GATE vs CAT - Both are entrance exams for graduate students seeking admission to higher levels of study. Both, however, have their differences. Have you ever been perplexed by the difference between GATE and CAT? Do you want to know which is superior, GATE or CAT? Have you ever wondered which exam is more difficult, GATE or CAT? With this post, we sought to answer all of these questions.
The CAT and GATE examinations are both entrance exams for different professions that assess students' aptitude. CAT is used for MBA admissions to top B-schools in India, whereas GATE is used for MTech programs at prominent universities such as IITs and NITs, as well as career prospects in government engineering sectors. This article will compare and contrast the CAT and GATE exams, as well as their respective difficulty levels.
GATE Vs CAT Highlights |
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Factors | GATE | CAT |
Purpose of the Exam | GATE is an entrance exam for postgraduate degrees in engineering and technology. A number of PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) use the exam as a requirement for employment eligibility throughout the recruiting process, including BHEL, IOCL, NTPC, and others. | The CAT is an entrance exam for several management programs offered by IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) and other prestigious Indian business schools. Admission to these programs is the only factor considered while using the exam. |
Exam Structure | GATE is a computer-based test (CBT) that takes 3 hours and consists of 65 questions for 100 marks. The exam comprises three types of questions - MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions), MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) and NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions. The MCQs & MSQs carries 1 or 2 marks each, while NAT questions carry 1 or 2 marks each, and there is no negative marking for NAT questions. | The CAT is also a Computer based test that takes 2 hours and consists of 76 questions worth 228 marks. There are three types of questions on the exam: MCQs, TITA (Type in the Answer) questions, and MCQs with negative markings. TITA questions carry 3 marks with no negative marking, while MCQs with negative markings carry one mark with a -1 penalty for each incorrect answer. |
Difficulty Level | GATE is a highly technical exam, with questions meant to assess students' mastery of engineering concepts. The exam is highly competitive, with a high difficulty level, making it tough for candidates to secure the exam. | The CAT is designed to assess candidates' aptitude and logical reasoning abilities. The exam is highly competitive, and the difficulty level is also extremely high, making it tough for candidates to pass. |
Syllabus | The GATE syllabus is extensive and covers all engineering courses thoroughly. The exam assesses applicants' knowledge of fundamental engineering concepts as well as their ability to apply them to real-world problems. Engineering mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and other topics are included in the syllabus. | Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning are the three sections of the CAT syllabus. The syllabus assesses candidates' abilities to solve complex problems and think logically. |
Score Validity | GATE scores are valid for three years and can be used to apply for postgraduate degrees and PSU posts throughout that time. | CAT scores are valid for one year and can be used to apply for management programs throughout that time. |
GATE Vs CAT Exam Pattern | ||
Parameter | GATE | CAT |
Exam Conducting Body | IIT’s | IIM’s |
Mode of Exam | Online | Online |
Purpose of Examination | Entrance exam for admission to pursue M.Tech / ME, or PSUs | Entrance exam for admission to pursue MBA (from IIM’s, FMS, MDI, SP JAIN, etc.) |
Exam Pattern | Computer-based test (CBT) | Computer-based test (CBT) |
Total Sections | Multiple papers based on the selected subject paper (27 papers available) |
Three sections:
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Type of Questions | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions | VARC: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs DILR: MCQs and non-MCQs QA: MCQs and non-MCQs |
Total Marks | 100 | 198 |
Number of questions |
65
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100
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Marking Scheme | MCQs: +1 for correct answers, -1/3 for incorrect answers NAT: +1 or +2 for correct answers (partial and full marks), no negative marking for NAT questions | VARC: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers DILR: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers QA: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers |
Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) for a single paper | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
Exam Sections’ Sequence | Sequence varies based on the chosen paper | VARC → DILR → QA |
Syllabus | Subject-specific syllabus based on the chosen paper, including engineering mathematics and core subjects related to the discipline | VARC: Reading comprehension, English language usage, grammar DILR: Logical reasoning, data interpretation QA: Algebra, geometry, Arithmetic, number system, modern maths, and more |
GATE Vs CAT- Eligibility Criteria | ||
Eligibility Criteria | GATE Exam | CAT Exam |
Educational Qualification | A bachelor's degree in engineering, technology, or science OR a master's degree in any discipline of science/mathematics/statistics/computer applications OR an equivalent is required. | A bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institute in any discipline is required. |
Minimum Percentage | There is no specific minimum % required. | Candidates from the general and OBC-NC categories must have at least 50% in aggregate or an equivalent CGPA. Candidates from the SC, ST, and PWD categories must have a minimum of 45%. |
Graduation Duration | There should be no specific duration for the bachelor's program. | There should be a minimum three-year duration for the bachelor's program. |
Final Year Students Eligibility | Yes, final-year students are eligible to apply. | Students in their last year of graduation are eligible to apply as long as they complete their coursework within the allotted time. |
Age Limit | No age limit for GATE aspirants. | There is no upper age limit for applying or appearing in CAT. |
Work Experience | Working experience is not required. | Working experience is not required. |
Number of Attempts | There is no set limit on the number of GATE attempts. | There is no set restriction to the number of CAT attempts. |
Nationality | GATE is available to both Indian and international applicants. | The CAT is mostly for Indian individuals, however some abroad candidates may apply as well. |
GATE Vs CAT - Difficulty Level | ||
Aspect | GATE Exam | CAT Exam |
Difficulty Level | Generally difficult, especially in technical disciplines, with an emphasis on in-depth understanding of the selected engineering/science field. | Considered highly challenging due to its competitive nature, time constraints, and the requirement for strong problem-solving skills. |
Competitiveness | Competitive, with a diverse range of technical and engineering courses that attract individuals from a variety of backgrounds. | It is extremely competitive due to the fact that it is primarily for admission to premier Indian business schools. There is severe competition for a limited number of seats. |
Problem-Solving Skills | Subject-specific knowledge, analytical abilities, and the ability to apply concepts in the selected engineering/science sector are all emphasized. | Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are required, particularly in the Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning sections. |
Time Management | Effective time management is required, especially when handling difficult technical problems and numerical questions. | Due to the time limits in each section, efficient time management and rapid thinking are required. |
Subject-Specific Knowledge | Requires extensive subject-specific expertise, which may limit its availability to candidates from specific disciplines. | Because it requires a fundamental understanding of mathematics and English, it is accessible to a broader range of people. |
Overall Difficulty Perception | Perceived as difficult, particularly for individuals outside of the selected engineering/science field. The difficulty level changes depending on the paper chosen. | Perceived as difficult, particularly for individuals without a strong background in mathematics and problem solving. |
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