GMAT Vs. CAT: Syllabus, Pattern, Score, Eligibility Criteria, Fees, Difficulty Level

GMAT vs CAT: Overview 

The CAT, short for the Common Admission Test, is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management). This exam, featuring MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and TITA (Type in The Answer) questions, evaluates the aptitude of candidates aiming to pursue postgraduate management studies in India. In contrast, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test accepted by business schools worldwide, including some top institutions in India. Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), it primarily features MCQs.

If you want to learn about the difference between CAT and GMAT, below is a table comparing the general aspects of these two exams:

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GMAT vs CAT: Exam Pattern

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GMAT vs CAT: Exam Syllabus

Both being entrance tests for MBA programs, the GMAT and the CAT share a similar syllabus. If you want to know which exam should you take, GMAT or CAT, you should know the syllabus of both. The main difference between CAT and GMAT syllabus lies in their structure and question design, as the CAT exam does not have a syllabus and question types as well defined as those of the GMAT. Furthermore, geometry is important for the Quant section in the CAT exam, but the GMAT does not include it since the inception of its new Focus Edition version. In a discussion of CAT vs GMAT syllabus, experts generally consider the GMAT syllabus easier than the CAT’s.

Let's understand what the GMAT includes in its syllabus:

Coming to the CAT exam syllabus, it is divided into 3 sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Due to the lack of a defined syllabus for the CAT exam, aspirants largely focus on studying school-level mathematics and English. Given below is the tentative syllabus for the three sections of the exam:

Learn how to prepare for CAT VARC and enhance your accuracy and performance in the section by clicking here.

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GMAT vs CAT: Eligibility Criteria and Exam Attempts

Another distinguishing factor between the GMAT Focus Edition and the CAT exams is their eligibility criteria and the number of attempts allowed for each. Let's delve into these details

GMAT Eligibility Criteria & Attempts

• Candidate should be 18 years old or above.
• Candidates aged between 13 and 17 years still take the examination with parental permission.
• You can attempt the entrance test up to 5 times in one year and in case you are unsuccessful in your maiden attempt, you can take the test again after 16 days.
• In your entire lifetime, you can take GMAT up to 8 times.

GMAC, the test administrator of GMAT, does not rely on any government mandated system for admission of candidates.

CAT Eligibility Criteria & Attempts

• A candidate should have a Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution or its equivalent.
• Students in their final year can also appear for the test.
• If a candidate holds a professional degree such as CA/ CS/ ICWS, they can appear for the CAT exam.
• Candidates should have scored at least 50% (General category) and 45% (reservation category).
• CAT can be taken only once every year. Unlike GMAT, where you can choose your preferred date, CAT can only be taken on a date specified by IIM.
• There is no set bar on the number of attempts you take or upper age limit of a candidate.
• CAT registration is not valid after the CAT exam.

Please note that IIMs follow a government mandated reservation system, which is a reason most people do not get good colleges even at high percentiles.

Comparison Table CAT vs GMAT Eligibility Criteria

Let's summarize the above information in a table:

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GMAT vs CAT: Scoring System

The way scores are calculated makes a big difference between GMAT Focus Edition and CAT. Let's look at how the scores work in both the exams:

GMAT Scoring System

The GMAT Focus Edition ranges from 205 to 805. There are 61 scoring levels. Here's the breakdown of the score range for each section:

CAT Scoring System

The overall score of CAT is out of 198. You get three marks for every right answer and lose one mark for every wrong one. But if you do not answer or if it is a non-MCQ question, there is no penalty. Your CAT score is the total of all your marks.

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GMAT vs CAT: Score Validity & College Acceptance 

Below is a summary table to better grasp the points mentioned above:

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GMAT vs CAT: Exam Fees

In terms of cost, the CAT exam is significantly more affordable than the GMAT Focus Edition for Indian candidates. The GMAT exam registration fee is approximately INR 23,000, compared to around INR 2500 for the CAT exam (1250 for SC/ST/PwD category). This affordability makes the CAT exam more appealing to some students when compared to the GMAT exam. Only the most confident candidates might consider investing in the GMAT exam.

