NMAT vs CAT in 2026: Which Exam Is Easier? Exam Pattern, Difficulty Level & Key Differences

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?

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

Also Read:

• MBA Entrance Exams
• How to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams? - Section-Wise Tips, Strategy & Guide

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 3 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

CAT Syllabus

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 2025: Highlights

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 2025 cutoff marks are mentioned in the table below.

NMAT Cutoff 2025

CAT Cutoff 2025

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 2025

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

• Step 1: The candidates have to appear for the NMAT 2025 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 2025 score, Work experience and Case discussion / personal interview.

CAT Selection Process 2025

The candidates who cleared the CAT 2025 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 2025 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.