The countdown to CAT 2025 is on! Scheduled for November 30, thousands of MBA dreamers across India are giving their best shot. But here’s a spicy secret — CAT is not the only game in town. Want a Plan B or even a Plan C for your MBA dreams? Let’s dive into some cool alternatives: MAT, CMAT, SNAP, and XAT. Each offers unique chances and challenges! First up, the Management Aptitude Test (MAT), run by the All India Management Association (AIMA), is a superstar after CAT. More than 600 B-schools accept MAT scores, making it a golden ticket. For December 2025, MAT offers two flexible modes: Paper Based Test (PBT) on December 13 and Computer Based Test (CBT) on December 21. The best part? You can take MAT right after CAT (Nov 30), so no worries about losing time. Hurry, registration closes December 7 for PBT and December 15 for CBT at mat.aima.in. Next is the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), held by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Recognized by AICTE-approved colleges, CMAT tests your brainpower with general aptitude and language skills. It’s perfect if you want a solid MBA spot beyond the IIMs. Keep an eye: last date to apply is November 17, 2025, and the exam is expected early January 2026 on cmat.nta.nic.in. Fancy Symbiosis? The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) opens doors to top institutes like SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. It’s a fast, short test you can try up to three times, with the best score winning. SNAP 2025 has three slots: November 28, December 8, and December 15. Registration ends November 20 at snaptest.org. Since SNAP is after CAT, it’s a fresh chance to shine. Lastly, the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) runs by XLRI Jamshedpur. Known to be a tad tougher than CAT, it demands smart skills in Decision-Making and General Knowledge. Over 150 institutes, including SPJIMR and XIMB, love XAT scores. Mark your calendar: apply by December 5, 2025, and the exam happens January 4, 2026 at xatonline.in. So what’s the big takeaway? While CAT is the king, don’t put all your eggs in one basket! MAT, CMAT, SNAP, and XAT offer exciting chances to grab a seat in awesome MBA programs. Smart aspirants often sit for more than one exam to boost their success. So as you sharpen your CAT skills this month, peek at these alternate exams’ deadlines and rules. Your thrilling B-school journey might just start with one of them!