Is GMAT Tougher than CAT Exam 2024? Check Exam Pattern & Difficulty Level

Overview: "Is the GMAT tougher than the CAT exam? The two most prominent entrances are CAT and GMAT. Both exams open doors for the top B-schools but differ in some aspects. Scroll down to learn the differences between the CAT and GMAT exams!

• The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are highly respected and competitive exams that open doors to prestigious business schools. 
• Where CAT is a national-level entrance exam, different universities accept GMAT scores globally.
• Factors such as exam pattern, marking scheme, syllabus, and more should be considered to determine whether the GMAT or CAT is tougher.

GMAT or CAT  which is tougher? Continue reading to know more!

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GMAT vs CAT Which is Tougher: Let's Understand the Exams

GMAT

• The GMAT is a test used primarily for admissions to MBA programs globally, particularly in countries outside India, such as the United States and Europe.
• This entrance test assesses analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning skills.

CAT

• The CAT entrance exam is for MBA programs in India, especially for the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools.
• The exam evaluates a candidate's quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, and logical reasoning abilities.

Find Out | Is CAT and GMAT Preparation Same

Is GMAT Tougher than CAT: Conducting Body

The Common Admission Test is conducted by one of the Indian Institute of Management, while the Graduate Management Admission Council conducts the GMAT.  Here are the details to look for:

Parameter	CAT Exam	GMAT Exam
Conducting Body	Indian Institute of Management	Graduate Management Aptitude Test

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Is GMAT Tougher than CAT: Difficulty Level 

Both exams are for pursuing an MBA in prestigious institutions, but there is a key difference in their difficulty level. Here is the section-wise difference between the difficulty level of GMAT vs CAT:

Basis	CAT Exam	GMAT Exam
Difficulty Level in Maths Section	The CAT's QA section is known for its wide range of difficulty. It includes questions ranging from arithmetic to higher-level algebra and geometry. The unpredictability of the difficulty level is a significant challenge for many candidates.	The GMAT's Maths section focuses on problem-solving and data sufficiency. While the math level could be more advanced, the questions are designed to test logical reasoning and ability.
Difficulty Level in English Section	The CAT's VARC is also challenging but focuses more on reading comprehension and basic grammar. It needs sentence correction to the same extent as the GMAT.	The English in GMAT is relatively challenging, especially for non-native English speakers. It includes sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension.
Difficulty Level in Reasoning Section	The CAT's DILR section is often considered one of the most challenging parts of the exam. The questions are tricky and time-consuming, requiring quick thinking and sharp analytical skills.	The GMAT includes a Reasoning section that tests the ability to analyze data presented in various formats and requires logical reasoning to solve complex problems.

Is GMAT Tougher than CAT: Exam Format 

GMAT or CAT which is easy? The exam pattern is a major factor that decides the exam's difficulty. Here is the exam format of the GMAT and the CAT exam that you should be aware of:

Particulars	CAT Exam	GMAT Exam
Exam Format	It has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (40 minutes) Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (40 minutes) Quantitative Ability (40 minutes).	It has four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (30 minutes) Integrated Reasoning (30 minutes) Quantitative Reasoning (62 minutes) Verbal Reasoning (62 minutes)
Exam Duration	The total duration is 2 hours.	The total duration is 3 hours and 7 minutes, including breaks.

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Is GMAT Tougher than CAT: Marking Scheme 

The significant difference between the two entrances that will help you determine is that the GMAT is tougher than the CAT.

Particulars	CAT Exam	GMAT Exam
Total Applicants	In 2023, over 3.28 lakh applicants appeared for the entrance.	Around 200,000 candidates take the GMAT each year.
Marking Scheme	+3 marks are given for every correct answer  -1 marks are deducted for wrong answers	No negative marking. There are various ranges of increments for each group of questions.

Is GMAT Tougher than CAT: Comparing CAT and GMAT

The difficulty of sections in both exams can be subjective and depends on individual competencies.

The Quantitative section in CAT is often considered trickier, emphasizing advanced topics like Geometry and Algebra. GMAT Quant, on the other hand, focuses more on basic Arithmetic and Algebra, understanding that logic and analytical skills are essential in this exam.

The Verbal section in CAT focuses on Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability, with a noticeable emphasis on vocabulary. In contrast, GMAT's Verbal section primarily revolves around Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension, requiring a solid understanding of grammatical rules and logical reasoning.Know the Admission Process of Top B-Schools

CAT's Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section involves complex problem-solving and can be more time-consuming. GMAT's Integrated Reasoning tests the ability to interpret and analyze data from multiple sources, which is challenging but often considered less tricky than CAT's DILR.

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Time Management in CAT vs GMAT

Time management can be a determining factor in assessing the difficulty of these exams. The CAT exam pattern 2024, with a sectional time limit, can seem stringent to some, while the GMAT's 3.5-hour format with a flexible time allotment per section might offer some relief to others.

Check | How important is GK for MBA entrance exams?

Conclusion

So, is GMAT tougher than CAT? There's no definitive answer. It's more about where your strengths lie and which exam aligns better with your career ambitions. Understand both exams' structure, format, and requirements, analyse your skills, and choose the one that matches your strengths. Consistent preparation, rigorous practice, and sound time management are indispensable for success regardless of the choice.

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