Thinking about cracking an MBA entrance exam? Congratulations, you’ve just entered a world where stress becomes a lifestyle and mock tests become your love language. Whether it’s the mighty CAT and OMETs 2025 like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, IIFT, TISSNET, you’re in for a ride that’ll test your patience, speed, and brain cells.
Let’s break it down for you — with the latest exam dates, application deadlines, number of questions, marking schemes, timings, and even some relatable MBA aspirant humor to make sure this long article doesn’t feel like another DILR section.
🗓️ Exam Form Dates & Important Deadlines
Let’s not wait for the last minute. (But let’s be honest — you will.)
CAT 2025 – Common Admission Test
- Application Start Date: August 1, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: September 15, 2025
- Admit Card Release: October 25, 2025
- Exam Date: November 30, 2025
📝 Conducted by one of the IIMs (roulette-style rotation), CAT is your ticket to 20 IIMs and 100+ top B-schools.
Top OMETs and Their Deadlines
| Exam | Form Opens | Form Closes | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| XAT 2025 | July 15, 2025 | November 30, 2025 | January 5, 2026 |
| NMAT 2025 | August 1, 2025 | October 10, 2025 | Oct 10 – Dec 20, 2025 |
| SNAP 2025 | August 23, 2025 | November 23, 2025 | Dec 8, 15 & 22, 2025 |
| IIFT 2025 | September 1, 2025 | October 30, 2025 | December 2025 (expected) |
| TISSNET 2025 | December 2025 | January 2026 | February 2026 (expected) |
💡 Pro tip: Bookmark this section and set a 3-month Google Calendar reminder. Yes, it’s that important.
⌛ Exam Timings & Duration: Because Time Flies When You’re Guessing Answers
- CAT 2025: 120 minutes (3 sections × 40 mins)
- XAT 2025: 190 minutes (including 10 minutes for essay writing)
- NMAT: 120 minutes – adaptive and fast-paced
- SNAP: 60 minutes of pure sprinting (mentally)
- IIFT: 120 minutes
- TISSNET: 100 minutes – the kindest of them all
🕒 Yes, you will lose track of time. Yes, your palms will sweat. And yes, you’ll swear the timer moved faster than usual.
🧠 Number of Questions, Sections & Marking Schemes
Here’s the part where it all gets real. Each exam brings its own flavor — some spicy, some extra tangy, and some just plain confusing.
CAT 2025 Pattern
- Sections: VARC (24), DILR (22), QA (22)
- Total Questions: 66
- Marking: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong
- Specials: Some TITA questions (Type in the Answer) = no negative marking. You’re welcome.
XAT 2025 Pattern
- Sections: VARC, Decision Making, QA-DI, GK, Essay
- Total Questions: 100+
- Marking: -0.25 for wrong, -0.10 after skipping 8+ questions
- Bonus: Decision Making will test if you’re ethical. No pressure.
NMAT Pattern
- Sections: Language Skills, Quant, Logical Reasoning
- Questions: 36 per section = 108
- Marking: No negative marking (finally, some mercy)
SNAP Pattern
- Sections: English, Reasoning, QA-DI
- Total: 60 Questions
- Marking: +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong
- Speed-based exam. Blink and you’ll miss it.
IIFT Pattern
- Sections: VARC, QA, LRDI, GK
- Questions: ~110
- Marking: Varies per section – now that’s spicy
TISSNET Pattern
- Sections: English Proficiency, Maths & Reasoning, GK
- Total: 100
- Marking: No negative marking
- The calm before the interview storm.
💰 Exam Fees: Your Wallet is Already Crying
| Exam | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| CAT | ₹2400 (₹1200 for SC/ST) |
| XAT | ₹2100 + ₹200 per XLRI program |
| NMAT | ₹2800 (for 1 attempt) |
| SNAP | ₹2250 per attempt |
| IIFT | ₹2500 |
| TISSNET | ₹1030 (approx.) |
💸 MBA isn’t just expensive after selection. It begins at the form-filling stage.
📊 Which Exam Is Hardest? Let’s Settle This
- CAT: King of MBA entrances. High difficulty. High competition.
- XAT: Trickier due to Decision Making & essay.
- NMAT: Speed + accuracy = success
- SNAP: Short but sharp. Speed-based.
- IIFT: Heavy on GK. Sectional cutoffs = danger.
- TISSNET: Relatively chill, but GK-heavy and highly specific to social sciences.
Bottom line: What’s “hard” depends on what you find challenging – Reading Comprehension, Quant, or resisting the urge to scroll Instagram.
🎯 MBA Entrance Exam Prep Tips That Actually Work
- Start early: You can’t microwave CAT prep. It’s a slow cook.
- Mock tests: Treat them like your gym reps – painful but necessary.
- Analyze every test: Don’t just look at scores. Understand your weak spots.
- GK prep: Read newspapers, GK capsules, and yes — your dad’s WhatsApp forwards help here too.
- Make a routine: You don’t have to study 10 hours a day. Just do it consistently.
- Don’t ignore OMETs: Treat them with respect — many top B-schools lie beyond IIMs.
🕹️ Final Words: Which Exam Should You Target?
If you’re aiming for IIMs, then CAT is non-negotiable.
But that doesn’t mean OMETs are backups. B-schools like XLRI (XAT), NMIMS (NMAT), SIBM (SNAP), TISS (TISSNET), and IIFT offer incredible opportunities and placements. Don’t put all your eggs in one exam-basket.
🌟 Prepare smartly. Diversify your options. And remember, every topper was once confused like you. They just didn’t quit.
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