Is the Syllabus of CAT vs GMAT Examination Different?
CAT vs GMAT syllabus inform candidates about the topics covered in both exams. Explore section-wise topics included in CAT vs GMAT syllabus.
Anil Solonki7 Aug, 2025
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CAT vs GMAT Syllabus: CAT and GMAT are the most competitive and widely accepted MBA entrance exams. While the CAT and GMAT share almost similar syllabi, their exam structure varies. Additionally, the difficulty level of GMAT and CAT is different.
The GMAT and CAT score hold significant importance for gaining admission to top-tier business schools, both within India and overseas. The CAT, a national-level examination, which grants access to over 1,200 B-Schools in India. In contrast, the GMAT is recognised by more than 2,100 management institutes worldwide, including over 100 leading Indian B-Schools. Understanding the section-wise syllabus topics of GMAT and CAT is crucial for initiating strategic preparation for these exams.CAT Syllabus
The CAT syllabus includes three main sections: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. It covers topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, logical puzzles, and data analysis. The exam usually has around 66-68 questions and lasts for 2 hours. CAT tests how well you can think quickly and solve complex problems under time pressure.
GMAT Syllabus
The GMAT syllabus is divided into Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights sections. Quant has topics like arithmetic and algebra, verbal tests reading comprehension and critical reasoning, and data insights that ask you to interpret graphs, tables, and multi-source data. The exam duration is about 2 hours 15 minutes with around 64 questions. GMAT focuses more on practical reasoning and real-world data interpretation than just calculations.
CAT vs GMAT Syllabus
CAT and GMAT both test your math, verbal, and reasoning skills but have some differences. CAT covers Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. GMAT includes Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and a new Data Insights section focused on interpreting charts and tables. CAT has more calculation-heavy topics like Geometry and tricky puzzles, while GMAT focuses more on practical math, grammar, and business data analysis.
CAT vs GMAT Syllabus Highlights
The following table shows the notable highlights of GMAT vs CAT:| Features | GMAT | CAT |
| Format | Computer-based test | Computer-based test |
| Mode of Exam | Test centre online at home | Test centre |
| Skills Evaluated | Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Data Insights | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
| Number of Questions | 64 | 66 |
| Exam duration | 2 hours 15 minutes | 2 hours |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 1 year |
| Choice of Section Order | Yes | No |
| Results Released | Candidates get unofficial score immediately after GMAT. Official scorecard is released 7-8 days after completing the tes. | 1 month after taking the exam. |
| Frequency of exam | 5 times a year | Once a year |
| Negative Marking | No | Yes |
| Acceptability of Exam | 2300+ international B-schools, 110+ Indian business schools | Recognised by top business schools in India, including IIMs. |
| Average Exam Preparation Time | 3-6 months | 1 year |
GMAT Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning Section
Refer to the following table to know the topics covered in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning syllabus:| GMAT Syllabus Verbal Reasoning Syllabus | ||
| Subject-Verb Agreement | Sentence Correction | Misplaced Modifiers |
| Critical Reasoning | Parallelism/Comparison | Reading Comprehension |
| Verb Tense | Inference | Assumption |
| Identifying the Reasoning | Idioms | Strengthen/Weaken |
| Pronouns | Resolve/Explain | |
GMAT Syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning Section
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section covers various mathematical topics that are crucial for pursuing management studies. The table below presents the topics included in the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section:| Quantitative Reasoning Topics for GMAT | ||
| Number Systems & Number Theory | Pipes, Cisterns & Work Time | Functions |
| Multiples and Factors | Ratio and Proportion | Exponents |
| Fractions | Mixtures & Alligation | Arithmetic & Geometric Progression |
| Decimals | Descriptive statistics | Quadratic Equations |
| Percentages | Sets | Inequalities and Basic Statistics |
| Averages | Probability | Lines and Angles |
| Powers and Roots | Permutation & Combination | Triangles & Quadrilaterals |
| Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest | Monomials, Polynomials | Rectangular Solids and Cylinders |
