Is The MAT Exam Tougher Than CMAT- Key Difference In Syllabus, Exam Pattern
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Anil Solonki19 Jul, 2025
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MAT vs CMAT are among the most popular entrance exams for MBA/PGDM admissions. Their wide acceptance across government and private B-Schools in India makes them ideal for management aspirants. Moreover, both exams are considered relatively easier compared to the CAT exam conducted by IIMs, making them a preferred choice for students aiming to pursue management education.
But when it comes to CMAT exam vs MAT exam, which one should you choose? Is MAT tougher than CMAT, or vice versa? In this article, we break down the difference between MAT and CMAT across all aspects, i.e., exam pattern, difficulty, colleges, and more.
MAT vs CMAT Highlights
Both MAT and CMAT are speed-based exams, assessing candidates' abilities in a time-bound environment. They cover the same syllabus, ensuring a level playing field for test-takers. However, one notable distinction lies in CMAT having an additional section, which sets it apart from MAT and makes it relatively more challenging.By understanding these key points, aspiring management students can make informed decisions about MAT 2025 vs CMAT 2025 and choose the exam that aligns better with their strengths and goals.
MAT offers an additional advantage over CMAT as it provides the flexibility of being conducted in three different modes: computer-based, paper-based, and internet-based.
This allows candidates to choose the mode that suits their convenience and location preferences. On the other hand, CMAT is exclusively conducted in the computer-based mode, requiring candidates to visit the designated test center to take the exam.
The majority of MBA aspirants take both MAT and CMAT exams. However, in case you need to select one between the two, refer to the table below for a comparison of key aspects of MAT exam vs CMAT exam.| MAT vs CMAT Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Exam details | CMAT | MAT |
| Exam Name | Common Management Aptitude Test | Management Aptitude Test |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Test Agency - NTA | All India Management Association - AIMA |
| Frequency of Exam | Once a year | Multiple times in four phases per year |
| Participating Colleges | 1300 B-Schools in India | 700 MBA colleges |
| Eligibility | Passed or appearing in Bachelor degree in any stream Professional degree in commerce and accounting are also eligible | Passed or appearing in Bachelor degree in any stream Professional degree in commerce and accounting are also eligible |
| Application Fees | INR 2,000 for General Male candidate INR 1,000 for General Female candidate INR 1,000 for SC, ST, PWD candidate | INR 1,900 for one paper INR 3,150 for two papers |
Difference in MAT and CMAT Exam Pattern
MAT and CMAT are both national-level entrance exams; however, significant disparities exist between the two, encompassing variations in difficulty level, test duration, exam pattern, and marking scheme. Gain insights into these distinctions here in this table:|
Difference in MAT and CMAT Exam Pattern |
||
|---|---|---|
| Exam features | MAT | CMAT |
| Exam Mode | Paper-Based Test mode (PBT) Computer-Based Test mode (CBT) Internet-Based Test mode (IBT) | Computer-Based Test mode |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours and 30 minutes | 3 hours |
| Shifts and Timings | PBT mode – 10:00 am to 12:30 pm CBT mode – 10:00 am to 12:30 pm IBT mode – Multiple shifts | Morning shift - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Evening shift - 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm |
| Exam Difficulty level | Easy to Moderate | Moderate to Difficult |
| Sections | 5 | 4 |
| Sectional Time limit | No | No |
| Subjects | Indian and Global Environment Language Comprehension Data Analysis and Sufficiency Mathematical Skills Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning Language Comprehension General Awareness Innovation and Entrepreneurship |
| Total Questions | 200 questions | 100 questions |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Marks | 200 marks | 400 marks |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong attempt | -1 mark for each wrong attempt |
Similarities Between MAT Syllabus and CMAT Syllabus
The syllabus for both MAT and CMAT are identical, with the only difference lying in the names and grouping of subjects. In MAT, the General Awareness section is referred to as "Indian and Global Environment," whereas in CMAT, it is named differently. Similarly, the Data Analysis and Sufficiency section of MAT is combined with Quantitative Techniques in CMAT, categorizing them under a single section. However, CMAT possesses an additional section named "Innovation and Entrepreneurship," carrying 25 marks, which is not present in MAT. Below is a comprehensive list of topics included in the syllabus for both the MAT and CMAT exams in this table:| MAT Syllabus and CMAT Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| MAT Syllabus | CMAT Syllabus |
Mathematical Skills Topics
|
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Topics
|
Logical Reasoning Topics
|
Language Comprehension Topics
|
Language Comprehension Topics
|
Indian & Global Environment Topics
|
General Awareness Topics
|
Data Analysis and Sufficiency Topics
|
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
|
MAT vs CMAT: Top Colleges
The table below presents a compilation of some renowned colleges that consider scores from both entrance examinations.| MAT vs CMAT | |
|---|---|
| College Accept MAT Score | College accept CMAT Score |
| Balaji Institute of Modern Management (BIMM) | Woxsen University |
| KIIT School of Management | LM Thapar School of Management |
| MS Ramaiah Institute of Management | ITM Business School |
| Amity Business School | IIHMR University |
| PSG Institute of Management | Vellore Institute of Technology |
Difference Between MAT scores and CMAT scores
The MAT scorecard includes details such as sectional scores, overall scores, percentiles, and composite scores. In contrast, the CMAT scorecard provides information on sectional scores and percentiles, overall scores and percentiles, along with the overall rank.|
Difference Between MAT scores and CMAT scores |
||
|---|---|---|
| Scorecard Details | MAT | CMAT |
| Sections for final scores | Language Comprehension Data Analysis and Sufficiency Mathematical Skills Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning Language Comprehension |
| Score Type | Section-wise scores Overall scores Overall Percentile Composite scores for each section Overall Composite scores | Section-wise scores Overall scores Sectional Percentile Overall Percentile All India Rank |
| Total Marks | 200 | 400 |
| Score calculation | Scores obtained in each section are evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100 Final scores of all sections are scaled from 199 to 800, where 199 being the lowest, and 800 being the highest Score Note: Indian and Global Environment section is not included in percentile calculation | All India Rank is calculated on basis of sectional scores i.e. out of 400 marks Percentile is calculated on basis of rank, raw marks of candidate and total number of candidates appeared for CMAT Note: General Awareness section is not included in percentile calculation |
Also Read: CAT Preparation 2025
MAT vs CMAT FAQs
Is there a difference in the syllabus between MAT and CMAT?
No, the syllabus for MAT is the same as CMAT. Both exams consist of subjects such as English, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness.
What sets CMAT apart from MAT?
The key differences between CMAT and MAT lie in their frequency of occurrence and mode of testing. CMAT is an annual exam, whereas MAT is conducted multiple times within an academic year. Additionally, CMAT is exclusively conducted in a computer-based test mode, while MAT offers three testing options: paper-based, computer-based, and internet-based. Moreover, CMAT is known to have a higher difficulty level compared to MAT.
What does the CMAT syllabus cover?
The CMAT syllabus encompasses essential subjects such as Language Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Which exam, MAT or CMAT, is more challenging?
MAT is not as difficult as CMAT. Its marking scheme is straightforward, and candidates have the opportunity to enhance their scores by retaking the exam within the same academic year.
Do CMAT and MAT share the same conducting agency?
No, the exams are conducted by different agencies. CMAT is administered by the NTA, a government agency, while MAT is conducted by the AIMA, a private organization.
How effective is the last month in CAT exam 3-month study plan?
The last month is crucial for revision, mock test practice, and refining your exam.
Can working professionals crack CAT with a 3-month study plan?
Yes, study 3–4 hours on weekdays, more on weekends, and follow a structured 3-month CAT plan.
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