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CAT vs MAT Exam 2024: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, and Preparation Tips

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

October 4, 2024

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Overview: Most of us must know that CAT and MAT exams are conducted for admission into management programs. This article walks us through the overview of CAT vs MAT exams. 

  • The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) are two of India's most popular entrance exams for management education. 
  • While the CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their flagship Post Graduate Programs in Management, the MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to various management courses in various institutes all over India.

Although the exam is conducted for admissions into management programs, this article will walk you through the overview of CAT and MAT exams.


Also Read | CAT 2024 Registration Begins: Apply before 13 September 2024

What is CAT exam?

  • The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an entrance exam for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top MBA colleges in India. 
  • It is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) annually. 
  • The exam tests a candidate’s aptitude in quantitative ability, data interpretation, verbal ability and logical reasoning. 
  • Top MBA colleges in India use the CAT Exam score to shortlist candidates for their MBA programs.

Download Free QA Section Daily Study Plan by Supergrads

What is MAT exam? 

  • MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is an all-India level entrance exam conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association) for admission into MBA and other allied programs.
  • It is conducted four times a year in February, May, September and December. 
  • The exam tests the candidate’s aptitude in language comprehension, mathematical skills, data analysis and interpretation, intelligence and critical reasoning, Indian and global environment.

Also Read |  CAT Exam Cut Off 2023

Difference between CAT and MAT Exam: Highlights

As you can see from the table, CAT and MAT differ in terms of their eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus.

The CAT is a more competitive exam that focuses mainly on quantitative and verbal ability. On the other hand, the MAT is a more comprehensive exam that tests the candidate’s aptitude in multiple areas.

Criteria CAT Exam 2024 MAT Exam 2024
Conducting Body Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) All India Management Association (AIMA)
Exam Frequency Once a year (usually in November) Four times a year (February, May, September, and December)
Mode of Exam Computer-based test (CBT) Computer-based test (CBT), paper-based test (PBT), and online-based test (IBT)
Exam Fees INR 2,500 for general category candidates, INR 1250 for SC/ST/PwD candidates INR 2,100 for one exam in any mode (CBT, IBT, PBT)
INR 3,300 for 2 exams in any mode (CBT, IBT, PBT)
Score Validity One year One year

Also Read |  CAT Exam Marks vs Percentile 2024

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

CAT and MAT Exam Sections 2024

The CAT exam consists of 3 sections, while the MAT exam consists of 5 major sections. These include:

Particulars  CAT Exam 2024 MAT Exam 2024
No. of Sections   3 5
Name of Sections  Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Ability
Language Comprehension
Mathematical Skills
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
Indian and Global Environment

Also Read |  CAT Exam Maths Syllabus 2024

Download Free QA Preparation Tips by Supergrads

CAT and MAT Exam Paper Pattern 2024

Here is the exam pattern for the CAT and MAT exam:

Particulars  CAT Exam 2024 MAT Exam 2024
Overall Number of Questions 66 questions  150 questions 
Total marks  198 Marks 150 marks
Duration of Exam 120 minutes (2 hours) 150 minutes (2.5 hours)

Check: CAT Exam Total Marks

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

CAT and MAT Exam Marking Scheme 2024

Understanding the marking scheme of the exam is important to attempt the maximum number of questions. Here are the major differences between the CAT vs MAT exam marking schemes:

Particulars  CAT Exam  MAT Exam
Marks Given for Correct Answer +3 marks  +1 Mark
Marks Deducted for Wrong Answer -1 mark 0.25 mark
Marks given to Unattempted QUESTION 0 mark 0 mark

Also Read | CAT Exam Notification 2024

CAT and MAT Exam Eligibility 2024

Eligibility Criteria CAT Exam MAT Exam
Educational Qualification Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates) Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates)
Age Limit No age limit No age limit
Number of Attempts No limit on the number of attempts No limit on the number of attempts
Nationality Indian citizens, NRIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals are eligible to apply Indian citizens, NRIs, and foreign nationals are eligible to apply
Result Declaration Results are declared in the form of percentile scores Results are declared in the form of scaled scores
Score Validity The score is valid for one year from the date of declaration of the result The score is valid for one year from the date of declaration of the result

Read more: CAT Exam Marking Scheme

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

CAT and MAT Exam Preparation Strategy 2024

Factors CAT Exam Preparation Strategy MAT Exam Preparation Strategy
Time Duration for Preparation 12-15 months 3-6 months
Syllabus Comprehensive and extensive Comparatively less extensive
Exam Pattern Three sections -
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Ability
Five sections -
Language Comprehension
Mathematical Skills
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
Indian and Global Environment
Preparation Approach Focus on building conceptual clarity, practice with a large number of questions, and regular mock tests Focus on understanding the basics, regular practice, and mock tests
Study Material Comprehensive study material, textbooks, and online resources Study material provided by AIMA, online resources, and coaching institutes
Coaching Institutes Highly recommended for CAT preparation Optional, but can be helpful
Time Management Crucial for CAT exam preparation Important for MAT exam preparation
Test Series Regular test series and mock tests Regular mock tests
Revision Regular revision of concepts and practice questions Regular revision of concepts and practice questions

Know More | CAT Cut off for IIM

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

Benefits and Opportunities Of CAT & MAT Exam

 Some of the benefits and opportunities of the CAT and MAT exams are listed below:

Exam Benefits Opportunities
CAT
  • Accepted by 21 IIMs and over 1000 B-schools in India
  • Highly reputed and recognized exam in India
  • Opportunity to pursue MBA from top B-schools in India
  • Access to top-notch faculty and resources
  • Better career prospects and salary packages
  • Networking opportunities with industry experts and alumni
MAT
  • Accepted by over 800 B-schools in India
  • Conducted four times a year, providing multiple opportunities to appear for the exam Relatively less competition compared to CAT
  • Opportunity to pursue MBA from reputed B-schools in India
  • Access to quality education and training
  • Better job prospects and career growth

Also Read |  MAT EXAM SYLLABUS

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CAT and MAT Exam Syllabus

Exam Section
MAT 2024
Language Comprehension Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Verbal Ability
Mathematical Skills Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Modern Math
Data Analysis and Sufficiency Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Verbal Reasoning, Non-verbal Reasoning
Indian and Global Environment General Knowledge, Current Affairs
CAT 2024
VARC Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
DILR Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Ability Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Modern Math

Conclusion

  • Both CAT and MAT are popular management entrance exams in India, each with its own unique features and benefits.
  • CAT is more challenging and accepted by top IIMs and B-schools, while MAT is easier and accepted by over 600 management universities.
  • Choosing the right exam depends on your skills, college preference, and interests.
  • It's important to prepare well, choose the right B-school and program, and stay updated on changing trends and technologies in MBA admissions.

Read more: Supercharge your CAT exam preparation with SuperGrads CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CAT and MAT exams?

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How many times are CAT and MAT exams conducted in a year?

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What is the exam pattern for CAT and MAT?

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Can I apply for both CAT and MAT exams in the same year?

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How do I prepare for CAT and MAT exams?

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