The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a competitive exam taken by students who aspire to attend a business school. It is an internationally recognized exam administered year-round in roughly 110 countries and accepted by nearly 2300 colleges. International recruiters also use the GMAT scores to evaluate the overall competence and quantitative aptitude of prospective employees. The exam is gradually gaining popularity as the number of GMAT accepting colleges in India is constantly increasing.
Presently, around fifty Indian colleges accept the GMAT score for admission to their management programs. On the other hand, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is only valid for admission to Indian business schools.
GMAT vs CAT
Students willing to pursue an MBA degree are often confused between taking the GMAT and the CAT exam. As mentioned above, the GMAT exam is a widely accepted entrance test that numerous students take up across the globe. Its wide acceptance by more than 2100 universities makes it the most popular MBA exam. Tata Consultancy Services administers the Common Admission Test (CAT), a national graduate exam accepted by Indian business schools. At the same time, the management test developed by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is accepted both nationally and internationally.
Choosing the right exam largely depends on your future aspirations. Certain factors differentiate the two exams which need to be considered by the students:
1. Validity
The first factor that students need to pay attention to is the validity of both these competitive exams. The score of the CAT exam is only valid for one year, whereas the score of the GMAT exam is valid for five years from the date of taking the test. Although specific schools may have different guidelines about the scores, the GMAT exam’s longer validity is an added advantage. If you plan to retake the GMAT exam, you can do so at any time. However, this is not the case with the CAT exam, as students will have to wait another year to retake this exam, which is a sheer waste of time.
2. Exam pattern
The CAT has three sections, namely Quantitative ability, Verbal ability and logical reasoning, and lasts for approximately two hours. The entire exam consists of a hundred questions in totality, and students receive a score from three hundred marks. On the other hand, the GMAT has four sections, including an additional analytical assessment section, and the entire exam lasts for about three hours. The exam comprises 80 questions, and the total score ranges from 200 to 800.
3. Exam fees and attempts
The CAT is conducted every year in July and August, and students have to pay a registration fee of rupees two thousand. Students must pay attention to the registration deadlines and other important information released by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). The exam is conducted once a year, and students can register for the GMAT online by creating an account on the official GMAC website and paying $250.
4. Difficulty level
The GMAT is an adaptive exam, which means that the difficulty level will increase if you answer correctly. The CAT, on the other hand, has a predetermined set of questions. The quantitative section of the CAT can be more brain-wracking than the GMAT. Similarly, the verbal section of the GMAT might be a little tricky for non-native English speakers. The difference in difficulty level may be attributed to the abundance of resources available for GMAT preparation compared to only a handful of reliable resources for the CAT exam.
When choosing one of these two exams, a student’s future goals play a huge part. Although both the exams have their merits and demerits, you should consider all the factors mentioned above to make an informed decision. If you are interested in pursuing your further studies abroad and want to keep all the options open, you might consider taking the GMAT exam. However, if you are sure that you won’t be going abroad under any circumstances and will be pursuing your MBA from India, the CAT exam will be the best option.
Top 10 GMAT Accepting Colleges in India
With the growing number of Indian students opting for the GMAT exam, students have a wide array of options to choose from. Their GMAT score and overall profile will determine the business school to which they are accepted. The following is a comprehensive list of Indian business schools that accept the GMAT:
| S. No. | Colleges | Location | Average Score |
| 1 | Indian School of Business (ISB) | Hyderabad | 710 |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM-A) | Ahmedabad | 702 |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM-B) | Bangalore | 709 |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM-L) | Lucknow | 710 |
| 5 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM-C) | Calcutta | 700+ |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM-K) | Kozhikode | 650 |
| 7 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM-I) | Indore | 650 |
| 8 | Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) | Jamshedpur | 686 |
| 9 | SP Jain Institute of Management and Research | Mumbai | 660 |
| 10 | Fore School of Management | Delhi | 650 |
Briefs on the Best GMAT Accepting Colleges in 2022
We have shared basic information about these GMAT Colleges in India below:
IIM Ahmedabad
According to the NIRF 2021, IIM Ahmedabad (IIM-A) is the best management education institution in the country. IIM-A is a public and independent institute that was created in 1961 and is one of only a handful in India to be accredited by the EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System). The institute is well-known for the following characteristics:
- The PGP (also known as the MBA) programme, offered at this school full-time for two years, is its signature programme.
- About 90 students had the chance to study in India thanks to IM-well-established A’s Student Exchange Program, which offers 150 students the chance to travel abroad.
IIM Bengaluru
The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), one of the top-ranked IIMs, was founded in 1973. The institution was placed second in the NIRF 2021 after IIM Ahmedabad.
- The institute offers management studies at the postgraduate and doctorate levels.
- In the entire globe, the PGP software is the most sought-after.
- The average placement package for the academic year 2019 was INR 25,00,000 per year.
