CAT vs GMAT: Choosing the Right Test for You in 2022
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Download PDFCAT vs GMAT: Choosing the Right Test for You in 2022 - A common dilemma for MBA aspirants is choosing between CAT and GMAT. Here’s an attempt to help you understand which exam to choose. Read the complete article below to know more. Each year, there are thousands of applicants who are in a conundrum when it comes to opting for either CAT or GMAT. It is a major decision for them because giving these exam tests opens doors to a number of opportunities for the aspirants.
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However, it has been noticed that there is a predicament that the applicants face as to which test to sit for and which one they have a better chance of clearing. These exams take place to weed out those who are not ready for the grueling MBA programme. So before they finalize the exam, it is important for them to know what these two exams offer. They need to know certain details of both these exams.
CAT Vs GMAT: Highlights
| Particulars | CAT | GMAT |
| Exam Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) | Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) |
| Exam Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore | Graduate Management Admission Council |
| Basic Eligibility | Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks | Bachelor's degree (No minimum percentage) |
| Scorecard validity | In India (Valid for one year only) | Global/ for 5 years |
| Frequency | Once a year | Any time of the year |
| Exam sections | Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Reading Comprehension and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment, and Integrated Reasoning (GMAT Syllabus) |
| Number of questions | 66 | 81* |
| Number of sections | 3 | 4 |
| Exam duration | 2 hour | 3 hour |
| Mode of exam | Online | Online |
| Marking scheme | +3 for correct answer -1 for incorrect answer | - |
CAT vs GMAT: Number of Attempts
GMAT can be given a number of times throughout the year, whereas the CAT exam can only be given once a year. CAT leaves no space for flexibility. In GMAT you can take the exam five times a year. This gives room for flexibility, as applicants can choose the date when they want to give the GMAT.
What do they test?
Another distinguishing factor between the two tests is how they probe an applicant. The CAT exam focuses more on interpreting data and quantitative analysis. On the other hand, the GMAT focuses more on analytical skills and verbal reasoning. Applicants need to understand that companies that recruit MBAs are looking for people who have good communication skills, critical thinking, and leadership.
Validity of CAT score
This is a major differentiating factor between the two examinations. A CAT score is valid for only one year. There are a few institutions that consider an applicant’s CAT exam score from the previous year. On the other hand, an applicant’s GMAT score will be valid for five years. Again as far as flexibility is concerned, the GMAT is more adaptable.
Also, Check; CAT 2022 Sample Paper
CAT vs GMAT: Choice of institutions
CAT score is accepted by IIMs and other B-Schools. Applicants need to remember that the CAT exam at its very core is Indian education-centric. So if they are looking to get admission to one of the Indian B-Schools, CAT is the right exam to take.
GMAT score is accepted by Indian as well as B-Schools across the world. In other words, an applicant has more options to choose from. Just because the number of B-Schools increases, it doesn’t mean that the quality reduces. On the contrary, the quality of the B-School also increases. Top B-Schools such as Harvard Business School, Wharton, and Stanford all accept GMAT scores, adding to their value.
Also Read;
- Top MBA Colleges in India accepting GMAT score 2022
- Top MBA Colleges in India accepting CAT score 2022
Ease of admissions
When it comes to the CAT exam, admission to the college of choice is not easy. Only a handful of applicants get the colleges they want. Because the number of applicants is lot and the seats fewer, the Government of India has even opened a number of IIMSs across the country in the past few years. Till 1996, there were only six IIMs in the country, the first ones being established in 1961. Now there are 20 IIMs in the country out of which seven have been established in the past three years.
If we talk about GMAT, it is much easier for applicants to get into the college of their choice. The main reason for this is that B-Schools across the world accept GMAT scores. Moreover, even IIMs have started accepting GMAT scores. Because B-Schools are spread out across the globe when it comes to GMAT, applicants have more options to choose from.
Sameer Kamat who is the founder of MBA Crystal Ball, a management admission consultancy and Careerizma, says, “As a thumb rule for applicants who have less than two years of experience, CAT is a better option since GMAT MBA programmes expect more experience (five years is the average experience in top B-Schools).
