MBA admissions for the 2026 intake at top Indian and international business schools are currently in progress, with many application deadlines in November and December 2025. Most programs require a valid entrance exam score (like CAT, XAT, GMAT, etc.), a bachelor’s degree, and successful performance in subsequent interview rounds.
Key Dates and Deadlines (India)
The application process in India largely follows the schedule of major entrance exams.
| Exam | Registration Deadline | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 | September 20, 2025 (Closed) | November 30, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 | December 5, 2025 | January 4, 2026 |
| SNAP 2025 | November 20, 2025 | Dec 6, 14, & 20, 2025 |
| NMAT 2025 | October 10, 2025 (Closed) | Nov 5 – Dec 19, 2025 |
| IIFT (via CAT) | November 28, 2025 | November 30, 2025 (CAT exam) |
Top College Application Deadlines (India)
Many leading institutes have their own application deadlines, often coinciding with or shortly after the major exam dates.
| College Name | Exams Accepted | Application Deadline (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpur | XAT, GMAT | December 5, 2025 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | CAT, GMAT | November 28, 2025 |
| MDI Gurgaon | CAT, GMAT | November 28, 2025 |
| FMS Delhi | CAT | November 26, 2025 |
| IMI Delhi | CAT, XAT | December 12, 2025 |
| GIM Goa | CAT, XAT, GMAT | November 27, 2025 |
| K J Somaiya | CAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, GMAT | January 20, 2026 |
| IITs (Bombay, Delhi, etc.) | CAT | Applications open in Jan 2026 |
General Admission Process Overview
The typical MBA admission process involves several stages:
- Take an Entrance Exam: Candidates must appear for and achieve a qualifying score in an accepted national or international entrance exam (CAT, XAT, GMAT, GRE, etc.).
- Apply to Colleges: Submit separate application forms to shortlisted B-schools, along with necessary documents (transcripts, resume, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.).
- Appear for Selection Rounds: Shortlisted candidates participate in Group Discussions (GD), Written Ability Tests (WAT), and Personal Interviews (PI).
- Receive Final Offer: Successful candidates receive final admission offers, typically between April and May 2026, and must confirm their seat by paying the fees and verifying documents.
Key Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
- Valid entrance exam scores.
- Strong performance in the GD/PI rounds.
- Work experience is preferred by top-tier programs but not mandatory for all.
