If you are planning to study management in 2026, this is your moment to prepare and apply. The notices for GIBS Business School and India’s forefront business school’s entrance exams CAT, MAT and XAT 2025 are now officially out. GIBS Bangalore is now accepting CAT/MAT/XAT 2025 scores for PGDM 2026 admission.

This article will guide you through:

  • What these exams are
  • Important dates
  • Exam patterns
  • Who can apply
  • Why GIBS is the right choice
  • Specializations offered
  • How to apply for PGDM 2026 using your 2025 score

Let’s begin.

Understanding CAT, MAT, and XAT

What is CAT?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for MBA/PGDM programs. It is one of the most competitive exams in India.

What is MAT?

With the introduction of the MAT exam, All India Management Association (AIMA) has ensured a level playing battlefield for all postgraduate business students in Bangalore and further increased the credibility of B-School. It is accepted by 600+ B-Schools including GIBS.

What is XAT?

With the introduction of the XAT exam, XLRI Jamshedpur has ensured a look of acceptance towards more than 150 institutes and GIBS Business School students. It is considered slightly tougher than MAT but has a wide acceptability.

Important Dates for 2025 Entrance Exams

CAT 2025 (Tentative)

  • Notification Release: July 2025
  • Registration Window: August to September 2025
  • Exam Date: Last Sunday of November 2025
  • Result Announcement: January 2026

MAT 2025 (September Session)

  • PBT/CBT Registration Ends: 15 September 2025
  • Admit Card Release: 18 September 2025
  • Exam Dates:
    • PBT: 22 September 2025
    • CBT: 29 September 2025

XAT 2025

  • Notification Release: July 2025
  • Registration Window: August to November 2025
  • Exam Date: First Sunday of January 2026
  • Result Announcement: By mid-January 2026

Note: Keep checking the official websites for updates.

Eligibility Criteria for CAT/MAT/XAT 2025

To apply for any of these exams, you must:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)
  • Final year students can also apply
  • There is no age limit for these exams

Exam Patterns

CAT 2025 Pattern

  • Total Questions: 66
  • Sections:
    • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
    • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
    • Quantitative Ability
  • Duration: 2 hours

MAT 2025 Pattern

  • Total Questions: 200
  • Sections:
    • Language Comprehension
    • Mathematical Skills
    • Data Analysis & Sufficiency
    • Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
    • Indian & Global Environment
  • Duration: 2.5 hours

XAT 2025 Pattern

  • Total Questions: Around 100
  • Sections:
    • Verbal & Logical Ability
    • Decision Making
    • Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
    • General Knowledge
  • Duration: 3 hours

GIBS Business School: Your Gateway to PGDM 2026

If you’re serious about building a strong career in business and management, GIBS Business School, Bangalore—part of The GIBS Group—should be on your list..

Why Choose GIBS?

  • Approved by AICTE. The PGDM course is AICTE-approved.
  • Gain current Industry Experience through lectures, corporate lectures, and internships.
  • 100% Placement Assistance with leading recruiting firms throughout India.
  • Innovative learning forums such as the IRE School: Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship and the Finishing School (CPMP).
  • Global immersion programs and international collaborations
  • Campus in Bangalore, the startup and tech capital of India

Dual Specializations at GIBS

To gain a competitive advantage for students, GIBS provides the opportunity to receive a dual specialization in postgraduate diplomas.

Specialization 1 (Primary Options):

  • Marketing Management (MM)
  • Human Resource Management (HRM)
  • Finance Management (FM)

Specialization 2 (Complementary Options):

  • Operations & Supply Chain Management (OSCM)
  • International Business (IB)
  • Artificial Intelligence & Business Analytics (AI&BA)
  • Digital Marketing (DM)
  • Marketing Management (MM)

Note: Marketing Management (MM) can be opted as either a primary or complementary specialization based on student preference.

How to Apply to GIBS Using CAT/MAT/XAT 2025 Score?

Step 1: Give any of the Exam Choose the exam you are most comfortable with and give the exam in 2025.

Step 2: Open GIBS Admission Portal Go to www.gibs.edu.in to fill the online application form for PGDM 2026.

Step 3: Upload Your Score Once the result is out, upload your scorecard for CAT/MAT/XAT 2025 on GIBS admission portal.

Step 4: Performance in GD & PI Shortlisted candidates will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview.

Step 5: Final Selection Based on your performance, you will receive the offer letter and can proceed with GIBS admission.

Tips for Students Preparing for CAT, MAT, XAT 2025

  • Start early and take practice tests regularly
  • Work on reading comprehension and speed
  • Improve time management and logical reasoning
  • Stay updated on current affairs (especially for XAT and MAT)
  • Solve previous year papers to understand exam trends

Final Thoughts

Your path to the top Management Institutes now begins with the announcement of the CAT, MAT, and XAT 2025 exams. These are not just exams but the beginning of one of India’s finest, GIBS Business School, Bangalore, one of the most dynamic B-Schools.

GIBS Business School, a Top Business School in Bangalore, prepares you for the diverse domains of finance, marketing, human resources, business analytics, or international business. It combines academic rigor with strong industry interface and provides holistic development.

Prepare well. Take the test. Apply to GIBS. Your PGDM 2026 journey starts here.