Top Entrance Exams for Management Courses After 12th

Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by admin

Pursuing a management course right after Class 12 is an exciting journey that opens opportunities to learning, growth, and future opportunities. Management entrance exams are the initial step on the path to securing entry into the top institutions that provide courses such as BBA, BMS, and Integrated MBA. These exams not only test the aptitude and skill of the student, but also provide the student with a great opportunity to get into a satisfying career in the corporate world. This article will discuss the best management course entrance exams after 12th, so that you can make a wise choice and plan how to prepare.  

Management courses after 12th, such as BBA and Integrated MBA courses, have become very popular among students aiming to specialize early in business and management. As there is a lot of choice, the process of choosing the right exam after 12th for management courses is essential in matching your dreams with the correct college and course.

Major Management Entrance Exams After 12th

The following is a list of some of the top management entrance exams that one can take after Class 12, as well as some other alternatives that one can use to expand their choices:

IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test)

IPMAT is regarded as one of the most competitive entrance exams among students wishing to enrol in a five-year integrated management program at IIMs (Indore/Rohtak/Shillong/Ranchi/Amritsar). It is structured to test the quantitative, logical, and verbal aptitude skills of the applicants right after high school. This is a well-known exam that leads to good institutions.

CUET (Common University Entrance Test)

CUET is a national-level examination that provides an entry point to central universities that offer management degrees like BBA and BMS. It is the combination of general ability and specific domain knowledge that enables recognition of students who will be able to succeed in competitive business programs. The popularity of CUET has been increasing because of the number of the best universities that accept its scores.

SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test)

Symbiosis International University conducts the SET exam to support a wide range of undergraduate courses, including management courses. The test measures General English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning of the applicants. There are multiple Symbiosis campuses in India, which provide management aspirants with a variety of options.

NPAT (NMIMS Programs After 12th)

NPAT is the entrance test conducted by NMIMS for admission to its undergraduate management programs. It concentrates on quantitative, verbal, and logical thinking with no general knowledge section. The exam enables students to join several NMIMS campuses across India, renowned for providing quality education.

CUET (Christ University Entrance Test) 

CUET is an admission test conducted by Christ University, Bangalore, for admission to its BBA programs. It measures aptitude in English Language, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Fundamental Accounting, Reasoning (Logical, Analytical, and Critical), Quantitative Aptitude, and Data Analysis & Interpretation. Christ University has a reputation for good curriculum and industry-oriented training.

AIMA UGAT (All India Management Association Undergraduate Aptitude Test)

AIMA UGAT is a national-level examination for students seeking admission to the BBA and other undergraduate management programs. It measures the English Language, Numerical and Data Analysis, Reasoning and General Intelligence, and General Knowledge to identify the students who are ready for management studies.

JIPMAT (Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test)

This is a National-level exam conducted by NTA that is accepted by reputed institutions like IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya for admission into their integrated BBA+MBA programs. This exam has 4 sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). 

MAH BBA CET (Maharashtra BBA Common Entrance Test)

MAH BBA CET is an exam that is taken to gain admission to BBA programs in Maharashtra. It evaluates candidates based on English, Reasoning (Verbal and Arithmetic), General Knowledge and Awareness, and Computer Basics, and qualifying scores assure students admission into local and state-level management colleges.

Comparative Table of Management Entrance Exams After 12th

This table gives a clear overview of the major entrance exams, which helps students to have a quick comparison of the eligibility, duration, and exam pattern to prepare for the exam.