Among IIM-prominent B’s graduates are K. Radhakrishnan (Ex-ISRO Chairman), Shehla Rashid (Indian Politician), Vega Tamotia (Indian Actress), and Ravi Subramanium (Popular Author), and many more.
IIM Kolkata
IIM Kolkata was the first institute developed under the IIM legacy, and it was established in 1961. It is ranked third in the Management category in the NIRF 2021 Ranking.
With a 135-acre campus encircled by seven lakes, IIM Kolkata is one of India’s prettiest and most picturesque campuses. The institution features a variety of administrative and faculty office buildings, a 750-seat auditorium, many seminars, fully furnished classrooms, conference rooms, student housing, and a library with more than 1,40,000 reference volumes and around 1,500 publications.
The institute offers graduate, doctoral, and executive programmes, with the MBA (or PGPM) being the most popular. Recruiters and students from prominent organisations all across the world have frequently attended the Institute.
IIM Indore
The Ministry of Human Resource Development of India established IIM Indore in 1996. The institution’s official website offers online and offline admission options, and the application form may be downloaded from there.
- The institute is set on a 193-acre campus equipped with every technological facility.
- Innovative learning technology is used in IIM classrooms, and a variety of training and conferences are offered.
- Along with top-notch amenities and several international partnerships, IIM Indore provides a complete residential programme.
IIM Lucknow
IIM Lucknow is a public business school in Uttar Pradesh that ranks fourth among the IIMs.
It has been recognised as an “Institution of Excellence” by the Government of India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development. Since its founding in 1984, IIM Rohtak, Jammu, Kashipur, and Sirmur have benefited from its mentoring.
- A 190-acre main campus is located in Lucknow, while a 20-acre executive education-only satellite campus is located in Noida.
- This university’s programmes have been certified by the major certifying authorities, AACSB and AMBA. It now offers a number of postgraduate and doctoral management programmes. The two-year, full-time, residential PGP programme at IIM Lucknow is its flagship programme; upon completion, students receive a PGDM degree.
IIM Madras
In 1959, Professor Humayun Kabir established the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in Chennai. All India Council for Technical Education has approved the institution (AICTE).
The renowned MBA programme has been offered at IIT Madras since 2001, and the Department of Management Studies was established in 2004 to house it. It was the first IIT to admit students majoring in B.Sc., B.A., and B.Com. In 2013, in addition to those majoring in engineering.
The department also provides research programmes leading to the Master’s (MS), Master’s (Entrepreneurship), Doctoral (PhD), and Executive MBA degrees for middle and senior-level executives in addition to the MBA programme.
ISB Hyderabad
The Indian School of Business was established as a private institution in Hyderabad in 2001. It is recognised as one of the most important institutes in Hyderabad. ISB wants to be a global leader and a centre of excellence in higher education. ISB strives to provide its students with a high-quality education in order to prepare them for the ever-changing and tough corporate environment. It offers the following services.
ISB is well-known for its cutting-edge programmes. It has an accomplished and knowledgeable faculty from all around the world. This school attracts corporations, scholars, and individuals from all around the world.
ISB’s primary objective is to establish itself as a global brand quickly. ISB believes in the practical application of knowledge. This is done through various live projects, research, and guest lecture events that the university conducts.
IMT Ghaziabad
The university has long been considered one of India’s most important business institutions. There are further Institute of Management Technology campuses in Nagpur, Dubai, and Hyderabad.
The IMT Ghaziabad was founded as a self-contained institution in 1980. The institute is recognised as one of the best in India, providing the following opportunities:
- In addition to its Meerut campus, IMT provides distance learning. IMT Ghaziabad seeks to increase academic performance via experiential mastery.
- Because of its affiliation with 49 countries, academics can engage in exchange programmes that link them with other scholars from those countries.
SPJIMR Mumbai
SPJIMR was established in 1981 and is headquartered in Mumbai. It is a university with national and international acclaim. According to the NIRF ranking 2021, the B-school is ranked 19th and offers the following amenities:
- A high-quality, practical education is given to students via the use of the most modern teaching techniques and a combination of classroom and outside-of-classroom experience.
- It is affiliated with and recognised by the University of Bombay. It has earned multiple foreign accreditations from organisations like the Association of MBAs in the United Kingdom and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in the United States. The All India Council for Technical Education has also recognised it.
XLRI Jamshedpur
In the NIRF Ranking 2021, the Xavier Labour Relations Institute in Jamshedpur is placed eighth among India’s most prestigious business schools. The college offers the following professional opportunities:
- The university has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious alternatives for MBA aspirants. It has and continues to offer a 100% placement guarantee, allowing students to join the corporate world confidently.
- Among the XLRI courses available are the Post Graduate Certificate, Executive Diploma, Fellowship Program, and Post Graduate Diploma In Management [PGDM].