Having said this, I strongly believe that MBA students can extract better value from the degree only if they have spent enough time (three-four years) understanding how the corporate world works at the operational level. Without that exposure, a highly practical course such as MBA can end up being another theoretical experience.”
Sameer also said that over the past few years it has been noticed that an increasing number of MBA graduates from India (including the top tier institutes) have been approaching them for help with their second MBA applications. The primary reason they cite – their first MBA degree happened too early and it did not deliver what they were expecting.
According to Sameer, it is a colossal waste of the first opportunity, not to mention time, energy, and money. Imagine putting in double the effort and time, and a significantly bigger investment pursuing the same degree twice. He feels that whether aspirants go for CAT or GMAT, it is best to do it once (whether in India or abroad), and make the most of it.
Cost
Cost is the single most decisive factor which makes CAT a better option than GMAT. Although CAT is held only once a year, the examination fee is mere Rs. 2300. If you compare it with GMAT then the cost of the examination is $250 or Rs. 16,000 (per attempt). Pursuing MBA in India is cheaper than pursuing MBA from an overseas university.
For applicants who want to pursue their MBA in India, CAT is a good option, but if he or she wants to apply to a foreign university and is willing to spend the money, then they should opt for the GMAT.
Format of the test
This is again one area where these two exams differ greatly. GMAT is more of a computer-adaptive test. This indicates that CAT is adjusted to the level of difficulty based on your performance on the previous question. For example, if you answer your first question with ease, your next question will be relatively difficult.
The level of difficulty will keep on changing according to your caliber. On the other hand, if you are unable to answer the question, your next question will be an easy one. Coming to the CAT’s format, it is linear. CAT questions are picked on a random basis from a question bank and you have the option of not answering the question.
Additional Read:
What is the difference in the calculation of the CAT Score and GMAT Score?
Another major difference between the two is how scores are calculated in both these exams. CAT is scored in the percentile, while GMAT is absolute. Your CAT percentile depends on how others have also scored in the exam. In GMAT irrespective of how other applicants perform, if you do well in the exam, you will get a good score.
Number of applicants
Over the past few years, it has been observed that the number of applicants for both tests has been on a steady rise. The number is almost the same for both tests. This makes it difficult for the person to get the college of choice more complex in CAT because the number of colleges is significantly lower than that of the GMAT. It is simple, more students compete against each other for fewer seats.
Choosing which examination to sit for totally depends on the applicant. It depends on the circumstances surrounding the applicant. GMAT is good for those who are already working, while CAT is good for those who want to do their MBA immediately after their bachelor’s in India.
In the end, it is totally up to the applicants which exam they want to sit for. Applicants should choose the exam which is more appropriate for them.
Top MBA Entrance Exams
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - CAT vs GMAT: Choosing the Right Test for You in 2022
Question: Is GMAT easier than CAT?
Answer:
GMAT can be considered to be easier than the CAT exam. However, more or less the syllabus of the management entrance exam is similar.
Question: Is GMAT accepted in IIM?
Answer:
IIMs accept GMAT for only One Year MBA Program, which is popularly known as PGPEx.
Question: Is CAT preparation enough for GMAT?
Answer:
Yes, CAT preparation will help significantly in the preparation for the GMAT exam.
Question: Which exam is tough CAT or GMAT?
Answer:
CAT can be considered to be the tougher exam when compared with the GMAT.
Question: Is CAT preparation enough for GMAT?
Answer:
It can be said that the preparation of the CAT and GMAT go parallel to each other as both of them have similar syllabi.
