CAT Exam VS GMAT Exam – MBA is a very popular master’s degree that many people want to get. Employers really like it, and students are excited about it. Every year, a lot of ambitious people apply to MBA programs.
There are two big tests that you can take to get into MBA programs: the Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). These tests are accepted by all the major business schools, including the IIMs. People often wonder which test is easier, GMAT or CAT. This article is here to help you understand the differences between GMAT and CAT in different situations.
CAT and GMAT exams are two prominent tests used for admission to MBA programs, with CAT primarily for Indian B-schools and GMAT for international business schools. Understanding their differences and purposes is crucial for aspiring MBA candidates.
Features | GMAT | CAT |
---|---|---|
Exam Full Form | Graduate Management Admission Test | Common Admission Test |
Conducting body | Graduate Management Admission Council | Indian Institute of Management |
Validity | Global/for five years | In India and some foreign universities, valid for only one year |
Eligibility | No minimum percentage required in bachelor’s degree | Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 50% marks |
Frequency | Anytime of the year | Once a year (November end or December beginning) |
Mode of Exam | Online | Online |
Exam Sections | Verbal Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning Integrated Reasoning Analytical Writing Assessment | Quantitative Aptitude Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
Number of sections | 4 | 3 |
Number of questions | 80 Questions | 66 questions |
Exam Duration | 187 minutes | 120 minutes |
Sectional time limit | Quantitative Reasoning: 62 minutes Verbal Reasoning: 65 minutes Integrated Reasoning: 30 minutes Analytical Writing Assessment: 30 minutes | 40 minutes for each section |
Difficulty level | High | High |
Marking Scheme | 0-6 for Analytical Writing Assessment1-8 for Integrated Reasoning0-60 for Verbal Reasoning and0-60 for Quantitative Reasoning | 3 for correct answer-1 for incorrect answer |
Exam Fee | USD 250 | General and NC-OBC: INR 2,300SC/ST/PWD (DA): INR 1,150 |
One key distinction between CAT and GMAT lies in their eligibility criteria. Let’s explore the eligibility requirements for each of these exams below.
Here’s the eligibility criteria for CAT presented in a table format:
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Educational Qualification | Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute. |
Minimum Percentage Required | – General and OBC-NC category candidates need a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate or an equivalent CGPA. – Reserved category candidates (SC, ST, PWD) require a minimum of 45% marks. |
Graduation Duration | The bachelor’s degree program should have a minimum duration of three years. |
Final Year Students Eligibility | Final year graduation students are eligible to apply for CAT 2024, provided they complete their program within the stipulated schedule. |
Age Limit | There is no age limit for candidates applying for or appearing in CAT 2024, meaning individuals of all age groups are welcome to take the exam. |
Here’s the eligibility criteria for the GMAT exam presented in a table format:
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Discrimination | No discrimination based on religion, sex, background, or education. |
Age Requirement | – Candidates must be 18 years or older to apply without consent. – If aged 13 to 17, a written proof from a guardian is required. |
Upper Age Limit | There is no specified upper age limit for GMAT candidates. |
Educational Qualification | Any candidate with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute is eligible. |
Minimum/Maximum Academic Qualification Limit | There are no minimum or maximum academic qualification limits for GMAT. |
Number of Attempts | – Candidates can take the GMAT a maximum of five times within 12 months. – There should be a minimum 16-day gap between each re-attempt. – A candidate is not allowed more than eight attempts in a lifetime. |
Waiting Period for Perfect Score (800) Retake | If you score a perfect 800 on GMAT, you need to wait for five years before retaking the test. |
Now, let’s examine the distinction between the syllabus of GMAT and CAT. We’ll uncover how the syllabus for GMAT differs from that of CAT.
