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.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 | ||
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 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 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) |