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Questions related to CAT
which top colleges accept scores of exams snap, nmat, cat, mat, cmat, GMAT? also what are the eligibility criteria for GMAT exam and also which top colleges accept GMAT score and micat exam is conducted for which top colleges except mica
Hello,
GMAT is graduate management admission test which is conducted by GMAC for admission of MBA in many countries, the eligibility criteria regarding this is as follows;
Candidates needs to be 18 years old or above,
Pass bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university, those in the final year or working professionals too are eligible to apply,
Should have a valid passport,
As the exam is conducted in English, hence proficiency in the same language is required as well,
Candidate can take maximum of five attempts in a year, and overall 8 attempts for lifetime, and there has to be a gap of 16 days prior to retaking the exam,
Colleges in India accepting GMAT scores are as follows;
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- IMT Ghaziabad
- IMI New Delhi
- Xavier University Bhubaneswar (XUB)
- Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai
- T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) Manipal
- K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai
- Goa Institute of Management (GIM) Goa
- Post Graduate Diploma in Management
- FORE School of Management, New Delhi
- Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, Delhi
- BIMTECH Greater Noida
- MICA Ahmedabad
- IFIM Business School, Bangalore
- SOIL-School of Business Design, Gurgaon
explore more detailed information about GMAT at https://www.careers360.com/exams/gmat
check out the entire list of colleges in India accepting GMAT at https://bschool.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-mba-colleges-in-india-accepting-gmat?icn=college_listing_accepting_score&ici=GMAT_exam_view
SNAP is conducted for 60 minutes in MCQs format, each question consists of one mark, there is deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrect attempt, the following sections are included in the entrance test:-
- General English
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
The colleges accepting scores of SNAP are listed below;
- Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Pune
- Symbiosis Institute of International Business, Pimpri-Chinchwad
- Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune,
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Bangalore
- Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology, Pune,
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Rangareddy,
- Symbiosis School of Banking and Finance, Pune
- LM Thapar School of Management, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dera Bassi
- Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Pune,
- Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management, Nashik,
- Lala Lajpat Rai Institute of Management, Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research Pune,
- Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication Pune,
- Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Indore,
- Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences, Lavale,
- Symbiosis Institute of Digital and Telecom Management, Lavale
- Shri Ram Murti Smarak International Business School, Lucknow
- Symbiosis School of Media and Communication
- Bangalore
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management,, Nagpur
- Om Bio Science and Management College, Haridwar Roorkee
check out our page at https://bschool.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-mba-colleges-in-india-accepting-snap to know more details regarding this.
CMAT is conducted for 180 minutes, and additional 30 minutes is allotted for optional section, there are total of five sections(one is optional) and each one consists of 25 questions for 100 marks as mentioned below-
- Quantitative techniques and data interpretation
- Logical reasoning
- General awareness
- Language comprehension
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship (optional)
for each correct answer four marks are awarded and in case of each incorrect attempt one mark is deduced,
The selection process mainly consists of three rounds:-
Written Ability Test,
Group Discussion, and
Personal Interview
Some of the top colleges offering admission for MBA Programme through CMAT are mentioned below-
- JBIMS, Mumbai
- SIMSREE, Mumbai
- KJ Somaiya Institute of Management
- Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
- University of Pune, Department of Management Sciences
- Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi
- Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai
- Goa Institute of Management
- Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad
- Amity University, Noida
- Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida
Explore more detailed information about the complete list of colleges offering MBA through CMAT at https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/top-b-schools-accepting-cmat-scores
The list of colleges accepting scores of NMAT are as follows;
- SPJIMR, Mumbai
- School of Business Management SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai
-
- VIT Business School Vellore,
- IBS Business School Hyderabad,
- K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
- ITM Business School Navi Mumbai
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore
- GITAM Hyderabad Business School Hyderabad,
- GITAM Institute of Management, Visakhapatnam
- Alliance School of Business, Bangalore
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies Mumbai,
- Amity Business School Noida,
- Goa Institute of Management Poriem,
- Amrut Mody School of Management, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad
- ISBR Business School Bangalore
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies Hyderabad,
- Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University
- Centre for Management Studies, Jain University, Bangalore
- Bangalore, Karnataka
- Bennett University, Greater Noida
- Jindal Global Business School, Sonipat,
- IIHMR University, Jaipur
- Amity University, Mumbai
- Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida
- Galgotias University, Greater Noida
- BML Munjal University, Gurgaon
- Chitkara Business School, Patiala
- Woxsen University Hyderabad - Woxsen School of Business, Hyderabad,
- School of Petroleum Management, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar
- Amity University, Noida
- School of Business, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun
check out our page at https://bschool.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-mba-colleges-in-india-accepting-nmat-by-gmac to know more details regarding this.
