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CAT vs NMAT: Understanding the Key Differences and Similarities

CAT vs NMAT: Understanding the Key Differences and Similarities

Edited By Alen Tom Shaji | Updated on Jul 17, 2024 11:22 AM IST | #NMAT
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NMAT VS CAT - NMAT or CAT, which is easier to crack? Which one should you give? NMAT and CAT are the top entrance exams accepted by the top colleges and universities for MBA admissions. By comparing NMAT vs CAT, the exam pattern and syllabus appear to be similar. NMAT and CAT entrance exams are accepted by the majority of the MBA institutions in India. NMAT is a national-level entrance exam accepted by NMIMS and many others conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council. However, CAT is a national-level entrance examination accepted by all IIMs and other B-schools in India.

This Story also Contains
  1. Is NMAT easier than CAT?
  2. Differences Between CAT and NMAT: Key Points
  3. NMAT VS CAT: Know the Difference
  4. NMAT Syllabus vs CAT Syllabus
  5. CAT Syllabus
  6. NMAT VS CAT: Exam Pattern
  7. NMAT VS CAT Cut-off: Top B-Schools Accepting Scores
  8. CAT Cutoff 2024
  9. NMAT vs CAT: Selection Process
  10. NMAT Selection Process 2024
  11. CAT Selection Process 2024
CAT vs NMAT: Understanding the Key Differences and Similarities
CAT vs NMAT: Understanding the Key Differences and Similarities

Is NMAT easier than CAT?

NMAT vs CAT: Candidates can apply for the NMAT exam and CAT exam based on their eligibility criteria. Candidates who scored 50% minimum aggregate marks in any relevant bachelor programme or final year students from an approved university can register for the CAT exam or NMAT entrance exam. Read this article of careers360 to get the answers to the dilemmas such as which exam is easier NMAT or CAT?, Is CAT harder than NMAT? and Is it easier to crack NMAT?

Background wave

Differences Between CAT and NMAT: Key Points

CAT (Common Admission Test) and NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) are the entrance exams for admission to MBA courses in top institutions. Candidates can understand the basic details of the NMAT vs CAT exam.

NMAT vs CAT: Overview

Particulars

CAT

NMAT

Full Form

Common Admission Test

NMIMS Management Aptitude Test

Conducting Body

IIMs

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Number of Attempts

Once every year

Three attempts in a year

Application Fee

  • General category: Rs. 2400
  • Reserved category: Rs. 1200

Rs. 2800

Negative Marking

Yes

No

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NMAT VS CAT: Know the Difference

NMAT is conducted once a year. Candidates who failed to meet the NMAT cutoff marks on the first attempt can retake 2 times in the same year. The NMAT retake exam can taken only after a 15-day gap from the previous attempt. While the CAT exam is conducted once a year only.

NMAT Additional Window: Candidates who do not use three attempts of the NMAT exam can register for the NMAT additional window. Exam slots available for the additional registration window are limited and slots are offered on a first come first serve basis. Candidates who already have an account in the NMAT exam portal can only able to use the NMAT additional window.

NMAT Syllabus vs CAT Syllabus

NMAT and CMAT are the entrance exams accepted for admission to the top B-schools in India. There are 3 topics to be covered in the NMAT Vs CAT entrance exams. The CAT exam syllabus consists of sections such as Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). However, the NMAT syllabus consists of Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Skills, and Language Skills. Candidates can check out the below tables to know the sectional-wise topics of NMAT vs CAT exam syllabus.

NMAT Syllabus

NMAT Section-wise questions

NMAT exam 2024 Syllabus

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

NMAT exam Quantitative Aptitude

Logical Reasoning of NMAT 2024

  • Analytical Puzzles

  • Deductions

  • Critical Reasoning

  • Other Reasoning

CAT Syllabus

CAT 2024 Syllabus

CAT exam 2024 Topics

Verbal Ability

Para jumbles, Para summary, Odd sentence out, Inferences, Predictions, One-word substitution, Solving Main idea and title questions, Drawing Conclusions.

