Never Miss an MBA Entrance Deadline: Tracking IIMs & Other B-School Notifications

Introduction

Have you ever missed an MBA registration deadline because you found out too late? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of aspirants plan to appear for exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, or SNAP—but many lose their chance simply because they weren’t aware of the notification dates.

With dozens of entrance exams conducted by different bodies—each with unique schedules and eligibility criteria—tracking every update manually becomes overwhelming. What’s worse? Missing one notification could cost you an entire academic year.

Why Tracking MBA Entrance Notifications Matters

In India’s competitive B‑school ecosystem, staying informed isn’t optional—it’s strategic. Exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, and IIFT often have non‑overlapping yet tight schedules. Missing one update can derail months of preparation.

According to internal surveys by coaching institutes, nearly 25% of first‑time test takers either miss the registration deadline or submit incomplete forms due to poor awareness. Since each exam opens only once a year, that’s an expensive mistake.

Precise tracking ensures:

• You register on time for all target exams.
• You can align your preparation based on actual exam dates.
• You can plan backups in case one exam clashes with another.

In short, efficient tracking converts uncertainty into confidence.

Major MBA Entrance Exams and Their Notification Cycles

IIMs and CAT

The CAT 2025 notification is typically released by the last week of July by one of the IIMs. The exam usually takes place in late November. The notification includes vital details such as:

• Registration start and end dates
• Updated eligibility conditions
• Revised exam structure and syllabus
• Important guidelines for uploading documents

Official updates are always published on the CAT website (https://iimcat.ac.in) and through press releases. Aspirants should bookmark the page and follow CAT’s verified social media handles for real‑time alerts.

XLRI and XAT

The XAT 2026 registration notification generally arrives in July or early August, followed by the exam in early January. Candidates often miss the early phase of registration since XLRI updates its XATonline portal quietly before heavy promotions begin.
Stay alert to XLRI’s official website or subscribe to newsletters from leading platforms like Career Plan B to get instant alerts.

Other Key Exams

Many aspirants take multiple tests to expand college options. Here’s a quick look at common notifications:

Keeping this calendar updated ensures you never lose track of crucial windows.

Reliable Channels to Monitor Notifications

1.Official Exam Websites

Always treat the official website as your first source. Fake circulars and unverified date claims are common during peak exam season. Bookmark all relevant portals and check them once a week during July–December.

2.News Portals & Education Websites

Trusted educational platforms like Career Plan B, Shiksha, or MBAUniverse condense multiple exam updates into simple summaries. They usually include:

• Registration start and end dates
• Application steps and direct links
• Changes in pattern or eligibility

These sites act as aggregators, saving you from visiting multiple portals daily.

3.Social Media & Telegram Channels

Verified handles such as @CAT_India, @XATonline, or @NMATbyGMAC on X (formerly Twitter) often tweet official notices instantly. Telegram groups can also be helpful but ensure you follow verified or admin‑moderated channels only.
Pro tip: Create a dedicated folder or list on X to follow all exam accounts in one place.

4.Google Alerts & Email Subscriptions

A simple but powerful trick—set Google Alerts for keywords like CAT 2025 notification, MBA entrance exam deadlines, or SNAP registration.
Steps:

1. Go to Google Alerts.
2. Enter your chosen keyword.
3. Choose “At most once a day” frequency.
4. Add your email.

You’ll now get email updates automatically whenever fresh information hits the web.

Smart Tools and Apps to Stay Ahead

Using Calendar Tools

Turn your notifications into a visual routine. Tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello let you create color‑coded entries for each exam.

• Red for CAT
• Blue for XAT
• Green for SNAP

Set reminders one week before and one day before each deadline.

Mobile Apps and Aggregators

Apps such as MBA Guru, or InsideIIM provide push notifications for exam schedule updates.
Tip: Enable app alerts but cross‑check any information with the official site before acting.

Excel or Spreadsheet Tracking

Create a table with these columns:
Exam | Registration Start | Deadline | Admit Card | Exam Date | Result Date
Update it every Sunday. This mini dashboard serves as your personalized MBA entrance tracker and ensures no detail slips through the cracks.

How to Build a Personalized Tracking Strategy

If you’re juggling multiple exams—say CAT, NMAT, and XAT—it’s essential to maintain order. Here’s a structure that works for hundreds of aspirants:

1. List Target Exams: Identify which tests align with your college goals.
2. Build a Notification Calendar: Mark all expected dates based on previous years.
3. Set Weekly Review Time: Every Sunday, spend 10 minutes verifying current statuses from official sources.
4. Prioritize Deadlines: Exams with earlier registration windows (like NMAT and SNAP) come first.
5. Use Cloud Sync: Keep your tracker on Google Sheets so you can update it from your phone anytime.

How Career Plan B Helps

At Career Plan B, we know MBA admissions can feel like a maze—and missing one notification can change your academic trajectory. Our mission is to make your journey effortless and informed.

Here’s how we help you stay on track:

• Personalized Career Counselling: Our experts map your profile to suitable MBA exams and colleges, ensuring you know which notifications truly matter.
• Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests: Identify your ideal specialization before you start applying.
• Notification Updates and Alerts: Our website and newsletters compile all major MBA exam updates, including CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and more.
• Admission & Academic Profile Guidance: Get clarity on eligibility criteria, essay requirements, and deadlines.
• Career Roadmapping: Receive a customized roadmap covering your entrance exam strategy to final admission.

Instead of juggling multiple sources, you get all verified updates and support in one place — precise, timely, and tailored for your success.

Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!

FAQs

Q1. When does the CAT 2025 notification come out?
Typically in the last week of July, released by one of the IIMs.

Q2. What are the best sources for MBA exam updates?
Official websites, trusted education portals like Career Plan B, and verified social media handles.

Q3. Is there any single platform for all notifications?
Career Plan B and similar educational sites curate consolidated timelines and reminders for all major exams.

Q4. Are Telegram or WhatsApp groups reliable for alerts?
Only if they’re managed by official coaching institutes or verified handles. Always cross‑verify.

Q5. How can working professionals stay updated amid busy schedules?
Use Google Alerts, calendar reminders, and subscribe to weekly digests from reliable educational blogs.

Conclusion

Tracking MBA entrance exam notifications for IIMs and other top B‑schools doesn’t have to be stressful. With structured systems—Google Alerts, spreadsheets, productivity apps—you can stay updated effortlessly. More importantly, being proactive about deadlines gives you more time to prepare strategically and apply confidently.

If you’re serious about an MBA in 2025 or 2026, let your first step be awareness. The earlier you know, the better you plan, prepare, and perform.

Stay ahead of the curve—subscribe to Career Plan B’s MBA Exam Tracker today and never miss an important notification again.