The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) are two of the most widely accepted entrance exams for MBA/PGDM courses in India. Most of the best MBA colleges in India consider these exams for entrance into MBA or PGDM courses.
The CAT is conducted by the IIMs in India and is accepted by over 1200 B-schools in the country. The GMAT is conducted by the GMAC and is a global-level Master of Business Administration (MBA) entrance exam that is valid in over 2100 B-schools all over the world and about 100 B-schools in India. GMAT is also valid for getting admission to the Executive MBA course in any of the IIMs or if you are a foreign student. Many MBA institutes (except any of the IIMs) accept both CAT and GMAT scores for securing admission to the PGP, MBA, or EPGP courses.
Although the subjects in the CAT and GMAT exams are quite similar, there are a lot of differences when it comes to the marking, level of difficulty, and pattern of the exams. Thus, it becomes difficult for candidates to prepare for these exams simultaneously.
When it comes to the GMAT and CAT difference, one of the main differences is that the CAT exam does not have the Analytical Writing Assessment. There is no such subjective exam in CAT.
Let us now get into the details of GMAT vs CAT.
GMAT vs CAT – Syllabus
The syllabus of CAT includes some of the most important topics from Logical, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude, under various sections – DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), and QA (Quantitative Aptitude).
The syllabus of GMAT includes some of the most important topics from Logical, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative, under various sections – Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The GMAT syllabus has another section known as Analytical Writing Assessment. The GMAT exam does not include any descriptive-type questions.
Let us get into the details of the GMAT and CAT differences when it comes to the syllabus under different sections.
GMAT Syllabus
Below are the details of the GMAT syllabus under the different sections.
Verbal Reasoning Syllabus
Below are the topics included in the Verbal Reasoning section.
| Topics Under the Verbal Reasoning Section in GMAT | |
| Identify the Reasoning | Critical Reasoning |
| Verb Tense | Inference |
| Subject-Verb Agreement | Pronouns |
| Sentence Correction | Idioms |
| Parallelism/Comparison | Resolve/Explain |
| Reading Comprehension | Assumption |
| Misplaced Modifiers | Strengthen/Weaken |
Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus
Below are the topics included in the Quantitative Reasoning section.
| Topics Under the Quantitative Reasoning Section in GMAT | |
| Decimals | Multiples and Factors |
| Fractions | Percentages |
| Averages | Number Systems & Number Theory |
| Pipes, Cisterns & Work Time | Powers and Roots |
| Mixtures & Alligation | Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, |
| Probability | Ratio & Proportion |
| Speed, Time and Distance | Sets |
| Descriptive statistics | Permutation & Combination |
| Algebraic Expressions and Equations | Functions |
| Monomials, Polynomials | Quadratic Equations |
| Lines and Angles | Exponents |
| Arithmetic & Geometric Progression | Inequalities and Basic Statistics |
| Rectangular Solids and Cylinders | Coordinate Geometry |
| Triangles & Quadrilaterals | Circles |
Integrated Reasoning Syllabus
Below are the topics included in the Integrated Reasoning section.
| Topics Under the Integrated Reasoning Section in GMAT | |
| Two-Part Analysis | Graphics Interpretation |
| Table Analysis | Multi-Source Reasoning |
CAT Syllabus
Below are the details of the CAT syllabus under the different sections.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
Below are the topics included in the Quantitative Aptitude section.
| Topics Under the Quantitative Aptitude Section in CAT | ||
| Geometry | HCF & LCM | Trigonometry |
| Averages | Profit and Loss | Time, Speed, and Distance |
| Surds & Indices | Algebra | Partnership (Accounts) |
| Mensuration | Number System | In-equations Quadratic and linear equations |
| Ratio and Proportion | Logarithms | Percentages |
| Inequalities | Geometric Progression | Work and Time |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus
Below are the topics included in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section.
| Topics Under the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section in CAT | ||
| Jumbled paragraphs | Grammar | Verbal Reasoning |
| Fill in the Blanks | Parajumbles | Sentence Completion |
| Foreign Words | Syllogisms | Para Completion and Inference |
| Different Usage of Same Word | Sentence Correction | Contextual Usage |
| Antonyms | Analogies | Reading Comprehension |
| One Word Substitution | Verbal Logic | Idioms |
Logical Reasoning Syllabus
Below are the topics included in the Logical Reasoning section.
| Topics Under the Logical Reasoning Section in CAT | ||
| Sets | Series | Proposition |
| Direction Sense | Venn Diagram | Seating Arrangement |
| Data Structures | Clocks and Calendars | Puzzles |
| Data Arrangement | Family Tree | Syllogism |
| Statements | Coding-Decoding | Assumptions |
| Binary Logic | Blood Relations | |
Date Interpretation Syllabus
Below are the topics included in the Data Interpretation section.
| Topics Under the Date Interpretation Section in CAT | ||
| Tables | Line Graphs | Caselets |
| Pie Charts | Data Sufficiency | Bars |
Difference Between CAT and GMAT – Exam Pattern
| Features | GMAT exam pattern | CAT exam pattern |
| Sections in CAT and GMAT | ● Verbal Reasoning
● Integrated Reasoning ● Quantitative Reasoning ● Analytical Writing Assessment |
● Quantitative Aptitude
● Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension ● Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
| Number of Sections in Each Exam | 4 | 3 |
| Total Questions | 81 | 66 |
| Duration of the Exam | 187 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Types of Questions | MCQs as well as a writing assessment | MCQs as well as key-in answers |
| Flexibility in Sections | You can decide the order of sections that you want to answer first. | The chronology of the question paper needs to be followed. |
| Total Attempts | You can take GMAT 5 times in a year. | You can take the CAT once a year. |
| Marking Scheme | ● Analytical Writing Assessment – 0-6 marks
● Integrated Reasoning – 1-8 marks ● Verbal Reasoning & Quantitative Reasoning – 6-51 marks |
● 3 marks are awarded for an accurate answer.
● -1 mark is awarded if you choose an incorrect answer. ● No mark is deducted if you choose an incorrect answer in the non-MCQ questions. |
Conclusion
When it comes to GMAT vs CAT, there are many differences. As an applicant, one might wonder if both of these exams can be prepared simultaneously, but that might not be possible. You must focus on one exam at a time so that you can get admission to the MBA college of your choice. If you are looking for the right higher education provider to pursue an MBA, you can consider Sunstone. With Sunstone, you can gain admission into UGC-approved MBA and AICTE-approved PGDM programs at some leading institutes, along with Sunstone’s benefits.
People Also Ask
- What is the major difference between CAT and GMAT?
Regarding the GMAT and CAT differences, one of the main differences is that the GMAT exam has an Analytical Writing Assessment. There is no such subjective section in CAT. Moreover, there are some differences in the marking scheme, difficulty level, and questionnaire.
- Which exam is tougher? CAT or GMAT?
While both CAT and GMAT can be challenging, with the right guidance and effective study, you can score well in these exams. So, ensure that you put in a lot of hard work, get the right books, and choose the right study material to excel in these exams.
- Is GMAT easier than CAT?
While there is an assumption that GMAT is easier than CAT, both exams can prove to be equally challenging. But if you study hard, get the right guidance, and prepare well, you will not find any of these exams tough.
