What is the Difference Between CAT and MAT Exams
Difference between CAT and MAT Exams: These are the leading MBA entrance exams in India. CAT is the gateway to IIMs and select B-schools, emphasizing high competition. Meanwhile, MAT, conducted by AIMA, is accepted by 600+ institutions.
Anil Solonki26 May, 2025
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Difference between CAT and MAT Exams: The MAT and CAT exams are important exams if candidates want to do an MBA in India. CAT is for getting into IIMs and other B-schools, while MAT is accepted by 600+ colleges. Even though they have similar topics, they are different in many ways. Here, we'll compare both these exams, looking at their exam patterns, who can apply, and which colleges accept their scores. CAT is held once a year and accepted by all top colleges, while MAT happens four times a year. For MAT, you need at least 50% marks in your bachelor's, while CAT requires 50% for general and 45% for reserved categories. Knowing these differences can help you decide which one is better for you this year.
Moreover, CAT and MAT are similar because they have similar question types (multiple-choice questions) and topics. However, they are different in many ways. MAT lets you try the exam multiple times in the same academic year, so you can improve your score. But with CAT, you can only retake it in the next academic year if you're not satisfied with your score. MAT also gives you options to take the test in different ways: on a computer, on paper, or online. CAT, on the other hand, is only available on a computer. Plus, CAT is generally harder compared to MAT.Difference Between MAT and CAT Exam
CAT and MAT are two important exams for MBA in India, but they have differences. CAT stands for Common Admission Test and MAT stands for Management Aptitude Test. CAT is organized by IIMs, while MAT is approved by MHRD and managed by All India Management Association (AIMA). To apply for CAT, you need a bachelor's degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories), and for MAT, a bachelor's degree with 50% marks is required. CAT happens once a year, while MAT occurs four times (February, May, September, December). CAT has three sections, and MAT has five sections. CAT lasts for 180 minutes, and MAT is 150 minutes long. CAT has a negative marking of -1 for every wrong answer, whereas MAT deducts ¼ mark for wrong answers. The application fee for CAT is higher than MAT. CAT scores are accepted by all top colleges in India, while MAT scores are used by over 600 management institutions. Here is this table which primarily highlights the key points in difference between MAT and CAT Exam:| Difference Between MAT and CAT Exam | ||
| Aspect | CAT | MAT |
| Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) | Management Aptitude Test (MAT) |
| Conducting Body | IIMs | AIMA (All India Management Association) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor's degree with 50% marks and 45% for reserved categories | Bachelor's degree with 50% marks for all categories |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year | Four times a year (February, May, September, December) |
| Exam Pattern | Three sections | Five sections |
| Colleges Accepting Scores | All top colleges in India | 600+ management institutions in India |
CAT vs MAT: Exam Conducting Body
CAT and MAT are two important exams for MBA in India, but they have differences. One main difference is who organizes them:- CAT is run by one of the IIMs, and MAT is approved by MHRD and managed by AIMA.
- CAT scores are accepted by all the best colleges in India, including top IIMs and B-schools, while MAT scores are used by more than 600 management institutions.
CAT vs MAT: Eligibility Criteria
CAT and MAT are both popular MBA entrance exams in India, but they have different eligibility criteria.- For CAT, candidates need a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA. However, for SC, ST, and PWD/DA categories, the cut-off is 45%.
- On the other hand, for MAT, candidates need a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks. Unlike CAT, there is no specific minimum age or percentage requirement for the MAT exam.
