Abhyank Srinet
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
-GMAT vs CAT stats reveal significant differences in reach: GMAT is accepted by 7,000+ programs at 2,300+ schools worldwide, while CAT scores are considered by 1,200+ B-schools across India with over 230,000 candidates appearing annually.
-GMAT allows year-round testing with score validity for 5 years, whereas CAT is conducted just once annually with scores valid for only 1 year.
-The average GMAT score for top international business schools ranges from 700-730, while competitive CAT percentiles for IIMs typically start at 95+.
-GMAT costs approximately $250 (~₹18,500), making it nearly 8 times more expensive than CAT's ₹2,200 fee structure.
If you're planning to study management, two major exams you’ll hear about are the GMAT and CAT. The GMAT is used to apply for MBA programs in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Europe. The CAT is mainly for students who want to get into top Indian B-schools like the IIMs.
Choosing between GMAT vs CAT depends on where you want to study, your career goals, and how much time and money you’re ready to invest. In this blog, you’ll find the key differences to help you decide which exam is the better fit for you.
What is the Difference Between CAT and GMAT?
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The GMAT and CAT differ in their purpose, global acceptance, and structure. While GMAT is designed for international B-schools, CAT is the primary requirement for Indian management institutes.
| Factors | GMAT | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Admission to global MBA and master’s programs | Admission to Indian management institutes (IIMs) |
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Frequency | Year-round; up to 5 attempts per year | Once a year in November |
| Acceptance | 7,000+ programs across 110+ countries | IIMs and over 100 Indian B-schools |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours, 7 minutes | 2 hours |
| Scoring System | 200-800 (Total Score) | Percentile-based scoring (out of 300) |
| Exam Fee | $275-300 (₹23,000-25,473) | ₹2,400 (General); ₹1,200 (Reserved) |
Exam Pattern
Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern of GMAT and CAT is crucial for aspirants preparing to pursue management programs. While both exams test a candidate's abilities in quantitative, verbal, and reasoning skills their approach structure and focus areas vary significantly. The GMAT is an internationally recognized exam tailored for candidates targeting global MBA programs and evaluates analytical, quantitative verbal, and integrated reasoning skills.
On the other hand, the CAT (Common Admission Test) is India’s flagship exam for entry into top business schools like the IIMs. It places a heavier emphasis on advanced quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning, making it ideal for candidates strong in mathematics and problem-solving.
Both CAT and GMAT have their exam patterns. A glimpse of the same is displayed below in the tabular format:
| Metrics | CAT | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Total Number of Questions | 100 | 80 |
| Total Sections | - Quantitative Aptitude - Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension - Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation |
- Quantitative Reasoning - Verbal Reasoning - Integrated Reasoning - Analytical Writing Skills |
| Total Marks | 300 | 800 |
| Mode of Exam | Online | Online |
| Question Types | Both MCQs and non-MCQs | Both MCQs and non-MCQs |
| Marking Scheme | - Correct answer: +3 marks - Wrong answer: -1 mark - Not attempted questions: 0 marks |
No negative marking |
Fundamental Differences
Here are some fundamental factors on which we can compare which test will be suitable for you:
| Factors | GMAT | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Graduate Management Admission Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducted by | Graduate Management Admission Council | Indian Institutes of Management |
| Eligibility | 13 years of age | Bachelor’s degree (minimum 50% marks) |
| Frequency | All around the year | Once a year |
| Accepted by | Global B-schools (worldwide) | Indian B-schools |
| Sections | 4 sections | 3 sections |
| Validity | 5 years | 1 year |
| Exam fees | ₹20,800 | ₹2,000 for General, ₹1,000 for Reserved |
Format and Duration
The CAT examination comprises three sections: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Ability. Despite being an online exam, CAT doesn't follow an adaptive pattern. The duration of the exam is 2 hours, and it is conducted annually by the six oldest IIMs in India. Exam dates are usually announced during July and August.
GMAT, in contrast, is conducted on demand throughout the year. The test, consisting of four sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Integrated Reasoning, is administered by Pearson Vue testing facilities across multiple centers in India. GMAT follows an adaptive online format and spans 3 hours and 7 minutes.
Eligibility and Attempts
Graduates with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university are eligible for the CAT. Final-year students can also apply, and there is no upper age limit. However, candidates can attempt the CAT only once a year.
Individuals aged 18 or above can take the GMAT, with those between 13 and 18 requiring parental permission. Each candidate is allowed up to 8 attempts in their lifetime, with a minimum gap of 16 days between attempts. Owing to its on-demand format, the GMAT can be taken up to 5 times a year.
In conclusion, while both GMAT and CAT pave the way to esteemed management institutions, understanding their disparities is vital in choosing the path aligned with your strengths and aspirations. Whether it's the adaptive nature of GMAT or the annually conducted CAT, each examination offers a unique journey towards your managerial dreams.
GMAT Vs CAT for MBA - Which is better
Syllabus
Both the GMAT and CAT exams are structured with multiple sections, each designed to assess different skills and abilities crucial for success in the business world. With strict time limits imposed on each section, candidates must efficiently manage their time and prioritize tasks to maximize their performance and achieve their desired scores.
