For MBA aspirants, two entrance exams dominate the landscape — the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and the CAT (Common Admission Test). Both serve as gateways to prestigious management programs, but they cater to distinctly different academic and career objectives.
The CAT is the primary entrance test for admission into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 100+ top business schools in India like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon. Conducted annually, CAT is a national-level exam with intense competition, given the limited seats in these elite Indian institutions.
In contrast, the GMAT is an internationally recognized test accepted by more than 2,000 business schools globally, including premier institutions like Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD, and London Business School. It is the preferred choice for candidates planning to pursue an MBA or a master's degree in business abroad.
- GMAT vs CAT: Exam Structure and Format
- Question Types and Difficulty Level in GMAT vs CAT
- GMAT vs CAT: Syllabus Comparison
- GMAT vs CAT: Exam Duration and Scheduling
- GMAT vs CAT: Exam Mode and Adaptiveness
- GMAT vs CAT: Attempt Limits and Score Validity
- GMAT vs CAT: Fee Structure
- Which Exam Should You Choose?
GMAT vs CAT: Exam Structure and Format
When comparing the GMAT and CAT, one of the first significant differences is the structure of the exams. While both tests core skills such as reasoning, quantitative ability, and comprehension, the format and approach vary significantly.
GMAT Focus Edition Structure (Latest Pattern)
The GMAT Focus Edition is a shorter and revamped version of the GMAT that evaluates only the core business skills. It is a computer-adaptive test, where the Quant and Verbal sections adjust in difficulty based on your previous answers. This edition has removed the Analytical Writing section, making the exam more concise, and allows candidates the flexibility to choose the order of sections during the test.
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CAT Exam Structure
The CAT exam follows a fixed pattern with sectional time limits and consists of MCQs and TITA questions. It has a fixed section order without the option to switch between sections. The marking scheme awards +3 for correct answers, -1 for wrong MCQs, and no negative marking for TITA. Unlike GMAT, CAT is not adaptive, and the difficulty level remains the same for all candidates.
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GMAT vs CAT: Key Differences in Exam Pattern
Candidates can check the key differences between GMAT exam and CAT exam in the table below.
Question Types and Difficulty Level in GMAT vs CAT
Understanding the question types and difficulty levels is essential to prepare for the GMAT and CAT, as both tests have distinct formats and focus areas.
GMAT Question Types
The GMAT Focus Edition assesses skills in three primary sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Analysis. There is no Analytical Writing section in the latest format.
- Quantitative Reasoning:
- Focuses on Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency.
- Tests arithmetic, algebra, and basic geometry concepts.
- Questions assess reasoning and application more than heavy calculations.
- Verbal Reasoning:
- Includes Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
- No sentence correction in the new format.
- Designed to test reasoning, argument analysis, and inference skills.
- Data Insights:
- A merged section replacing Integrated Reasoning.
- Questions require interpretation of data from charts, tables, and graphs.
- Involves multi-source reasoning and data analysis.
Difficulty LevelGMAT's adaptive nature increases question difficulty based on the candidate’s responses. Thus, candidates are progressively challenged, especially in Quant and Verbal sections.
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CAT Question Types
The CAT exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA, each containing a mix of question types.
- VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension):
- Includes Reading Comprehension passages and Verbal Ability questions like para-jumbles, para-summary, and odd sentence out.
- All are MCQs; some verbal ability questions are TITA (non-MCQ).
- DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning):
- Presents data sets, tables, puzzles, games, and arrangement problems.
- Both MCQs and TITA questions.
- Requires logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and quick data interpretation.
- QA (Quantitative Aptitude):
- Topics include arithmetic, algebra, number systems, geometry, and modern math.
- Contains both MCQs and TITA questions.
Difficulty Level:CAT is not adaptive but has a high difficulty level, especially in DILR and QA. Time pressure is significant, and the speed of problem-solving is critical. The unpredictable nature of questions makes comprehensive preparation necessary across all topics.
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GMAT vs CAT: Syllabus Comparison
The GMAT Focus Edition emphasises logic, data interpretation, and reasoning with a narrow Quant syllabus and no grammar or vocabulary testing. In contrast, CAT Syllabus covers a broader Quant syllabus, including Number Systems, Modern Math, and has a dedicated DILR section. CAT Verbal tests comprehension, para-jumbles, and summaries. Overall, GMAT Syllabus focuses on depth in fewer areas, while CAT demands wider topic coverage and problem-solving across diverse regions.
Quantitative Syllabus: GMAT vs CAT
GMAT Quantitative: Focuses mainly on Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency questions. The syllabus is narrower but emphasises logical application and efficiency over complex calculations.CAT Quantitative: Covers a wider range of topics, including advanced Number System concepts, Permutations & Combinations, Probability, and Set Theory in addition to Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.
Verbal Ability and Reasoning
GMAT Verbal: Emphasizes Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. There is no vocabulary-specific testing or grammar-heavy questions in the latest GMAT Syllabus.CAT VARC: Heavily weighted on Reading Comprehension, with additional Verbal Ability questions like para-jumbles, para-summary, and odd one out. Logical reasoning is embedded within the verbal section and in the DILR section.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
GMAT: The Data Insights section assesses the ability to interpret data presented in charts, tables, and graphs. This section merges traditional data interpretation with logic-based analysis.CAT: Features a full-fledged DILR section that combines Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, often through caselets, puzzles, arrangements, and games, and is usually considered the most unpredictable and challenging section in CAT.
GMAT vs CAT: Exam Duration and Scheduling
GMAT offers flexibility in choosing section order and allows scheduling any time of the year. CAT is a fixed-format, once-a-year exam, with no flexibility in sequencing.
GMAT vs CAT: Exam Mode and Adaptiveness
GMAT’s adaptive nature facilitates a more accurate assessment of ability, whereas the CAT maintains a uniform difficulty level for all candidates.
GMAT vs CAT: Attempt Limits and Score Validity
GMAT’s longer score validity and multiple attempts per year make it ideal for flexible preparation, unlike CAT, which is a one-shot annual exam.
GMAT vs CAT: Fee Structure
GMAT is significantly more expensive than the CAT, with additional charges for rescheduling or cancellation. CAT remains more affordable for Indian students.
Which Exam Should You Choose?
The decision between GMAT and CAT depends on your career destination. If you aim for an MBA abroad, GMAT is the preferred route. For a career in India and admission to IIMs or top Indian Business Schools, the CAT is essential.
Consider the cost, frequency, and prep time:
- GMAT is more expensive (INR 23,000), can be taken year-round, and allows for multiple attempts.
- CAT is cheaper (INR 2400), held once a year, with unlimited lifetime attempts.
Choose GMAT for global MBA aspirations. Choose CAT for a top-tier MBA in India. Select the exam that aligns with your long-term career and geographic goals.
