CAT or GMAT: Which One is Better in 2024?
Which One is Better: CAT or GMAT is the major concern of every MBA aspirant. Know the difference and suitability of both the exams to make an optimum decision.
Shivani Kumari16 Apr, 2024
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CAT or GMAT? The GMAT and CAT are the most renowned entrance exams for pursuing an MBA from prestigious B-Schools. Most MBA aspirants find these exams most challenging to clear. When it comes to selecting between CAT and GMAT, candidates often face dilemmas and confusion. To make an optimum selection it is crucial for candidates to know the major differences of CAT and GMAT.
The basic difference between CAT and GMAT lies in their scope for admission. The CAT is crucial for securing admission into premier Indian B-schools, whereas the GMAT is crucial for admission in Indian and foreign B-schools. Additionally, the annual frequency of both exams varies significantly, which affects their suitability for MBA admissions. Other notable distinctions between the GMAT and CAT are provided here to help candidates choose the one that meets their requirements.Notable Highlights of CAT vs GMAT
GMAT and CAT have various sections, and candidates have specific time limits to complete each section. Additionally, the scoring range and validity of both the exams are also different. The table below presents the notable highlights of CAT vs GMAT:| Features | CAT | GMAT |
| Exam conducting body | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) | The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Test Mode | Online | Online & Offline |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| No. of Sections | 3 sections | 3 sections |
| Sections | Sections for CAT | Sections for GMAT Focus Edition |
| Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension (24 questions) | Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions) | |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (20 questions) | Verbal Reasoning (23 questions) | |
| Quantitative Ability (22 questions) | Data Insights (20 questions) | |
| No. of Questions | 66 | 64 |
| Section wise time limit | 40 minutes per section | 45 minutes per section |
| Score Scale | 198 | 200-800 |
| Acceptance | National level | Global level |
| Score Validity | 1 Year | 5 Years |
| Application Fee | INR 2,400 (General) | INR 22,824 ($275) |
| INR 1,200 (Under reservation) | ||
| Average Preparation Time | 4-5 months | 2-3 months |
| Annual Test Takers in 2023 | Approximately 3.3 lakh | Over 2 lakh |
CAT vs GMAT Eligibility and Number of Attempts
To attempt CAT and GMAT, candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any stream. Final year students are also eligible to attempt these exams. However, there are differences in terms of minimum age limit and number of attempts allowed. The table below presents the details of eligibility criteria and number of attempts for CAT and GMAT:| Parameters | CAT | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Basic eligibility criteria | Bachelor's degree in any stream | Bachelor's degree in any stream |
| Qualifying marks | 50% for UR candidates 45% for reserved category | No minimum marks requirement |
| Minimum age requirement | No minimum age restriction | Candidates must be 18 years old. Candidates between 13-18 years need parental consent for GMAT. |
| No. of attempts allowed | No restriction on number of attempts | 5 attempts allowed in a year with 15 days gap. A total of 8 attempts in lifetime. |
Exam Pattern of CAT or GMAT
Exam Structure Both the GMAT Focus Edition and CAT exams consist of three sections each. CAT includes VARC, DILR, and QA sections. On the other hand, the GMAT Focus Edition incorporates Data Insights, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections. Although both exams evaluate candidates for similar skills, the type of questions and their difficulty levels differ.| Also Read | |
| GMAT Exam 2024 | |
| GMAT Syllabus | GMAT Exam Date |
| GMAT Admit Card | GMAT Full Form |
| Parameters | CAT | GMAT Focus Edition |
| No. of Questions with Time Limit | Total Questions: 66 | Total Questions: 64 |
| VARC: 24 Questions / 40 Minutes | Quantitative Reasoning: 21 Questions / 45 Minutes | |
| DILR: 20 Questions / 40 Minutes | Verbal Reasoning: 23 Questions / 45 Minutes | |
| QA: 22 Questions / 40 Minutes | Data Insights: 20 Questions / 45 Minutes | |
| Test Duration | 2 hours (no breaks included) | 2 hours 15 minutes ( extra 10 minutes for optional break) |
| Exam mode | Online (Not adaptive) | Online (Computer-adaptive) |
