PGDM
Post Graduate Diploma in Management
Top Entrance Exams for PGDM Admission (2026)
Admission to Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programmes in India is primarily through entrance examinations. There are 9 major entrance exams for PGDM admission - including 6 national-level exams . Candidates should check the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and important dates for each exam before applying. These exams are accepted by 2+ colleges offering PGDM across India.
| Exam | Conducting Body | Level | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ATMA
AIMS Test for Management Admissions |
Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) | national | Details |
|
CAT
Common Admission Test |
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | national | Details |
|
CMAT
Common Management Admission Test |
National Testing Agency (NTA) | national | Details |
|
IIFT
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade MBA Entrance Exam |
National Testing Agency (NTA) | national | Details |
|
MAT
Management Aptitude Test |
All India Management Association (AIMA) | national | Details |
|
NMAT
NMIMS Management Aptitude Test |
NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) | university | Details |
|
SNAP
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test |
Symbiosis International University (SIU) | university | Details |
|
TISSNET
Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) | university | Details |
|
XAT
Xavier Aptitude Test |
XLRI Jamshedpur | national | Details |
PGDM Entrance Exam Schedule 2026
Key dates for upcoming PGDM entrance exams. Dates marked as tentative are based on previous year patterns and may change.
| Exam | Registration | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| ATMA | 05 Jan 2026 * | 08 Feb 2026 * |
| CAT | 05 Aug 2027 * | 28 Nov 2027 * |
| CMAT | 05 Jan 2026 * | 10 Mar 2026 - 11 Mar 2026 * |
| IIFT | 01 Aug 2026 * | 22 Dec 2026 * |
| MAT (February Session) | 02 Mar 2026 * | 08 Feb 2026 - 15 Feb 2026 * |
| NMAT (Attempt 1) | 03 Aug 2026 * | 10 Oct 2026 - 10 Nov 2026 * |
| SNAP (Session 1) | 01 Aug 2026 * | 13 Dec 2026 * |
| TISSNET | 14 Oct 2025 * | 25 Jan 2026 * |
| XAT | 01 Aug 2025 * | 04 Jan 2026 * |
* Tentative — dates based on previous year trends and subject to official confirmation.
Tips for PGDM Entrance Exam Preparation
- Start early - begin preparation at least 6-12 months before the exam date, focusing on fundamentals first.
- Practice previous years' papers - solve past exam papers to understand the pattern, difficulty level, and frequently tested topics.
- Apply for multiple exams - register for several relevant exams to maximize your chances of admission to a preferred college.
- Track deadlines - keep a calendar of registration dates, admit card releases, and exam dates so you never miss a window.