AthenaDashboardKnow the battlefield
The major gateways to India's B-schools — what each tests, when it happens, and where it gets you. Athena's practice & mocks are built around the king of them all: the CAT.
Conducted by: IIMs (rotational)
When: Late November (one day, 3 slots)
Pattern. 3 sections — VARC, DILR, QA — 40 min each (120 min total). MCQ + TITA, +3 / −1 (no negative on TITA).
Feeds. All IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IIM-Mumbai, DMS-IIT, new IIMs and 1000+ B-schools.
Conducted by: XLRI Jamshedpur
When: First Sunday of January
Pattern. Verbal & Logical, Decision Making, Quant & DI, plus General Knowledge. Known for its tricky Decision-Making section.
Feeds. XLRI, XIMB, IMT, TAPMI, and 150+ XAT-accepting institutes.
Conducted by: Symbiosis International University
When: December (multiple attempts allowed)
Pattern. General English, Analytical & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative. Shorter, faster-paced test.
Feeds. All Symbiosis institutes — SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIBM Bengaluru and more.
Conducted by: GMAC
When: Oct–Dec (up to 3 attempts, best score counts)
Pattern. Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning. Self-scheduled, no negative marking.
Feeds. NMIMS Mumbai, and many private B-schools (VIT, SDA Bocconi Asia, etc.).
Conducted by: NTA (for IIFT)
When: December
Pattern. Quant, DI & LR, Verbal, and General Awareness. Focus on international business & current affairs.
Feeds. IIFT Delhi, Kolkata & Kakinada (MBA in International Business).
Conducted by: NTA
When: Around April
Pattern. Quantitative, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Feeds. Many AICTE-approved B-schools across India (JBIMS, SIMSREE, Great Lakes, etc.).
Conducted by: Maharashtra CET Cell
When: March
Pattern. Logical Reasoning (heavy), Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability. No negative marking.
Feeds. JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA and Maharashtra government & private B-schools.
Conducted by: GMAC
When: Year-round (book any time)
Pattern. GMAT Focus Edition — Quant, Verbal, Data Insights. Computer-adaptive; valid 5 years.
Feeds. ISB, IIM exec/one-year programmes, and global B-schools.
Exam patterns and dates can change year to year — always confirm on the official website before you apply.