How to Crack SMAT?
At the International Institute of Sports & Management (IISM), we believe the future of sports needs professionals who are passionate, knowledgeable, and ready to make a difference. To identify such talent, IISM follows a holistic admission process that goes beyond academics. One of the key parts of this process is the Sports Management Admission Test (SMAT)—a unique exam designed exclusively for aspiring sports management professionals.
Whether you’re aiming for the Bachelor of Sports Management (BSM), Master of Sports Management (MSM), or Post Graduate Program in Sports Management (PGPSM), this blog simplifies the entire admission process and gives you tips to ace SMAT.
Why SMAT & Holistic Admission Matters
Unlike generic entrance exams, SMAT is tailor-made for the sports industry. It evaluates not just academic skills but also your awareness, passion, and business acumen in sports. The holistic process ensures candidates from any academic background with a genuine interest in sports can prove their potential.
By combining analytical tests, writing exercises, sports awareness, and personal interviews, IISM identifies candidates with the right mindset, aptitude, and attitude for the sports management industry.
The Two-Stage Admission Process at IISM for Sports Management programs:
Bachelor of Sports Management (BSM):
Eligibility- Aspirants must have completed Class 12 with a minimum aggregate of 40% in all subjects.
The International Institute of Sports & Management selects students for the Bachelor of Sports Management program through a holistic admission process. According to the eligibility guidelines, each bachelor’s degree aspirant undergoes two stages to secure admission at IISM.
Stage 1: Essay, Overall Performance & Sports Management Admission Test (SMAT)
Stage 2. Personal Interview
Stage 1: Essay, Overall Performance & SMAT (Total 180 Marks)
BSM aspirants will be assessed based on an Essay, overall performance & an entrance exam.
Essay (80 Marks):
Aspirants will be required to write an essay on a given topic and submit it within two days. The essay carries a weightage of 80 marks. The admission department will provide the topic, which students can access through their dashboard and upload the essay on the dashboard as well.
Overall performance & SMAT (100 marks):
The Overall Performance considers the Academic score, Sports Achievements, and Extra-curricular activities for 20 marks.
SMAT: SMAT is an 80-mark test with a duration of 80 minutes. It comprises the following topics:
– Quantitative Analysis (12 Marks)
– Data Interpretation (12 Marks)
– Logical Reasoning (12 Marks)
– Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (20 Marks)
– Sports Awareness(24 Marks)
Once you clear Stage 1, you will be eligible for Stage 2.
Stage 2: Personal Interview (120 Marks)
Aspirants securing 50% in Stage 1 will qualify for the online Personal Interview (PI) round.
The stage will be an online, video-call-based Personal Interview for 120 marks. The total weightage of Stage I and Stage II will be 300. Aspirants need to score 60% cumulative in Stage I and Stage II to secure Admission at IISM.
The final offer letter will be reflected on the candidate’s dashboard. Each candidate who has passed Stage I & Stage II will be given one week to confirm their Admission to the School of Sports Management.
SMAT process for Master of Sports Management (MSM) & Post Graduate Program in Sports Management (PGPSM):
Eligibility: Aspirants must have successfully completed his/ her graduation in any field with 40% in all the subjects.
Stage I of the Admission Process for Master’s Degree & PGP at IISM is complete in two steps:
Stage 1. Caselets, SMAT & Overall Performance (180 Marks)
Stage 2: Panel Interview (120 Marks)
Stage 1: Caselets (80 Marks)
Caselets form the first step of Stage I in the Admission Process. They are designed to evaluate an aspirant’s knowledge and analytical skills. Each candidate will receive four topics via email, each carrying 20 marks, to be submitted within a two-day period. The topics will also be available on the dashboard and students need to upload the caselets once completed.
Through Caselets, we aim to assess how aspirants respond to and take action in situations they may encounter in the rapidly evolving field of Sports Management. This assessment is specially designed for students from diverse educational and geographical backgrounds who share a strong interest in sports and aspire to build a career in Sports Management. The exam is conducted online, allowing candidates to participate from home.
Overall Performance & SMAT (100 Marks)
The Overall Performance considers the Academic score, sports achievements, and extra-curricular activities for 20 marks.
SMAT: SMAT is conducted for 80 marks, the duration is 80minutes, and it comprises the following topics:
– Quantitative Analysis (12 Marks)
– Data Interpretation (12 Marks)
– Logical Reasoning (12 Marks)
– Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (20 Marks)
– Sports Awareness(24 Marks)
Once you clear Stage 1, you will be eligible for Stage 2.
Stage 2: Panel Interview
This stage consists of an online, video-call-based Panel Interview carrying 120 marks. The combined weightage of Stage I and Stage II is 300 marks, and aspirants must secure a minimum of 60% cumulatively across both stages to qualify for admission to IISM.
The final offer letter will be available on the candidate’s dashboard. Candidates who successfully clear both stages will be given one week to confirm their admission at IISM.
Tips to Prepare for SMAT
1. Quantitative Analysis
Revise key math topics—percentages, ratios, averages, speed-distance, probability. Use mental math shortcuts to save time.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Practice graphs, tables, puzzles, and arrangements daily. Focus on speed, accuracy, and spotting patterns quickly.
3. Verbal Ability
Read newspapers, magazines, and sports blogs to strengthen vocabulary and comprehension. Practice grammar, para-jumbles, and RCs.
4. Sports Awareness
Stay updated on sports news, leagues (IPL, ISL, Olympics), policies, and industry trends like esports or sports tech.
The SMAT process is designed to select the most passionate and capable students. Success in this process opens doors to a rewarding career in sports management, whether in Sports Event Management, Sports Marketing, Sports Analytics etc.
So, start preparing early, stay updated on sports trends, practice your analytical and writing skills, and approach SMAT with confidence. Your passion for sports can truly become your profession with the right preparation and guidance.
All the best!
