GMAT vs. CAT: Everything You Need To Know About  

Pursuing MBA (Masters in Business Administration) from a reputed educational institution is a dream for countless aspirants. Nevertheless, the dilemma that many students face is deciding which entrance test will be more appropriate — the debate of GMAT vs. CAT, as the assessment process of both these MBA entrance exams is based on the candidate’s aptitude level. Furthermore, MBA and GMAT marking schemes and exam formats have reportedly been different, resulting from diverse perspectives behind designing both exams. 

Primarily considered important entrance exams for working professionals and graduates planning to pursue an MBA from India or Abroad, the GMAT and CAT also depict remarkably diverse “standardized learning approaches” to evaluate an applicant’s analytical capabilities. Moreover, it might not be wrong to say that aspirants who have the ability, knowledge, and vision to think analytically and solve real-time business scenarios have the potential to pass both these challenging tests and get admission into top b-schools. Therefore, if you wish to leave your mark on the business world and get admission into a reputed MBA college, it is imperative to know the difference between GMAT and CAT!

GMAT vs. CAT: An Overview 

GMAT vs. CAT	CAT	GMAT
Full-Form	Common Admission Test	Graduate Management Admission Test
Conducting body	Indian Institute of Management (IIMs)	Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Validity	One year	Five years
Eligibility	Undergraduate degree with a minimum of 50% marks	At least 13 years of age
Accepted by	Indian business schools	Global business schools
Frequency	Once a year	Round the year
Mode of Exam	Online	Online
Number of sections	3	4
Number of questions	100	80
Exam Fee	₹2,000	USD 250
Exam Duration	120 minutes	187 minutes

What is a CAT entrance exam?

CAT, also known as Common Admission Test, is an entrance exam conducted by different IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) to offer admission to MBA and PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) programs in reputed Indian B-schools. The CAT examination is conducted on a computer in English. In addition, the examination is conducted once per year as an in-person test at one of the six oldest IIMs (IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, and IIM Indore). 

What is the GMAT entrance exam?

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-adaptive MBA entrance examination conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to offer admission to top business schools worldwide. In addition, the GMAT is one of the most well-known entrance exams for MBA courses and other graduate business programs, such as EMBA courses and Master of Finance.

Besides, the GMAT examination slots are available year-round as either an in-person exam accepted at a selected test center or an online test completed at home. Additionally, GMAT examination centers are situated in 114 nations globally. However, the GMAT Online exam alternative is available for applicants in all nations except North Korea, Mainland China, Iran, Cuba, and Sudan. 

GMAT vs. CAT: Format and Duration

While the CAT exam comprises three sections, the GMAT usually includes four sections, including an analytical writing assessment. Though both CAT and GMAT are computer-based examinations, GMAT holds an adaptive nature. It implies that the difficulty level of the next question is determined based on how you performed in the last question. 

Furthermore, when speaking of duration, the time offered to test-takers in a CAT exam is two hours. On the contrary, the duration of the GMAT examination is 3 hours and 7 minutes, and this examination is delivered on test-takers demand throughout the year via Pearson Vue testing establishments in 34 cities across India. 

GMAT vs. CAT: Score Validity 

The GMAT test score remains valid for five years from your examination date. It is because GMAC (the institution conducting the GMAT exam) thinks your reasoning aptitudes and capabilities would not gradually fade over five years.

Nevertheless, business schools may have guidelines regarding the score they accept. Hence it is rational to check with your target university before you apply. On the other hand, CAT (Common Admission Test) scores remain valid for only one year from the examination date. Furthermore, if any aspirant cannot score well in one attempt, they would have to wait a year to appear for the test again.

GMAT vs. CAT: Eligibility and Attempts

Any aspirant over 18 can take the GMAT up to 5 times a year. However, note that the minimum duration between two GMAT attempts should be at least 16 days, and you will only get an 8-attempt overall lifetime limit.

On the contrary, the CAT examination is conducted annually on a date determined by the IIM conducting the exam. Furthermore, there is no limitation on the number of attempts you can take the CAT MBA entrance test and no upper age limit. Nevertheless, to attempt the CAT, you must have an undergraduate degree from a recognized educational institution or equivalent. 

Key Takeaways 

• There are substantial differences between the question patterns on the GMAT and those on the CAT, and the CAT entrance test features a larger assortment of question types altogether.
• Whichever exam you plan to take, it is prudent to prepare using study materials dedicated to that particular exam. 

• By taking comprehensive mock tests and solving sample question papers, you can readily understand all the relevant topics and prepare better for your exam. 
• GMAT is conducted annually on a date determined by IIM India. 

Visit our website to learn more about CAT and GMAT exams with sample questions to strengthen your preparation!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Question 1: How many times can applicants appear for GMAT and CAT?

Answer 1: While you can appear for the GMAT five times a year, you can only sit for the CAT exam once a year. 

Question 2:  How many MBA colleges accept GMAT scores?

Answer 2: More than 7000 MBA courses from 2500+ colleges globally accept GMAT scores for their admissions process.

Question 3: How many times can you attempt GMAT?

Answer 3: A candidate can apply for GMAT 2 times a year.