August 29, 2024
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.
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
Also Read | CAT Exam Cut Off 2023
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
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
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
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
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
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
Also Read | MAT Important Dates 2024
Some of the benefits and opportunities of the CAT and MAT exams are listed below:
Exam | Benefits | Opportunities |
---|---|---|
CAT |
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MAT |
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Also Read | 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 |
Read more: Supercharge your CAT exam preparation with SuperGrads CAT Online Coaching
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CAT and MAT exams?
How many times are CAT and MAT exams conducted in a year?
What is the exam pattern for CAT and MAT?
Can I apply for both CAT and MAT exams in the same year?
How do I prepare for CAT and MAT exams?