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CAT vs XAT vs GMAT: Which MBA Exam Should You Take?

Compare formats, accepting colleges, timelines and difficulty to pick the MBA entrance test that fits your profile.

Rohan Iyer

MBA & Careers Writer

· 10 min read

Table of contents

Compare formats, accepting colleges, timelines and difficulty to pick the MBA entrance test that fits your profile.

Who accepts which exam

CAT is accepted by all IIMs and most top B-schools. XAT is required by XLRI and accepted by many others. GMAT opens international programmes and executive MBAs in India.

  • CAT: IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR and more
  • XAT: XLRI, XIMB, IMT and more
  • GMAT: ISB, international programmes, executive MBAs

Format and difficulty

CAT has three timed sections with sectional cut-offs. XAT includes decision-making and an essay component. GMAT is adaptive and can be taken multiple times a year.

Our take

Most Indian applicants should anchor on CAT, add XAT if XLRI is a target, and consider GMAT only with work experience or international plans.

Key takeaways

  1. 1Who accepts which exam
  2. 2Format and difficulty
  3. 3Our take
Admission rules change every cycle. Always verify requirements and dates on the official college or exam portal before applying.
#CAT#XAT#GMAT#MBA

Written by

Rohan Iyer

MBA & Careers Writer

Rohan covers CAT, MBA admissions and early-career planning.

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