Reading Comprehension

RC passages

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Binary Logic, Syllogism, Directions, Clocks and calendars, Tables, Graphs, Charts, Connectives, Logical Sequence, Matching/ Puzzles, Number and Letter Series, Seating Arrangement, Venn Diagrams, Coding-Decoding, Caselets and Table

Quantitative Aptitude

Geometry, Trigonometry, Averages, Percentages, Number Systems, Arithmetic, Algebra, Mensuration, Modern Maths, Profit and loss, Simple & Compound Interest

NMAT VS CAT: Exam Pattern

Candidates can go through the below table to understand the major differences in th NMAT vs CAT exam patterns.

NMAT vs CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Highlights

Particulars

NMAT 2024 Exam

CAT 2024 Exam Details

Exam sections

  • Quantitative skills

  • Logical reasoning

  • Language skills

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC),

  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR),

  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Duration of exam

120 minutes

120 minutes

Total number of questions expected

108

66

Total marks

324

198

Type of questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

MCQs and Non-MCQ

Marking Scheme

  • No NMAT Negative marking.

  • Three marks for the right answer.

  • Each question will carry 3 marks

  • 1 mark negative marking for every wrong answer

  • No negative marking for Non-MCQs

NMAT VS CAT Cut-off: Top B-Schools Accepting Scores

Cutoff marks expected for the MBA admissions for top 10 colleges are listed below. MBA cutoff marks for NMAT vs CAT are determined by factors such as the number of candidates attending the exam, difficulty level of the exam, reservation policy, previous year's cutoff trends and many others. The MBA entrance exam's expected 2024 cutoff marks are mentioned in the table below.

NMAT Cutoff 2024

CAT Cutoff 2024

NMAT vs CAT: Selection Process

The selection process of NMAT or CAT entrance exams usually have written test in the first round followed by GD or personal interview. The candidates who qualified in the first round only will be eligible to participate in the next round of the selection process.

NMAT Selection Process 2024

The NMAT selection process comprises two steps that are mentioned below:

  • Step 1: The candidates have to appear for the NMAT 2024 exam.
  • Step 2: The candidates will be shortlisted based on the NMAT scores.
  • Step 3: Shortlisted candidates might appear for the Case Discussion and Personal Interview rounds.
  • Step 4: The final merit list will be released based on the Academic performance, NMAT 2024 score, Work experience and Case discussion / personal interview.
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Download NMAT 2024 preparation tips eBook to know the best strategy to crack the exam which cover exam pattern, previous year's analysis, syllabus, best books, mock test & more.
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CAT Selection Process 2024

The candidates who cleared the CAT 2024 will be invited for the CAT selection process by the participating institutes, including the IIMs and non-IIMs. The MBA admission criteria can vary from one institute to another based on CAT 2024 score, WAT, and GD/PI. Check out the CAT selection process for the MBA / PGDM programmes.

  • Step 1: Shortlisting of the candidates based on the CAT cutoff.
  • Step 2: Candidates shortlisted can attend the written test done by the institutes.
  • Step 3: Candidates must go through the group discussion or personal interview round.
  • Step 4: Based on the performance of candidates in the previous academic qualifications and CAT selection process the final result will be announced.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is CAT harder than NMAT?

Both CAT and NMAT exams are the most challenging MBA entrance exams. While comparing the exam syllabus of CAT or NMAT, appears to be similar. Candidates preparing for the CAT can also secure good marks in NMAT. Compared to NMAT, CAT is tougher.

2. Is NMAT easy to crack?

Candidates can easily crack the NMAT exam if they have a proper study plan, dedication and hard work. The NMAT exam is conducted to analyse the mathematical, logical, language and analytical abilities of students.

3. What are the cutoff marks required to qualify for NMAT 2024?

Candidates who obtained NMAT cutoff marks above 200 will be offered admission to top b-schools accepting NMAT scores.

