The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the first choices for students pursuing post-graduate courses in India. Getting an admission in one of the premier business schools for an MBA degree is possible by scoring well in the MBA entrance exams. In order to succeed in this quest, students must carefully cover all the topics in the MBA entrance exam syllabus.
In this blog, we will discuss the different subject topics in the MBA entrance exam syllabus, including the areas of focus. Keep reading to identify the important topics that will help you clear the competitive MBA entrance exams.
Areas of Focus for MBA Entrance Exam
The syllabus for MBA entrance exam varies depending on the particular exam you attempt. A few of the most common entrance exams for MBA in India are CAT, CMAT, MAT, XAT, SNAP and NMAT. Each of these exams have its own syllabus.
There are, however, some key areas which are common in almost all the MBA entrance exams and it would be helpful if you focus on these.
- Quantitative Aptitude: In this section, the candidates are assessed for their mathematical and analytical ability. Algebra, arithmetic, geometry and number systems are a few topics to focus on. This is to help aspirants with solving complex business problems.
- Logical Reasoning: This section focuses on testing the student in their ability to analyse and interpret data and patterns. This helps in developing the skills for strategic decision-making.
- Verbal Ability: The ability to write and speak effectively is important for managerial roles. This section focuses on testing the aspirants English communication skills. Grammar, comprehension and verbal arguments are covered in this section.
- Data Interpretation: It is important to make data-driven decisions as managers and this section deals with the candidate’s ability to draw insights from complex data. Graphs, tables and other data-related questions are part of this.
- General Awareness: Since businesses are operating on a global capacity, managers need to be aware of current global affairs. The topics in this section include economics, business news, current affairs and general knowledge.
Break Down of MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus
The MBA entrance exams are conducted at national-level, state-level and college-level. As per the preference of the aspirants, they can attempt the entrance exam of their choice. Here, we will focus on the syllabus for the most popular MBA entrance exams.
CAT Entrance Exam
The Common Aptitude Test (CAT) entrance exam is a popular examination for MBA at national level. The exam has a total of 66 questions, which includes both multiple choice and comprehensive questions. The syllabus for CAT exam is as follows,
| Section | Key Topics |
| Quantitative Ability | Algebra Arithmetic Geometry Trigonometry Higher Maths Mensuration |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) | Bar Graphs Column Graphs Pie ChartBlood Relations Calendars Caselets Tables Cubes Binary Logic Line Charts Clocks Combination of two or more types linked to each other Venn Diagrams Number and Letter Series Syllogism Seating Arrangement |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | English Usage or Grammar Verbal Ability Synonyms Antonyms Close Passage Facts-inferences-judgments Verbal Reasoning Jumbled Paragraph Reading Comprehension |
CMAT Entrance Exam
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is another popular entrance examination for MBA that is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This is an online-based entrance exam that focuses on the below topics.
| Section | Key Topics |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | Line Graph, Bar Chart, Pie Chart, Tabulation Quadratic and linear equations Simple Interest and Compound Interest Percentages Profit and LossProbability Graphs Ratios and Proportion Fraction and Decimals Algebra Permutations & Combinations Work and Time Time-Speed-Distance Averages Geometry Mensuration Number Systems In-equations Partnership Pipes and Cisterns Allegation and Mixtures |
| Language Comprehension | English Grammar Paragraph Completion Sentence Improvement Reading Comprehension One-word Substitution Jumbled Paragraph Sentence Correction English Usage Errors Idioms and Phrases Synonyms and Antonyms |
| Logical Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning Analytical Reasoning Linear Arrangements Cause and EffectsAnalogy Test Direction and Distance Test Statements and Conclusion Number SeriesRanking Tests Coding and Decoding Sequencing Blood Relationship Tests Symbol Based Problems Statements Arguments Statements Assumptions Inferences Matrix Arrangements |
| General Awareness and Entrepreneurship | Current Affairs of National and International Economy Literature History Economics Politics Geography Culture Sports News Science in everyday life Personalities in News Indian Constitution Trade Awareness |
MAT Entrance Exam
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national level MBA entrance exam that helps you get admission into the various MBA colleges that accept MAT scores. This exam is conducted four times per year, which happens in February, May, September and December. This exam has 200 questions on the following topics.
