Planning to pursue management studies in India? Whether you’re targeting a BBA, BMS, or MBA, knowing the entrance exam timeline is crucial for effective preparation. This guide covers all major undergraduate and graduate management entrance exams in 2026, along with their expected dates and official links.

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📌 Why You Should Track Exam Timelines?

• Avoid missing registration deadlines
• Plan preparation strategically
• Apply to multiple top colleges
• Increase your chances of selection

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🎓 Undergraduate Management Entrance Exams 2026

These exams are for students after Class 12 aiming for courses like BBA, BMS, BBM, IPM, etc.

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1. IPMAT 2026 (IIM Indore & IIM Rohtak)

• Registration Starts: February 2026
• Exam Date: May 2026
• Courses: Integrated Program in Management (IPM)
• Official Website: https://www.iimidr.ac.in

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2. CUET UG 2026

• Registration Starts: January–February 2026
• Exam Date: May–June 2026
• Accepted By: DU, BHU, JNU & many central universities
• Official Website: https://cuet.samarth.ac.in

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3. SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test) 2026

• Registration Starts: December 2025
• Exam Date: May 2026
• Courses: BBA, BMS
• Official Website: https://www.set-test.org

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4. NPAT 2026 (NMIMS)

• Registration Starts: December 2025
• Exam Window: January–May 2026
• Courses: BBA, B.Com (Hons)
• Official Website: https://npat.nmims.edu

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5. MAH BBA/BMS CET 2026

• Registration Starts: March 2026
• Exam Date: May–June 2026
• Conducted By: Maharashtra CET Cell
• Official Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org

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6. Christ University Entrance Test 2026

• Registration Starts: December 2025
• Exam Date: April 2026
• Courses: BBA, BBA (Finance, Analytics)
• Official Website: https://christuniversity.in

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🎓 Graduate Management Entrance Exams 2026 (MBA)

These exams are for students after graduation aiming for MBA/PGDM programs.

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1. CAT 2026 (Common Admission Test)

• Registration Starts: August 2026
• Exam Date: November 2026
• Accepted By: IIMs & 1000+ B-schools
• Official Website: https://iimcat.ac.in

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2. XAT 2026 (XLRI)

• Registration Starts: July 2025
• Exam Date: January 2026
• Accepted By: XLRI & 150+ institutes
• Official Website: https://xatonline.in

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3. SNAP 2026 (Symbiosis)

• Registration Starts: August 2026
• Exam Date: December 2026 (Multiple attempts)
• Official Website: https://snaptest.org

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4. NMAT 2026 (GMAC)

• Registration Starts: August 2026
• Exam Window: October–December 2026
• Official Website: https://www.mba.com/nmat

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5. CMAT 2026 (NTA)

• Registration Starts: January 2026
• Exam Date: March 2026
• Official Website: https://cmat.nta.nic.in

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6. MAH MBA CET 2026

• Registration Starts: January 2026
• Exam Date: March 2026
• Official Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org

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7. MAT 2026 (AIMA)

• Conducted: Multiple times (Feb, May, Sept, Dec)
• Modes: CBT, PBT, IBT
• Official Website: https://mat.aima.in

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📅 Quick Timeline Overview (2026)

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🎯 Preparation Strategy Based on Timeline

For Undergraduate Aspirants:

• Start preparation from Class 11 or early Class 12
• Focus on Quant, Reasoning, English & GK
• Attempt mock tests regularly

For MBA Aspirants:

• Start preparation 12–15 months before CAT
• Focus on Quant, LRDI, VARC
• Solve previous year papers

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📌 Pro Tips

• Apply to multiple exams to maximize chances
• Keep documents ready before registration
• Follow official websites for latest updates
• Create a personalized study plan

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❓ FAQs (Featured Snippet Optimized)

Q1. Which is the best entrance exam for MBA in India?

CAT is considered the top exam for admission into IIMs and top B-schools.

Q2. Can I apply for multiple management entrance exams?

Yes, applying to multiple exams increases your chances of admission.

Q3. Which exam is best for BBA after 12th?

Top exams include IPMAT, CUET, SET, NPAT, and MAH BBA CET.

Q4. When should I start preparing for CAT 2026?

Ideally, start preparation by early 2025 for best results.