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GMAT vs CAT- Exam And Opportunities

GMAT vs CAT is one of the biggest dilemmas for a candidate aspiring to pursue an MBA. At the heart of this dilemma is the bigger question – “whether to pursue MBA in India or abroad”.

On the level of difficulty – one is known to be the toughest English exam, while the other is known for its difficult Quantitative section. Please refer BYJU’S CAT College Predictor tool.

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So, here is a detailed analysis of the GMAT and CAT Exam that can help you to make an informed decision.

CAT vs GMAT: Exam Details and Pattern

Basis

GMAT

CAT
 

 

 

 

 

Sections and General Rules to attempt the examination
  • Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative and Verbal Ability.
  • The test adjusts itself according to your own ability level, which starts from the medium difficulty level and goes higher with each correct answer choice.
  • Your abilities are then measured on the basis of the number of questions you have answered, the level of accuracy and difficulty.
  • Candidates can reappear after 16 days of the attempt. But no more than 5 attempts are allowed over a stretch of 12 months.
  • CAT preparation requires proficiency in Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability.
  • It can be given once every year, and the candidate is tested in all the sections.
Sections, Duration and Number of Questions Analytical Writing – 30 minutes. Total Questions – 90 from Integrated reasoning (12), Quantitative (37) and Verbal Section (41). Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension – 24 Questions

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning – 20 Questions

Quantitative Aptitude – 22 Questions
Total Duration 210 Minutes 180 minutes

Note: The syllabus of the CAT and GMAT are almost the same. However, the difficulty of the Quant section of the GMAT is far lesser than that of the CAT exam. Similarly, in the Verbal section, there are more types of questions in the GMAT. When it comes to the length of the exam, one definitely needs to be patient. Also, it should be noted that the number of questions mentioned is tentative and changes every year.

So, it can be said that CAT vs GMAT = Maths vs English.

CAT vs GMAT: Money

Details

GMAT

CAT
Registration Fees $250 (Rs 15000) Rs 2200
Average Fees Rs 20,00,000-65,00,000 Rs 12,00,000
Average Salary Rs 65,00,000 p.a Rs 15,00,000 p.a

Note: If you have the capital to afford an MBA abroad, the return on investment is much higher than that in India.

CAT vs GMAT: Competition

Details

GMAT

CAT
Number of applicants every year 60,000 2,00,000
Percentage of students getting admission in top B-schools 10% 1%

Note: The number of top B-schools in India is much less than the overall competition. Thus, there is higher competition in the CAT exam.

CAT vs GMAT: Validity, Eligibility and Post Exam Procedures

Details

GMAT

CAT
Validity of Score 5 years 1 year
Work experience required Minimum 2 years None
Post exam Procedures SOPs and essays followed by PI (Online or Physical) GD/PI or written assessment followed by Personal Interview

Note: For working professionals, GMAT is a good option. Even students can prepare and give the exam during their Under Graduation and join a B-School later. However, if you don’t want to waste your time working and directly want to jump into managerial positions, CAT is a much better option.

Hopefully, the aforementioned comparison can help you to choose between GMAT and CAT exams. To know more about the latest CAT exam notifications, CAT Syllabus and pattern, visit BYJU’S. Also, get several sample papers, question papers, mock tests, and notes to prepare for CAT more effectively.