OMET full form: Other Management Entrance Tests. It is an umbrella term for every MBA entrance exam in India other than CAT — XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, MAT, MAH-CET and similar. OMET is not a single exam you register for; each test is run by a different body and accepted by its own set of colleges.
Updated 23 October 2026. Dates below are for the 2026–27 admission cycle as announced or reported so far. Always confirm on the official site before you pay.
Main OMET exams and dates for 2026–27
| Exam | Conducted by | Exam date(s) | Registration closes | Key colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XAT 2027 | XLRI Jamshedpur | 3 January 2027 | 6 December 2026 | XLRI, XIMB, IMT, GIM, SPJIMR (one of the accepted scores) and 150+ others |
| SNAP 2026 | Symbiosis International University | 13, 19 and 26 December 2026 | 25 November 2026 | SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB and other Symbiosis institutes |
| NMAT 2026 | GMAC | Testing window 2 November – 20 December 2026 | Regular registration closed 10 October 2026 (an extension to 25 October has been reported) | NMIMS Mumbai and other NMAT-accepting schools |
| CMAT 2027 | NTA | Not yet announced (expected early 2027) | Not yet announced | AICTE-approved B-schools across India |
| MAT | AIMA | Several sessions a year | Per session | A wide list of private B-schools |
| MAH MBA CET 2027 | Maharashtra State CET Cell | Not yet announced (usually March–April) | Not yet announced | JBIMS, Sydenham, PUMBA and other Maharashtra colleges |
IIFT no longer runs its own entrance test; it now admits MBA (IB) students through CAT. If you see an "IIFT exam" date online, it is out of date.
How OMETs differ from CAT
- Format: CAT tests VARC, DILR and Quant. XAT adds Decision Making and a General Knowledge section; SNAP and NMAT are shorter and reward speed more than CAT does.
- Colleges: IIMs and most top B-schools use CAT. Each OMET opens a specific set of colleges — XAT for XLRI, SNAP for Symbiosis, NMAT for NMIMS.
- Attempts: CAT happens once a year. NMAT allows multiple attempts within its window (best score counts); SNAP lets you take up to three slots.
Which OMETs should a CAT aspirant take?
Most serious CAT takers add XAT (XLRI and a deep list of good colleges) and at least one of SNAP or NMAT. Add MAH-CET or CMAT if you are open to JBIMS and Maharashtra colleges. Pick based on the colleges you would actually join, not on how many forms you can fill.
Because the OMET calendar runs from November to January, the same months as CAT, plan your mock schedule so a SNAP or NMAT slot does not land in the week before CAT on 29 November 2026.
Preparation tips
1. Learn each exam's pattern
Know the number of sections, questions, marking scheme and time per section for each test you take. XAT Decision Making and SNAP's speed demand need specific practice that CAT mocks do not give you.
2. Build on CAT prep, then specialise
Your CAT Quant, VARC and DILR work carries over. In the last few weeks before each OMET, switch to that exam's own mocks and sectionals.
3. Find your weak areas early
Take a diagnostic and fix the weakest section first. Our Free CAT Readiness Assessment gives a section-wise report.
4. Practise under time pressure
SNAP and NMAT are speed tests. Timed drills in the Practice Lab help you get used to the pace.
5. Use official material
GMAC publishes official NMAT practice tests, and XLRI shares past XAT patterns. Supplement with full-length mocks from our Test Series.
6. Read the news daily for XAT GK
XAT's General Knowledge section is not counted in the main percentile but some colleges use it. Fifteen minutes of business news a day is enough.
Tools that help
- Daily Study Planner — a day-by-day schedule across CAT and OMETs.
- Practice Lab — speed drills and an accuracy tracker.
- Flashcards — quick formula and concept revision.
- Test Series — full-length mocks.
- 1-on-1 Mentorship with Pranshul — help choosing which exams and colleges to target.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of OMET?
OMET stands for Other Management Entrance Tests. It refers to MBA entrance exams in India other than CAT, such as XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, MAT and MAH-CET.
Is OMET a single exam?
No. OMET is a group name. Each exam has its own conducting body, registration, fee, pattern and list of accepting colleges.
When are the OMET exams in 2026–27?
NMAT runs from 2 November to 20 December 2026, SNAP is on 13, 19 and 26 December 2026, and XAT is on 3 January 2027. CMAT and MAH-CET 2027 dates had not been announced as of 23 October 2026.
Which OMET exams are worth taking?
For most CAT aspirants: XAT, plus SNAP or NMAT, plus MAH-CET or CMAT if Maharashtra colleges such as JBIMS interest you. Choose by the colleges you would actually join.
Can I use my CAT preparation for OMETs?
Yes. Quant, verbal and reasoning skills carry over. Add exam-specific practice for XAT Decision Making and for the faster pace of SNAP and NMAT.