Difference Between CAT And GMAT

Published on 4th October 2024, 3:20 PM

The CAT (Common Admission Test) and GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) operate as a standardized test for admission to MBA programs. Nevertheless, both vary in the range of their selection, fees, validity, frequency of the exam, structure, and so on. 

In spite of the numerous differences, both the CAT exam and GMAT are tests that calculate your management abilities in Quantitative Ability, Reasoning Skills, and Data Interpretation. There are also a fairly large number of fundamental differences between these management exams. 

In this article, we will discuss the paper pattern of CAT and GMAT and their differences and similarities.

CAT vs GMAT 

Here we have laid out a table below to see some differences between CAT and GMAT:

CAT vs GMAT: Which is Tougher?

Both of these entrance exams are highly competitive and challenging and are known for their difficulty level among MBA aspirants. Each year, over 200,000 students in India take the CAT, and an equivalent number take the GMAT. The majority of applicants do not get the marks they prefer on their first attempt at either of these exams. An aspiring MBA candidate in India can attempt both exams if he or she can spare time to prepare for them or may choose one of them, depending on the specific MBA program and B-school they are targeting for admission. However, candidates must be mindful that both exams require hard work and dedication to pass them with flying colors and gain admission to their desired B-school.

The CAT and GMAT both test English language skills, numerical ability, and logical reasoning, yet in terms of content, application, style, format, and modality, the two tests differ considerably from each other.

Also Check: Free CAT Mock Test

Difference Between The Syllabus of CAT & GMAT 

The nature of the CAT and GMAT exams is completely different, and candidates must choose one. While the subjects covered in the syllabi for both tests are similar, the examination formats are entirely distinct. Due to significant differences in their patterns and structures, preparing for both the CAT and GMAT simultaneously is not feasible. Preparing for them requires a focused and dedicated approach.

Though the two syllabi are more or less the same, the most prominent difference between the CAT syllabus and the GMAT syllabus is that the latter includes the Analytical Writing Assessment, which is subjective in nature and very important in the case of GMAT. The CAT does not have any subjective components in its exam. 

Also Read: CAT Previous Year Papers

Difference Between Exam Structure of CAT And GMAT

Both the GMAT and the CAT comprise three sections in total, and both the entrance exams are online-based or computer-based. The GMAT is considered highly adaptive, whereas the CAT is not. This points out that on the GMAT exam, the difficulty level of the following question is determined depending on your performance in the last question. As for the CAT exam, the questions are all pre-determined and do not alter based on your performance on the foregoing questions. 

Difference Between Exam Duration of CAT & GMAT

The duration for the GMAT is two hours and fifteen minutes, while the CAT lasts for a duration of two hours. 

Difference Between Score Validity of CAT & GMAT 

The score you obtained through GMAT is valid for up to five years, starting from the date you took your test. The reason is that the conducting body GMAC considers your reasoning skills and abilities to be less likely to deteriorate over a period of five years. However, management institutions may have their unique guidelines with regard to the score that they acknowledge. Ensure that you go through the preferred institution before proceeding to apply. 

On the contrary, the scores you obtained through CAT are only valid for a year starting from the date you appeared for the test. Furthermore, if you are unable to get a good score, you would have to wait for another year to take the test again. However, this is not applicable to the GMAT, as candidates are allowed to take the GMAT exam at least five times a year.

Difference Between CAT & GMAT Eligibility and Number of Attempts

For the GMAT, any candidate over 18 can appear for the test. However, if you are below 18 (between 13 to 18 years of age), you can only take the test with parental consent. GMAT allows candidates up to 5 attempts in a year. The minimum period between any attempts should be not less than 16 days. The overall lifetime limit for GMAT is 8 attempts.

Candidates can appear for CAT exam only once a year on a date given by the IIM (the conducting body of CAT). Every year, the convening IIM announces the date between July and August on which CAT exam will be held. It is worth noting that there is no age limit or restrictions on the number of attempts in CAT. However, candidates who wish to appear for the same are required to possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or its equivalent. Candidates in the final year of their respective degree programs are also eligible to appear for CAT exam.

Difference Between The Exam Pattern  of CAT & GMAT 

The GMAT question paper multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and an Analytical Writing section. Each section has a specific time limit, but candidates have the flexibility to choose the order in which they want to answer the sections.

Whereas CAT is a 2-hour-long exam that further has a sectional time limitation of 40 minutes for each section. It has been observed that CAT exam pattern follows a fixed sequence of sections, with VARC being the first one, followed by DILR and QA. This means that candidates cannot select sections to answer according to their preference or return to questions they skipped earlier. The CAT question paper consists of both MCQs and some TITA (type-in-the-answer) type questions.

Difference Between Registration/Application Fees of CAT & GMAT 

The registration/application fee for the GMAT is $275 (approx. INR 22,820) to attempt the exam at the test center and another $300 (approx. INR 24,900) for the online test. The GMAT is an international exam accepted by 7000+ MBA programs in 110 nations, whereas the CAT is a national-level test accepted by business schools in India only. The CAT Application Fee has been increased to INR 2500 this year for the general category students.

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