MBA(Master of Business Administration)
What is CAT?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs. The exam is a gateway to the prestigious IIMs and other top business schools in India. Thus, the complete name of the exam is IIM- CAT (www.iimcat.ac.in) It is not an online exam, rather it is a Computer Based Test. To familiarize yourself with the functionality of the test, you can take a practice test hosted on the link provided above.
Why CAT?
The CAT exam is the most prestigious exam in the country, as it facilitates admission to the most coveted management institutes: the IIMs. IIMs are known to produce leaders in almost every filed, be it government, academia (Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of RBI and professor of Finance at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Management) or adventure (Arunima Singh, Everest Conqueror). Studying at the prestigious IIMs also makes you part of an alumni network that spans across all 6 continents, in leading positions at companies making a wave.
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FAQs
Bachelor's degree or an Equivalent professional degree like CA/CS with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
Final-year students can also apply
A candidate:
- Holding a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste(SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Person With Disability (PwD) categories], awarded by any University or educational institution as incorporated by an Act of the Parliament or State legislature in India or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
- Possessing an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The percentage of marks obtained by the candidate would be calculated based on the practice as followed by the respective University/Institution. In case of grades / CGPA, the conversion to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure as certified by the respective University/ institution. If any University/institution confirms that there is no scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA, and multiplying the result with 100. Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. However, it may be noted that such candidates, if selected, will be allowed to join the programme provisionally, only if they submit a certificate from the Principal / Registrar of their University/institution (issued on or before the date as stipulated by the respective IIM) stating that they have completed all the requirements for obtaining the Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification on the date of the issue of the certificate. IIMs may verify the eligibility at various stages of the selection process, the details of which are provided at the website www.iimcat.ac.in.
Note:
The CAT application data is treated as final, and no change in it is permitted at a later stage. Any variation in the data provided at the CAT selection stage with the actual data will lead to nullification of candidature.
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CAT
CAT exam generally takes place in the month of November, or latest by first week of August.
The CAT results are likely to be declared by the second week of January. The CAT 2024 score is valid
only till December 31st of the year the result is declared.
Admit cards are generally release 2-3 weeks before the exam.
Form Filling Details
- Registration: Online
- Application fee: 2500 INR (1250 INR for SC/ST/ PwD candidates)
What are OMETs
OMETs stand for other management Entrance tests. The tag of being ‘other’ is due to the preeminence of CAT. These ‘others’ include XAT, CMAT, MHCET, MAT, NMAT, TISSNET, GMAT, and a few
others. Here is a brief overview of each one of them:
XAT
XAT is conducted for admission to XLRI – Xavier Institute of Management (formerly Xavier Labour
Relations Institute), the oldest management institute in the country. Located in the steel city of IndiaJamshedpur, it offers two-year diplomas in Management- the Postgraduate Diploma in Business
Management (PGDMB) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (PGDHRM).
It also offers an 18-month full time residential Postgraduate Diploma in General Management, a
three-year Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management for working Executives, a Fellow
Programme in Management (FPM), and a programme on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Venture.
Why XAT
XLRI was ranked 9th among management schools in India by the National Institutional Ranking
Framework (NIRF).
Notable alumni of XLRI include Vineet Nayar (CEO, HCL Technologies), Srinivas Kandula (Chairman,
Capgemini, India), Rakesh Kapoor (CEO, Reckitt Benckiser), and Leena Nair (CEO, Chanel), among
others.
- Conducting Body: XLRI Jamshedpur conducts XAT on behalf of the Xavier Association of
Management Institutes (XAMI). - Test Format: XAT is an online computer-based exam with more than 1 lakh
students registering for it annually - Admission Acceptance: The XAT score is accepted by 250+ B-Schools across India
- This makes taking the XAT extremely relevant, as you not only get to study in the oldest and best
Management institutes, you have pioneers to hold yourself up to, and an alumni network that
helms global businesses.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the XAT exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree of a minimum
three-year duration from a recognized university. There are no specific minimum marks
required in graduation; candidates merely need to pass. Students in their final year of
graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they can submit their degree certificate by
the end of the admission year.
Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for the XAT exam. This
allows both recent graduates and working professionals to participate without age
restrictions
NRI Candidates: NRI candidates can apply using valid GMAT scores, but they must also
complete the XAT registration proces
Syllabus
- Verbal and Logical Ability: This section assesses language comprehension, grammar, and
logical reasoning skills. - Decision Making: Candidates face scenarios where they must make informed decisions based on
ethical, managerial, and practical considerations. - Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation: Questions in this section cover mathematical
concepts and data analysis. - General Knowledge: This part evaluates awareness of current affairs, business, and general
knowledge. - Essay Writing: Candidates write an essay on a given topic to demonstrate their writing skills,
which ultimately is a test of your clarity of thoughts
Exam Pattern
The XAT exam consists of the following sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Logical reasoning
2. Decision Making
3. Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
4. General Knowledge
There is no negative marking in the GK section.
GK scores are considered during the Personal Interview (PI) round, not for percentile
calculation
Question Paper Pattern
- Mode: Online (Computer-based test)
- Duration: 3 hours (2 pm to 5:10 pm)
- Language: English
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Subjective Questions
Sectional Details
Part 1
Duration: 185 minutes
Sections
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)
Decision Making (DM)
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
Total Questions: Approximately 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across these
sections.
Part 2
Duration: 5 minutes
Content: Mock keyboard testing (no questions).
Part 3
Duration: 30 minutes
Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
Total Questions: 1 essay question, where candidates must choose one topic from three
provided.
Sectional Weightage
Section | Number of Questions |
---|---|
Verbal and Logical Reasoning (VA and LR) | 26-30 |
Decision Making | 21-22 |
Quantitative Ability and Data interpretation | 26-30 |
General Knowledge | 25 |
Essay | 1 |
Sectional Cut-off and Marking Scheme
- Verbal and Logical Ability (VALR): The sectional cutoff for VALR typically remains around
the 72–80 percentile. Clearing this cutoff is essential for proceeding to subsequent rounds. - Quantitative Ability (QA): In QA, candidates need to score above a certain percentile. For
Business Management (BM) courses, the highest QA cutoff is around 85–86 percentile. - Decision Making (DM): The DM section also has a cutoff. To reach the required cutoff,
candidates usually need to score around 7.5–9 marks - The marking scheme for the XAT exam is as follows:
- Correct Answers: Each correct answer typically earns 1 mark.
- Negative Marking: There is a penalty for incorrect answers, usually 0.25 marks deducted for
each wrong answer. However, if a candidate answers more than 8 questions incorrectly, the
penalty increases to 0.50 marks for each additional incorrect answer. - Unanswered Questions: If you leave eight or more consecutive questions unanswered, a penalty
of 0.10 marks applies - Unattempted Questions: No marks are awarded or deducted for questions that are not
attempted
When is XAT?
The XAT exam is scheduled to take place in the first week of January each year. The
registration process for the exam mid-July, and candidates can apply online until the
specified deadline. The admit cards will be released shortly before the exam date, and
candidates must bring their admit card along with a government-issued photo ID to the
exam centre.
Additional Information
- Language: The exam will be conducted in English.
- Mode of Examination: Computer-based test.
- Total Marks: The total marks for the exam will be 101, including the essay section, which is
evaluated only for candidates shortlisted for the GD-PI round. - No Individual Sectional Time Limit: Candidates can attempt questions from any section
within the overall time limit, i.e., all the 3 sections are open to the students once they start
the test.
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam designed to assess
analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English. This exam is widely used
for admissions to graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, around the world.
WHY GMAT
Since we all are in the era of hyper-globalization, it is not too far fetched to want global exposure as
part of your education journey. While the GMAT score is accepted by a host of top MBA institutes in
India, like MDI Gurugram, ISB Hyderabad, and IIM Udaipur, the exam also becomes your passport to
globally acclaimed MBA programs from Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD Business School and Wharton
School, just to name a few. The GMAT is a critical component for admission into many business
schools, and understanding its structure and scoring can significantly enhance a candidate’s
preparation and performance
Eligibility Criteria
The GMAT exam does not have stringent eligibility criteria set by the conducting body, GMAC
(Graduate Management Admission Council). However, there are a few basic requirements:
1. Age: The candidate must be at least 18 years old. If a candidate is between 13 and 17 years old,
they need permission from a parent or legal guardian.
