{"id":3769,"date":"2026-07-27T15:57:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T10:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catmock.com\/blog\/?p=3769"},"modified":"2026-08-27T11:56:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T06:26:35","slug":"mba-exam-dates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catmock.com\/blog\/mba-exam-dates\/","title":{"rendered":"MBA Exam Dates 2026-27: Complete List of CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT & CMAT Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are planning an MBA admission for the 2027-29 batch, the MBA exam dates 2026-27<\/strong> calendar is the single most important thing to bookmark right now. Between CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA, and a handful of state-level tests, there are more than a dozen exam windows, registration deadlines, and result dates to track \u2014 and missing even one can cost you an entire admission cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide brings together the complete admission exam schedule in one place, along with registration timelines, fees, and a month-wise calendar so you never miss a deadline. Dates below are marked as Officially Announced<\/strong> wherever the conducting body has released a notification, and as Expected<\/strong> where we’re going by the pattern each conducting body has followed over the last few admission cycles \u2014 treat any “Expected” date as a planning estimate until the official notification lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MBA Exam Dates 2026-27 at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The table below summarises the MBA entrance exam calendar for every major national-level test. Use it as your quick-reference calendar, then scroll down for exam-wise detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exam<\/th>Conducting Body<\/th>Registration Window<\/th>Exam Date(s)<\/th>Result<\/th>Status<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CAT 2026<\/td>IIM Indore<\/td>Aug 3 \u2013 Sep 15, 2026<\/td>Nov 29, 2026<\/td>Late Dec 2026<\/td>Officially Announced<\/td><\/tr>
XAT 2027<\/td>XLRI Jamshedpur<\/td>Jul 15 \u2013 Dec 6, 2026<\/td>Jan 3, 2027<\/td>Expected late Jan 2027<\/td>Officially Announced (dates); result Expected<\/td><\/tr>
SNAP 2026<\/td>Symbiosis International<\/td>Aug 21 \u2013 Nov 25, 2026<\/td>Dec 13, 19 & 26, 2026 (Three tests)<\/td>Jan 12, 2027<\/td>Officially Announced<\/td><\/tr>
NMAT by GMAC 2026<\/td>GMAC<\/td>Aug 20 \u2013 Oct 10, 2026<\/td>Nov 2 \u2013 Dec 20, 2026 (test window)<\/td>Within 48 hrs of each attempt<\/td>Officially Announced<\/td><\/tr>
CMAT 2027<\/td>National Testing Agency<\/td>Expected Oct \u2013 Nov 2026<\/td>Expected Jan 2027<\/td>Expected Feb 2027<\/td>To Be Announced<\/td><\/tr>
MAT 2026 (CBT)<\/td>AIMA<\/td>Aug \u2013 Sep 2026<\/td>Sep 20, 2026 (Sept session); Dec session also held<\/td>Oct 2026<\/td>Officially Announced (Sept session)<\/td><\/tr>
ATMA 2026<\/td>AIMS<\/td>Ongoing (multiple sessions)<\/td>Jul 12, 2026 (latest session)<\/td>Within 1 week<\/td>Officially Announced<\/td><\/tr>
SRCC GBO 2026<\/td>SRCC, Delhi University<\/td>Dec 2026 \u2013 Jan 2027<\/td>Feb 2027<\/td>Mar 2027<\/td>Expected<\/td><\/tr>
MAH MBA CET 2027<\/td>State CET Cell, Maharashtra<\/td>Feb \u2013 Mar 2027<\/td>Apr \u2013 May 2027<\/td>Jun 2027<\/td>Expected<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Compiled from official exam notifications and conducting-body announcements, cross-checked in August 2026. “Expected” and “To Be Announced” dates are planning estimates only \u2014 always cross-verify on the respective official exam website.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

National-Level MBA Entrance Exams: Exam-Wise Dates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

National-level exams are accepted by IIMs and a wide network of AICTE-approved B-schools across India. Here is a detailed, exam-wise breakdown of the management entrance exam schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CAT 2026 Exam Date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CAT is the gateway to all 21 IIMs and over a thousand affiliated B-schools. It will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities in India. Registration opened on August 3, 2026, and candidates can apply until September 15, 2026. The application fee is \u20b92,700 for General\/EWS\/NC-OBC candidates and \u20b91,350 for SC\/ST\/PwD candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If CAT is your primary target, pair your preparation with structured practice \u2014 CatMock’s free CAT mock tests<\/mark><\/a> simulate the actual exam interface and give you a percentile-level performance breakdown after every attempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

