Students who did not score as expected in the CAT 2025 exam have many other options for MBA admission. Various state-level MBA entrance exams are available across India. These exams offer admission to over 1,000 MBA and MMS colleges throughout the country. These colleges often have reasonable fees and provide quality education.
These state-wise exams are a good chance for students to get into a reputable business school even if their CAT score was low. Application dates for many of these exams are expected to start soon in late 2025 and early 2026 .
List of State and National MBA Entrance Exams
Many states conduct their own entrance exams for MBA admission. These exams help students get into colleges within that specific state. Apart from state exams, some national-level tests like CMAT, MAT, and ATMA are also accepted by many colleges across India. Knowing the exam names and their application periods is important for planning.
| Exam Name | State/Region | Application Dates (Expected) |
| MAH MBA CET | Maharashtra | Jan – Feb 2026 |
| TS ICET | Telangana | Apr – May 2026 |
| PUMET | West Bengal | Jan – Feb 2026 |
| HPCET | Himachal Pradesh | Feb – Apr 2026 |
| TANCET | Tamil Nadu | Jan – Feb 2026 |
| OJEE | Odisha | To be Updated |
| AP ICET | Andhra Pradesh | March 2026 |
| Karnataka PGCET | Karnataka | Apr – May 2026 |
| KMAT Karnataka | Karnataka | Jan – Feb 2026 |
| KMAT Kerala | Kerala | Jan – Feb 2026 |
| JEMAT | West Bengal | May – Jun 2026 |
| UPCET | Uttar Pradesh | Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 |
| AIMA MAT | All India Open | Various sessions |
| CMAT (NTA) | All India | Jan – Feb 2026 |
| IBSAT (ICFAI) | All India | Till Dec 25, 2025 |
| ATMA (AIMS) | All India Open | Various sessions |
How to Choose an MBA Entrance Exam
Students should carefully consider several factors before applying for any MBA entrance exam. Making the right choice involves looking beyond just the exam itself.
Research Colleges and Programs
- Check the colleges that accept scores from a particular exam.
- Look at the college's approval status (accreditation).
- Find information on job placements for past students.
- Check the quality of teachers and professors (faculty).
- Review the college buildings and facilities (infrastructure).
- Confirm if the college offers the specific MBA courses (specializations) you are interested in.
Understand Exam Details
- Find out how difficult the exam usually is.
- Note the exact start and end dates for submitting applications.
- Check the fees for the exam application and the expected course fees for the MBA program.
Next Steps for MBA Aspirants
Do not be discouraged if your CAT 2025 score was lower than what you hoped for. Many other state-level and national exams provide good chances for quality management education at reasonable costs.
- Research Thoroughly: Read about different state exams and the colleges that accept their scores.
- Prepare Systematically: Plan your studies and prepare well for the exams you choose.
- Apply for Multiple Exams: To increase your chances of admission, consider applying for more than one state-level or national exam.
With focused effort and good planning, securing admission to a reputable MBA program through these state and national entrance exams is very possible. Keep track of the application deadlines to avoid missing out on these opportunities.