2. Educational Qualification: GMAC does not specify any minimum educational qualification to take
the GMAT. However, candidates typically hold a bachelor’s degree as it is usually required for
admission to graduate management programs.
3. Identification: A valid, unexpired government issued ID with a photograph and signature (such as a
passport, driver’s license, or national ID card) is required for test registration and on the test day.
Syllabus
The syllabus of the exam remains much the same as other MBA entrance exams, with enhanced
difficulty due to the test being another CAT (Computer adaptive Test, which is based on an algorithm
that throws progressively tougher questions at you, as you get them correct
THe verbal ability section requires you to identify main ideas, to infer meaning understand logical
connections between important points, and deduce conclusions.
The quantitative ability section intends mainly to test your algebra and arithmetic abilities.
The Data Interpretation section requires you to understand data on a level where your can draw
actionable insights and apply it to business problems. Therefore you would require the ability to
draw connections between different sets of data, and draw logical connection between them. This
raises the difficulty a bit.
Exam Pattern
Quantitative Reasoning: 45 minutes, 21 questions, assesses problem solving skills
Verbal Reasoning: 45 minutes, 23 questions, assesses critical reasoning and reading comprehension
skills
Data Insights: 45 minutes, 20 questions, assesses data literacy skills
GMAT focus Edition
From 1st February 2024, GMAT focus edition is the only version available. MAT focus edition syllabus
contains three sections; quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights.
GMAT focus edition is much shorter than the old format and only consists of 64 questions in total.
You will be given 2 hours and 15 minutes for GMAT focus edition, whereas previously it was 3 hours
and 7 minutes long, with a Written Ability Test (WAT) section as well.
When is the Exam
The GMAT exam is offered year-round and can be taken at any time depending on the availability of
test centers. Candidates can schedule their test date through the official GMAT website or via
authorized test centers
IMPORTANT Details
Computer Adaptive Test (CAT): The Quantitative and Verbal sections are computer adaptive,
meaning the difficulty of questions adapts to the test taker’s ability level. Correct answers lead to
more challenging questions, while incorrect answers lead to easier ones.
Validity: GMAT (focus Edition) scores are valid for five years.
The focus edition syllabus now scored on 205 to 805 level, and the raw score for each section is
scored on a scale of 60 to 90.
NMAT
The NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) is a standardized entrance exam conducted by the
Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for admission into various management programs
in India and abroad. It is accepted by leading business schools such as NMIMS, SPJIMR, ISB, and
others.
Why NMAT
The conducting body for the NMAT is the same as that for GMAT, and it is a lot cheaper than taking
the GMAT.
The test has been conducted by GMAC since 2015, which brings a lot of credibility and dynamism to
the exam, bringing it at par with the best and most sought after GMAT test.
While the GMAT can cost around 275 USD (that come to be about 21,000 INR, approximately), the
cost of registering for NMAT is not more than 3200 INR (roughly 35 USD). The NMAT tests critical
thinking abilities, which are indispensable for quality management education. This makes it an ideal
choice for candidates seeking to join top ranked colleges like NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of
Management Studies), K J Somaiya Institute of Management, and ISB, to name a few. The NMAT
score is accepted by over 50 institutes in India and other emerging markets like Nigeria, Morocco,
South Africa and Philippines. It doesn’t just diversify the pool of colleges you can study your desired
major in, but the exam also prepares you for faster thinking (since the number of questions is more).
And in case your CAT attempt was unsatisfactory, you still have a fighting chance to study under
worldclass and much sought after faculty of NMIMS.
However, while the GMAT score is valid for 5 years, the NMAT score has a validity of 1 year only.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the graduation degree is typically required, though this
may vary by institution.
2. Final Year Students:
Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply, provided they complete their degree
requirements before the commencement of the academic session.
Syllabus
The syllabus of the exam remains largely the same as other management aptitude tests, which
comprises Critical reasoning, logical ability, verbal reasoning and verbal ability, reading
comprehension, quantitative ability, data interpretation skills, etc
Exam Pattern
The NMAT is a computer-based test, designed to assess the skills necessary for success in B-schools.