GMAT Syllabus Format
| S.no. | Section | Time Limit | Score |
| 1. | Analytical Writing Assessment | 30 minutes | 0 – 6 |
| 2. | Integrated Reasoning | 30 minutes | 1 – 8 |
| 3. | Quantitative section | 62 minutes | 0 – 60 |
| 4. | Verbal Section | 6 minutes | 0 – 60 |
Know More: GMAT Syllabus
CAT Syllabus Format
| S.No. | Section | Time Limit |
| 1. | Verbal | 40 minutes |
| 2. | Quantitative aptitude | 40 minutes |
| 3. | Reasoning Skills | 40 minutes |
Other important details
1. The exam is conducted in two different sessions or shifts -
Morning Shift – 9 am to 12 pm
Evening Shift – 2 pm to 5 pm
2. Candidates are provided with on-screen and non-scientific calculators during the exam. However, physical calculators are not permitted at the test centres.
3. In the CAT exam, candidates are not permitted to change sections once they have begun.
Top Universities Accepting for GMAT & CAT
Your career aspirations are pivotal in determining which exam to pursue. Opt for the GMAT if you aim for global opportunities, as it's widely accepted internationally. Increasingly, Indian universities are also recognizing GMAT scores. Conversely, if your focus is primarily on India-based career prospects with some international exposure, CAT may be the better choice.
Universities Accepting GMAT (Global and Indian)
The GMAT is a globally recognized exam for admission to top business schools worldwide. Apart from international universities, several Indian institutions also accept GMAT scores for their MBA and PGDM programs.
Below is a list of prominent universities that consider GMAT scores:
| University Name | Location | Program(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Business School | USA | MBA |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | USA | MBA |
| INSEAD | France/Singapore | MBA |
| London Business School | UK | MBA |
| Kellogg School of Management | USA | MBA |
| HEC Paris | France | MiM (masters in management) |
| ISB (Indian School of Business) | India | PGP (MBA Equivalent) |
| SP Jain Institute of Management & Research | India | PGDM |
| T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) | India | MBA |
| NUS Business School | Singapore | MBA |
| IE Business School | Spain | MBA, MiM |
Universities Accepting CAT Only (Indian Universities)
The CAT exam is a gateway to India’s top management institutes, including the prestigious IIMs and other reputed B-schools, 7000+ programs worldwide accept GMAT scores for admission in graduate management-based programs. Additionally, 2,400+ B-schools accept its scores. As per the QS World University Ranking’s Business and Management Studies: 2024, some top schools which accept GMAT scores are:
Below is a list of universities that accept CAT scores exclusively for their MBA and equivalent programs:
| University Name | Location | Program(s) |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | India | MBA |
| IIM Bangalore | India | MBA |
| IIM Calcutta | India | MBA |
| IIM Lucknow | India | MBA |
| IIM Kozhikode | India | MBA |
| IIM Indore | India | MBA |
| Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi | India | MBA |
| ISB (Indian School of Business) | India | PGP (MBA Equivalent) |
| Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon | India | PGDM |
| National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) | India | PGDIM |
GMAT vs CAT: Which One to Choose?
Choosing between GMAT and CAT depends on your study and career aspirations, flexibility needs, and budget. Each exam serves a specific purpose, and understanding their key differences will help you make the right decision.
1. Study Abroad vs India-Focused Goals
- GMAT: The GMAT is the preferred choice for candidates aiming for global MBA programs and master’s degrees in business-related fields. It is accepted by over 7,000 programs across 110+ countries, including prestigious business schools in the USA, Europe, Canada, and Asia. For programs like MBA, MiM (Master in Management), or specialized master’s, the GMAT is often mandatory, for international schools accepting GMAT including Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD, London Business School, and HEC Paris.
- CAT: The CAT is ideal for candidates targeting Indian management institutes, particularly the IIMs. It is primarily accepted within India, though a few international B-schools may consider CAT scores. If your career goal revolves around joining institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, or IIM Calcutta, the CAT is essential.
2. Exam Flexibility
- GMAT: The exam can be taken year-round, allowing candidates to select their preferred test date. You can attempt it up to 5 times in 12 months, with a minimum gap of 16 days between attempts. Additionally, GMAT scores remain valid for 5 years, giving candidates ample time to plan and apply to global MBA and master’s programs at their convenience. This flexibility makes it ideal for aspirants to balance preparation with professional or academic commitments.
- CAT: Conducted only once a year, typically in November, it is held on a fixed date determined by the exam authority. If you miss the exam or fail to achieve the desired percentile, you must wait an entire year to retake it. This rigid schedule can be challenging for candidates juggling work, studies, or other priorities, leaving little room for flexibility in their preparation timeline.
3. Budget and Exam Costs
- GMAT: The GMAT is significantly more expensive, with a registration fee of $275 (~₹23,000). Additional charges apply for services like rescheduling the exam, canceling scores, or sending official score reports to additional schools, which can increase the total cost substantially.
- CAT: The CAT is far more affordable, with an exam fee of ₹2,400 for General Category candidates and ₹1,200 for Reserved Category candidates. Unlike the GMAT, there are no additional charges for sending scores to institutes, making it a budget-friendly option for candidates targeting Indian management schools.
4. Score Validity
- GMAT: GMAT scores remain valid for 5 years, giving candidates ample flexibility to plan applications strategically, retake the exam if needed, and apply to global programs within this extended time frame.
- CAT: CAT scores are valid for just 1 year, meaning candidates must apply to their desired Indian management institutes like the IIMs within this limited timeframe. Failing to do so requires retaking the exam next year.
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Conclusion
When comparing GMAT vs CAT, it's important to know how they differ. Your choice depends on career goals, budget, location, and the kind of B-schools you’re aiming for. GMAT is accepted worldwide and offers more flexibility, better global exposure, and access to top schools abroad. But if you’re focused on Indian B-schools like the IIMs, CAT is the main option.
