Management Admissions Update: Key Deadlines and Counselling Schedules

As the month of August begins, the management admissions landscape is a flurry of activity, with key registration deadlines for major entrance exams and crucial counselling updates for various B-schools. Aspirants for MBA and PGDM programs must stay informed to avoid missing critical dates.

Here is a summary of the most important developments for today, August 10, 2025:

1. CAT 2025 Registration is Active, Deadline is September 13

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 registration process is in full swing, having commenced on August 1, 2025. This is the primary gateway for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,300 other B-schools.

• Current Status: The application window is open and will remain so until September 13, 2025.
• Key Action for Aspirants: Candidates must visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in, to complete their registration. This involves creating a user ID, filling out the application form with personal and academic details, and paying the application fee of ₹2,600 (₹1,300 for reserved categories).

With the exam scheduled for November 30, 2025, aspirants have a little over a month to complete the registration process, giving them ample time to focus on their preparation.

2. XAT 2026 Registration Open for Top B-Schools

The application process for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 is also currently underway. XAT is a crucial exam for admission to XLRI, Jamshedpur, and over 160 other premier management institutes.

• Current Status: The registration process started on July 10, 2025, and will continue until December 5, 2025.
• Key Action for Aspirants: Candidates aiming for top-tier private B-schools should register on the official website xatonline.in. The application fee is ₹2,200, with an additional fee of ₹200 for each XLRI program applied for.

The XAT exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026, offering candidates a chance to apply to top institutes after their CAT result.

3. CMAT Counselling: Spot Round Registrations Underway in Some States

While the CMAT 2025 exam was conducted earlier in the year, the counselling and admission process is still active in various states. In some regions, like Madhya Pradesh, the second phase of counselling is ongoing.

• Current Status: The registration window for the spot round of counselling is open in some states, with deadlines nearing.
• Key Action for Aspirants: Candidates who appeared for CMAT 2025 should check the official admission portals of their target colleges and state counselling bodies. For instance, in some places, the final date to register for institutional-level counselling is August 10, 2025. It is imperative to check these dates on the official websites to avoid missing out on a seat.

4. MAT 2025: September Session Registrations to Start Soon

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is conducted four times a year. While the August session is complete, the schedule for the next one is being prepared.

• Current Status: The registration dates for the September session are expected to be announced shortly.
• Key Action for Aspirants: Aspirants can stay updated by regularly visiting the official AIMA-MAT website, mat.aima.in. MAT offers great flexibility with its Paper-Based Test (PBT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) modes.