The exam structure is as follows:
Total Number of Questions: 108
Total Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Question Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with no negative marking
Sections and Distribution of Questions
Section | No of Questions | Duration |
---|---|---|
Language Skills | 36 | 28 minutes |
Quantitative Ability | 36 | 52 minutes |
Logical Reasoning | 36 | 40 minutes |
Scoring Methodology
Each section is scored separately, and then a scaled score is calculated.
Language Skills: 12-120
Quantitative Skills: 12-120
Logical Reasoning: 12-120
Total Score Range: 36-360
When is the Exam
The NMAT exam is typically conducted over a testing window spanning several months, allowing
candidates to choose a convenient date and time. For example:
Registration Period: Generally starts in the last week of July or the beginning of August and goes on
until mid-October.
Testing Window: Usually runs from November to December.
Result Declaration: Unofficial score is obtained immediately after the exam. The official scorecard is
released 48 hours after the test.
CMAT
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance examination
conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in India for admission into various management
programs. The CMAT score is accepted by many AICTE-approved institutions, university departments,
constituent colleges, and affiliated colleges across India.
Why CMAT
The CMAT exam is a crucial step for candidates aiming to pursue management programs in India. A
thorough understanding of the exam pattern, sections, and types of questions, coupled with focused
preparation, can significantly enhance the chances of securing admission into top management
institutes.ly.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification:
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final year
students of bachelor’s degree courses (whose result will be declared before the commencement of
admission for the academic year) can also apply.
2. Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in the CMAT.
Syllabus
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: Review basic math concepts, practice problemsolving, and work on data interpretation skills.
Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, logical sequences, analytical reasoning question.
Language Comprehension: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, questions based on rules of
grammar.
General Awareness: Stay updated with current affairs, read newspapers, and refer to general
knowledge books.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Study business cases, understand basic concepts of
entrepreneurship, keep track of different “Business Models” that are in the news, or otherwise, and
follow recent innovations in the business world.
Exam Pattern
The CMAT is a computer-based test designed to assess the candidate’s ability in various areas
necessary for success in management programs. The exam structure is as follows:
Total Number of Questions:100
Total Marks:400
Duration:** 180 minutes (3 hours)
Question Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with 4 marks for each correct answer and a
penalty of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.
Sections and Distribution of Questions
Section | No of questions |
---|---|
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 |
Logical reasoning | 20 |
Language Comprehension | 20 |
General Awareness | 20 |
Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 20 |
Scoring Methodology
Each correct answer carries 4 marks.
Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark.
No marks are deducted for unattempt questions
When is CMAT
The CMAT exam is usually conducted once a year. Below is the typical schedule:
Registration Period: Generally, opens in November and closes in January.
Admit Card Release: Typically, in February.
Exam Date: Usually conducted in the last week of February or the first week of March.
Result Declaration: Results are typically announced in April.
Application Process
1. Registration: Candidates must register on the official NTA CMAT website, fill in the application
form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
2. Fee Payment: The application fee can be paid online through various payment methods
Test Centers
The CMAT is conducted at various test centers across India. Candidates can choose their preferred
test center while registering for the exam.
Language: The medium of the question paper is English.
Admission Process
After the CMAT results are declared, candidates must apply to individual institutes based on their
CMAT scores. Each institute has its own selection criteria, which may include group discussions (GD),
written ability tests (WAT), and personal interviews (PI).
MAT
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardized exam conducted in India since 1998 by the
All India Management Association (AIMA). It serves as an admission criterion for Master of Business
Administration (MBA) and allied programs across more than 600 business schools in India
The test assesses skills relevant to managerial roles, including problem-solving decision-making, decision-making, and interpersonal abilities. It is commonly used in corporate recruitment, internal promotions, and educational settings. Here are some key details about MAT:
Why MAT
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national level entrance exam conducted by the All-India
Management Association (AIMA) for admission to various management programs across India. MAT
is recognized by over 600 business schools.
Eligibility Criteria
Graduates from any discipline, including final year students, can apply for MAT.
1. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Final year graduation students are also eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree
requirements before the admission process concludes.
2. Age Limit: There is no age limit for taking the MAT exam.
3. Work Experience: Work experience is not mandatory but can be beneficial during the admission process.
Syllabus
Language Comprehension: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, and review grammar rules.