Here are some key points regarding GMAT and CAT exam fees:

• The registration fee for GMAT is 275 USD when you take the test at a test center and USD 300 for online test. The same for CAT is 2500 INR for General/EWS/NC-OBC category and 1250 INR for SC/ST/PwD category.
• Rescheduling the GMAT exam 1 to 14 days before the test date incurs an additional cost of 165 USD, while CAT cannot be rescheduled during this timeframe.
• Rescheduling the GMAT exam 15 to 60 days prior to the test date will cost you an additional 110 USD, whereas CAT cannot be rescheduled during this period.
• The GMAT allows rescheduling more than 60 days before the exam date for a fee of only 55 USD, a provision not available for the CAT exam.
• The GMAT attempts can be cancelled with late charges before the test date, but the same provision is not granted in the CAT exam.
• Once you register for CAT, you cannot cancel it. However, you can choose not to appear for it. In any case, no refund will be generated.

Key Points Regarding GMAT and CAT Exam Fees:

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GMAT vs CAT: Which Exam Should You Take?

There are different groups of MBA/Management aspirants, each with their own preferences and career aspirations. When it comes to deciding between the GMAT Focus Edition and the CAT, any management aspirant must determine the path of their academic and professional future.

Any MBA/Management aspirant can be divided into the following groups:

1. Pre-Final or Final Year College Student

Majority of GMAT or CAT applicants hail from college backgrounds, as the preparation for these exams demands substantial time (at least 9-12 months). Candidates pursuing programs like B.E, B.Sc., and B.Com integrate exam preparation with their ongoing studies. This approach aids efficient preparation by leveraging subjects in their coursework, reducing stress and enabling weekend coaching programs. Opting for the GMAT exam during the final college years allows a 4-5 year work experience window before pursuing an MBA, meeting GMAT eligibility criteria.

Taking either of these entrance exams during college offers numerous advantages, such as compensating for the lack of work experience with high GMAT or CAT scores.

• Aspiring to study abroad only: Candidates seeking global exposure, diverse cultural experiences, and enhanced cross-cultural communication skills stand to benefit from the GMAT, facilitating adaptation to rapidly evolving markets—a significant asset for recruiters.
• Aspiring to study in India only: Candidates preferring the comfort of their familiar environment and aiming to avoid the challenges of studying abroad opt for CAT, focusing on Indian B-schools for a more cost-effective education. This choice allows them to stay close to their roots, but dedication and hard work are essential for success.
• Open to both options – India and abroad: Candidates exploring diverse career opportunities initially take both exams to weigh their options based on received scores.

2. Freshers (0-24 Months of Experience)

GMAT or CAT: Freshers with some industry exposure may consider the CAT exam for entry into top IIMs due to its higher ROI and emphasis on professional maturity. However, international schools, like Harvard Business School or ISB Hyderabad, may consider freshers based on GMAT scores for specific programs. Balancing a lack of experience in their CV demands a good GMAT score, an effective GMAT video essay, and sometimes strong LORs from supervisors.

• Aspiring to study abroad only: Candidates seeking global exposure, diverse cultural experiences, and enhanced cross-cultural communication skills stand to benefit from the GMAT, facilitating adaptation to rapidly evolving markets—a significant asset for recruiters.
• Aspiring to study in India only: Candidates who've just begun their careers and seek to strengthen their job credibility may opt for CAT, staying close to their work environment while pursuing an MBA.
• Open to both options – India and abroad: These candidates are committed to pursuing an MBA despite having a job, willing to invest in valuable education for career advancement.

3. Individuals with 2-3 Years of Work Experience

GMAT vs. CAT: Opting for the GMAT after 2-3 years of professional experience opens opportunities in premier MBA colleges both abroad and in India. Comparatively, CAT's focus remains limited to Indian schools, but its preparation can be more taxing for full-time working professionals.

• Aspiring to study abroad only: Candidates starting their careers and aiming to boost job credibility might consider CAT to pursue an MBA within the country, allowing for internship/freelancing opportunities while studying.
• Aspiring to study in India only: Candidates with 2+ years of experience and a strong academic record should aim for CAT, as Indian top-tier B-schools prioritize professionals with some work experience for higher chances of shortlisting.
• Open to both options – India and abroad: These candidates possess deep management knowledge and comprehend how to accelerate their careers, open to diverse MBA opportunities across Indian and international universities.

4. For Candidates with 5+ Years of Work Experience

If you're an experienced professional with 5 or more years in the field, GMAT is the recommended choice over CAT. Having gained substantial expertise, you likely understand which exam aligns better with your goals. In such scenarios, GMAT tends to be more advantageous.

