNAP, and CMAT
For all tests, the minimum qualification is a bachelor's degree from any university recognized by it. All require at least 50% aggregate marks, along with 5% relaxation for reserved categories. Some executive PGDM programs may require 2–3 years of work experience as well. To help the students understand every tiny detail about the exam, here is an exam-wise eligibility given:
CAT Eligibility Criteria
A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is mandatory.
The minimum aggregate marks required are 50% for General, NC-OBC, and EWS categories. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the minimum percentage is relaxed to 45%.
Candidates in the final year of graduation can also apply if they can provide proof of completing their degree by the admission deadline.
Professional degrees such as CA, CS, ICWA, and FIAI with the required percentage are also acceptable.
There is no age limit to appear for the exam.
Work experience is not compulsory but may be considered by IIMs during admission.
Education mode (regular or distance) is accepted if the degree is from a UGC-recognized institution.
MAT Eligibility Criteria
A graduation in any discipline from a recognized university is required.
No minimum percentage is specified universally, but individual colleges may have criteria.
Final-year students are eligible to apply.
Age limit is typically not specified.
Work experience is not mandatory.
XAT Eligibility Criteria
A bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Minimum 50% aggregate marks are generally required, but vary slightly by participating institutes.
Final-year students can also appear.
No age limit prescribed.
Some institutes may require work experience for certain programs, but not for the exam itself.
SNAP Eligibility Criteria
Must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks from a recognized university. A 5% relaxation is provided to reserved categories.
Final-year students are eligible to appear.
Work experience is usually not mandatory.
Reserved category relaxations apply as per government norms.
CMAT Eligibility Criteria
Graduation from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks for General/OBC; 45% for reserved categories (SC/ST/PwD).
Final-year students can take the exam.
There is no age limit.
Work experience is not mandatory for appearing in CMAT.
How to Choose the Right PGDM Entrance Exam
Choosing the right exam depends on your target colleges, preparation level, and comfort with exam formats. CAT and XAT are ideal for top-tier institutes but require rigorous preparation. Whereas MAT and CMAT offer flexibility and moderate difficulty. While SNAP is necessary for Symbiosis aspirants.
NOTE that you consider your strengths, timeline, and career goals before deciding. If you are unsure, search for how to choose PGDM entrance exam for expert advice.
Conclusion
PGDM entrance exams 2025 India offer diverse pathways to management studies. With CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, and SNAP opportunities, students have the luxury of choosing as per their background, career goals, and desired colleges. The exams are all unique with independent characteristics, eligibility criteria, and acceptance lists. Appreciating the variation helps the aspirants plan accordingly and not get confused at the eleventh hour.
The adaptability of MAT and CMAT permits attempts in plenty, whereas CAT and XAT require concerted preparation. SNAP is the requirement for the Symbiosis aspirant. By mapping your strengths with the appropriate exam, you can maximize your opportunity to get admitted. Whether you are making comparisons CAT vs MAT vs XAT for PGDM, or searching for PGDM entrance exams 2025 India, this guide is your passport to success.
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Swati Sharma is an explorer at heart—constantly learning, growing, and embracing new adventures.Read More