Mathematical Skills/ Quantitative Ability: Basic math concepts, including, but not limited to:
Arithmetic, algebra, Permutations and Combinations
Data Analysis and Sufficiency: Focus on understanding and interpreting data, practice data
sufficiency questions.
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning: Puzzles, logical sequences, analytical reasoning.
Indian and Global Environment: Current affairs and general knowledge dealing with Business,
Environment and Climate change related news
Exam Pattern
Total Number of Questions: 200
Total Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
Question Type: Multiple choice questions (MCQs)
Marking Scheme: Each correct answer awards 1 mark, and there is no negative marking for incorrect
answers.
Sections and Distribution of Questions
Section | Number of Questions |
---|---|
Language Comprehension | 40 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 40 |
Data Analysis and Suffiency | 40 |
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | 40 |
Indian and Global Environment | 40 |
MAT is conducted in three modes: Paper Based Test (PBT), Computer Based Test (CBT), and Internet
Based Test (IBT). The exam pattern remains the same across all modes.
Scoring Methodology
Sectional Scores: Each section is scored separately.
Composite Score: The composite score is calculated based on the scores of the first four sections
(Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and
Critical Reasoning).
The Indian and Global Environment section score is reported separately and is not included in the
composite score.
When is MAT
MAT is conducted four times a year: February, May, September, and December. The schedule
typically includes the following:
Registration Period: Opens a few months before the test date and closes a few weeks before the
exam.
Exam Dates:
Paper Based Test (PBT): Conducted on a single day, usually the first Sunday of the exam month.
Computer Based Test (CBT): Conducted over a window of several days within the exam month.
Internet Based Test (IBT): Conducted over a window of several days within the exam month,
allowing candidates to take the test from home.
Additional Details
Test Centres: MAT is conducted at various test centres across India. The IBT (Internet Based Test)
mode allows candidates to take the exam from home.
Application Process: Candidates must register on the official AIMA MAT website, choose their
preferred test mode and date, and pay the exam fee.
TISS
TISS stands for TATA Institute of Social Science. Being run by the TATA foundation, it is dedicated to
imparting world class Education, like other institutes run by the TATA foundation, like TIFR(Tata
Institute of Fund amental Research),and IISc (Indian Institute of Science, founded by Jamsetji
Nuserwanji Tata).
Why TISS
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), established in 1936, is a premier institution in India
dedicated to social sciences and related fields. It offers a diverse range of programs that blend
academic rigor with practical experience. The institute is known for its emphasis on social justice,
human rights, and community development. Here’s an overview of the programs and the unique
experience of studying at TISS
Studying at TISS is a transformative experience that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and
values needed to address complex social issues and contribute meaningfully to society. The
combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and a commitment to social justice makes
TISS a unique and esteemed institution in the field of social sciences and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria
Graduates from any discipline, including final year students, can apply for MAT.
1. Educational Qualification: General Requirement: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum of three years duration)
or equivalent from a recognized university.
Final Year Students: Candidates who are in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply,
provided they complete their final year examination and all internship requirements by June 2024
and submit their degree certificate by September 2024
2. Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to apply for TISSNET.
3. Work Experience: For some programs, particularly executive and part-time programs, relevant work experience may
be required.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The TISSNET exam has been scrapped beginning 2024 and the Institute will accept CUET(PG) scores
for admission to all its Postgraduate (Master’s degree) programs.
In order to secure admission to courses offered by TISS School of Management and Labour relations
a candidate must appear for CUET-PG exam conducted by NTA, to be held in the month of March and
opt for MBA as domain specific subject.
The CUET (PG) MBA paper has the following pattern:
Duration: 105 minutes
No of questions: 100 MCQs
The questions are distributed under the same categories as other MBA exams.
Section | Topics Covered |
---|---|
English Comprehension | Grammar, Jumbled Paragraphs, Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, Paragraph Completion, One word substitution, synonyms and antonyms |
Quantitative ability | Simple and Compound Interest, Percentages, Time Speed and Distance, Pipes and cisterns, Time and work |
Logical Reasoning | Linear Inference, ranking test, Matrix arrangements, sequencing, Analogy test, cause and effect, Direction and Distance based questions |
Data Interpretation | Pie charts, Bar -graphs, Tabular Charts, Mixed graphs, Data sufficiency, Graphs and number system, Sets and Venn Diagram |
Schedule of Exam
The application forms are released in the month of November- December and the exam takes
place in the month of March.
