GMAT Vs CAT Exams: Check Key Similarities & Differences, Top MBA Colleges & Programs

Let us compare and understand what is the difference between GMAT and CAT and what are the similarities. It may be noted that present pattern of GMAT exam will be replaced soon by GMAC with the new format – GMAT Focus Edition. Below are shared the broad areas of difference between GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition and CAT

CAT is a popular exam in India taken by almost all students who want to apply for MBA program in India. So, before you start your GMAT preparation, you may be wondering how do GMAT and CAT compare? While the two exams have similar sections, and a very similar syllabus, there are many differences in pattern, costing, and difficulty levels across sections. Let’s look at a detailed comparative analysis under the following few headers:

2.1 Difficulty Level: The overall difficulty level of the GMAT is lower than that of CAT. The first factor contributing to this difference is the syllabus. While the syllabus for CAT isn’t as properly defined as that of the GMAT, this makes the GMAT preparation much more comfortable for any test taker. The Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI_ section of the CAT has been the toughest nut to crack over the past few years, while its counterpart in the GMAT, i.e. the Integrated Reasoning (IR) section is much simpler on logic. The Quantitative Ability (QA) section of CAT is way trickier than the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) section of the GMAT, as the questions in the latter are pretty straight forward, while the former tests not just the concept, but also the application. It is the area of Verbal Reasoning, which has always been the most difficult for the average Indian test taker in the GMAT, as it requires high vocabulary, and also tests the candidate’s grammar skills, unlike the CAT.

GMAT exam is more expensive than CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT taken together! GMAT exam fee is US $275, which is approximately Rs. 22,000. This is much above CAT (Rs 2400) or XAT (Rs 2000).

The GMAT is a “question-adaptive” test. This is an indicator that the difficulty level of the candidate’s next question depends on the performance in the previous question. Thus, the GMAT is a test of capability as it continuously adapts and reviews the test to the candidate’s ability level. The test usually begins with a question of medium difficulty level, if one answers this question correctly; the next question is of a slightly higher difficulty level. Hence, there is no option to review or edit the answers or to skip a question. CAT, on the other hand, is a non-adaptive computer-based test and focuses on accuracy more than capability. Here, as percentile scores are reported, a candidate’s relative performance with respect to the other test takers is of value, rather than their own test score. Reviewing the answers before ending a section is possible. Also, an on-screen calculator is provided. There is also a one-fourth negative marking for wrong answers.

Common Admission Test (CAT) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are both entrance tests accepted by top business schools in India including IIMs. The basic difference between GMAT and CAT is that while CAT is a national level entrance exam, GMAT is a more widely present global exam accepted by over 2000+ business schools & 7000 management programs worldwide. Here is a quick guide to help you select the right MBA Exam.

The basic differences can be categorized as given in the following table:

Q: Is GMAT easier than CAT
A: Yes, GMAT is considered as easier exam than CAT.

Q: What is the difference between GMAT and CAT question pattern:
A: GMAT is a computer adaptive test. It means that after successfully answering a question, the  subsequent question will be of higher difficulty level. CAT, despite being a computer based test, is not an online test and the questions appear on screen from the pool of questions.

Q: Do IIMs accept GMAT for 2 Years MBA programs?
A: No, IIMs only accept GMAT for admission to their one year MBA programs. For 2 years MBA programs, IIMs accept CAT score

Q: Which is more costly – CAT or GMAT?
A: CAT exam fee is Rs.2400 while the GMAT exam fee is USD 275 (Eqv Rs.20,000). As such GMAT is more costly than CAT

Q: Is MBA college application fee included in CAT and GMAT?
A: CAT exam fee includes application fees of 20 IIMs. After getting valid score in CAT, IIMs shortlist the test taker without asking for further application. However, GMAT scores are sent free of cost to 5 B-schools across the world but the candidate has to apply separately to the respective B-school