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 | ||
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 |
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 |
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 |
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) |
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) |
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 |
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 20 CAT Colleges | |
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Top 20 MAT Colleges | |
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