XAT 2027 Exam Date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

XAT is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission to XAMI institutes and 160+ B-schools. It will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2027, in computer-based mode from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at over 110 test cities. Registration began on July 15, 2026, with the last date falling on December 6, 2026. XLRI has not yet published an official result date; based on past cycles, the result is expected in the last week of January 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

XAT’s Decision Making section is unlike anything in CAT, so it deserves dedicated practice time rather than being treated as a CAT-prep afterthought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SNAP 2026 Exam Date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SNAP opens admission to more than 17 Symbiosis institutes, including SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. The exam is conducted across three confirmed test dates \u2014 December 13, 19, and 26, 2026 \u2014 and candidates can attempt it up to three times, with the best score being considered. Registration runs from August 21 to November 25, 2026, and the result is scheduled for January 12, 2027. If SNAP is on your list alongside CAT, read our detailed SNAP 2026 important topics guide<\/mark><\/a> to prioritise your section-wise prep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also read: SNAP 2026 Exam Dates: Complete Schedule, Registration Deadline & Test Day Details<\/mark><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NMAT 2026 by GMAC Exam Date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

NMAT is unique because it gives candidates a testing window rather than a single date. Registration is open from August 20 to October 10, 2026, and the confirmed test-delivery window runs from November 2 to December 20, 2026, allowing candidates to attempt the exam up to three times (one attempt plus two retakes) to achieve their maximum score. The registration fee is \u20b93,000 plus applicable taxes. NMAT scores are accepted by NMIMS and 50+ other institutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the full registration-to-retake breakdown, including scheduling and rescheduling deadlines, see our dedicated NMAT Exam Dates 2026 guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CMAT 2027 Exam Date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CMAT is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)<\/mark><\/a>, a government body under the Ministry of Education, and is accepted by over a thousand AICTE-approved MBA and PGDM colleges nationwide. As of late August 2026, NTA has not yet released<\/strong> the official CMAT 2027 notification. Going by the pattern of the last two cycles, registration is expected to open around October\u2013November 2026, with the exam conducted in January 2027 \u2014 but treat these as planning estimates until NTA confirms them. Because CMAT falls late in the overall exam calendar, it works well as a backup option even for candidates targeting CAT and XAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MAT 2026 Exam Date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

MAT, conducted by AIMA, is held multiple times a year (in paper-based, computer-based, and internet-based modes), making it one of the most flexible entrance exams. For the current admission cycle, the September session is scheduled for September 13 (paper-based mode) and September 20, 2026 (computer-based mode); AIMA typically also runs a further session in December for candidates who miss the September window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ATMA 2026 Exam Date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

ATMA, conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS), also runs multiple sessions across the year rather than a single fixed date. The most recent ATMA 2026 session was held on July 12, 2026. Aspirants who miss one session can typically register for the next one within a few months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SRCC GBO 2026 Exam Date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SRCC’s Global Business Operations programme has its own dedicated entrance test, separate from CAT and XAT. It is typically conducted in February, with registration opening in December. For eligibility criteria, fee structure, and the full application process, see our complete SRCC GBO 2026 guide<\/mark><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

State-Level MBA Entrance Exams: Region-Wise Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond national exams, several state governments and universities conduct their own MBA entrance tests, mostly for admission to in-state colleges under a domicile quota. The table below lists the expected exam schedule for major state-level tests \u2014 none of these have official 2027 notifications yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exam<\/th>State\/Region<\/th>Conducting Authority<\/th>Expected Exam Window<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
MAH MBA CET 2027<\/td>Maharashtra<\/td>State CET Cell<\/td>April \u2013 May 2027<\/td><\/tr>
TANCET 2027<\/td>Tamil Nadu<\/td>Anna University<\/td>March 2027<\/td><\/tr>
Karnataka PGCET 2027<\/td>Karnataka<\/td>KEA<\/td>June 2027<\/td><\/tr>
TS ICET 2027<\/td>Telangana<\/td>Osmania University<\/td>May 2027<\/td><\/tr>
AP ICET 2027<\/td>Andhra Pradesh<\/td>JNTU Kakinada<\/td>May 2027<\/td><\/tr>
KMAT Kerala 2027<\/td>Kerala<\/td>KMAT Kerala Board<\/td>March 2027<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

