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Difference between CAT and MAT Exam 2024: Check Exam Pattern,Difficulty Level & Marking Scheme
October 24, 2024
Overview: There are quite a few MBA exams in our country. While CAT is the most common entrance exam for admission into IIMs, over 20,000 candidates appear for the MAT exam every year, allowing students to take admission in one of 600 B-schools. So, what is the difference between CAT and MAT exam? Let's see in this article!
The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) are two of India's most popular entrance exams for management education.
The CAT, conducted by the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is the gateway to their flagship Post Graduate Programs in Management. On the other hand, the MAT, conducted by the esteemed All India Management Association (AIMA), opens doors to over 600 b-schools across India.
The credibility and reputation of these institutions make these exams highly sought after.
Let's begin and look at the difference between CAT and MAT exam in detail!
Difference Between CAT and MAT Exam: Understand the Basic
Before going ahead and understanding the CAT and MAT exam difference, you must understand the basic knowledge about both exams.
What is a 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 CAT exam is a comprehensive test, evaluating a candidate’s aptitude in quantitative ability, data interpretation, verbal ability and logical reasoning.
- Top MBA colleges in India use the CAT exam scores to shortlist candidates for their MBA programs.
What is the 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.
- Conducted four times a year in the months of February, May, September and December, the MAT exam offers flexibility in choosing the exam date.
- The MAT exam pattern tests the candidate’s aptitude in language comprehension, mathematical skills, data analysis and interpretation, intelligence and critical reasoning, Indian and global environment.
Find Out | How Many Times MAT Exam Is Conducted In A Year
Difference Between CAT and MAT exam
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 focusing mainly on quantitative, logical and verbal ability.
On the other hand, MAT is a more comprehensive exam that tests the candidate’s aptitude in multiple areas.
| Parameters | MAT Exam | CAT Exam |
| Exam Full Form | Management Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | AIMA | IIM |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% mark | Passing marks required for a bachelor’s degree |
| Exam Frequency | Four times a year (February, May, September, December) | Once a year (November) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) Paper-Based Test (PBT) Internet-Based Test (IBT) |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Sections | 5 sections | 3 sections |
| Exam Sections | Language Comprehension Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Indian and Global Environment Data Analysis and Sufficiency Mathematical Skills |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
| Number of questions | 200 questions | 66 questions |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 hours | 2 hours |
| Difficulty level | Easy to medium | Moderately difficult |
| Marking Scheme |
+1 and -0.25 |
+3 and -1 |
| Total Marks | 200 marks | 198 marks |
| Exam Fee | One paper: Rs 1,650 CBT+ PBT: Rs 2,750 CBT+PBT+ IBT = 4,950 |
General and NC-OBC: Rs 2,300 SC/ ST/ PwD: Rs 1,150 |
Check | CAT Exam Score vs Percentile 2023
It is important to note that both exams are equally important for admission to management courses in India. Candidates must decide which exam to take based on their eligibility and preferences.
Candidates should also remember that both exams have different cut-offs and selection criteria.
Difference Between CAT and MAT Exam: Colleges Accepting Sores
Colleges Accepting CAT Score
Also Read | CAT Exam Previous year papers
Colleges Accepting MAT Colleges
| MBA Colleges |
| BIMTECH Greater Noida |
| JAGSoM |
| XIME Bangalore |
| Rajagiri Business School Kochi |
| Woxsen University Hyderabad |
| Jaipuria Lucknow & Noida |
| Indus Business Academy - IBA Bangalore |
Also Read | Top 20 Colleges Accepting MAT Score with Percentile Cutoff
Conclusion
Overall, coming to Difference between CAT and MAT exam, CAT and MAT are two popular entrance exams for management education in India. While IIM conducts CAT, MAT is conducted by AIMA. Both exams differ in eligibility criteria, exam pattern, duration and syllabus. Candidates should decide which exam to take based on their eligibility and preferences.
Also Read | CAT Exam Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CAT and MAT exams?
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What is the format of the CAT and MAT exams?
What is the duration of the CAT and MAT exams?
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Which is harder, CAT or a MAT?
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