In graduate business school admissions, you must be aware of a particular program’s various entrance exams. The GMAT, GRE, Common Management Admission Test, and IBSAT. These tests assess the applicant’s analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills. These tests aim to help MBA applicants get into a good program. Here is a brief overview of the various exams.
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an adaptive computer test designed to measure verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills. Graduate management schools use the GMAT to determine whether candidates are ready to enter the graduate management program. Therefore, students should know what to expect to help prepare applicants for the GMAT.
The total score of a GMAT test consists of five sections: verbal, quantitative, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing. Each section is worth half a point, with a maximum score of 800. The verbal and quantitative portions of the test measure your problem-solving and communication skills. The GMAT uses a unique algorithm to determine the total score. Until now, the GMAT body has not revealed how exactly the algorithm works.
Common Management Admission Test
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a computer-based national exam for management programs. It is administered by the National Testing Agency and is used to select students for management programs. More than 1,000 MBA colleges accept CMAT scores throughout the country. The exam is given once a year, in January or March.
The AIMS exam is a three-hour test that tests verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills. The test measures an applicant’s aptitude for business, and there is no minimum score requirement. Instead, applicants must submit answers to multiple-choice questions.
IBSEN
The IBSAT for the MBA entrance exam is a mandatory requirement for admission to an IBS campus. To be eligible for the exam, you must have a graduation degree and at least 50% aggregate marks in an English-medium degree. The cutoffs vary from one institute to another. The IBSAT is conducted every year.
The IBSAT consists of three sections. Each section focuses on a different skill area. The quantitative ability section comprises questions from the number system, arithmetic, geometry, probability, and time and work problems. The Data Interpretation and Adequacy section contains questions requiring candidates to interpret data.
XAT
The XAT MBA entrance exam is conducted annually, and around 75,000 candidates apply for admission. There are several ways to apply for XAT. The first step to applying is to check the eligibility criteria. Each institute has its cutoff criteria, and it is essential to meet that cutoff to be eligible for admission. Once you have met the criterion, you will be invited to appear for personal interviews and group discussion rounds. Then, you will be shortlisted based on your performance.
The XAT MBA entrance exam is a multi-stage test with multiple difficulty levels. It allows candidates to prove their academic level and demonstrate their analytical skills. You may apply to more than one program as long as you have a bachelor’s degree. The exam consists of a written test, a group discussion, and a personal interview. All components’ scores determine a candidate’s admission to a business school.
Executive Assessment
The Executive Assessment (EA) is a short-form GMAT that takes 1.5 hours to complete. It offers flexibility, allowing you to reschedule twice without additional fees. The test is designed for busy professionals with limited time to take the complete GMAT. It is equally weighted among the Verbal and Quantitative sections.
It assesses skills used in day-to-day work, such as quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning. The test also offers practice tests and feedback. This allows applicants to improve their skills before classes begin. In addition, the exam is available online, so applicants can take as many practice assessments as they wish.