Source: Based on trends from the 2025-26 admission cycle. State CET cells typically confirm exact dates closer to the exam window \u2014 check the respective state’s official CET portal for confirmation.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Among these, MAH MBA CET carries particular weight because it is the entry point to top institutes such as JBIMS and SIMSREE. If you’re targeting Maharashtra colleges, our MAH CET 2027 exam pattern and syllabus guide<\/mark><\/a> breaks down the eligibility criteria, sectional weightage, and a preparation roadmap in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MBA Exam Registration Fees 2026-27<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Budgeting for multiple exams matters, since fees add up quickly if you’re applying to more than two or three tests. Here’s an indicative fee comparison for the major exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exam<\/th>General Category Fee (\u20b9)<\/th>Reserved Category Fee (\u20b9)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CAT 2026<\/td>2,700<\/td>1,350<\/td><\/tr>
XAT 2027<\/td>2,300<\/td>2,300<\/td><\/tr>
SNAP 2026 (per attempt)<\/td>2,550<\/td>2,550<\/td><\/tr>
NMAT 2026<\/td>3,000 + taxes<\/td>3,000 + taxes<\/td><\/tr>
CMAT 2027<\/td>2,000 (Expected)<\/td>1,000 (Expected)<\/td><\/tr>
MAT 2026<\/td>2,100<\/td>2,100<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Fees are based on the most recently notified structure for each exam and are subject to revision. Always confirm the current fee on the official exam website before making payment. For details on AICTE-approved MBA\/PGDM programmes that accept these scores, refer to the AICTE official portal<\/mark><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Month-Wise MBA Exam Calendar 2026-27<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To make this MBA admission timeline easier to plan around, here’s a simplified month-by-month view of when registrations open and exams are conducted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Month<\/th>Key Activity<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
July \u2013 August 2026<\/td>CAT, XAT registrations open; NMAT registration opens Aug 20; ATMA session conducted<\/td><\/tr>
September 2026<\/td>MAT (PBT & CBT) conducted; CAT registration closes Sep 15<\/td><\/tr>
October \u2013 November 2026<\/td>NMAT test window opens Nov 2; CAT exam day (Nov 29); NMAT registration closes Oct 10<\/td><\/tr>
December 2026<\/td>SNAP test dates (Dec 13, 19, 26); XAT registration closes Dec 6; NMAT test window closes Dec 20<\/td><\/tr>
January 2027<\/td>XAT exam day; CMAT exam (expected); SNAP result (Jan 12)<\/td><\/tr>
February 2027<\/td>SRCC GBO exam; CMAT result (expected)<\/td><\/tr>
March \u2013 May 2027<\/td>State-level exams (TANCET, KMAT Kerala, AP\/TS ICET, MAH CET)<\/td><\/tr>
June 2027<\/td>Karnataka PGCET; state counselling processes begin<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams 2026-27<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you’ve mapped out your exam calendar, the next step is building a preparation plan that works backward from your target exam date. A few things that consistently move the needle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Start with previous year papers.<\/strong> Solving actual CAT and MBA exam PYQs<\/mark><\/a> tells you exactly what difficulty level and question pattern to expect \u2014 no guesswork involved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Take full-length mocks regularly.<\/strong> A test-day simulation under time pressure exposes weak areas that untimed practice never will. CatMock’s structured test series and combo packages<\/mark><\/a> are designed around the exact sectional weightage of CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Build a daily practice habit.<\/strong> Consistency beats last-minute cramming, especially for Quant and Verbal Ability. A short daily practice capsule<\/mark><\/a> keeps your fundamentals sharp without burning out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Know your exam inside out.<\/strong> Eligibility, pattern, marking scheme, and accepting colleges differ across exams. Our exam details page<\/mark><\/a> covers this information for every major MBA entrance test in one place.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Eligibility Criteria for Major MBA Entrance Exams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Eligibility rules differ slightly across exams, and missing a criterion can lead to rejection at the counselling stage even after a good score. Here’s a quick comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Exam<\/th>Minimum Qualification<\/th>Minimum Marks<\/th>Final-Year Students Eligible?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    CAT 2026<\/td>Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university<\/td>50% (45% for reserved categories)<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
    XAT 2027<\/td>Bachelor’s degree in any discipline<\/td>No minimum percentage specified<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
    SNAP 2026<\/td>Bachelor’s degree, 3 years minimum<\/td>50% (45% for reserved categories)<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
    CMAT 2027<\/td>Bachelor’s degree in any discipline<\/td>No minimum percentage specified<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
    MAH MBA CET 2027<\/td>Bachelor’s degree<\/td>50% (45% for reserved categories)<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    Source: Based on eligibility norms published in each exam’s most recent official notification. Confirm category-wise relaxations on the respective official website, since these are revised periodically.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    Note that there is no upper age limit for any of the major national-level MBA entrance exams, and work experience, while not mandatory for eligibility, does carry additional weightage in the selection process at several IIMs and top B-schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Common Mistakes Aspirants Make with the MBA Admission Timeline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A surprising number of good candidates lose out not because of preparation gaps, but because of avoidable timeline errors. Watch out for these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n