Top MBA colleges continue to accept applications on the basis of scores from CAT, XAT, NMAT, MAT, and soon CMAT

The month of December marks a significant crossroads for management aspirants targeting the 2026-28 academic session. With CAT results anticipated or recently declared, focus shifts toward secondary entrance exams and individual college applications. Top-tier business schools are currently accepting a range of scores including XAT, NMAT, and MAT to fill their diverse cohorts. Furthermore, the upcoming CMAT 2026 offers a final major national opportunity for those aiming for premier institutes like JBIMS and SIMSREE. Successful candidates are those who remain vigilant regarding shifting deadlines and specific institutional requirements during this high-stakes period. Ensure your documentation is ready to meet the rapidly approaching end-of-year submission windows.

As the final week of 2025 commences, the MBA admissions cycle for the 2026-28 batch has reached a critical juncture. For thousands of aspirants, December is a month of high-stakes transitions—shifting focus from the Common Admission Test (CAT) toward the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) and other national-level examinations. While the initial wave of exams like NMAT and SNAP has concluded, the door remains open for several premier management institutes that accept a diverse range of test scores. Institutional deadlines are fast approaching, requiring students to pivot quickly from exam preparation to the final application phase.

The Landscape of Major MBA Entrance Exams

• CAT 2025 Status: With the result announcement phase currently underway, candidates are now prioritizing applications for non-IIM institutes such as FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and SPJIMR Mumbai, which consider CAT scores alongside profile-based parameters.
• XAT 2026 Readiness: Scheduled for January 4, 2026, the exam remains a primary target for aspirants aiming for XLRI Jamshedpur and its 160+ associate institutes. Registered candidates are now in the intensive revision phase for Decision Making and General Knowledge.
• NMAT and SNAP Closure: Although the main testing windows for these exams have concluded as of late December, institutional applications for NMIMS and Symbiosis International University (SIU) institutes are moving into their second phase of selection involving group exercises and personal interviews.

CMAT 2026 and MAT: The Flexible Pathways

• CMAT 2026 Prospects: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to conduct CMAT 2026 on January 25, 2026. This exam serves as a gateway to over 1,000 AICTE-approved colleges, including high-ROI institutes like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA.
• MAT Versatility: The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) continues to offer multiple testing modes including Computer-Based (CBT) and Paper-Based (PBT) options. Its high frequency allows candidates to improve their scores and apply to over 800 business schools throughout the academic cycle.
• IBSAT 2025: Scheduled for December 27 and 28, this exam provides a final year-end opportunity for those targeting the various campuses of the ICFAI Business School, particularly the flagship Hyderabad campus.

Summary of Active Management Admissions

The integration of multiple test scores allows students to hedge their risks and apply to a wider spectrum of B-schools. Experts suggest that while CAT remains the most competitive, exams like CMAT and MAT provide a vital safety net for students aiming for specialized programs or regional leaders. Below is a comparison of the current admission status:

Navigating the year-end admission landscape requires a balance of rigorous preparation and timely administrative actions. As application windows for various B-schools close sporadically, keeping a detailed tracker of deadlines is as important as the exam itself. Candidates must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria and sectional cutoff requirements of their target institutes. Aspirants are advised to regularly monitor the official admission portals of their shortlisted institutes to track specific documentation deadlines and interview call status.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on management entrance exams and courses, check here: Management Exams List.