GMAT helps you widen your world vision as it qualifies you to pursue post-graduation from world-renowned universities. As you are already familiar with how to work under pressure and meet your deadlines, you can frame an effective GMAT preparation strategy. The registration fee of $300 won’t pose a challenge, as you are earning handsomely.

Even though both GMAT and CAT have their advantages, it is better to go global at this stage of your life. Your decision to pursue GMAT or CAT should also depend on where you see yourself in the next 5 years; whether as a manager/director in Google or Amazon or investment financier in New York. Such stalwart jobs can only be accessible if a person takes the GMAT exam. A working professional with 5 years of experience, with a 100% preparedness level for GMAT, can get into whichever university they want.

• Aspiring to study abroad only: Candidates having an average or Poor academic record but five years of experience under their belt should definitely choose GMAT over CAT. The reason is twofold; CAT accepting colleges consider the academic background of the candidate during the selection process along with the strenuous CAT percentile normalization procedure.
  However, if you scored a 55% In your graduation but have been working with a reputed company for 5 years and also was able to achieve a good GMAT score (within the range of 700-750), you can easily make your way to the top ivy league institutions like Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, etc. through your GMAT scores and work experience factor.
• Aspiring to study in India only: Candidates who have acquired experience of 2 or more years and have an excellent academic record should aim for CAT. The reason being the top b-schools in India highly prioritize working professionals with some amount of work experience. They have a higher chance of getting shortlisted (about 10-15%) more than candidates who are freshers and lack experience.

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What After the GMAT or CAT Exam?

The CAT and the GMAT exams have somewhat different post-exam procedures. Yet, there are some common processes followed by almost all B-schools.

For CAT exam candidates, the most probable rounds include Group Discussion, Written Assessment, and Personal Interview.

For colleges accepting the GMAT Focus Edition score, especially foreign colleges, the typical post-GMAT procedures involve SOPs (Statement of Purposes)/Essays and Personal Interviews, taking into account the application deadlines of the universities.

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GMAT vs CAT: Which is Tougher?

Understanding the GMAT vs CAT difficulty levels is crucial for making an informed choice. While both the GMAT and the CAT are challenging in their own ways, the CAT is generally considered tougher for several reasons, including:

Non-adaptive Question Paper

The CAT exam does not set questions based on one's performance in previous sections. This means that the CAT does not recognize and adjust to an individual's capabilities. Everyone has to answer the same set of questions.

Time Constraints

Each section in the CAT is allotted only 40 minutes, while the GMAT provides 45 minutes per section. This shorter duration adds significant pressure.

Uncertain Syllabus & Question Types

The CAT syllabus is broad and undefined. For instance, while parajumbles (paragraph jumble questions) are typically expected, the 2024 exam did not include them. This unpredictability in the syllabus and question types makes preparation more challenging.

Limited Frequency

The CAT is conducted only once a year, while the GMAT can be taken almost year-round. Therefore, CAT aspirants they have only one chance per year to achieve their desired score.

Quant Section Difficulty

The quantitative aptitude section in the CAT is often considered more challenging than its GMAT counterpart.

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Which Exam is Easy? GMAT or CAT?

When it comes to GMAT vs CAT, a common question candidates ask is, “Which is easy? GMAT or CAT?” The GMAT is generally considered easier for several reasons, including:

Computer-Adaptive Testing

The GMAT uses a computer-adaptive format, adjusting question difficulty based on your performance. This personalized approach allows the test to recognize your capabilities more accurately.

Longer Section Duration

GMAT provides 45 minutes per section, compared to CAT's 40 minutes, giving test-takers more time.

Well-Defined Syllabus

The GMAT has a clearly defined syllabus and question types for each section, making preparation more straightforward and focused.

Year-Round Availability

Unlike CAT, which is typically offered once a year, GMAT can be taken almost year-round, providing greater flexibility for test-takers.

Customizable Section Order

The GMAT allows candidates to choose their preferred section order, allowing them to start with the section they feel most confident in.

Bookmark and Review Feature

GMAT test-takers can bookmark questions for later review within the same section.

Answer Modification

The GMAT permits changing up to three answers per section within the remaining section time. This offers a chance to correct mistakes.

While the aforementioned factors may make one exam seem tougher and the other easier, determining whether the GMAT is easier than CAT ultimately depends on your individual strengths and how your prepare.

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