| Score Reporting | Only percentile score provided | Absolute score (Out of 805) and percentile score provided |
Top Colleges Accepting GMAT Scores
The GMAT is among the most commonly chosen entrance exams for business schools worldwide. Many prestigious universities require GMAT scores to evaluate the aptitude and skills of prospective students. Listed below are some of the leading international universities that accept GMAT scores:| International University | Average GMAT Score |
| Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | 733 |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 733 |
| Harvard Business School | 732 |
| Judge Business School, University of Cambridge | 690 |
| Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University | 675 |
| Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto | 670 |
| Saïd Business School, University of Oxford | 650 |
| Colleges in India | Program |
| ISB | PGP |
| SP Jain Inst. of Management & Research | PGDM |
| XLRI | PGDM |
| MDI | PGDM |
| XIMB | MBA |
Top Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
Even though CAT is primarily a domestic examination, certain international business schools recognise CAT scores for the admission process. Particularly in Asia, the exam serves as a valuable metric to evaluate applicants' readiness for enrolment in graduate programs. The table below shows the top international institutions that acknowledge CAT scores:| International Institution | Program |
| EMLyon Business School | MSC in Management |
| ESCP European Business School | Masters in Management |
| SP Jain School Of Global Management | Masters Of Global Business |
| Singapore Management University | Masters in Management |
| Asian Institute of Management | Masters in Business Administration |
| Colleges in India | Program |
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGP |
| IIM Bangalore | MBA |
| IIM Calcutta | MBA |
| IIM Lucknow | PGP |
| IIM Kozhikode | PGP |
Which One is Better, GMAT or CAT
Deciding whether to opt for the GMAT or CAT depends on candidates' specific needs. If a candidate's aim is to pursue management studies abroad, then the GMAT is the preferred option. While CAT is majorly suitable for Indian B-schools. GMAT is recommended for candidates who have the following goals:- Pursuing MBA/PGDM from international universities.
- Candidates who plan to enter MBA colleges within 5 years of taking the entrance exam.
- Those who want to select an exam date according to their schedule should go for GMAT as it is conducted throughout the year.
- Candidates who aim to reattempt the exam within a year to enhance their score.
- Entering IIMs and other prestigious MBA colleges in India.
- Getting a high-paying job offer through the campus placement process.
- Getting admission to B-schools in the same academic year as attempting the exam.
- Attempting a non-adaptive CBT.
- Planning exam preparation according to the exam schedule and taking the exam on the specified date.
Which One is Better GMAT or CAT FAQs
CAT or GMAT, which one is tougher??
Both the GMAT and CAT evaluate candidates' aptitude, Reasoning, and analytical skills for enrollment in business and management schools. Therefore, both the exams are equally challenging. However, in GMAT candidates get multiple chances to improve their score within a year, while CAT is conducted once annually. For this reason some aspirants consider GMAT to be more convenient than CAT.
Should I give the CAT or the GMAT?
Choosing between the CAT and GMAT depends on the candidates' goals for pursuing an MBA. If they want to attend international B-schools, it is recommended that they attempt the GMAT, while the CAT is more suitable for candidates who aim to enter IIMs for MBA/PGDM courses.
Should I give GMAT before CAT?
It is not mandatory for candidates to attempt GMAT before CAT. However, both the exams have almost similar syllabus and candidates can schedule their GMAT exam anytime of the year. Therefore, if they want to evaluate their preparedness, they can attempt GMAT before CAT exam.
Is the GMAT score accepted in IIM?
GMAT scores are accepted at IIMs for 1 year management courses. IIMs that accept GMAT include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Indore. For admission to 2-year MBA/PGDM programs candidates must clear CAT with required cut off score.
What is the validity of GMAT scores?
GMAT scores remain valid for 5-years. Candidates can send their GMAT scores to preferred colleges within 5 years from qualifying for the exam.
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