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CAT vs GMAT: Choosing the Right Test for You in 2024 - 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, thousands of applicants 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 several opportunities for the aspirants. Read this article by Careers360 in which we have discussed GMAT vs CAT.
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While looking for difference between CAT and GMAT, many students have a question like -is GMAT easier than CAT?, CAT or GMAT which is better?, is CAT and GMAT syllabus same? What is GMAT vs CAT difficulty. 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 set apart those who are not ready for the grueling MBA programme. So before they finalize the exam, they need to know what these two exams offered. They need to know certain details of the GMAT vs CAT difficulty level.
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, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment, and Integrated Reasoning |
Number of questions | 66 | 81 |
Number of sections | 3 | 4 |
Exam duration | 2 hours | 3 hours |
Mode of exam | Online | Online |
Marking scheme | +3 for a correct answer -1 for incorrect answer | - |
GMAT can be given several 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.
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.
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.
Compared to the Common Admission Test (CAT), which is a domestic exam and widely accepted in India, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) exam opens more opportunities if candidates looking to attend B-school abroad or in India. Those candidates who opt for GMAT over CAT also face less competition. More than 200,000 lakh candidates appear for the CAT entrance test every year to pursue an MBA program from top B-schools.
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. Check out more about GMAT vs CAT how to choose.
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.
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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 a lot and the seats fewer, the Government of India has even opened several 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 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 a 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.
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.
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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.
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.
GMAT can be considered to be easier than the CAT exam. However, more or less the syllabus of the management entrance exam is similar.
IIMs accept GMAT for only One Year MBA Program, which is popularly known as PGPEx.
Yes, CAT preparation will help significantly in the preparation for the GMAT exam.
CAT can be considered to be the tougher exam when compared with the GMAT.
It can be said that the preparation of the CAT and GMAT go parallel to each other as both of them have similar syllabi.
The difficulty level of the GMAT and CAT entrance exams is high. However, the GMAT entrance test is considered easier than CAT, as it has a predefined exam syllabus, unlike CAT.
Yes, one can prepare for both (CAT and GKAT) together. If a candidate wishes to appear for both the CAT and GMAT at the same time, then candidates will have to be very dedicated. While the GMAT score is accepted abroad (Internationally) as well the CAT exam is a national-level MBA exam.
If a candidate wants to pursue an MBA in India, especially from IIM then they should go for CAT and if they want to pursue the same from abroad then GMAT is the best option to opt.
The exam syllabus for the CAT and GMAT are almost the same. However, the difficulty level of the Quant section of the GMAT is quite lesser than the CAT exam.
Hello,
Here you can get study material for CAT :
https://bschool.careers360.com/download/ebooks/cat-quantitative-aptitude-questions-answers-pdf
Hope it helps !
Balancing CAT preparation with college studies requires strategic planning and time management. Here’s a concise approach to help you prepare effectively:
1. **Create a Timetable**: Allocate dedicated time for CAT preparation daily, even if it’s just 2-3 hours. Focus on one CAT section (VARC, DILR, QA) each day to maintain balance. Weekends can be used for extensive practice and mock tests.
2. **Leverage College Breaks**: Use gaps between classes, study breaks, or commute time to revise formulas, solve quick questions, or read newspapers to enhance your reading comprehension and vocabulary for VARC.
3. **Focus on Basics First**: Strengthen your fundamentals in Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation. Use your college academic breaks to dive deeper into complex topics.
4. **Mock Tests & Analysis**: Start taking mock tests early to build exam temperament. Analyze your mistakes thoroughly to improve your strategy and time management.
5. **Consistency over Intensity**: Study regularly, even for short periods. Consistency will help you cover more topics without overwhelming yourself.
6. **Balance Both Priorities**: Ensure your college assignments and studies are managed well to avoid last-minute stress. Prioritize subjects in both CAT and college where you need more attention.
By maintaining a disciplined schedule and staying focused, you can efficiently manage both CAT preparation and college studies.
hope this helps you!!
Hello Nikita,
To get into any of the top IIMs, such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, or Indore, a good percentile in CAT is required, although academics play a vital role too. Let's break it down below:
CAT Score: 98+ percentile is an excellent score and makes one competitive.
Academic Scores:
Your 10th score at 84% is quite good.
A 12th score of 65% is on the lower side, which might hamper your chances at some of the top IIMs since they give weightage to past academic performance.
IIM Selection Criteria:
Every IIM has its own weightage for the scores of academics, CAT percentile, work experience, if any, and diversity.
For example, IIM Ahmedabad requires consistent academic records, while IIM Bangalore puts the strongest focus on work experience and diversified profiles.
Graduation: You are currently pursuing graduation, and your performance during that will also be considered in the shortlisting process.
While your CAT score is going to be the major pointer, your academic record-doing in class 12-is going to affect your prospects a bit at IIMs that place significant emphasis on your past performance. Still, you will have a healthy shot, at least at institutes like Lucknow, Kozhikode, and Indore, where a good score in CAT may offset lower marks in academics.
If you have diverse profiled extracurricular activities, leadership roles etc, or work experience, then it can build up your application further.
Hello!
Prep for CAT 2024: Application Pattern
Syllabus: Focus on those areas that fall under the syllabus; for instance, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
Books: Stick to standard books from renowned authors, say, Arun Sharma for Quant, Norman Lewis in vocabulary, and some mock tests available from TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher.
Mock Tests: Take mocks and study the mistakes made.
Time management: F ocus on speed and accuracy.
If you need a more structured approach, consider a coaching institute.
Start early and become a regular.
Wishing you the best! thankyou!
Hello,
While starting your CAT preparation late can be challenging, it's still possible to achieve a good score with focused effort. Prioritize understanding the exam pattern, and focus on key areas like Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability.
Create a structured study plan, practice regularly with mock tests, and review your performance to identify weaknesses. Use quality study materials and consider joining a coaching class if time permits. Stay consistent and motivated, and remember that dedicated effort in the coming weeks can lead to positive results.
You can refer to the following article for help :
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/last-minute-preparation-strategy-for-cat
Good luck!
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