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Is CAT tougher than IIT? Know the Differences Between CAT and IIT
October 30, 2024
Overview: Is CAT Tougher than IIT? This is a tricky question because both are challenging in their own ways. Let's find out the major differences between the two here!
- The Common Admission Test is an MBA entrance exam that is necessary to get admission to the top B schools in India, including IIMs.
- On the other hand, IITs focus on science and mathematics, requiring extensive subject knowledge.
While both have intense competition, the areas of expertise required are distinct. This blog aims to assist you in choosing between CAT and IIT.
Table of Contents
Read More | Quantitative Ability Syllabus 2024
Is CAT Tougher than IIT?
CAT exam and IIT are national-level exams held yearly to select candidates in different educational fields.
The IIT entrance exams focus on subjects such as Maths, Physics, and Chemistry from classes 11 and 12. In contrast, CAT is an aptitude test designed to assess logical skills for future managers.
In terms of difficulty, CAT is considered to be more challenging than IIT. Additionally, the CAT is more competitive as it allows students from any educational background to appear for the exam.
In contrast, the IIT entrance exam is limited to students with a Science background and specific subject combinations at the 10+2 level.
Read more: CAT Exam Syllabus 2024
Download CAT Exam QA Section Daily Study Plan
Table Comparison Of CAT And IIT-JEE Exam
| Particulars | CAT Exam | IIT-JEE Exam |
| Full Form | Common Admission Test | Joint Entrance Examination |
| Conducting Body | IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) | NTA (National Testing Agency) |
| Exam Format | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Sections | Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Difficulty Level | High | High |
| Number of Attempts | Once a year | Twice a year (JEE Main) and once (JEE Advanced) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in any discipline | 10+2 or equivalent with PCM |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours (CAT) | 3 hours each (JEE Main) and 3 hours (JEE Advanced) |
| Acceptance by Colleges | IIMs and other top B-schools | NITs, IITs, and other engineering institutes |
Also Check | How to download CAT Exam Admit Card
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Is CAT Tougher Than IIT- About CAT And IIT Exam
| Category | CAT Exam | IIT-JEE Exam |
| Full Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) | Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Exam (IIT-JEE) |
| Purpose | Entrance exam for MBA programs in top Indian B-schools (IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS) | Entrance exam for engineering colleges (IITs, NITs, IIITs) |
| Tested Subjects | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Ability (QA), Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
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Key Focus Areas (Subjects)
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VARC: Reading speed, comprehension, vocabulary, critical reasoning | Physics: Mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, modern physics |
| QA: Problem-solving in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, modern mathematics | Chemistry: Physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry | |
| DILR: Logical thinking, analytical abilities, data analysis | Mathematics: Calculus, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, vector algebra | |
| Selection Criteria | Holistic profile (work experience, academic background, writing skills, diversity) | IIT-JEE scores, government reservation policies |
| Difficulty Focus | Tests logical, analytical, and management aptitude | Tests in-depth knowledge of core science subjects |
| Exam Outcome | Admission into top MBA programs | Admission into top engineering colleges |
Read More | CAT Exam Previous year papers
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Is CAT Tougher Than IIT- Skills Required to Crack the Exam
| Category | CAT Exam | IIT-JEE Exam |
| Critical Thinking Skills | Strong logical reasoning and data interpretation skills for analyzing information, recognizing patterns, and making conclusions | Requires analytical skills to break down complex problems into smaller steps and solve them systematically |
| Time Management | It is necessary to answer all sections efficiently within the given time | Essential for managing time while solving complex and lengthy problems |
| Accuracy | Prioritized over speed, as negative markings are given for incorrect answers; focus on correct answers in the first attempt. | Accuracy in solving problems is essential to maximize scores, but speed is also important. |
| Subject Knowledge | Requires a broad understanding of management-related skills like reading comprehension, quantitative ability, and reasoning | Requires an in-depth understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
| Problem-Solving | Focuses on reasoning, interpretation, and logical problem-solving skills | Focuses on applying extensive subject knowledge to solve challenging problems |
Download CAT Exam VARC Daily Study Plan
Is CAT Tougher Than IIT - Competition Level
| Category | CAT Exam | IIT-JEE Exam |
| Eligibility | Open to graduates from any academic background | Restricted to students from the science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) in Class 11 & 12 |
| Candidate Pool | A large pool of talented candidates from diverse educational fields | A smaller pool of competitors limited to science stream students |
| Competition Intensity | High due to the large number of applicants from various disciplines | Intense competition but with a more specialized group of science students |
Check: CAT Exam Pattern 2024
Is CAT Tougher Than IIT - Exam Format
| Category | CAT Exam | IIT-JEE Exam |
| Exam Format | Timed computer-based test | Multi-stage exam (JEE Main and JEE Advanced) |
| Structure | Single-day exam with multiple-choice questions | Two phases: JEE Main (objective) and JEE Advanced (subjective) |
| Question Types | Entirely multiple-choice, requiring quick thinking and strategic answering | JEE Main: Objective (multiple-choice) with numerical answer-type questions JEE Advanced: Subjective, requiring detailed solutions and explanations |
| Time Management | Specific time limit for each section | More time is needed for detailed problem-solving in JEE Advanced |
Check: CAT Exam Analysis
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Read More | CAT Exam Day Guidelines
Conclusion
- Is CAT Tougher than IIT The question CAT V/s IIT Main, Which Is Tough, is not straightforward because the difficulty of each exam is subjective and depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. Both exams are highly competitive and require dedicated preparation.
- The CAT emphasizes reasoning abilities, time management, and accuracy, while the IIT-JEE focuses on in-depth subject knowledge and problem-solving skills. If you're aiming for an MBA, focusing on honing your reasoning and time management skills for the CAT is essential.
- On the other hand, if your goal is to become an engineer, excelling in the IIT-JEE will require sharpening your scientific and mathematical knowledge. Understanding the specific exam you're targeting, playing to your strengths, and strategically preparing to overcome its unique challenges is essential.
- With dedication and the right approach, you can succeed in your chosen exam and pursue your academic aspirations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for CAT for MBA?
How do I prepare for CAT?
How many times CAT held in a year?
Why is the CAT exam only conducted once a year?
What is the significance of knowing how many times the CAT exam is conducted in a year?
Is CAT tougher than JEE?
CAT vs JEE Advanced, which is tough?