| Section | Key Topics |
| Mathematical Skills | Profit and Loss Ratios Time and Work Time, Speed and Distance Averages Percentages Partnerships |
| Language Comprehension | Reading Comprehension Grammar Vocabulary Sentence Correction and Completion Synonyms Antonyms Odd One Out Jumbled Paragraph Idioms |
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | Cause and Effect Blood Relations Coding and Decoding Analytical Puzzles Statement Conclusion Family Tree and Revelation Assertion Reason Series Analogy Syllogisms Directions Critical Reasoning |
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency | Graphs Tables Charts Data Interpretation Data Sufficiency Caselets Logical Puzzles |
| Indian and Global Environment | Business Awareness Sports Politics Social Issues Entertainment |
XAT Entrance Exam
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of the toughest as well as prestigious entrance exams for MBA in India. This is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur as an online computer-based examination on the first Sunday of January. The exam focuses on the below topics.
| Section | Key Topics |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Linear Equations Trigonometry Pure Math Set Theory Algebra Geometry Averages Number System Time and Work Ratio and Proportion Venn Diagrams Mixtures and Allegations Distance, Speed and Time Profit and Loss LCM and HCF Logarithm Simple and Compound Interest Mensuration Permutation and Combination Percentages Progressions Probability Functions Quadratic Equations Binomial Theorem |
| Verbal Ability | Vocabulary Grammar Synonyms and Antonyms Jumbled Paragraph Cloze Test Reading Comprehension Correct Usage of Words Poem Paragraph Formation Sentence Correction Contextual Meaning of Words Completion of Sentences and Paragraphs |
| Decision Making | Data Arrangement Complex Arrangement Conditioning and Grouping Quantitative DM Recruitment Hiring Visually Impaired Leave Policy Moonlighting Sexual Harassment Opening a Tea Shop Free Food Center |
| Data Interpretation | GraphsBar Diagrams Pie Charts Data Charts Data Tables Data Analysis and Comparison |
| General Knowledge | Current Affairs National Issues Politics Business Economics Science & Technology Sports Film and Television Constitution of India and Laws Books and Authors Culture History Monuments Geography Ecosystem and Diversity Famous Personalities Capitals Currencies |
SNAP Entrance Exam
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is an entrance exam conducted by Pune-based Symbiosis International University (SIU) to select MBA candidates for various colleges that are affiliated to SIU. The topics of focus for the SNAP exam are as follows,
| Section | Key Topics |
| Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency (QA, DI-DS) | Linear and Quadratic Equations Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Trigonometry Number System Set Theory Mensuration Logarithm Tables, Bar Graphs and Pie Charts Mixtures and Alligations Probability Functions Permutation & Combination Binomial Theorem Progressions Series Inequalities Co-ordinate Geometry |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning (A-LR) | Analogy and Series Seating Arrangement Mathematical Reasoning Coding/Decoding Clocks and Calendars Family Tree Blood Relations Direction Sense Syllogisms Meaningful Word and Matrix Critical Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Visual Reasoning |
| General English | Vocabulary Sentence Correction and Completion Active Voice and Passive Voice Synonyms and Antonyms Jumbled Paragraphs Analogies One Word Substitution Fill in the Blanks Idioms and Phrases Odd One Out |
NMAT Entrance Exam
The NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) is a well-known MBA entrance exam that is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) every year. The exam happens from October to December for a period of 75 days. It includes 108 multiple choice questions. This is a well-liked entrance exam for MBA aspirants as it is comparatively easier to ace for candidates.
| Section | Key Topics |
| Quantitative Skills | Arithmetic Algebra Probability Profit and Loss Discount Number Properties Tables, Graphs and Charts Caselets Data Sufficiency Speed, Distance and Time Time and Work Permutations and Combinations Quadratic Equations Arithmetic and Geometric Progression |
| Logical Reasoning | Analytical Puzzles Deductions Critical Reasoning |
| Language Skills | Sentence Completion Paragraph Formation Reading Comprehension Prepositions Analogies Error Identification |
KMAT Entrance Exam
The Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT) is a state-level MBA entrance exam that is conducted by the Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association (KPPGCA) for admission into MBA courses in the various universities in Karnataka. The exam is held annually as an online computer-based exam and includes the following topics to focus on.
| Section | Key Topics |
| Quantitative Ability | Numerical Calculation Arithmetic Problems Algebra Geometry Trigonometry Common Graphs Charts Interpretation of Tables Quantitative Reasoning |
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning Analogy |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Grammar Vocabulary Synonyms and Antonyms Sentence Completion Comprehension |
Conclusion
The MBA entrance exam is one of the most competitive exams that aspirants take up to secure a spot in the best business schools. It can be a challenging process to secure a good score in these exams. However, with a strategic plan and a thorough preparation of the important sections in the syllabus, candidates can achieve a good score and begin their journey to a lucrative career.
Refer to this blog to understand the MBA exam syllabus and the key areas of focus to increase your chance of securing a seat in one of the premier business schools.
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