4. Which is easier, NMAT or CAT?

When comparing the entrance exam pattern and syllabus, the CAT is generally considered more challenging than the NMAT. The NMAT accepting colleges is less as compared to the CAT accepting institutes. Candidates who wish to apply for the MBA programmes at IIMs must qualify for the CAT exam. There are no differences in the exam pattern and syllabus of NMAT or CAT.

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Questions related to NMAT

Have a question related to NMAT ?

Hello Greetings

To prepare for the NMAT exam, you can explore various resources. Here are some options:


Official Study Materials

- *NMAT by GMAC Official Guide*: This comprehensive guide provides insights into the exam format, question types, and scoring ¹.

- *NMAT Official Website*: The official website offers resources, including sample questions, exam format, and scoring information ².


Online Study Materials

- *MBA Karlo*: This website provides free study materials, including notes and practice questions for Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning ³.

- *NMAT Preparation Books*: You can find various preparation books on online marketplaces like Amazon or Flipkart.


Coaching Institutes

- *TIME*: TIME offers coaching services, study materials, and mock tests to help you prepare for the NMAT exam.

- *CL*: CL provides coaching services, study materials, and mock tests to aid in your NMAT preparation.


Mock Tests

- *NMAT Mock Tests*: Taking mock tests can help you assess your preparation and identify areas for improvement.


Remember to create a study plan and stick to it to ensure you're well-prepared for the NMAT exam.

Have a great day

Hello Greetings

With an NMAT score of 198, you have a good chance of getting into some top MBA colleges in Mumbai. Here are some options to consider:


- *NMIMS School of Business Management Mumbai*: This is one of the top MBA colleges in Mumbai, and NMIMS is known for its excellent management programs ¹.

- *K J Somaiya Institute of Management*: This college is also well-regarded for its MBA programs and accepts NMAT scores ¹.

- *ITM Business School*: ITM is another good option in Mumbai that accepts NMAT scores ¹.

- *SDA Bocconi Asia Center*: This college offers a range of MBA programs and accepts NMAT scores ².

- *ICFAI Business School*: ICFAI is a well-known business school with a campus in Mumbai that accepts NMAT scores ² ¹.


These colleges are all well-regarded for their MBA programs, and with your NMAT score, you may have a good chance of getting in. However, keep in mind that admission to these colleges also depends on other factors like your academic background, work experience, and performance in group discussions and personal interviews.

Have a great day

Yes, you can apply for the NMAT additional window for the first time. The registration for the additional window will begin on January 5, 2025, and the last date to register is January 10, 2025. The exam will be held from January 13 to 17, 2025.

To apply, you will need to visit the official NMAT website and register for the exam. You will also need to pay an application fee of Rs 2800. Once you have registered, you will be able to schedule your exam date and time.

Hello,

Based on your NMAT score of 220 (90 Verbal, 75 LR, 55 Quant), here are some colleges you may consider:

  1. NMIMS Mumbai

    • Previous year cutoffs: Around 230-240 for NMIMS Mumbai.
    • Your score is slightly below the cutoff, but you could still explore other NMIMS campuses.
  2. SPJIMR, Mumbai

    • Previous year cutoffs: Around 200-215.
    • Your score is on the border, so chances could be slim.
  3. UPES, Dehradun

    • Previous year cutoffs: Around 200-220.
    • Your score could be a good fit for UPES.
  4. VIT Business School

    • Previous year cutoffs: Around 215-230.
    • Your score is within the range.
  5. XIMB (Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar)

    • Previous year cutoffs: Around 220-230.
    • A borderline match for your score.

These are approximate cutoffs, and each year may vary slightly.

You can also use the NMAT college predictor tool to predict which college you can get based on your score.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

Based on previous years' cutoff , VIT Business School typically requires an NMAT score in the 75-80 percentile range for MBA admissions. An NMAT score of 206 may correspond to a percentile below this range, potentially affecting your chances.

Your current NMAT score is below the typical cutoff, but a strong overall application can still enhance your chances of receiving a call from VIT for the MBA program.

Hope it helps !

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