What is unique about TISS
These programs are designed to integrate theoretical learning with hands-on experience. The
curriculum often includes field placements, internships, and research projects that address realworld issues.
Unique Experience of Studying at TISS
1. Interdisciplinary Approach
TISS encourages an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Students have the opportunity to take
courses across different disciplines, allowing them to develop a holistic understanding of complex
social issues.
2. Fieldwork and Practical Experience
A significant component of TISS programs is the emphasis on fieldwork. Students are placed in
various organizations and communities to gain practical experience, bridging the gap between theory
and practice.
3. Social Commitment
TISS’s mission revolves around social justice, equity, and human rights. The institute fosters a
strong sense of social responsibility and commitment among its students, often engaging them in
community service and advocacy projects
4. Diverse Community: The TISS community is known for its diversity, with students and faculty from various regions, backgrounds, and disciplines. This diversity enriches the learning experience, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment.
5. Research Opportunities
TISS is renowned for its research output. Students have access to numerous research
opportunities and are encouraged to engage in projects that contribute to social change. The
institute’s research centers focus on areas like health, education, and development, providing
students with valuable insights and resources.
6. Campus Life
The TISS campuses, located in Mumbai and other cities, offer a conducive environment for
academic and personal growth. Facilities include libraries, research centers, hostels, and recreational
areas. The campus life is enriched by various student-led activities, seminars, and workshops.
7. Global Connections
TISS maintains collaborations with international institutions, providing students with exposure to
global perspectives and opportunities for international internships and exchanges.
8. Ethical and Values-Based Learning
The institute places a strong emphasis on ethics and values in education. Students are encouraged
to reflect on their learning in the context of broader societal issues and personal responsibility.
The TISS School of Management and Labour Relations offers the following programmes:
Master of Arts in Labour Studies and Practice
Master of Arts in Human Resources Management and Labour Relations
Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship
Master of Arts in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership
Master of Arts /Master of Science in Analytics
SNAP
SNAP stands for Symbiosis National Aptitude Test. A candidate aspiring to join a Symbiosis MBA
programme offered by any Institute of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) has to appear for the common, mandatory Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP 2024) Computer Based Test (CBT) which
will be conducted at Test Centres.
Why SNAP
Symbiosis offers some dynamic courses in management education, in the 17 institutes run under the
Symbiosis umbrella. What sets it apart from other colleges is the offering of MBA in niche domains
like Sports Management, Infrastructure Development and Management, Food Technology and Food
Enterprise Management, to name a few.
Eligibility Criteria
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by
Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admission to various MBA programs offered by its
affiliated institutes. Below is a detailed overview of the SNAP exam, including eligibility criteria, exam
pattern, weightage of different sections, and the exam schedule.
To be eligible for the SNAP exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualification: A candidate must have completed a Bachelor’s degree from a
recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
Final-year students are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the SNAP exam, but candidates must
be at least 18 years old due to the graduation requirement.
Nationality: Indian citizens and foreign nationals can apply. Foreign candidates must provide
an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts, but candidates can appear for a
maximum of three sessions in a single year.
Exam Pattern
The SNAP exam is conducted in a computer-based format and consists of the following components:
Total Duration: 60 minutes Total Questions: 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Sections and Weightage:
General English: 15 questions
Analytical & Logical Reasoning: 25 questions
Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency: 20 questions
Scoring: Each question carries 1 mark, with a negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect
answer. The total marks for the exam are 60.
Weightage of Different Sections
The weightage of different sections in the SNAP exam is as follows:
Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
---|---|---|
General English | 15 | 15 |
Analytical & Logical Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | 20 | 20 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
When is SNAP
The SNAP exam generally occurs in the month of December.
Registration and form filling begins in the first week of August.
The SNAP exam is typically conducted once a year, with multiple sessions available.
