MBA Entrance Exams: Which Colleges Accept CAT, SNAP, XAT, & NMAT?

Introduction

Every MBA aspirant in India faces the same dilemma: Which exams should I take, and which colleges will accept them?

Every year, more than 3.5 lakh students appear for competitive management entrance exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT. While the CAT remains the most popular, not everyone cracks it with their dream percentile. This is where multiple-exam acceptances by top B-schools come to the rescue.

The good news is that several MBA colleges in India accept more than one entrance exam score. This flexibility increases your chances of securing a seat in a reputed institute, even if one exam doesn’t go your way.

Why Do B-Schools Accept Multiple Entrance Exams?

You might wonder: Why don’t colleges just stick to one exam like the IIMs with CAT?
Here’s why multiple acceptances are becoming common:

1. Flexibility for students: Aspirants come from diverse backgrounds—some do well in speed-based tests like SNAP, others excel in analytical exams like XAT.
2. Larger talent pool: Accepting multiple exams widens the reach of colleges and brings in more applicants.
3. Level playing field: Not all aspirants can ace CAT, but they may perform better in NMAT or SNAP.
4. Admissions security for institutes: More exam acceptances mean more applications, ensuring that seats don’t go vacant.

Think of it like college applications abroad—universities accept SAT, ACT, or even GRE scores, allowing students to apply with their strongest credentials.

MBA Colleges Accepting CAT, SNAP, XAT, and NMAT

Here’s the detailed breakdown of who accepts what:

Colleges Accepting CAT + XAT + NMAT + SNAP

Only a few B-schools cast such a wide net. These are usually private universities with multiple programs.

Accepting CAT + XAT + NMAT

Accepting CAT + XAT + SNAP

Colleges Accepting CAT + NMAT + SNAP

Colleges Accepting CAT + XAT

This is the most common overlap outside IIMs.

Colleges Accepting NMAT + SNAP + XAT

Strategic Advantage of Applying to Multiple-Exam Colleges

Why does this matter for you as a student?

1. Plan B Security: Even if you stumble in CAT, a strong NMAT or SNAP score can still land you in a reputed college.
2. Wider Choices: You can target both specialized schools (like XLRI for HR) and generalist B-schools (like NMIMS).
3. Leverage Strengths: If you’re great at speed-based tests, SNAP could be your savior; if you’re analytical, XAT might play to your strengths.
4. Reduced Pressure: Knowing you have multiple chances reduces the stress of a single high-stakes exam.

How to Shortlist Colleges Based on Exam Acceptances

Not all B-schools that accept multiple exams are right for you. Here’s how to decide:

• Step1: Define your goals → Want consulting? Target MDI, SPJIMR. Interested in marketing? Symbiosis SIBM is strong.
• Step2: Match your exam strengths → High accuracy but slower? CAT/XAT works. Good with speed? SNAP/NMAT is better.
• Step3: Check ROI and placements → Compare tuition vs. average CTC. (See [2025 College Fee vs Placement Breakdown: IIMs vs Top Private B-Schools]).
• Step4: Factor in location & alumni network → Mumbai (finance hub), Pune (corporate tie-ups), Delhi (consulting firms).
  

How Career Plan B Helps?

Choosing the right college amidst this maze of exams can be overwhelming. That’s where Career Plan B steps in:

• Personalized Career Counselling → Expert guidance to shortlist the right mix of colleges based on your exam portfolio.
• Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests → Identify your aptitude strengths to decide which exam suits you best.
• Admission and Academic Profile Guidance → Build a compelling application aligned with the target B-school’s expectations.
• Career Roadmapping → Strategic planning that aligns today’s exam choice with your long-term career vision.

With Career Plan B, you don’t just prepare for exams—you prepare for the career beyond them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which MBA colleges accept both CAT and XAT?
A: MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, FORE School of Management, TAPMI, and Great Lakes.

Q2. Can I get admission in an MBA college without CAT?
A: Yes. Many colleges accept SNAP, NMAT, or XAT. For example, NMIMS (NMAT), Symbiosis (SNAP), and XLRI (XAT).

Q3. Is it wise to apply through multiple exams for the same college?
A: Absolutely. Use your best score at the time of application to maximize chances.

Q4. Do IIMs accept exams other than CAT?
A: No. IIMs strictly accept CAT scores only.

Q5. Which exam is considered easiest among CAT, SNAP, XAT, NMAT?
A: SNAP is speed-based and relatively shorter, NMAT allows multiple attempts, CAT tests deep aptitude, and XAT is toughest due to Decision Making.

Conclusion

The world of MBA admissions in India goes far beyond CAT. With institutions like SPJIMR, IMT Ghaziabad, and KJ Somaiya accepting multiple exams, candidates have a golden opportunity to increase their chances of selection without putting all their hopes on a single exam.

Key takeaway? Smarter candidates don’t just prepare harder—they prepare wider. By strategically choosing CAT plus one or two other exams (XAT, NMAT, or SNAP), you significantly improve your admission opportunities.

If you want to create a personalized plan and avoid the stress of guesswork, connect with Career Plan B for career counselling, exam guidance, and profile support. Remember, success in MBA admissions isn’t only about clearing one test—it’s about choosing the right combination that unlocks the right doors.