Answer laterI did not self attest my obc certificate in cat application. what should I do?
Hope you are doing fine! Below are the categories who get benefits of reservation in CAT -
- As per the Government of India requirements, 15% of the seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. 27% of seats are reserved for Other Backward Classes candidates belonging to the non - creamy layer (NC - OBC).
To avail the reservation benefits one must upload the catagory certificate at the time of CAT registration. In case of other mba colleges you might get chance to apply separately as many mba colleges take separate applications for admission after cat exam. But in case of IIMs candidates will be shortlisted for interview based on their application while registration for cat, during the selection process they need to produce the documents for verification. But in your case if you have not attached catagory certificate at the time of CAT registration you will be shortlisted as per general cutoff. Below I have provided you previous year cutoff for different IIMs.
- IIM Ahmedabad - 85 percentile
- IIM Bangalore - 85 percentile
- IIM Calcutta - 85 percentile
- IIM Lucknow - 90 percentile
- IIM Indore - 90 percentile
- IIM Kozhikode - 85 percentile
- IIM Amritsar - 85 percentile
- IIM Nagpur - 85 percentile
- IIM Sambalpur - 93 percentile
- IIM Trichy - 93 percentile
- IIM Raipur - 93 percentile
- IIM Ranchi - 93 percentile
- IIM Kashipur - 94 percentile
- IIM Vizag - 80 percentile
- IIM Udaipur - 93 percentile
- IIM Bodhgaya - 93 percentile
- IIM Shillong - 75 percentile
- IIM Sirmaur - 93 percentile
- IIM Rohtak - 95 percentile
- IIM Nagpur - 85 percentile
- IIM Jammu - 93 percentile
All the best :)
how to start the quantitative aptitude preparation topics for CAT exam?
Hello aspirant,
Although there are many online resources for CAT 2022 candidates, for many of them, preparing for the CAT mathematical ability part is one of the most tough and challenging undertakings. The QA part is regarded by the majority of elite CAT scorers as one of the most unexpected and time-consuming. And for candidates without an engineering-related educational background, learning how to prepare for the CAT quantity ability is like cracking a hard nut.
For every detailed information on how to prepare for cat quantitative aptitude section, you can visit our site by clicking on link given below.
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/how-prepare-for-cat-quantitative-ability
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
what is CAT exam? full information about it
Hello aspirant,
The Common Admission Test is the full name of the exam. A prominent national MBA entrance exam is being taken. A computer-based test will be used to administer the CAT 2022 exam. A little over 2.3 lakh students are anticipated to sign up for the CAT 2022. At 20 IIMs and more than 1,000 B-Schools in India, CAT 2022 will be held for MBA and PGDM admissions.
For more information you can visit our site by clicking on link given below.
https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/cat/amp
Thank you
Hope this information helps you
Hello , i have completed btech but i have 3 supply and if i manage to complete all by next year & if the results are not published by the time pg entrance notification is out , can i apply for pg ? also write exam SSC CGL ?
Hello,
Firstly you need to clear all your three supply, there are many universities which does offer admission provisionally as final year candidates too are eligible to apply, so you have to check out the exact details by visiting the official website, coming to SSC CGL you need to attain the required educational qualifications by the specific date as mentioned in the official notification, and unless you clear the supply, you won't be able to apply for the same,
When it comes to job profiles of SSC CGL, there are only three posts which have specific criteria pertaining to it which are as follows;
Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer : essential qualification is bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university, desirable qualification is ca/cma/cs/mcom/mba(finance),masters in business economics and masters in business studies
Junior Statistical Officer : Bachelor's degree in any discipline with 60% marks in maths at 10+2 level or graduation in any subject with statisics as a subject in all the three years of graduation.
Statistical Investigator Grade II ; Bachelor's degree in any discipline with statisics as a subject in all the three years of graduation.
Assistant in NCLAT ; The desirable qualification is passed degree in law from a recognized university,
Research Assistant in NHRC ; The desirable qualification is passed degree in law/human rights from a recognized university, a minimum of one year research experience from a recognized university is required.
Other than aforementioned posts, others only have eligibility criteria of passed bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
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