SNAP, NMAT, XAT and more — Dive deep into OMETs—sectional strategies, college cutoffs, exam-specific...
1 month ago
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Navigating the MBA entrance season requires a strategic calendar. As of June 2026, registration for major exams remains closed, but planning your timeline now is crucial for competitive preparation. From the CAT in November to the state-level CET in early 2027, each exam opens doors to distinct tiers of business schools.
Exam Schedule Overview
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Late 2026: CAT (Nov 29th) is the primary gateway for IIMs and FMS. NMAT, SNAP, and MICAT-I also occur in the final quarter of the year.
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Early 2027: XAT, XGMT, MICAT-II, CMAT, and SRCC-GBO are scheduled between January and February.
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Spring 2027: The CET cycle concludes the primary season in April-May.
Strategic Considerations Budgeting is an essential part of the process, with fees ranging from approximately ₹1000 for CET to ₹3000 for NMAT. Aligning your preparation with these tentative dates ensures you can manage multiple applications, such as targeting JBIMS through both CMAT and CET or aiming for MICA via MICAT.
7 Replies
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I’m aiming for JBIMS. Is it better to put all my energy into CET, or should I definitely take CMAT as well?
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Definitely take both. JBIMS has seats through both, and having two attempts at the same goal is just smarter risk management.
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SRCC-GBO is often overlooked but such a strong option for ROI. Glad to see it on the list!
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Agreed! It’s a specialized course, but the brand name and the placement stats make it a no-brainer for those who miss the IIM cutoff.
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Focus on the common core QA and DI/LR. Once those are solid, you only need to adjust for the specific speed-based nature of NMAT.
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With CAT and NMAT both happening in November/December, how do you guys manage the prep shift?
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Those SNAP fees for each attempt add up quickly. I need to make sure I’m absolutely ready before I book my slots!
