CAT | MAT | CMAT | GMAT | XAT Counselling for MBA & PGDM Admission 2025

Introduction

MBA & PGDM aspirants who have appeared in competitive management entrance exams like CAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, or XAT must go through a centralized or institute-level counselling process to secure admission in top B-Schools across India. This guide provides a complete step-by-step explanation of the counselling procedure, eligibility criteria, documents required, and important timelines.

 Step-by-Step Counselling Process

 Step 1: Entrance Exam Result Declaration

Each exam authority (IIM for CAT, AIMA for MAT, NTA for CMAT, GMAC for GMAT, XLRI for XAT) releases scorecards on their official websites.
Action: Download and save your scorecard for future use.

 Step 2: Shortlisting by Institutes

Colleges and universities shortlist candidates based on cut-off scores, academic profile, and entrance exam performance.
Note: Each institute has its own cut-off and evaluation criteria.

Step 3: Application to Individual Institutes

Once shortlisted, candidates must apply to specific B-Schools separately or via centralized platforms (like DTE Maharashtra CAP for PGDM/MBA).
Action: Submit institute-specific applications before deadlines.

 Step 4: Participation in GD-PI-WAT Rounds

Most institutes conduct further selection rounds which may include:

GD (Group Discussion)

PI (Personal Interview)

WAT (Written Ability Test)

Tip: Prepare current affairs, business topics, and personal profile.

 Step 5: Final Selection & Merit List

Based on entrance score + GD-PI-WAT performance + academics + work experience (if applicable), institutes publish final admission lists.
Action: Keep checking institute portals or email/SMS notifications.

 Step 6: Document Verification & Fee Payment

Once allotted a seat:

Verify academic and identity documents.

Pay admission/acceptance fees within the given timeline.

Documents Generally Required:

Entrance exam scorecard (CAT/MAT/CMAT/GMAT/XAT)

10th, 12th, and Graduation Marksheet & Certificates

ID proof (Aadhar/PAN/Passport)

Caste Certificate (if applicable)

Work Experience Certificate (if any)

Passport-size photographs

Step 7: Admission Confirmation

After document verification and fee submission, your admission is officially confirmed.

Important Counselling Months (Tentative)

Exam Result Month Counselling Window

CAT Jan 2025 Jan–Mar 2025
MAT Feb / May Mar–Jul 2025
CMAT May 2025 May–Jul 2025
GMAT Rolling Depends on Institute
XAT Jan 2025 Jan–Mar 2025

Types of Institutes That Accept These Scores

IIMs (for CAT)

Top private B-Schools (like , MDSP Jain, IMTI, etc.)

University Departments (like Delhi University, BHU, etc.)

AICTE Approved PGDM Colleges

State Centralised Counselling (like DTE Maharashtra)

 Additional Tips for Students

Keep track of multiple institute deadlines.

Don’t rely on a single exam—apply to institutes accepting multiple exam scores.

If unsure, take help from professional counselling centres for personalized guidance.

If you need expert guidance or end-to-end counselling support, feel free to visit our office:

Career Maker
402, Heera Enclave, Downside of Dawa King,
New Dakbunglow Road, Near Westside Mall, Patna – 800001
Contact: +91 7903335676