Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is one of the most sought-after as well as most chosen courses by students wanting to make a career in management. While an MBA, which is always university-affiliated, tends to be more academic, PGDM programs are often more industry-focused. To get an opportunity to study in one of the elite PGDM institutes in India, you need to clear one or more of the highly competitive management entrance exams. Of the most widely taken CAT, XAT, CMAT, and MAT. Here’s a further look at each of them.
CAT – The Gateway to Top B-Schools Across India
Implementing partners: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
Format Mode: On-screen
CAT is considered the most competitive but doable MBA/PGDM entrance examination in India. For the masses, CAT, or Common Admission Test, is truly the gateway not only to the 20 IIMs but to over 1,200 B-schools across the country.
Exam Format
| Section | Duration | No. of MCQs | No. of non MCQs |
| VARC | 40 minutes | 22 | 2 |
| DI LR | 40 minutes | 12 | 10 |
| QA | 40 minutes | 14 | 8 |
| Total | 2 hours | 48 | 20 |
Reasons to select CAT:
It is the entryway to prestigious B-schools such as IIMs, IBI, among others. Famed for a fierce format and ever-changing nature, it’s a true test of critical thinking, ingenuity, and time management.
Also Read: Top B- School in Greater Noida How GNIM Leads The Way
XAT: Your Gateway to XLRI and Other Leading B-Schools
Organized by: XLRI Jamshedpur
Frequency: Annual (typically January) Type: Computer-based
XAT is another highly competitive entrance exam used by over 160 institutes, including XLRI, XIMB, IMT, and TAPMI.
Exam components
Sections: Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
Time: 3 hours
Total Marks: 95
Marking Scheme: +1 for the correct answer, -0.25 for the wrong answer.
No negative marks for unanswered questions, but there will be a penalty for leaving more than 8 questions unanswered.
Exclusive Feature—The Decision-Making section is unique to XAT, evaluating a candidate’s capacity to navigate intricate business situations with ethics and logic.
Advantages of Selecting XAT:
- Recognized by the top-tier PGDM colleges. Perfect for the student strong in analytical thought and judicial decision.
- National Testing Agency (NTA) Frequency: Annually (typically March or April) Mode: Computer-based.
CMAT: Common Management Admission Test for PGDM/MBA Colleges in India
CMAT is a national-level entrance exam accepted by more than 1,000 AICTE-approved PGDM institutions.
Exam Format
Sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Time: 3 hours
Total Marks: 400
Marking Scheme: +4 per correct answer, −1 per incorrect answer.
Why CMAT is the right fit for you
Not as competitive as CAT/XAT, thus a better choice for students aiming at mid-tier to upper mid-tier colleges. Includes a section on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, useful for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Also Read: Top PGDM Colleges in Delhi NCR for a Successful Management Career
MAT: Management Aptitude Test for Admission to PGDM/MBA Programs
All India Management Association (AIMA) Frequency: Four times a year (February, May, September, December).
Mode: Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT)
MAT is the most widely accepted management entrance exam, with acceptance at over 600 B-schools across India.
Exam Format:
Sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment.
Time Commitment: 2.5 hours
Total Marks: 200
Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answers and -0.25 for incorrect answers.
This high frequency means multiple opportunities in a single year. Easier tests than the CAT and XAT provide more postsecondary pathways for all types of students from unique academic experiences.
Conclusion
Each one of these PGDM entrance exams targets different student strengths and aspirations:
It is said the XAT and CAT are the best choices for students who want to get into the topmost institutions that are difficult and competitive. CMAT is a solid compromise between the reasonable quality of colleges and the level of challenge. MAT offers flexibility in tries and caters to candidates looking for accessible, regional B-schools. The best exam for you will vary based on your academic profile, the institutes you’re hoping to apply to, and when you plan to take the exam. A dedicated approach, regular preparation, and Understanding of the exam structure will put you on the perfect track towards a fruitful PGDM career.