MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2024-25: Important Topics for CAT, XAT & Others

Intajur Rahaman

Updated On: April 23, 2024 01:41 pm IST

The MBA entrance exam syllabus is the most vital aspect of preparing for an MBA entrance test. Candidates who plan on appearing for MBA entrance exams must check out the MBA exam syllabus 2024 for some of the top MBA exams right here!
MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus

The MBA entrance exam syllabus is one of the most important aspects of any entrance test. The degree of expertise that an aspirant gains in terms of the syllabus determines their performance in the actual exam. The MBA syllabus for a majority of exams covers a wide variety of topics that more or less test the same areas of knowledge and skill. Some of the most common categorizations of MBA entrance exams include Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Logical Thinking, Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. That being said, aspirants must be thoroughly aware of the syllabus for the MBA entrance exam they wish to appear for in order to achieve a good score and secure admission to their preferred B-school. 

CAT, XAT, SNAP, MAT, CMAT, and NMAT are some of the most common entrance examinations for MBA. While all of these exams have a unique exam pattern and syllabus, there are major similarities among these entrance exams. Let’s take a look at the MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2024 in detail.

Also Read:

CAT vs XAT: Is XAT Tougher than CAT?CAT Score vs Percentile 2023

MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2024: Important Areas

Every MBA entrance exam has a different syllabus and is aimed at testing candidates in different areas. However, a common set of sections is often found across these exams since the criteria that B-schools expect aspirants to meet in order to pursue an MBA course remain pretty much the same. The most common areas that are assessed during MBA entrance exams include:

  1. Quantitative Aptitude: The mathematics and analytical ability of the candidate is assessed in this section. The topics included in this area generally include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, data interpretation as well and logical reasoning. It is important to have a solid foundation in these areas for solving complex business problems. 
  2. Verbal Ability: The ability to communicate is fundamental for managers, and this section examines a candidate's understanding of the English language primarily. Reading comprehension, grammar, Neurals, and Verbal Argumentation are the common areas covered in this topic. An ability to write and speak effectively is ensured in this section.
  3. Logical Reasoning: Logical reasoning evaluates a candidate's ability to analyze and interpret patterns, relationships, and data. It includes topics such as puzzles, seating arrangement, coding-decoding, and critical reasoning. These skills are essential for making strategic decisions.
  4. Data Interpretation: This section is focused on evaluating the candidate's ability to draw insights from complicated data sets, taking into account the importance of data-driven decision-making. Graphs, charts, tables, and data-based questions are common here.
  5. General Awareness: Businesses are functioning in a global context, which makes it important for managers to be aware of the current global climate. Current affairs, business news, economics, and general knowledge are covered in this section. The candidate's awareness of the world around them is assessed.
  6. Business Fundamentals: Some exams may include questions related to basic business concepts, accounting principles, economics, and marketing. This section gauges a candidate's foundational understanding of business fundamentals.

List of Top MBA Entrance Exams in India

There are several MBA entrance exams available to aspirants. Depending on the specific needs and preferences of a candidate, they can choose an MBA entrance exam that suits them the best. MBA entrance exams are held at the National Level, State Level, and even at the University Level. Take a look at some of the most popular MBA entrance exams mentioned below:


Also Read: CAT vs CMAT, NMAT, XAT, SNAP, IIFT & Other MBA Entrance Exams

MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2024: Section-wise Important Topics

In order to understand the MBA entrance exam syllabus, aspirants must know which topics are included in each section of the exam. Since MBA entrance exams assess a variety of areas, candidates must focus their MBA preparation on all these areas. Take a look at the section-wise MBA entrance exam syllabus mentioned below:

Syllabus 

Topics

Quantitative Aptitude

  • Number Systems
  • LCM and HCF
  • Percentage
  • Profit and Loss
  • Interest (Simple and Compound)
  • Speed, Time, and Distance
  • Time and Work
  • Average
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Linear Equations
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Complex Numbers
  • Logarithm
  • Progressions
  • Binomial Theorem
  • Surds and Indices
  • Inequalities
  • Permutation and Combination
  • Probability
  • Functions
  • Set Theory
  • Mixtures and Allegations
  • Geometry
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Trigonometry
  • Mensuration

General Knowledge

  • Politics
  • History
  • Sports
  • Business
  • International Relations
  • Merger & Acquisitions
  • Nation and States
  • Literature
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Economics
  • Society

Vocabulary

  • English Usage Topics
  • Grammar
  • The contextual meaning of words
  • Para completion and para jumble
  • Error correction
  • Meanings of Words
  • Idioms and Phrases
  • Synonyms and Antonyms

Data Interpretation

  • Tables
  • Pie charts
  • Line graphs
  • Bar graphs
  • Clock
  • Cubes
  • Venn Diagram
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Binary Logic
  • Caselets
  • Calendars
  • Number and Letter Series
  • The combination of Graphs

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

  • Error corrections
  • Para-jumbles
  • Sentence completion
  • Vocabulary-based questions

Logical Reasoning

  • Direction Sense
  • Puzzles
  • Series
  • Clocks and Calendars
  • Data Structures
  • Blood Relations
  • Arrangements
  • Coding-Decoding
  • Sylloge
  • Logical Connectivity


Also Read: Tips to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams

MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2024 for Top Exams

The MBA entrance exam syllabus for a majority of the top MBA entrance tests is quite similar to one another. This is primarily because most of these tests evaluate students on a very specific set of areas and topics that enable them to identify candidates who are more well-suited for the MBA course. Take a look at the MBA entrance exam syllabus for some of the top exams in India.