| Speed, Time & Distance | Algebraic Expressions and Equations | Coordinate Geometry |
| Circles | ||
GMAT Data Insights Syllabus
The DI section of GMAT tests candidates’ ability to understand and interpret provided data and apply it to solve real-world problems. The following are the major topics included in the GMAT data Insights section:| GMAT Data Insights Syllabus |
| Data Sufficiency |
| Table Analysis |
| Graphics Interpretation |
| Two-Part Analysis |
| Multi-Source Reasoning |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The following table provides details of all the topics covered in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section:| CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus | ||
| Geometry | Mensuration | Number System |
| HCF & LCM | Profit & Loss | Geometric Progression |
| Averages | Time-Speed-Distance | Inequalities |
| Trigonometry | Ratios and Proportion | Work and Time |
| Algebra | Inequalities Quadratic and linear equations | Percentages |
| Partnership (Accounts) | Surds and Indices | Logarithms |
CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus
The CAT VARC section tests candidates’ grasp of the English language and ability to understand RC passages to provide accurate answers to the provided questions. The following table shows the topics covered in the CAT VARC syllabus:| CAT VARC Syllabus | ||
| Fill in the Blanks | Para Completion and Inference | Verbal Logic |
| Verbal Reasoning | Contextual Usage | Different Usage of Same Word |
| Sentence Completion | Foreign Words | Idioms |
| Grammar | Reading Comprehension | Parajumbles |
| Syllogisms | Analogies | Antonyms |
| Jumbled Paragraphs | Sentence Correction | One Word Substitution |
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Syllabus
The DILR section of CAT consists of two parts, namely Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. The topics covered in these two parts of the DILR syllabus for the CAT exam are provided below.CAT Data Interpretation Syllabus
Here are the topics included in the CAT Data Interpretation syllabus:| CAT Data Interpretation Syllabus | |
| Bars | Tables |
| Line Graphs | Pie Charts |
| Data Sufficiency | Caselets |
CAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus
The LR section of CAT evaluates candidates’ reasoning skills. Here are the topics candidates must cover to perform well in the LR section of the CAT exam:| Logical Reasoning Topics for CAT | ||
| Blood Relations | Puzzles | Seating Arrangement |
| Series | Clocks and Calendars | Venn Diagram |
| Proposition | Statements | Sets |
| Direction Sense | Data Arrangement | Data Structures |
| Coding-Decoding | Family Tree | Syllogism |
| Assumptions | Binary Logic | |
CAT vs GMAT Exam Pattern
| Also Read | |
| GMAT Exam Pattern | GMAT Admit Card |
| Features | GMAT Exam Pattern | CAT Exam Pattern |
| Sections | Verbal Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning Data Insights | Quantitative Aptitude Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
| Number of Sections | Three | Three |
| Total Number of Questions | 64 | 66 |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes | 2 hours |
| Section-wise Question |
|
|
| Question Type | MCQs | MCQs TITA |
| Time Allocated per Section | 45 minutes | 40 minutes per section |
| Marking Scheme | Scores range from 205 to 805 |
|
FAQs On CAT vs GMAT Syllabus
Is syllabus for CAT and GMAT same?
The topics included in the CAT and GMAT syllabus are almost similar. However, candidates must refer to the detailed syllabus of each exam to start a strategic preparation plan.
Is GMAT tougher than CAT?
GMAT is considered simpler than CAT because of the predefined syllabus topics. This helps candidates prepare for only those topics from which questions are asked in the GMAT exam. In contrast, the CAT syllabus is not provided by the official body. Candidates need to refer to previous years’ papers to know the topics included in the syllabus.
Can I write CAT if I prepare for GMAT?
Yes, candidates who have prepared for the GMAT can attempt the CAT by brushing up on the topics included in the CAT syllabus. Candidates must also solve CAT previous years’ papers to enhance their chances of scoring well in the exam.
Should I choose GMAT or CAT?
Selecting between GMAT and CAT depends on the candidates’ preferred college for pursuing an MBA degree. If they want to secure admission to international B-schools, it is recommended to attempt and qualify for GMAT. However, for admission to IIMs and other esteemed institutes in India, CAT is a suitable option.
How many CAT attempts are allowed?
There is no limit to attempting the CAT exam. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are allowed to take the CAT as many times as they want.
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