IPMAT vs CAT: Which Exam is Better for Management Aspirants?

IPMAT vs CAT: Which Exam is Better for Management Aspirants?

Alen Tom ShajiUpdated on 20 Feb 2025, 04:08 PM IST

IPMAT or CAT which is better among the two? Well, considering the target audience both the management programs are suited for different types of candidates. The major differentiating factor between the two is the accessibility or eligibility to each program. Candidates can appear for an IPMAT exam right after they finish school but to take the CAT exam a candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. It depends on a particular candidate's preferences and career goals, and which one is better suited for them.

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This Story also Contains

  1. IPMAT vs CAT Which is Better
  2. IPMAT vs CAT Syllabus
  3. IPMAT or CAT Which is Better Pros and Cons
  4. IPMAT or CAT Which is Better to choose
IPMAT vs CAT: Which Exam is Better for Management Aspirants?
IPMAT vs CAT

IPMAT vs CAT Which is Better

IPMAT or CAT which is better alternative for a management aspirant. Through IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) candidates can become eligible for applying to the five-year integrated management program offered by various IIMs and other top B-Schools. CAT on the other hand allows candidates to apply for a regular MBA program offered by any of the MBA colleges across India (given that the particular college accepts CAT scores for MBA admission.

IPMAT or CAT Key Differences

Knowing the major differences between the two MBA entrance exams can provide a defined edge in understanding which is best for them. The key differences between IPMAT and CAT exams are listed in the table given below.

Aspect

IPMAT

CAT

Purpose

Specific for applying to the IPM program only.

For admission to all kinds of MBA, PGDM, and MMS programs offered by various institutes across the country.

Target Audience

Primarily for students who have just finished school (10+2).

For graduates wanting to pursue a career in the field of management.

Exam Structure

Includes exam sections on Quantitative Ability, Quantitative Ability, and Verbal Ability.

Includes three exam sections VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

IPMAT vs CAT difficulty Level

Less difficult. Easy to Moderate

Can be considered between moderate to difficult.

Frequency

Once every year.

Once every year.

Admission Process

After the exam, the applicants who clear the IPMAT cutoff for the respective college are required to participate in the GD/PI round for final selection.

Applicants clearing the CAT cutoff for the applied college will have to go through the selection process involving GD/PI rounds.

Accepting Colleges

All the major B-Schools across India.

IPMAT vs CAT Syllabus

Both the IPMAT and CAT exams are conducted to analyse the language proficiency and logical and quantitative skills of the applicants. The IPMAT exam is 2 hours exam with 120 questions on topics such as Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability and the CAT exam is 2 hours, with questions from topics like Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.

IPMAT or CAT Which is Better Pros and Cons

The pros and cons of IPMAT and CAT are mentioned below.

Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT)

Pros

Cons

  • Early Start

  • Limited Institution

  • Integrated Program

  • Less Recognised

  • Less Competition

  • Low networking opportunities

  • Specific and focused program curriculum


Common Admission Test (CAT)

Pros

Cons

  • Accepted all over

  • Highly Competitive

  • Comprehensive Evaluation

  • High Cutoff for IIMs

  • Networking opportunities


  • Recognition


IPMAT or CAT Which is Better to choose

The ideal situation for a candidate to choose between the IPMAT or CAT exam is described below.

  • Choose IPMAT if you have recently completed school looking for an early introduction to a management and business administration program. Ideal for candidates who prefer a structured pathway from graduation to post-graduation. But candidates should be able to the program for five whole years.

  • Choose CAT if you are a graduate with no or some work experience in any professional domain. CAT is ideal for candidates aiming for a wide range of prestigious institutions to pursue an MBA program from and are prepared for a highly competitive admission process.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is CAT better than IPMAT?
A:

CAT can be considered better than IPMAT as it is a much more flexible alternative for MBA aspirants. However, candidates wanting a structured management program from graduation to postgraduation can go for IPMAT.

Q: What is the acceptance rate for the IPMAT?
A:

The IPMAT acceptance rate is a mere 0.006 i.e. for every 1000 applicants only 6 or 7 can make it to the final merit list. Apart from the IPMAT score the Personal Interview round also carries a significant weightage in the overall selection process. The weightage of the Personal Interview is 35%.

Q: What is a good score for CAT?
A:

A good CAT score will depend on the college that a candidate aims for. If the goal is to pursue an MBA from IIMs then a good score would be percentile between 98-99.9. Other than IIMs a percentile between 90-99 would be considered good enough.

Q: What is the eligibility for IPMAT?
A:

The eligibility criteria for IPMAT exam include 60% marks in 12th standard for General category candidates and 55% marks for reserved category candidates. Along with that a valid IPMAT scorecard clearing the cutoff will also be required.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello,
With a projected CAT percentile of 87% but not clearing sectional cutoffs, your chances at top IIMs are limited because they require both overall percentile and sectional minimums. However, you still have a good shot at other reputed management institutes and non-IIM B-schools. Consider colleges like NMIMS, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and other well-ranked private or state-level B-schools that accept CAT scores and weigh your profile holistically. Your academic record, BSc in Animation with 80%, and 5 years of work experience at Ubisoft India are strong points and may help in institutes that value work experience in their selection process. Also, explore institutes that accept XAT, MAT, or CMAT, where your profile can be competitive.
Hope this helps you.

Good Morning,

NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.

Thank You.

If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.


And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means you won’t get the EWS benefit.


So yes — you can still go for General category posts and Professor recruitment. Just don’t try to submit a fake/invalid certificate; that will get you disqualified.

Hello,
If your CAT admit card shows your surname first followed by your first name as entered in the form, it is correct. You do not need to worry about this format as long as it matches the details you provided. Ensure all other information on the admit card is accurate and carry it to the exam along with the required identification documents.
Hope this helps you.

Hello,

If your CAT admit card has a different date of birth than your Aadhaar card, you should get it corrected immediately . Here’s what you can do:

  1. Check the CAT website : Log in to your candidate portal and look for the option to correct personal details.

  2. Contact the CAT helpdesk : Email or call them explaining the issue. Attach a copy of your Aadhaar card as proof.

  3. Do not ignore it : The date of birth must match your ID, otherwise you may face problems at the exam or during admission.

Usually, the CAT authorities allow corrections before the exam, so act quickly.

Hope it helps !