Note: The SNAP website mentions the following: A candidate can appear for up to three tests for
SNAP. If a candidate appears for more than one test, the higher score will be considered for the final
percentile calculation and there will be no normalization. A rigorous process that has been
statistically tested will be administered to ensure that unique types of questions are framed under a
specific topic across the question papers. Normal spread will ensure that there is no unfair advantage
to candidates who opt for any specific test / multiple tests. This will ensure normalisation of the
spread of questions across sections. Furthermore, the question papers will be normalised for the
level of difficulty across all three tests. No correspondence regarding this will be entertained.
Admission Process
Further Rounds leading up to admission
A candidate will be shortlisted for further Symbiosis MBA admission process (GE-PI) based on her/his
overall SNAP Percentile. Please check the respective Institute website for information and dates of
GE-PI.
The further admission process is conducted separately for each MBA programme by each Institute.
The cut-off for shortlisting is also calculated separately for each programme. Based on her/his overall
SNAP percentile, a particular candidate may get shortlisted for more than one programme. In such a
scenario the candidate is expected to participate in the GE-PI for each programme separately.
Merit List Declaration and Admission
SNAP Score (out of 60, scaled down to 50 marks) | Group Exercise (GE) | Personal Interaction (PI) | Total |
---|---|---|---|
50 | 10 | 40 | 100 |
MAH CET
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH CET) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, for admission into MBA/MMS programs offered by
various colleges and universities in the state of Maharashtra.
Why MAH CET
MAH CET is a crucial exam for MBA/MMS aspirants in Maharashtra, and thorough preparation is
essential for success. Familiarity with the exam pattern, types of questions, and effective time
management can significantly enhance performance.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
A minimum of 50% aggregate marks for general category candidates and 45% for reserved
category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/DTVJ/NT/SBC) of Maharashtra state.
2. Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they
complete their degree requirements before the commencement of the academic session.
3. Nationality: Candidates must be Indian nationals.
Exam Pattern
The MAH CET is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The
exam is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude in various areas. The exam pattern is as follows:
Total Number of Questions: 200
Total Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
Question Type: Multiple choice questions (MCQs) with five answer options.
Marking Scheme: Each correct answer awards 1 mark. There is no negative marking for incorrect
answers.
Scoring Methodology
Total Marks: The exam is scored out of 200 marks.
Sectional Scores: Each section is scored separately, contributing to the overall score.
Sections and Distribution of Questions
Section | Distribution of questions |
---|---|
Logical Reasoning | 75 |
Abstract Reasoning | 25 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 50 |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 50 |
No Negative Marking: There is no penalty for incorrect answers, encouraging candidates to attempt
all questions.
Language: The medium of the test is English.
When is MAH CET
The MAH CET is typically conducted once a year. The schedule usually follows this timeline:
Registration Period: Generally, starts in January and ends in February.
Admit Card Release: Usually in March.
Exam Date: Typically conducted in March.
Result Declaration: Results are generally announced in April.
Test Centers: The MAH CET is conducted at various test centers across Maharashtra.
Application Process: Candidates must register on the official MAH CET website, fill out the
application form, upload required documents, and pay the exam fee.
Counseling Process: Post exam, candidates are required to participate in the Centralized Admission
Process (CAP) for seat allotment in various colleges based on their MAH CET scores.
Syllabus
Logical Reasoning: Reasoning questions, including puzzles, syllogisms, and logical sequences.
Abstract Reasoning: Pattern recognition and visual reasoning exercises, commonly known as nonverbal reasoning.
Quantitative Aptitude: Basic math concepts, data interpretation, and quantitative problems involving
arithmetic and algebra, among other topics of mathematics.
Verbal Ability/Reading Comprehension: Vocabulary, practice reading comprehension, and review grammar rules.
Tentative schedule of Exams
Exam | Form Filling Window | Tentative Date of Exam |
---|---|---|
CAT | August- September | Mid-November to 1st Week of December |
XAT | August – November | First week of January |
GMAT | Multiple times a year | To be chosen by the candidate |
NMAT | August to mid-October | November-December |
TISS (through CUET-PG) | December- January | March-April |
MAT | January, April, August and November | February, May, September and December |
MAH CET | January-February | March |
SNAP | Begins in August | December January |
CMAT | November- January | February |