State Level MBA Entrance Exams in India 2025–26: The Complete State-Wise List
Content Writer
Are you dreaming of taking an MBA course at a prestigious institute in India but still want to have more options other than the CAT exam which is known to be highly competitive? If so, you are definitely in the right place! There are numerous states in India that organize their own MBA entrance exams which are less difficult and more region-centric, thus offering students more accessible and localized ways to grab an MBA seat. These state-level MBA entrance exams in India are perfect for students who are focused on business schools in particular states.
This article will introduce you to the state-level MBA exams in India while providing a thorough description of the most talked-about state-level exams such as MAH-CET, TANCET, KMAT, and AP ICET. Through a comprehensive comparison, eligibility insights, etc, CollegeHai is on a mission to facilitate aspirants like you in deciding their best route for MBA admission 2025-26.
What Are State Level MBA Entrance Exams in India?
State level MBA entrance exams in India are state-specific entrance tests or exams conducted by the respective states or their educational authorities for admission into the MBA programs offered by institutions of the states. The exams are specially made for those students who want to do their MBA in a specific state or are looking for other options apart from the extremely competitive national-level exams such as CAT, CMAT, or MAT.
There are several state-level exams in India such as MAH CET, TANCET, KMAT, AP ICET, TS ICET, OJEE, HP CET, PU MET, UPCET, and JEMAT for Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal respectively. The tests generally check the skills of candidates in quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, verbal ability, and sometimes domain knowledge related to business management.
Continue reading below to find the complete list of State-Level MBA Entrance Exams!
Complete List of State-wise MBA Entrance Exams in India 2025–26
Out of 29 states in India, certain Indian states conduct their own state-level MBA entrance exams separately, while others mainly consider the scores of national-level MBA exams such as CAT, MAT, CMAT and XAT for their admissions. The states having their own state-level exam are Maharashtra (MAH CET), Tamil Nadu (TANCET), Karnataka (PGCET, KMAT), Andhra Pradesh (AP ICET) and so on.
In contrast, there are several states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, etc. that neither conduct their own state-level MBA entrance exams nor do they conduct any exams for MBA admissions and only rely on national-level exams for MBA admissions.
Popular State-Level MBA Exams
In India, the most popular state-level MBA entrance exams are MAH CET (Maharashtra), TANCET (Tamil Nadu), KMAT (Karnataka and Kerala), AP ICET (Andhra Pradesh), etc. These exams are usually held once a year and are meant for those who want to study MBA in these states only.
The eligibility criteria for these exams start with holding a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, usually with a minimum aggregate percentage (generally 50%, relaxation for the reserved categories). The exams aim at evaluating the candidates’ skills in the areas of quantitative ability, logical reasoning, verbal ability, and analytical skills as a measure of their capability to undertake management education. Further information for the leading MBA Entrance Exams is provided below:
1. MAH CET 2026
MAH CET or MH CET or MHT CET is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, every year. Not only this, but it is also known as the MBA CET exams 2026 India. The test consists of computer-based sections in logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and abstract reasoning. The exam is generally held in April, and the scores are accepted by the top institutes like JBIMS and SIMSREE.
MH CET 2026 Exam Key Highlights
2. TANCET 2026
TANCET conducted by Anna University is a state-level MBA entrance test of Tamil Nadu. The test comprises quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and communication skills. The exam is usually held in March, and the scores are accepted in most of the colleges for MBA admissions in Tamil Nadu.
TANCET 2026 Exam Key Highlights
3. KMAT 2026
KMAT exam is held in Karnataka and Kerala and acts as the entry test for various MBA colleges that consider the scores of this exam for admissions. The exam is based on language skills, quantitative ability, and logical reasoning.
KMAT 2026 Exam Key Highlights
4. AP ICET 2026
AP ICET 2026 (Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test) is a state-level computer-based entrance exam conducted annually for admission into MBA and MCA programs in colleges across Andhra Pradesh. The exam is expected to be held in the first week of May 2026, with registration starting in the first week of March 2026. AP ICET tests candidates on three main sections: analytical ability, mathematical skills, and communication skills. As per the AP ICET MBA exam eligibility 2026, applicants need to have a graduation degree with about 45 to 50% marks.
AP ICET 2026 Exam Key Highlights
Comparison: MAH CET vs KMAT vs TANCET vs AP ICET MBA Exams
Below is the comparison table for AP ICET vs TANCET vs MAH CET vs KMAT MBA entrance exams:
Top Colleges Accepting State-Level MBA Entrance Exams
Note: In addition to the states listed in the table, others accept national-level exam scores for their MBA admissions.
How to Choose Between State-Level and National-Level MBA Entrance Exams?
Basically, the deciding factors for choosing between a state-level and a national-level MBA exam are the preferred state, the choice of the college, and the level of exam preparation. Although State-level exams provide regional focus and usually have fewer competitors, National-level exams like CAT and CMAT give access to the top MBA Colleges in India.
Some Important Tips for State-Level MBA Entrance Exam Preparation in India
Get very familiar with the exam patterns and the syllabuses.
Do as many previous year question papers and mock tests as you can.
Time should be managed very well during preparation as well as on the day of the exam.
Conclusion
To sum it up, choosing the most suitable MBA entrance exam would largely be decided based on where you want to study, the colleges you are interested in, how well you know the exam format, and your study plan. All the exams mentioned in this article including MAH CET, KMAT, TANCET, etc. are made for different states and have their own syllabus, difficulty, and style.
MAH CET is the top choice for students who want to study in Maharashtra and are aspiring to do an MBA in colleges like JBIMS and SIMSREE. KMAT caters to the private colleges of Karnataka. TANCET and AP ICET are designed for students who want to join colleges in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh only. After knowing the differences in length, scoring, and topics of exams, it will help you to make a better choice, to prepare in the best way and to increase your chances of admission.
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