Exam	Conducting Body	Eligibility Criteria (Typical)	Exam Duration	Exam Pattern
IPMAT (Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test)	IIM Indore	10+2 pass with minimum 60% (55% for SC/ST/PwD), Maximum age 20 years (25 for reserved)	2 hours (120 Min)	Quantitative Ability (MCQ), Quantitative Ability (SA), Verbal Ability
CUET (Common University Entrance Test)	National Testing Agency (NTA)	No fixed % requirement in eligibility; varies by university.	2-3 hours (Varies depending on number of sections chosen)	Languages, Domain-Specific Subjects, General Aptitude Test
SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test)	Symbiosis International University	10+2 pass with minimum 50% (45% for SC/ST), No Upper age limit but must be at least 17 years old	2 hours (120 Min)	General English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Analytical & Logical Reasoning
NPAT (National Test for Programs After Twelfth)	Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)	Some UG programs accept 50%, not universal 60%.	(100 Min)	Quantitative and Numerical Ability, Reasoning, English Language
CUET (Christ University Entrance Test)	Christ University	10+2 pass with minimum 50-60% (depending on course), no age limit	1.5 hours (90 Min)	English, General Knowledge, Fundamental Accounting, Reasoning, Mathematics, Data Analysis & Interpretation
AIMA UGAT (All India Management Association Under Graduate Aptitude Test)	All India Management Association	No fixed minimum % at entry test level.	2 hours (120 Min)	English Langiuage, Numericla & Data Analysis, Reasoning & General Intelligence, General Knowledge
JIPMAT (Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test)	National Testing Agency (NTA)	10+2 pass with minimum 60% (55% for SC/ST/PwD), No age limit	2.5 hours (150 Min)	Quantitative Aptitude,Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
MAH BBA CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Bachelor of Business Administration)	Government of Maharashtra	10+2 pass with minimum 45%% (40% for reserved), no age limit	1.5 hours (90 Min)	English Language, General, Reasoning, Knowledge

How to Choose the Right Entrance Exam for You

Choosing the right entrance exam depends on multiple factors:

Course & College Preference

Decide on the colleges and courses that you are aiming to pursue for your degree. Certain exams are only accepted by certain institutions, e.g., NPAT is only accepted by NMIMS.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Determine your strengths and weaknesses. In case you are good at mathematics, quantitative-heavy syllabus exams can be more appropriate. In case you are good at reasoning and verbal skills, focus on exams that focus on these areas.

Competition Level

Certain examinations, such as CUET and IPMAT, have a more competitive nature due to the number of applicants. Compare the number of seats to the number of applicants to plan well.

Effective Preparation Strategy for Management Entrance Exams After 12th

Create a Study Plan

Allocate time according to the weightage and difficulty of each section. Follow a daily routine schedule so that you can make consistent improvements.

Master the Basics

Revise Class 10th-level concepts in Mathematics and English. Strong fundamentals are essential for solving advanced problems in exams like IPMAT and NPAT.

Practice with Mock Tests

Frequent mock tests improve speed, accuracy, and time management. Evaluate your performance and work on areas of weakness.

Stay Updated

Read newspapers, magazines, and internet materials to keep up with the recent happenings, which is essential in topics such as General Awareness in SET and CUET.

Conclusion

Management entrance exams are the first stepping stone towards a successful business and management career. With the knowledge of the exam patterns, strategic preparation, and selection of the right exam depending on your strengths, you can open up to opportunities in top-tier institutions. Begin your preparation now, stay focused on your goals, and take the first steps toward a successful career in management. 

FAQs

Do management entrance exams require coaching or can I self-study?

It depends on your learning style. Some students prefer coaching for guidance, while others do well with disciplined self-study and online resources. Both approaches can lead to success if you stay consistent.

Can I prepare for multiple management entrance exams at the same time?

Yes, it’s possible since many exams have overlapping subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, English, and Reasoning. With a structured plan, you can balance preparation and tackle more than one exam effectively.

How important is time management during a reputed management entrance exam?

Time management is crucial because most exams are speed-based with sectional limits. Practising mock tests regularly will help you improve accuracy while attempting all sections within the time frame.

Do management colleges look at Class 12 marks along with entrance exam scores?

Yes, in many cases, institutes consider both Class 12 performance and entrance exam results. A strong academic background can give you an extra edge in the selection process.

What if I don’t clear any of the management entrance exams?

Don’t worry, there are still private universities and colleges that offer direct admissions. You can also prepare again for the next cycle with a better strategy and stronger focus.