CAT vs XAT, Know about Differences and Similarities of Both Exams
Is XAT more difficult than CAT? While both of these MBA entrance exams share similarities, they also have unique features. If you're taking XAT 2024 or CAT explore the differences between CAT vs XAT here.
Anil Solonki30 Dec, 2023
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CAT vs XAT: When MBA aspirants decide to prepare for admissions, a common question arises: Is CAT tougher than XAT? CAT and XAT stand out as premier MBA entrance exams, highly favored among management aspirants. The answer to this question isn't a straightforward 'yes' or 'no.' Despite their similarities, CAT and XAT boast unique features. For example, both exams have sectional time limits, but their marking schemes differ.
Unlike XAT, CAT doesn't include sections on Decision Making and GK, which require additional preparation. With only a month between their exam dates (CAT 2023 on November 26, 2023, and XAT 2024 on January 7, 2024), a well-planned simultaneous preparation strategy is essential.Difference Between CAT and XAT
Although both exams share the same syllabus, except for Decision Making and GK, the distinction lies in the types of questions and difficulty levels. Both XAT and CAT are known to be more challenging than other MBA entrance exams. When compared to each other, they are both tough, but it's often observed that in CAT, the DILR section tends to be more difficult than the other sections, and in XAT, the Quantitative Aptitude section is often considered tougher than the rest. The Essay Writing section was reintroduced in XAT 2022, making the exam a bit longer. In contrast, CAT does not include subjective or essay-type questions. CAT's exam pattern has stayed the same over the past five years, except for a significant change last year when the total number of questions was reduced from 76 to 66. For some students, this adjustment makes CAT appear easier than XAT.
| CAT vs XAT: Differences and Similarities | ||
| Particulars | CAT | XAT |
| Full form | Common Admission Test | Xavier Aptitude Test |
| Conducting Body | IIM | XLRI, Jamshedpur |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduate with 50% aggregate (45% for reserved category candidates) from a recognized university | Graduate in any stream from a recognized university |
| Sections | 3 | 4 |
| Exam mode | Online | Online |
| Exam duration | 120 minutes | 210 minutes |
| Difficulty level | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| Exam fee | INR 2,400 (INR 1,200 for Reserved category students) | INR 2,100 |
| Registration process | Online | Online |
CAT vs XAT Similarities
CAT and XAT, two prominent MBA entrance exams in India, share similarities and exhibit differences. Both assessments evaluate analytical ability, logical reasoning, and English communication skills, assessing the capabilities of MBA aspirants. In terms of syllabus, although the content is similar, distinctions arise in the number of sections, types of questions, marking scheme, and time duration for each exam. CAT comprises three sections, while XAT includes five sections, introducing General Knowledge and an Essay component. Both CAT and XAT follow a speed-based testing format, necessitating candidates to efficiently solve calculation-intensive and inference-based questions within a restricted time frame. The difficulty level for both exams is considered moderate to difficult, positioning them as more challenging than other MBA entrance exams.| CAT vs XAT Similarities | ||
| Aspect | CAT | XAT |
| Sections | Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude | Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude, General Knowledge, Essay |
| Number of Sections | 3 | 5 (including General Knowledge and Essay) |
| Types of Questions | Analytical Ability, Logical Reasoning, English Communication Skills | Analytical Ability, Logical Reasoning, English Communication Skills, Decision Making, General Knowledge, Essay |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for Correct, -1 for Incorrect | +1 for Correct, -0.25 for Incorrect (No negative marking for un attempted questions) |
| Time Duration | 120 minutes | 190 minutes |
| Speed-based Test | Yes | Yes |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| Comparison Highlights | Both test analytical ability, logical reasoning, and English communication skills. While similar in syllabus, CAT has 3 sections, XAT has 5 sections (including General Knowledge and Essay). Both are speed-based, and difficulty is moderate to difficult. Major differences include sectional time-limit, marking scheme, and number/types of questions. | |
CAT vs XAT Exam Syllabus
CAT and XAT are significant MBA entrance exams in India that evaluate analytical ability, logical reasoning, and English communication skills. CAT comprises three sections - VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude, while XAT has four sections - Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. XAT includes two extra sections, with one being a distinctive section named Decision Making. Although the syllabus of both exams is similar, the variations lie in the number of sections, types of questions, marking schemes, and time durations. XAT has additional sections like Decision Making, General Knowledge, and an Essay, which are not present in CAT. Both exams are known for their higher difficulty levels compared to other MBA entrance exams. While both XAT and CAT are challenging, it is commonly observed that in CAT, the DILR section tends to be more difficult than other sections, and in XAT, the Decision-making section is particularly unique and demanding.| CAT vs XAT Exam Syllabus Difference | ||
| Aspect | CAT | XAT |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude | Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge |
| Number of Sections | 3 | 4 (including Decision Making) |
| Additional Sections in XAT | - | Decision Making, General Knowledge, Essay |
| Syllabus Similarity | Yes | Yes |
| Marking Scheme | Similar | Similar |
| Time Duration | Similar | Similar |
| Difficulty Level | Challenging | Challenging |
| Specific Difficulty Areas | DILR section often challenging | Decision-making section is unique and challenging |
CAT vs XAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The CAT and XAT exams differ in their exam patterns and marking schemes. CAT comprises three sections: Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Aptitude. On the other hand, XAT includes three sections: Verbal Ability, Decision Making, and Quantitative Aptitude. In terms of the marking scheme, CAT awards +3 marks for a correct answer and imposes a penalty of -1 mark for an incorrect answer. In contrast, XAT grants +1 mark for a correct answer and deducts -0.25 marks for an incorrect response, with no negative marking for un attempted questions. Furthermore, the exam duration for CAT is 120 minutes, while XAT allows 190 minutes for the examination.| CAT vs XAT, Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme Difference | ||
| Details | CAT Marking Scheme | XAT Marking Scheme |
| Number of Questions | 66 | 100 |
| Total Marks | 198 | 100 |
| Negative Marking |
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| Number of choices in MCQs | 4 | 5 |
| Sectional Time limit | Yes (40 minutes for each section) | 167 minutes for Part 1 (VA, QA, DM), 5 minutes for Part 2 (Mock Keyboard Testing) and 30 minutes for Part 3 (GK Essay Writing) |
CAT vs XAT FAQs
How do CAT and XAT differ in terms of sections?
CAT has three sections – Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. XAT includes five sections, adding General Knowledge and Essay to the mix.
Are the marking schemes for CAT and XAT the same?
No, CAT awards +3 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect ones, while XAT gives +1 for correct and -0.25 for incorrect, with no penalty for unattempted questions.
What sets CAT and XAT apart in terms of duration?
CAT has a duration of 120 minutes, whereas XAT allows 190 minutes for completion.
Are CAT and XAT considered difficult compared to other MBA exams?
Yes, both CAT and XAT are known for their moderate to difficult difficulty levels, surpassing many other MBA entrance exams.
What are the major differences between CAT and XAT?
CAT has three sections, while XAT has five. The key distinctions lie in the sectional time-limit, marking scheme, and the number/types of questions.
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