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Difference Between MAH MBA CET and CAT: Syllabus, Difficulty, Criteria

Difference Between MAH MBA CET and CAT helps aspirants understand difficulty of each exam and which one is best for them. Explore key differences between MAH MBA CET vs CAT here.
authorImageSheetal Gaur24 Mar, 2025
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Difference Between MAH MBA CET and CAT
Difference Between MAH MBA CET and CAT: MAH MBA CET and CAT both are the entrance tests required for admission into top MBA colleges and B-schools. MAH MBA CET is a state-level examination conducted by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell for admissions into top MBA colleges. Meanwhile, CAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIMs for admission into MBA courses.

The key major difference between MAH MBA CET and CAT is the syllabus and exam pattern. Interested candidates can explore more factors to understand the difference between MAH MBA CET vs CAT.

Difference Between MAH MBA CET and CAT Overview

Understanding the difference between the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH MBA CET) and the Common Admission Test (CAT) is crucial for MBA aspirants. It helps them determine which exam aligns best with their academic and career goals. Below is a comparative overview highlighting the key differences between these two prominent management entrance exams:​

Difference Between MAH MBA CET and CAT Overview

Aspect

MAH MBA CET

CAT

Full Form

Maharashtra Common Entrance Test

Common Admission Test

Conducting Authority

Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

Level of Examination

State Level

National Level

Application Mode

Online

Online

Exam Mode

Online (Computer-Based Test)

Online (Computer-Based Test)

Exam Duration

150 minutes

120 minutes

Medium of Exam

English

English

Frequency

Annually

Annually

Number of Questions

200

66

Exam Fee

General Category: INR 1,000; Reserved Category: INR 800

General Category: INR 2,200; Reserved Category: INR 1,100

Number of Applicants

Approximately 75,000 to 100,000

Over 200,000

Official Website

cetcell.mahacet.org

iimcat.ac.in

 

Difference Between MAH MBA CET and CAT Syllabus

While both exams assess logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and verbal ability, their focus areas, difficulty levels, and question types vary significantly. MAH MBA CET syllabus includes an Abstract Reasoning section, which is absent in CAT, whereas CAT syllabus places a heavier emphasis on Data Interpretation and Reading Comprehension.

Here’s a detailed syllabus comparison between MAH MBA CET and CAT to help candidates understand the key differences:

 

MAH MBA CET and CAT Syllabus
Section MAH MBA CET CAT
Logical Reasoning Yes (Includes Analytical and Critical Reasoning) Yes (Part of DILR)
Abstract Reasoning Yes (Unique to MAH MBA CET) No
Quantitative Aptitude Yes (Covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Interpretation) Yes (Advanced focus with complex Data Interpretation sets)
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Yes (Includes Grammar, Vocabulary, and Comprehension) Yes (More emphasis on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning)
Data Interpretation No Yes (Forms a major portion of DILR section)

 

Difference Between MAH MBA CET and CAT Eligibility Criteria

MAH MBA CET and CAT also differ in terms of Eligibility Criteria. From academic qualifications and minimum percentage requirements to state-specific reservations, both exams required different criteria. While both exams require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree, CAT eligibility does not specify a domicile requirement, whereas MAH MBA CET criteria require reservations for Maharashtra state candidates.

Difference Between MAH MBA CET and CAT Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

MAH MBA CET

CAT

Educational Qualification

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university

Minimum Marks Required

General: 50%

Reserved (Maharashtra Domicile): 45%

General: 50%

SC/ST/PwD: 45%

Final Year Students Eligible?

Yes

Yes

Age Limit

No age limit

No age limit

Domicile Requirement

Only for Maharashtra state quota seats

No domicile restriction

Reservation Policy

Maharashtra state candidates get reservation benefits

Reservation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD as per government rules

Work Experience Requirement

Not required

Not required



MAH MBA CET and CAT Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

There are significant differences between MAH MBA CET and CAT exam patterns and marking schemes. The major key differences are question distribution, time allocation, and scoring system. MAH MBA CET is a speed-based test with 200 questions with four sections, whereas CAT is a concept-heavy exam with 66 questions divided into three sections.

 

Difference b/w MAH MBA CET and CAT Exam Pattern

Feature

MAH MBA CET

CAT

Total Questions

200

66

Exam Duration

150 minutes

120 minutes

Number of Sections

4 (Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

3 (VARC, DILR, QA)

Sectional Time Limit

No

Yes (40 minutes per section)

Marking Scheme

+1 for the correct answer, No negative marking

+3 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect MCQ, No negative marking for TITA (Type In The Answer) questions

 

 

Difference Between Difficulty Level of MAH MBA CET and CAT 

The difficulty level of MAH MBA CET and CAT varies in terms of question complexity, competition, and time constraints. CAT is considered more difficult due to its concept-heavy questions, time limits in each section, and negative marking. Meanwhile, MAH MBA CET focuses on speed and accuracy, making it relatively easier. Here are some top differences in the difficulty level of MAH MBA CET and CAT:

 

Category

MAH MBA CET

CAT

Overall Difficulty

Moderate

High

Quantitative Aptitude

Easy to Moderate

Difficult (Heavy on Data Interpretation)

Logical Reasoning & DI

Moderate

Difficult (More Logical Reasoning & Data-Intensive Questions)

Verbal Ability

Moderate (Grammar & Vocab Based)

High (Reading Comprehension Heavy)

Abstract Reasoning

Included (Unique to MAH MBA CET)

Not Included

Time Management

Manageable (No Sectional Time Limit)

Challenging (Strict Sectional Time Limit)

 

Also, MAH MBA CET does not have negative markings, making it less risky compared to CAT. Aspirants should align their preparation strategy with the difficulty level of their chosen exam to maximize their chances of success.

 

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Difference Between MAH MBA CET and CAT FAQs

Which exam is tougher, MAH MBA CET or CAT?

CAT is more difficult due to its complex quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and sectional time limits, whereas MAH MBA CET is more speed-based with moderate difficulty.

Does MAH MBA CET have negative marking like CAT?

No, MAH MBA CET does not have negative marking, whereas CAT deducts 1 mark for incorrect MCQs.

Can I apply for both MAH MBA CET and CAT?

Yes, candidates can apply for both exams, but MAH MBA CET is for Maharashtra-based colleges, while CAT is for IIMs and other top B-schools across India.

Which exam has a higher number of questions?

MAH MBA CET has 200 questions, whereas CAT has only 66 questions, but CAT’s questions are more challenging.

Does CAT have an Abstract Reasoning section like MAH MBA CET?

No, Abstract Reasoning is unique to MAH MBA CET. CAT focuses more on Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) instead.
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