Top 6 OMETs Apart From CAT: The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India. However, depending only on CAT can be risky. Every year, lakhs of students compete for limited seats in the IIMs, and sometimes the paper may be tougher than expected, or you may simply have a bad day.
That’s why Other Management Entrance Tests (OMETs) are important. Several top B-schools like XLRI, NMIMS, SIBM, and MICA conduct their own entrance exams and do not accept CAT scores. In this blog, we’ll look at 6 top-most important OMET exams you should consider to improve your chances of getting into a good MBA college.
Table of Contents
1. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
XAT is widely regarded as one of the most challenging yet rewarding exams. It tests not just your speed, but your ethical and managerial decision-making abilities. The Xavier Aptitude Test is a highly competitive national-level exam conducted by XLRI on behalf of XAMI.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | XLRI Jamshedpur (on behalf of XAMI) |
| Exam Window | First Sunday of January |
| Exam Format | 95 questions; Part 1 (VARC, DM, QA-DI) & Part 2 (GK) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct; -0.25 for incorrect; -0.10 for >8 unattempted |
| Frequency | Once per year |
| Top Colleges | XLRI (Jamshedpur/NCR), IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB |
2. NMAT by GMAC
NMAT is arguably the most candidate-friendly exam, known for its adaptive nature and multiple attempt policy. The NMAT score is not only limited to India but is also valid abroad. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is the body responsible for scheduling and conducting the NMAT exam.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Exam Window | Oct – Dec (approx. 70-day flexible window) |
| Exam Format | 108 questions in 120 minutes (Adaptive test) |
| Marking Scheme | No negative marking (Scores are scaled) |
| Attempts Allowed | Up to 3 attempts in a testing cycle |
| Top Colleges | NMIMS Mumbai, K J Somaiya, XIMB (HR), SDA Bocconi |
3. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
SNAP is a high-speed “sprint” exam where accuracy and quick decision-making are the keys to success. Every year, about 50,000-60,000 students from different backgrounds, including commerce, engineering, humanities, and others, take this test to get admission into some of the top B-schools accepting SNAP scores.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | Symbiosis International University (SIU) |
| Exam Window | December (Multiple dates) |
| Exam Format | 60 questions in 60 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct; -0.25 for incorrect |
| Attempts Allowed | Up to 3 (best of three considered by SIU) |
| Top Colleges | SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB, SITM |
4. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
CMAT is a comprehensive national exam that provides an excellent late-season opportunity for students. The Common Management Admission Test, or CMAT Exam, conducted by NTA, or the National Testing Agency, is another entrance exam for securing admission to top B-schools in India.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Window | Generally January – May (variable by year) |
| Exam Format | 100 questions (5 sections: QA-DI, LR, VARC, GK, Innovation) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct; -1 for incorrect |
| Frequency | Once per year |
| Top Colleges | JBIMS, SIMSREE, GIM Goa, Great Lakes |
5. MAH-MBA-CET
MAH MBA CET is the primary gateway to the financial capital’s best B-schools, focusing heavily on logical and abstract reasoning. The MAH CET exam for MBA/MMS is a state-level management entrance exam. Every year, the State Common Entrance Test Cell of Maharashtra organises this test for students looking to enroll in MBA, MMS, or PGDM programs at various institutes across the state.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | State CET Cell, Maharashtra |
| Exam Window | Usually March or April |
| Exam Format | 200 questions in 150 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct; No negative marking |
| Frequency | Once per year |
| Top Colleges | JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE, PUMBA, Welingkar |
6. MICAT (MICA Admission Test)
MICAT is a specialised exam for those eyeing a career in Marketing and Communication, especially through MICA Ahmedabad. The MICAT exam is an online entrance test for MICA’s postgraduate programs, including PGDM and PGDM-C.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | MICA, Ahmedabad |
| Exam Window | Two phases: Dec (MICAT I) and Jan (MICAT II) |
| Exam Format | Psychometric Test + Descriptive Test + Aptitude Test |
| Marking Scheme | Psychometric (Qualifying); Aptitude (+1, -0.25) |
| Frequency | Twice per year |
| Top Colleges | MICA Ahmedabad (Flagship PGDM-C) |
Also read: Free resources for CAT 2026 Preparation
Comparing CAT vs. OMETs: What’s the Difference?
It is essential to understand the key differences between CAT and other management entrance exams to strengthen your preparation approach and create a well-aligned roadmap for all tests. The table below highlights the major differences between CAT and OMETs to help you plan and perform better.
| Feature | CAT | OMETs |
| Difficulty | Moderate to High | Easy – Moderate |
| Negative Marking | Yes | Some have & some don’t like NMAT |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA | Includes GK, Decision Making, or Essay |
| Institutes | IIMs, ISB, SP Jain, MDI Gurgaon | Mostly private institutes like XLRI, SIBM, NMIMS |
Also read: Common Mistakes to Avoid when preparing for MBA entrances
How to Align Your OMET Preparation with CAT?
The good part is that most of the syllabus is the same across exams—topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Reading Comprehension, and Logical Reasoning. To prepare well for OMETs, follow a few basic steps:
- Choose colleges first: Decide the type of MBA you want. For HR, focus on exams like XAT and TISS. For Marketing, exams like MICAT and SNAP are important.
- Practice through mock tests: Each exam has its own pattern and speed. Scoring well in CAT doesn’t automatically mean you’ll score the same in SNAP or NMAT, so regular mocks are necessary.
- Don’t ignore GK: Most OMETs (except NMAT) include a General Awareness section. Spend about 20–30 minutes daily reading current affairs.
Conclusion
Taking too many exams can lead to burnout, which is why we recommend picking 3–4 OMETs along with CAT. This package-packing prep ensures that you still have backup options without affecting your preparation.
At Career Launcher, we provide specialised mock series and crash courses for XAT, NMAT, and SNAP to help you bridge the gap between CAT and other entrance tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is XAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?
A: While difficulty is subjective, XAT is widely considered the toughest OMET due to its unique Decision Making section and complex Verbal Ability. However, it is also more “logic-heavy” than “calculation-heavy,” making it a favourite for students with strong ethical and analytical reasoning.
Q2: Which OMETs have no negative marking?
A: If you want to maximise your attempts without the fear of losing marks, focus on NMAT by GMAC and IBSAT. Both exams allow you to answer every question, which is a significant advantage for “speed-testers.”
Q3: Can I use my CAT preparation material for exams like SNAP and NMAT?
A: Absolutely. About 80% of the syllabus overlaps. However, for NMAT and SNAP, you must supplement your prep with speed drills and “logical puzzles,” as these exams are faster-paced than CAT. For XAT, you will need to specifically practice the Decision Making sets.
Q4: Which MBA entrance exam is best for non-engineers?
A: NMAT and IBSAT are excellent for non-engineers. They place a higher weightage on Language Skills and Logical Reasoning rather than high-level Quant, providing a level playing field for students from Humanities or Commerce backgrounds.
All The Best!!
