CAT vs MAT PDF Download

If you are looking to pursue an MBA in India, there are various entrance exams that you can consider, with CAT and MAT being two of the most popular ones. While both exams have their benefits, choosing between the two can be challenging. MAT is considered easier than CAT but has fewer options in terms of colleges that accept its score. Over 700 private B-schools in India accept MAT score, including institutions such as Christ University, Amity University, and ITM University. In contrast, CAT is accepted by approximately 1,200 MBA colleges in India, including the prestigious IIMs, SPJIMR, and FMS. Ultimately, the decision between CAT and MAT requires careful consideration based on your preferences and goals. This article aims to offer a thorough analysis of both CAT and MAT exams, providing you with comprehensive information to aid in your decision-making process and help you choose the most suitable exam for your MBA aspirations.

CAT vs MAT: Overview

For More information about the CAT Exam, refer to the CAT Exam 2023 Handbook by EduRev.

CAT vs MAT: Exam Conducting Body

Management Aptitude Test (MAT):

• Conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA).
• Conducted four times a year in PBT, IBT, and CBT modes.
• Easier compared to CAT.
• Accepted by over 600 private B-schools in India.
• Suitable for those seeking admission to private B-schools.

Common Admission Test (CAT):

• Conducted once a year by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) on a rotation basis.
• Conducted in CBT mode.
• Considered the toughest of all MBA entrance exams.
• Accepted by approximately 1,200 MBA colleges in India, including prestigious institutions such as IIMs, FMS, and SPJIMR.
• Suitable for those seeking admission to top-tier management institutes.

CAT vs MAT: Eligibility Criteria

CAT vs MAT: Frequency of Exam

For MAT:

• Conducted four times a year (February, May, September, December)
• Three exam modes: CBT, PBT, and IBT
• Candidates can choose one or more examination modes

For CAT:

• Conducted once a year, on the last Sunday of November
• Two sessions: forenoon and afternoon
• From 2020 onwards, CAT is conducted in three sessions due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• CAT 2022 will be held on November 27, in 3 sessions

CAT vs MAT: Syllabus

For detailed Information about CAT 2023 Syllabus, refer to the EduRev article CAT Exam Syllabus 2023: Latest Section-wise Syllabus | Download PDF.

CAT vs MAT: Exam Pattern

CAT vs MAT: Difficulty Level

The CAT exam is generally considered harder than the MAT exam, with a higher difficulty level and sectional time limits. The MAT exam, on the other hand, is usually of moderate difficulty with no sectional time limit. While the CAT has three sections and the MAT has five, the Indian & Global Environment section in MAT is not included in percentile calculation. It's important to note that difficulty levels can vary from year to year, and preparation is key for both exams.

CAT vs MAT: Colleges accepting scores

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CAT vs MAT Exam

How many times is MAT conducted in a year?

MAT exam is conducted several times in year. There are four phases of MAT exam – February, May, September and December. In each phase the MAT exam is conducted in PBT, CBT and IBT modes. The PBT mode is held once, CBT mode is held twice and IBT mode is held five to seven times. Candidates can appear as many times as they want.

How many attempts can I get in CAT exam?

CAT is an annual, so a candidate gets single attempt in a particular academic year. However, there is no cap on number of attempts in CAT. Candidates can appear for it as many times as they want. Many students infact appear for CAT twice to thrice to get the percentile they need for admission into their favourite MBA institute.

Is MAT easier than CAT?

Yes, MAT exam is much easier that CAT exam. The CAT exam is usually of higher difficulty level and has sectional time limit, which makes it even difficult to crack. On the other hand, MAT is usually of moderate difficulty level and has no sectional time limit. Moreover, the Indian & Global Enviromment section is not included in percentile calculation so MAT candidates ususally use 2.5 hours in solving the main four sections only.

How many months are required to prepare for MAT?

Since MAT is an easy exam one can prepare for it in six to ninemonths if they study dedicatedly. Those who have taken any other MBA entrance exam such as CAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP, CMAT, NMAT, etc. They can crack MAT with high percentile wby studying for even less than three months. For MAT preparation, candidates can take help from CAT books as well.

Does CAT have General Awareness section?

No, CAT does not have General Awareness section. It only has three sections – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. MAT's General Awareness section is called Indian & Global Enviromment, but its score is not taken into consideration for calculation of MAT percentile.

What is the difficulty level of General Knowledge section of MAT?

The General Knowledge or Indian and Global Environment section of MAT is of moderate difficulty. Most of the questions are asked from current affairs. However, since it is a memory based section, it is not too difficulty to either prepare for it or answer questions within 10 minutes. Candidates should solve this section at the end.

What is the weightage of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning in MAT?

The weightage of all sections in MAT is equal, i.e. 40 questions carrying one mark each and negative marking of 0.25 for wrong attempts. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions. Thus, it is critical to choose the right questions to answer, those which you know are solvable in the given time limit. If you are not sure or the question is taking tim, leave it and move on.

Is there sectional time limit in MAT like CAT?

No there is no sectional time limit in MAT. Candidates can divide and use the 2.5 hours of exam duration as per their paper solving strategy. The time management plan should be practiced by the candidates during the preparation phase (while practicing mock tests) so that are habituated of solving a certain number of questions in certain amount of time.

What is the registration fees of CAT and MAT exams?

MAT registration fee is INR 1,900 for all candidates.The fee has been increased by INR 50 from 2023 session onwards. CAT registration fee is INR 2,300 for General category candidates and INR 1,150 for Reserved category candidates. CAT fee was also increased in 2022. 

What are the three modes of MAT exam?

MAT exam is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT), Paper Based Test (PBT) and Internet Based Test (IBT) modes. In the CBT mode, candidates have to appear for the exam on a computer system at designated test centres. In PBT mode, candidates have appear for the test at an exam centre and mark their answers in a OMR sheet. In the IBT mode, candidates have to appear for the test from home on a laptop while being remotely monitored by invigilators. The candidates can choose the mode of exam in the application form.

What are the modes of CAT examination?

CAT exam is conducted in only one mode which is Computer Based Test mode. CAT candidates have tto visit the allotted tes centre in the exam day to appear for the exam  as per the exam timings. Each candidate will be given a computer system to take the test. CAT exam is conducted in 156 cities across India.