Section | Topic | Score Range |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension, Critical reasoning, Para summary, grammar, Syllogisms, Verbal reasoning, Para jumble Jumbles, Fill in the blanks, Vocabulary | +3 for every correct answer-1 for every incorrect MCQ answer-0 for incorrect non-MCQ answer |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Case lets and Tables, Bar Graph, Venn Diagrams, Calendars, cubes, clocks, Logical Sequences, Blood Relations, Missing information, Games and Tournaments, Routes and Networks, Seating Arrangement | +3 for every correct answer-1 for every incorrect MCQ answer -0 for incorrect non-MCQ answer |
Quantitative Aptitude | Algebra, Arithmetic, Number System, Geometry, coordinate Geometry, Mensuration, Percentages, Logarithms, Probability, Trigonometry, Surds and Indices, Time Speed Distance, Ratios & Proportions | +3 for every correct answer-1 for every incorrect MCQ answer -0 for incorrect non-MCQ answer |
Section | Topic | Score Range |
Analytical Writing Assessment | Analysis of an Argument, Issue Essay | 0-6 (in 0.5-point increments) |
Integrated Reasoning | Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Multi-source Reasoning, Two-part Analysis | 1-8 (in 1-point increments) |
Quantitative Reasoning | Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving | 6-51 (in 1-point increments) |
Verbal Reasoning | Reading Comprehension (60%) Critical Reasoning (20%), Sentence Correction (20%) | 6-51 (in 1-point increments) |
The main differences between GMAT and CAT are in the way their question papers are structured. This includes variations in the sections, time limits, and the types of questions they contain. Let’s delve into these distinctions.
Certainly, here’s the breakdown of the CAT exam details:
Sections of Exam (in that order) | No. of questions | Time Limit | Multiple Choice Questions | TITA (Type in the answer questions) |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 26 | 40 minutes | 18 | 8 |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 24 | 40 minutes | 18 | 6 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 26 | 40 minutes | 18 | 8 |
Total | 76 | 120 minutes | 54 | 22 |
Certainly, let’s break down the details of the GMAT exam:
Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Question Types |
Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 question | 30 Minutes | Analysis of an Argument and Issue Essay |
Integrated Reasoning | 12 questions | 30 minutes | Non- MCQ |
Quantitative Reasoning | 31 questions | 62 minutes | MCQ |
Verbal Reasoning | 36 questions | 65 minutes | MCQ |
Total | 80 | 187 minutes | – |
The steps given below highlights the key differences between CAT and GMAT, considering their patterns, costs, and difficulty levels across various sections.
When it comes to the fees for GMAT and CAT, there are some differences. CAT charges 2,000 INR for the General Category and 1,000 INR for SC, ST, and PWD Categories. Importantly, for CAT, once you’ve registered, there are no extra costs because you can’t change your exam date, session, or location, and there’s no option for cancellation or refunds.
On the other hand, GMAT fees vary depending on where you take the test:
Additionally, for GMAT, there might be some extra costs, which can vary, and you should check them separately.
GMAT Exam Fees | Cost (in USD) |
Application | 260.00 (via Phone) |
Rescheduling | More than 60 days before appointment: 5015-60 days before appointment: 10014 days and less before appointment: 150 |
Cancelling | More than 60 days before appointment: 10015-60 days before appointment: 7514 days and less before appointment: 50 |
Score Reinstatement | 50 |
AWA Rescoring | 45 |
Cancel Score (online after you leave the test centre) | 25 |
Additional Score Reports | 35 each |
Difference | GMAT | CAT |
Average Tuition Fees | INR 40-65 Lakhs | INR 12 Lakhs |
Average Salary | INR 65 Lakh Per Annum | INR 15 Lakh Per Annum |
Certainly, let’s break down the advantages of CAT in a detailed manner:
Ans: CAT is generally more cost-effective for Indian candidates, with lower registration fees and no need for international travel, making it a budget-friendly option.
Ans: Yes, CAT’s curriculum focuses on Indian business practices and management, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared to navigate the nuances of the Indian corporate landscape.
IIM Rohtak Placement - IIM Rohtak has a placement team that helps students secure jobs…
IIM Ranchi Placement - IIM Ranchi's placements for 2023 were excellent, achieving 100% placements with…
IIM Rohtak - The Indian Institute of Management Rohtak (IIM Rohtak) was established in 2009…
CAT Syllabus 2024 - CAT 2024, the Common Admission Test for MBA aspirants, features a…
IIM Jammu Placement - IIM Jammu's 5th batch saw a highest salary of INR 32…
IIM Jammu Cut Off - IIM Jammu announces its cutoff on the official website. To…