Indian B-schools That Require a 700+ GMAT Score
Students’ GMAT scores and their general profile are taken into account when applying to top business schools. A score of 700+ is equivalent to the 88th percentile, which is a pretty decent score that can enable students to apply to top-ranking universities, both in India and abroad. Attaining this score requires a thorough GMAT study plan and at least two to three months of rigorous preparation.
If you wish to prepare for the exam on your own, you can refer to guides, apps and online GMAT forums. You can also use the official GMAT prep resources offered by the GMAC or opt for unofficial courses offered by Manhattan prep, Kaplan, and Magoosh. Although the score alone does not guarantee admission to a top MBA college in India, it will surely add more credibility to your profile.
Here are the top colleges in India that require a GMAT score of 700+ marks:
- Indian School of Business (ISB)
- Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A)
- Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B)
- Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM-L)
Schools Accepting GMAT Scores Below 700
Firstly, if you have a score less than 700, then you might think about retaking the exam if possible. A good GMAT score will enable you to target top business schools in India and abroad and stay one step ahead than others with lower scores. But if you are unable to sit for the exam again, you can target one of the below-mentioned business schools in India:
- Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM-I)
- Xavier Labour Relations Institute
- Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K)
- Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
Applying to Other MBA Programs
Although the number of Indian business schools accepting the GMAT has significantly increased, some schools still conduct their own exams for admission into the MBA program. Here is a list of other exams conducted in India besides CAT and GMAT:
1. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
The All India Management Association administers the Management Aptitude Test, attempted by students interested in enrolling in MBA programmes at Indian universities. There are no stringent prerequisites for this exam. Therefore, it is suitable for students who did not perform well in their graduation years. Candidates appearing for the CAT, on the other hand, must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum aggregate of 50%. This exam is conducted for four times every year and is slightly easier than the CAT.
2. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
XLRI, Jamshedpur conducts this national-level management entrance examination for admission to MBA programmes. Students must have a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to appear for this exam. The exam takes place in January, and students get 180 minutes to complete 100 MCQ questions. Over 700 B-schools accept XAT scores for admission to their postgraduate management programmes, in addition to XLRI and ten other Xavier’s associate institutes.
3. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CMAT for admission to MBA programmes at various Indian business schools. There are 100 questions on data interpretation, general awareness, logical thinking, numerical ability, and language comprehension in this exam. The exam is three hours long, and candidates attain a score on a scale of 400 points.
4. NMAT
NMAT, also commonly known as NMAT by the GMAC, is a student-friendly entrance exam that allows them to choose a date and venue that is convenient for them. The exam is conducted once a year and lasts for two hours. This exam is for admission to Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) and other top Indian B-school and MBA colleges in South Africa, the Philippines, and Nigeria.
5. ATMA (Aims Test for Management Admission)
The Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) conducts the ATMA around 4-5 times a year. The exam tests the candidate’s ability to pursue higher education in management and allows them to get admission to top Indian Business schools.
6. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
SNAP is a management entrance examination conducted by Symbiosis International University. The exam allows candidates to take up an MBA program offered by the 16 constituent colleges. The exam lasts for sixty minutes and comprises sixty objective-type questions. It takes place in December, and students have to appear for a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Exercise (GE) and Personal Interaction (PI) after the exam.
FAQs
1. How do I start preparing for the GMAT?
Students should take a full-length examination before beginning their preparation. This will help them determine the exact number of hours and level of effort required to attain the desired result. After that, you can identify your weak areas and dedicate more time to improving your overall score.
2. How often can I retake the GMAT?
A person can take the GMAT up to five times in 12 months and no more than once every 16 days.
3. Can I cancel my GMAT test appointment?
Applicants can use their GMAT account to reschedule the exam. You’ll be charged $50 if you reschedule more than seven days before your exam; if you reschedule within those seven days, you’ll be charged $250.
4. How is the GMAT scoring done?
The score range for the GMAT is between 200 and 800. Scores for the verbal and quantitative components range from 0 to 60, and you’ll get a score from 1 to 8 on the integrated reasoning portion. Lastly, you’ll receive a score in half-point increments ranging from 0 to 6 for the analytical assessment.
5. What are the best preparation resources?
There are ample GMAT prep resources such as online courses, in-person study courses, apps, books, and online forums. You should choose the resource which aligns with your learning style and will cater to your weaknesses. Students also use the official GMAT guide for reference along with the resources mentioned above.
6. How can non-native English speakers score well in the verbal section?
The only way to improve your English-language skills is to go through additional material like newspapers, journals, and fictional/non-fictional pieces of writing. These will help you increase your reading speed, improve your vocabulary and enhance your understanding of complex sentences. You can also listen to English songs and podcasts to further improve your fluency and then record yourself so that you can rectify your pronunciation and avoid fumbling while speaking.
