CAT vs GMAT: Detailed Comparison of Management Exams

One of the most difficult decisions for students wishing to pursue Management education at top business schools is whether to take the GMAT vs CAT. The larger issue of whether to pursue a Masters of Business Administration from an Indian institution or a global business school is at the core of this quandary. Both the CAT and the GMAT serve as stepping stones to success in the Management sector; however, the one you take affects your career objectives. As a result, we have created a detailed guide to compare GMAT vs CAT difficulty and critically assess both tests.

Difference Between the CAT and the GMAT

CAT, or Common Admission Test, is a national management level admission test administered by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, on the other hand, is a global test approved by business schools worldwide and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Both the CAT and GMAT are recognized for being difficult to pass due to the high level of competition, with over 3 lakh candidates taking both exams for admission to Management degrees.

GMAT vs CAT Syllabus

Every year, one of the IIMs conducts the CAT for students wanting to study Management courses like PGP, PGDM, and so on. Furthermore, 1000 business schools in the nation accept CAT results. GMAT, on the other hand, has a broader reach, with almost all overseas colleges accepting GMAT scores for admission. GMAT results are accepted by the world's most prestigious business schools. Some of India's leading business schools accept GMAT results. GMAT scores are accepted by around 300 universities on average.

Profile Prerequisites

The selection process is regarded as an essential component of MBA admission, with multiple phases in both the CAT and GMAT. The CAT admissions procedure is more difficult than the GMAT admissions process for colleges and business schools since the focused study is necessary for the Group Discussion, Written Ability Test, and Personal Interview that follow the CAT. However, the GMAT admission method includes easier parts such as drafting a Statement of Purpose, a Letter of Recommendation, and interviews. As a result, a candidate with a strong command of the language will have a substantial advantage in the GMAT selection process.

Level of Competition: CAT exam vs GMAT

With about 2 lakh people sitting the test and around 2500 places in the top six IIMs, the CAT is a popular Management entrance examination for MBA hopefuls. This makes achieving a high percentile to complete the selection process very difficult.

In the case of the GMAT, its score is recognized internationally, which raises the ratio of candidates to available seats and boosts your chances of admission to a prestigious institution. As a result of the favourable return on investment, the GMAT test is less stressful than the CAT.

Difficulty Level of CAT versus GMAT

As the CAT's curriculum structure is not established, the overall difficulty level is greater than that of the GMAT. As a result, you need more time to prepare for the CAT, but it is possible to get 700+ on the GMAT with only a few days of concentrated study. The quantitative component of the CAT is more difficult than the quantitative section of the GMAT. Non-native English speakers, on the other hand, have a bigger struggle in the Verbal part of the GMAT due to the advanced level of vocabulary employed.

The CAT has a fixed degree of difficulty, but the GMAT is an adaptive exam in which the difficulty level of the following question is determined by your performance on the previous question.

Which is better, the CAT or the GMAT?

It will be easy to make an educated selection now that you have adequate information about CAT vs GMAT. Both exams have their advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose is entirely dependent on your preferences. If you are a recent graduate who wants to pursue an MBA right after graduation but does not intend to enrol in an overseas school, CAT is the ideal alternative. The GMAT is for people who want to pursue an MBA from one of the world's leading colleges or business schools. You should also consider the legitimacy of both Management exam selections.

Even if a candidate's CAT score is low, ranging from 30 to 60, there is still a chance for the individual to study at reputable MBA colleges with low CAT score. The admission method is not just based on CAT scores but also on 10th and 12th-grade point averages, as well as graduation CGPA or percentile, which permits a candidate to gain a seat in one of the best MBA programmes. These factors contribute to a large portion of the entry requirements, providing individuals who did not do well in the entrance test an edge.

GRE versus GMAT

Both evaluate problem-solving and critical analysis abilities in numeric, verbal, and writing parts in terms of organisation and content. When deciding between the CAT and the GMAT, it is usually best to consider all considerations. MBA is a fantastic opportunity, so weigh your options carefully before making an educated selection for a prosperous future.

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People May Also Ask

Is GMAT more difficult than CAT?

Since the GMAT has a well-defined curriculum and question categories, it is simpler to prepare for than the CAT. With 90-120 hours of focused preparation, it is feasible to achieve 700+ on the GMAT.

Is GMAT the same as CAT?

The fundamental contrast between the CAT and the GMAT is that the GMAT is a global examination recognized by over 7000 MBA programmes and 2000 business schools worldwide, while the CAT is a national-level entrance exam recognized by Indian business schools.

Can I crack GMAT with CAT preparation?

These are just a few of the benefits of taking the GMAT for MBA admissions. Whether you have taken the CAT and are wondering if your CAT preparation can help you prepare for the GMAT, the answer is yes.

How do you give a CAT mock test?

Even during CAT mock tests, applicants will only see one part at a time. As a result, it is best to start with the easy questions and then progress to the more challenging MCQs. Do not waste your time attempting to comprehend the question's type/topic.