CAT Syllabus 2024

The CAT 2024 exam pattern comprises three sections, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The most common topics included in these sections of the CAT 2024 syllabus are as follows:

Quantitative Aptitude 

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

  • Number Systems
  • Profit, Loss, and Discount
  • LCM and HCF
  • Speed, Time, and Distance
  • Percentages
  • Time and Work
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Averages
  • Quadratic Equations & Linear Equations
  • Complex Numbers
  • Simple and Compound Interest
  • Logarithm
  • Sequences and Series
  • Inequalities
  • Probability
  • Surds and Indices
  • Set Theory & Function
  • Permutation and Combination
  • Mixtures and Allegations
  • Trigonometry
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Geometry
  • Mensuration
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Geometry
  • Mensuration
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Geometry
  • Mensuration
  • Tables
  • Caselets
  • Bar Graphs
  • Line Charts
  • Column Graphs
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Pie Chart
  • Other Basic Reasoning Questions
  • Calendars
  • Number and Letter Series
  • Clocks
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Cubes
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Binary Logic
  • Logical Matching
  • Logical Sequence
  • Syllogism
  • Logical Connectives
  • Blood Relations
  • English Usage or Grammar
  • Vocabulary Based 
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Sentence Correction
  • Cloze Passage
  • Jumbled Paragraph
  • Meaning-Usage Match
  • Analogies or Reverse Analogies
  • Summary Questions
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Facts-Inferences-Judgments
  • Reading Comprehension

XAT Syllabus 2025

 Four major sections of the XAT 2025 exam include Quantitative and Data Interpretation, Verbal and Logical Reason, Decision Making & General Knowledge. The most common topics included in these sections of the XAT 2025 syllabus are as follows:

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation

Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning 

Decision Making

General Knowledge

  • Algebra Functions
  • Geometry
  • Probability
  • Profit and Loss
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Logarithm
  • Statistics
  • Trigonometry
  • Arithmetic
  • Direction Sense & Time
  • Data Interpretation – Table, Combination
  • Mensuration – 2D and 3D
  • Complex Numbers
  • Clocks
  • Heights & Distance
  • Graphs
  • Table
  • Surds and Indices
  • Linear Equations
  • Speed & Distance
  • English Usage Topics
  • Grammar
  • The contextual meaning of words
  • Para completion and para jumble
  • Error correction
  • Vocabulary (Antonyms and Synonyms)
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Arguments
  • Reading Comprehension Topics
  • Narration of Incidents
  • Science
  • Literature and fiction
  • Psychology and Social Issues
  • Economy
  • Culture
  • Decision Making in a situation
  • Data Arrangement Test
  • Case Lets
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Condition and Group Testing
  • Arithmetic
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Situational Questions
  • Semi-Quantitative topics
  • Politics
  • History
  • Sports
  • Business
  • International Relations
  • Merger & Acquisitions
  • Nation and States
  • Literature
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Economics
  • Society

SNAP Syllabus 2024

The three sections included in the SNAP exam 2024 syllabus are Quantitative Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency, General English, Analytical and Logical Reasoning. The most common topics included in these sections are as follows:

Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency

Analytical, and Logical Reasoning

General English

  • Algebra
  • Mensuration
  • Linear Equations & Quadratic Equations
  • Progressions
  • Inequalities
  • Mixtures & Allegations
  • Graphs-Pie Chart
  • Geometry
  • Number System
  • Set Theory
  • Binomial Theorem
  • Permutation & Combination
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Bar Graphs
  • Trigonometry
  • Logarithm
  • Arithmetic
  • Surds and Indices
  • Probability Functions
  • Series
  • Tables
  • Family Tree/Blood Relations
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Clocks & Calendars
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Coding/Decoding
  • Direction Sense
  • Syllogisms
  • Visual Reasoning
  • Analogy & Series
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Meaningful Word/Matrix
  • Verbal & Miscellaneous Reasoning
  • Sentence Completion
  • Analogies
  • Active Voice and Passive Voice
  • Sentence Correction
  • Synonyms and Antonyms
  • One Word Substitution
  • Jumbled Paragraphs
  • Contextual Usage
  • Odd One Out
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Idioms and Syllogisms
  • Vocabulary

CMAT Syllabus 2024

The CMAT 2024 syllabus consists of three sections, Language Skills, Quantitative Ability, and Logical Reasoning. The most common topics included in these sections are as follows:

English Language

Quantitative Aptitude 

Logical Reasoning

  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Analogies
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Cloze Test
  • Identify the Error
  • Choose the Correct Proposition
  • Reading Comprehension & Para jumbles
  • Time & Work
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Ratio-Proportions
  • Percentages
  • Numbers
  • HCF-LCM
  • Equations
  • Inequalities
  • Linear Equations
  • HCF-LCM
  • Quadratic Equation
  • Absolute Value
  • Logarithm
  • Triangles
  • Angles
  • Polygons
  • Square & Rectangles
  • Cubes
  • 3 Dimensional Figures
  • Pythagoras Theorem
  • Base Angle Theorem
  • Longest Side Theorem
  • Quadrilaterals
  • Parallelogram
  • Rhombus
  • Trapezium
  • Cuboid
  • Cylinder
  • Cone
  • Sphere
  • Permutation & Combination
  • Probability
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Set Theory
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Bar Chart & Pie Chart
  • Line Graphs
  • Statement and Argument Questions
  • Statement and Assumption Questions
  • Statement and Inference Questions
  • Decision making and Course of Action
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Linear and Circular Arrangements
  • Classification
  • Syllogisms
  • Blood Relation Questions
  • Coding Questions
  • Series Questions
  • Direction Questions
  • Alphabet Test Questions
  • Input-Output questions
  • Matrix Type Questions
  • Symbol Based Questions
  • Other Reasoning Questions

Exam Pattern for Top MBA Entrance Exams

Apart from the MBA entrance exam syllabus, aspirants must also be aware of the MBA entrance exam pattern. Without the knowledge of the exam structure candidates will find it difficult to prepare an examination strategy in order to perform well during the exam. Most of the top MBA entrance exams typically have a similar exam structure, but there can be minor variations. Here's a general overview of the top 5 MBA Entrance exams in India:

Exam Name

Exam Pattern

CAT

  • Mode: Computer-based Test
  • No. of Questions: 66
  • Exam Duration: 3 Hours
  • Sections: Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability

XAT

  • Mode: Online
  • No. of Questions: 101
  • Exam Duration: 3.5 Hours
  • Sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing

SNAP

  • Mode: Online
  • No. of Questions: 60
  • Exam Duration: 1 Hour
  • Sections: General English, Quantitative-Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, Analytical & Logical Reasoning

IIFT

  • Mode: Online
  • No. of Questions: 110
  • Exam Duration: 2 Hours
  • Sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Analysis

CMAT

  • Mode: Online
  • No. of Questions: 100
  • Exam Duration: 3 Hours
  • Sections: Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The MBA entrance exam syllabus generally reflects the evolving demands of the business world and the need for well-rounded, knowledgeable, and adaptable individuals. Aspirants should approach their preparation with a strategic mindset, focusing on strengthening their weaknesses while leveraging their strengths.

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FAQs

What are the national-level MBA entrance exams 2024?

The National-level MBA entrance exam 2024 are the ones that are conducted across the nation and are generally accepted by B-schools and management institutes all over the country. Some of the most popular national level MBA entrance exams include CAT, XAT, IIFT, NMAT, SNAP, TISSNET, CMAT, MAT, IBSAT, and GMAT.

What are the important topics of the CAT syllabus from which maximum questions are asked?

The important topics of the CAT syllabus from which maximum questions are asked include every section of the CAT exam. Candidates are often concerned about the most common topics to enhance their preparation for the CAT exam which primarily include:

  • Sentence completion
  • Blood Relation
  • Mensuration
  • Graphs
  • Time and Work
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Blood Relation
  • Number System
  • Tables

What is the duration of the CAT exam in 2024?

The CAT 2024 exam duration is 2 hours (120 minutes) and candidates have to attempt 3 sections in this duration. Candidates will be given 40 minutes to answer each. PwD candidates will be given 53 minutes and 20 sections for each section and will have 160 minutes to complete the CAT 2024 exam.

Which is the easiest MBA entrance exam in India?

The easiest MBA entrance exam in India is the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) conducted by AIMA. This verdict is based on the observations of many aspirants. With MAT scores, candidates are allowed to apply to over 400 MBA colleges.

How many CAT attempts are allowed?

The number of CAT attempts allowed to an aspirant is not specified by IIMs. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can appear for the CAT exam. It is however important to check the IIM MBA eligibility criteria before applying for admissions.

What is the maximum score for the CAT exam?

The maximum score for the CAT exam is 198. The marking scheme in CAT awards 3 marks for a correct answer. 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect question. Non-MCQs do not carry any negative markings. No marks are given or deducted for unattempted questions.

What is CAT VARC Syllabus 2024?

The CAT VARC Syllabus 2024 includes Para-jumbles, Sentence completion, Inferences, Odd one-out, Syllogism and Analogies, one-word substitution, and Sentence Correction. Verbal Reasoning topics are also covered under the CAT VARC syllabus.

What is CAT DILR Syllabus 2024?

The CAT DILR syllabus 2024 includes topics such as charts, tables, blood relations, Data Caselets, Calendars, Seating Arrangements, and Syllogism among other topics. Candidates must prepare for these thoroughly before the exam.

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