CAT vs MAT: Frequency of Exam
Here are the prime aspects of CAT vs MAT and their enticing frequency of exam, listed below:| Aspect | CAT | MAT |
| Exam Frequency | Annually | Four times a year (Feb, May, Sep, Dec) |
| Difficulty Level | More Challenging; Accepted by Top IIMs and B-schools | Easier Compared to CAT |
| Question Format | 100 Questions in 180 minutes | 200 Questions in 150 minutes |
| Negative Marking | -1 for Each Incorrect Answer | 1/4 Mark Deduction for Wrong Answers |
CAT vs MAT: Exam Pattern
CAT and MAT are both well-known MBA entrance exams in India, but they differ notably in their exam patterns. CAT includes three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam lasts for 180 minutes and comprises 100 questions, with a penalty of -1 for every incorrect answer. On the other hand, MAT comprises five sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment. MAT has a shorter duration of 150 minutes but includes a larger set of 200 questions. There is a negative marking of 1/4 mark for every wrong answer in the MAT exam. Candidates can check below for all details regarding the Exam pattern of MAT and CAT:| Aspect | CAT Exam | MAT Exam |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA | Language, Math, Data Analysis, Intelligence, Environment |
| Duration | 180 minutes | 150 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 100 | 200 |
| Negative Marking | -1 for Each Wrong Answer | 1/4 Mark Deduction for Wrong Answers |
CAT vs MAT: Exam Duration
The CAT exam lasts for 120 minutes or 2 hours, with each section (VARC, DILR, QA) having a time limit of 40 minutes. In contrast, the specific duration of the MAT exam is not provided in the search results. However, it is noted that MAT comprises five sections, whereas CAT has three sections. Regarding exam frequency, MAT is conducted multiple times annually in four phases (February, May, September, December), while CAT is held only once.| Aspect | CAT Exam | MAT Exam |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) | - |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes each for VARC, DILR, QA | - |
| Number of Sections | 3 (VARC, DILR, QA) | 5 (Language, Math, Data, Intelligence, Environment) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year | Multiple times a year (Feb, May, Sep, Dec) |
CAT vs MAT: Difficulty Level
CAT is seen as a tougher exam compared to MAT. CAT is known for its section time limits, which can make it even more challenging to succeed. In contrast, MAT is generally considered to be moderately difficult and does not have specific time limits for each section. CAT scores are accepted by all the top colleges in India, including the prestigious IIMs. On the other hand, MAT scores open doors to many tier-B schools in India.CAT vs MAT: Marking Scheme
The way CAT and MAT exams have a different marking scheme. For CAT, the total marks are 198. Every correct answer gains three marks, but there's a minus one mark penalty for every wrong answer. On the contrary, MAT has a total of 200 marks. Each right answer earns +1 mark, and -0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. CAT doesn't deduct marks for unattempted questions, while in MAT, there's no penalty for questions left unanswered.| Exam | Total Marks | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Incorrect Answer | Marks for Unattempted Questions |
| CAT | 198 | +3 | -1 | 0 (No deduction) |
| MAT | 200 | +1 | -0.25 | 0 (No deduction) |
CAT vs MAT: Exam Fee
The application fee for the CAT is INR 2,300 for General and NC-OBC applicants, and INR 1,150 for SC/ST/PWD (DA). In comparison, the MAT registration price is INR 1,650 for one paper (CBT, PBT, or IBT), and INR 2,750 for both PBT and CBT. Notably, regardless of candidate category, MAT exam fees remain the same.| Exam | Application Fee (INR) | Exam Fee for One Paper (INR) | Exam Fee for Both Papers (INR) |
| CAT | General/NC-OBC: 2,300 | N/A | N/A |
| SC/ST/PWD (DA): 1,150 | N/A | N/A | |
| MAT | N/A | CBT/PBT/IBT: 1,650 | CBT + PBT: 2,750 |
| IBT + PBT: 2,750 | |||
| CBT + IBT: 2,750 |
Key Differences in CAT and MAT Exam
Here are the different parameters which show the key differences in the CAT and MAT exams, listed below:
| Parameters | CAT exam | MAT exam |
| Exam Full Form | Common Admission Test | Management Aptitude Test |
| Conducting body | IIM | AIMA |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 50% aggregate | Passing marks required in bachelor’s degree |
| Frequency | Once a year (November) | Multiple times a year in February, May, September and December |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test |
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| Exam Sections |
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| Number of sections | 3 | 5 |
| Number of questions | 66 questions | 200 questions |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Difficulty level | High | Low |
| Marking Scheme | 3 for correct answer -1 for incorrect answer | 1 for correct answer -0.25 for every incorrect answer |
| Exam Fee | General and NC-OBC: INR 2,300 SC/ST/PwD: INR 1,150 | One paper: INR 1,950 CBT PBT: INR 3,100 |
Top colleges accepting MAT vs CAT Scores
Here is a list of some top MBA colleges in India that accept MAT scores apart from IIMs:| Top 20 CAT Colleges | |
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Top Colleges Accepting MAT scores
Here is a list of some top MBA colleges in India that accept MAT scores:| Top 20 MAT Colleges | |
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Difference Between MAT and CAT Exam FAQs
What is the main difference between CAT and MAT exams?
The main difference between CAT and MAT exams lies in their conducting bodies and frequencies. CAT is conducted by IIMs once a year, while MAT, approved by MHRD and managed by AIMA, occurs four times a year.
How many sections are there in CAT and MAT exams?
CAT has three sections, whereas MAT comprises five sections. The number of sections affects the overall structure and content of the exams.
Can I retake the CAT and MAT exams if I am not satisfied with my score?
If you are dissatisfied with your MAT score, you can retake the exam in the same academic year to improve your score. However, for CAT, you can only retake the exam in the next academic session.
Are the eligibility criteria different for CAT and MAT?
Yes, the eligibility criteria differ. For MAT, a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks is required, while CAT requires 50% marks for general category and 45% for reserved categories.
Which colleges accept CAT and MAT scores?
CAT scores are accepted by all top colleges in India, while MAT scores are used by over 600 management institutions across the country. Candidates should check specific college websites for detailed acceptance criteria.
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