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

Q: What is the difference between CAT and MAT exams?

CAT (Common Admission Test) is primarily for admission to IIMs, while various management institutes across India accept MAT (Management Aptitude Test).

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

CAT is conducted once a year, usually in November, while MAT is conducted four times a year - February, May, September, and December.

Q: What is the exam pattern for CAT and MAT?

CAT consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. MAT covers Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis, and Intelligence and Critical Reasoning.

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

Yes, you can apply for both CAT and MAT exams in the same year to maximize your chances of admission.

Q: How do I prepare for CAT and MAT exams?

Prepare thoroughly with comprehensive study materials, mock tests, and previous years' question papers to excel in both CAT and MAT exams.

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

February 17, 2025

Overview: What is CAT and MAT exam? Both the exams are conducted for admission into management programs. What makes them different from each other? Continue reading to get the detailed insights here!

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 2025 Registration

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 2024

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 2025	MAT Exam 2025
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 2025

CAT and MAT Exam Sections 2025

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

Particulars	CAT Exam 2025	MAT Exam 2025
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 2025

Download Free QA Preparation Tips by Supergrads

CAT and MAT Exam Paper Pattern 2025

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

Particulars	CAT Exam 2025	MAT Exam 2025
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 and MAT Exam Marking Scheme 2025

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 2025

CAT and MAT Exam Eligibility 2025

Here are the key differences between CAT and MAT exam 2025:

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 2025 Exam Marking Scheme

CAT and MAT Exam Preparation Strategy 2025

Here are the preparation tips for both the exams:

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

Benefits and Opportunities Of CAT & MAT Exam 2025

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 2025 EXAM SYLLABUS

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CAT and MAT Exam Syllabus 2025

There is also difference in the syllabus of both the exams. Here are the differences between the CAT and MAT syllabus 2025:

Exam	Section
MAT 2025
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 2025
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.

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