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CAT vs NMAT: Understanding the Key Differences and Similarities

CAT vs NMAT: Understanding the Key Differences and Similarities

Ongoing Event

NMAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 10 Oct' 25

#NMAT
Alen Tom ShajiUpdated on 24 Jun 2025, 04:15 PM IST

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

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

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.

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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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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)

Q: Which exam is right for you, CAT or NMAT?
A:
  • If a candidate is aiming for the top IIMs, then they should opt CAT.
  • If a candidate prefers a more flexible exam with multiple attempts, then NMAT could bethe  right choice. 
Q: Which is easier, NMAT or CAT?
A:

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.

Q: What are the cutoff marks required to qualify for NMAT 2024?
A:

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

Q: Is NMAT easy to crack?
A:

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.

Q: Is CAT harder than NMAT?
A:

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.

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Questions related to NMAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NMAT ?
When will the MBA(law) application be online for 2026-28 batch, I am in final year of graduation and also appearing for NMAT for same., kindly let me know when would it be online.

Hello,

The application dates for MBA (Law) 2026–28 batch are not announced yet.

Since you are appearing for NMAT, you can expect the forms to be released around the time of NMAT registrations , which usually begin in August. Most likely, the applications will open by August or September 2025.

You should keep checking the official admission website of the college for exact updates.

Hope it helps !

Read Complete Answer
P
Prachi Kumari
29 Aug'25
College accepting nmat scores for mba

dear aditi,

lsit of college known accepting NMAT score"-

1. XIM University, Bhubaneshwar

2. SPJIMR, Mumbai

3. IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University

4. Woxsen University, Hyderabad

5. VIT, Vellore

6. SRM University, Chennai

more..

thanks

Read Complete Answer
J
Jeet Mukhopadhyay
20 Jun'25
hii. i have 180 score in nmat and 55 percentile in car. got 80% in 10th and 89.25 in 12th. please recommend me colleges with good avg.

Hello Ishita,

With an NMAT score of 180 and 55 percentile, you can target tier-2 and tier-3 management colleges. Here are some options with decent average placements:

  • IBS Hyderabad – Average package: Rs. 8–10 LPA

  • IFMR Graduate School of Business, Chennai – Average package: Rs. 11–13 LPA

  • Woxsen University, Hyderabad – Average package: Rs. 8–10 LPA
  • JAGSOM (Bangalore) – Average package: Rs. 11–12 LPA
  • Alliance University, Bangalore – Average package: Rs. 8–10 LPA
  • Amity University, Noida – Average package: Rs. 6–8 LPA

Consider applying to colleges with good industry exposure and placement records.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Read Complete Answer
K
kumardurgesh1802
12 Mar'25
I sored 182 in NMAT willi get call from shiv nadar.

Hello aspirant,

It is anticipated that the Shiv Nadar NMAT cutoff score for the MBA program will be higher than 200.  Applicants at Shiv Nadar University who have an NMAT score of 200 or higher (after normalization) should anticipate receiving an invitation to the Personal Interview phase.

So with 182 marks in NMAT, it is very difficult to get a call from Shiv Nadar University.

Thank you

Read Complete Answer
S
Sajal Trivedi
11 Mar'25
list of colleges by cat xat snap and nmat

Top MBA colleges based on CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT scores include some of India’s best institutions. For CAT, the IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) and FMS Delhi are highly regarded. XAT results in prestigious colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur and XIMB. SNAP is known for Symbiosis Institutes, such as SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. NMAT scores open doors to NMIMS Mumbai, SPJIMR Mumbai, and ISB Hyderabad. Each exam has unique eligibility requirements, and their cutoffs vary, so it's important to research the specific criteria and select based on your preferences and strengths.

Read Complete Answer
A
Ankit
17 Jan'25
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