Ever felt like every MBA entrance exam in India is out to get you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. With over 20* entrance tests across the country and every B-school advertising their own "unique" process, it can feel overwhelming. CAT, MAT, or CUET PG – which one should you pick for your MBA dream in 2025?
Let’s break it down. No jargon. No confusion. Only real talk.
Choosing the right entrance exam isn’t just about surviving another test. It’s about unlocking the right B-schools, scholarships, and career doors for your future. Your exam choice affects:
So let's answer the real question: CAT vs MAT vs CUET PG – which one should be YOUR best friend in 2025?
CUET PG (Common University Entrance Test - Postgraduate) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for entry to MBA/PGDM programs, mainly at central and some major state universities. It’s attracting a LOT of attention after last year’s participation surge.
Who should consider? If you’re dreaming of University of Delhi, BHU, JNU, or other public universities, this is your way in.
What’s New: The syllabus now focuses on skill-based questions, and timing was reduced to 90 minutes in 2024 – so you’ll need to answer each question fast!
Pros
Cons
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the OG of MBA entrance exams. It opens the door to all 21 IIMs plus scores of other top institutions, both government and private.
Who should consider? If an IIM, FMS, MDI, or top 20 B-school is your goal, you can’t skip CAT.
Difficulty: High! The CAT is famous for its tricky questions and seat-vacancy ratios.
Pros
Cons
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) by AIMA is the most accessible among MBA entrances. It’s accepted by 600+ B-schools and runs four times a year – so you get multiple chances to crack it.
Who should consider? Great for candidates who want a wider pool of MBA/PGDM options at Tier 2/3 colleges, or as a backup plan.
Flex: Take the exam any time of year, multiple attempts allowed. No minimum aggregate cutoff as high as CAT.
Pros
Cons
Exam | Who Accepts? | No. of Questions | Syllabus Level | Attempts/Year | Fees (Gen) | Average Top Placements | Who Should Take? |
CAT | IIMs, Top 100 B-schools | 66 | Tough | Once | ₹2,400 | ₹20–35 LPA | Targeting top-20 B-Schools |
MAT | 600+ PGDM/MBA colleges (non-IIMs) | 150 | Moderate | 4–5 times | ₹2,100 | ₹4–12 LPA | Multiple attempts, wider reach |
CUET PG | Central/State Univ MBA schools | 75 | Moderate | Once/year | ₹1,200 | ₹4–10 LPA | Prefer public univs/affordable |
Check official sites for dates, latest seat matrix and cutoffs.
College Name | Accepted Exam(s) | Avg. Package | Fees (2 yrs) | 2025 NIRF Rank | Location |
IIM Ahmedabad | CAT | ₹36.2 LPA | ₹25.0 Lakhs | #1 | Gujarat |
FMS Delhi | CAT | ₹34.1 LPA | ₹2.0 Lakhs | #4 | New Delhi |
Delhi University | CUET PG | ₹9.8 LPA | ₹1.5 Lakhs | #23 | New Delhi |
BHU | CUET PG | ₹7.5 LPA | ₹1.2 Lakhs | #45 | Varanasi |
Christ University | MAT/CUET PG | ₹8.1 LPA | ₹8.0 Lakhs | #65 | Bengaluru |
Amity University | MAT | ₹7.0 LPA | ₹12.5 Lakhs | #31 | Noida |
Absolutely! Many MBA aspirants take all three exams as a strategy. It maximizes choices and increases your odds of making it to a good B-school.
Yes, CAT is the most competitive and analytical. MAT and CUET PG have a more approachable pattern but may have lower campus placement offers compared to CAT colleges24.
No. Only CAT is accepted by IIMs. CUET PG is for public universities like DU, BHU, JNU, state univs, etc.
In terms of fees, CUET PG exam costs less to register than CAT and MAT.
For sheer number and flexibility, MAT wins (600+ B-schools, multiple attempts).
Here’s the unfiltered truth:
Whatever you decide, remember: Consistency, strategy, and self-awareness beat random luck and last-minute cramming. Pick your exam based on YOUR aspirations, not just hype.
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