GMAT or CAT
The answer is neither and both. The reason behind the diplomatic answer is learning capability. If you are curious and serious, it is easy for you. If you don’t enjoy learning, it is going to be difficult for you to deal with course. Let us understand the GMAT and CAT difference.
GMAT vs CAT
GMAT and CAT are both standardized tests that are commonly used for admissions to graduate business programs. Here's a comparison between the two:
GMAT
- 1. Full form: Graduate management admission Test.
- 2. Managed by the Graduate Management Admission Council.
- 3. Accepted by business schools worldwide.
- 4. Four Sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, integrated reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment.
- 5. A minimum score of 200 and a maximum score of 800.
- 6. Time: 3 hours 07 minutes.
- 7. Types of test is computer-adaptive.
CAT
- 1. Full form: Common Admission Test.
- 2. Managed by the Indian Institutes of Management.
- 3. Accepted by IIMs.
- 4. Three sections: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.
- 5. The score is in the percentile.
- 6. Time: 2 hours.
Is CAT easy or GMAT?
GMAT and CAT difference
While both tests evaluate a candidate's aptitude for business studies, they differ in terms of the institutions that accept them, geographic relevance, and test structure. If you are targeting business schools outside India, the GMAT is generally the preferred choice. However, if your goal is to pursue management studies specifically in India, the CAT is the primary test to consider.
Purpose & Relevance
GMAT: A standardized test, GMAT, for admission to graduate business programs, is an entrance to MBA and that is accepted worldwide.
CAT: An entrance exam, CAT, held by Indian institutes of Management, is a national exam for MBA.
Sections & Structure
GMAT: it is an adaptive exam in four parts: First English called verbal, second Math called quant, third essay writing called Analytical Writing Assessment and fourth reasoning called Integrated Reasoning.
CAT: it is a computer-based exam but not an adaptive exam in three parts: first English is called Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, the second is Maths called quantitative ability and the third is called reasoning called Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
Scoring System
GMAT: The GMAT provides a cumulative score. it is a minimum of 200 and a maximum is 800, including a scale of 0 to 6 for AWA and of 8.0 for IR.
CAT: The CAT does not provide a cumulative score. It provides section-wise scores and percentiles. Each section is scored separately, and the overall percentile is calculated based on a candidate's performance relative to other test-takers.
Test Duration
GMAT: The GMAT has a total test duration of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes which includes ten minutes break.
CAT: The CAT has a total test duration of approximately 2 hours.
Is CAT easy or GMAT?
The difficulty level of both GMAT and CAT tests can vary depending on individual abilities and preparation. However, it is generally perceived that the CAT is considered more challenging compared to the GMAT. Some reasons for this perception.
- 1. Competition Level: The CAT is taken by a larger number of CAT aspirant in comparison to GMAT. The competition for limited seats in prestigious Indian institutes, especially the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is quite intense. This higher level of competition can contribute to the perception of the CAT being more difficult.
- 2. Quantitative Ability: The CAT places a greater emphasis on mathematics and quantitative aptitude compared to the GMAT. Maths of the CAT often include complex mathematical concepts and requires strong problem-solving skills.
- 3. Exam Format: The GMAT is an adaptive exam. In contrast, the CAT is a computer-based test with fixed difficulty levels for each section. This means that the CAT presents a uniform level of difficulty throughout the exam, which can make it more challenging for some test-takers.
- 4. Time Constraint: The CAT has a strict time limit for each section; the need for speed and accuracy within the given time frame can add to the difficulty of the CAT. In CAT, you can decide on a number of questions but in GMAT, you will have to attempt all the questions.
To sum up, CAT is tough from a competition level point of view and GMAT is tough from a question and question level point of view.
CAT and GMAT preparation
Understand the Exam Format: know the in and out of exam format of both GMAT and CAT. check the scoring pattern and time limits for each section so that you plan your study accordingly.
- 1. Diagnostic Test: Start your preparation by taking a diagnostic test to assess your current skill level and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- 2. Study Material: Obtain reliable and comprehensive study materials keeping mind that the exam is very specific. Look for official guides, textbooks, online resources, and practice question banks. For the GMAT, you can access official study materials provided by GMAC, and for the CAT, there are various publishers and coaching institutes that offer study material.
- 3. Create a Study Plan: construct a solid study plan that suits your schedule and allows sufficient time for each section. Set realistic targets for completing topics.
- 4. Begin with fundamentals: work on all the basics of the concepts. Without an understanding of fundamentals, the concept will not be clear as fundamental is the root of the concept hence spend healthy time grabbing it.
- 5. Focus on Concepts: Strengthen your foundation in areas such as mathematics, logical reasoning, data interpretation, verbal skills, and critical thinking.
- 6. Practice Regularly: Practice makes a learner perfect and leads to a high score thus the solve all levels of questions from all sections to become familiar with the exam's question formats and build your speed and accuracy.
- 7. Mock Exams: Attempt full test under real-time pressure and do the detailed analysis. Make a report card and change your study plan according to according to need. Repeat this until you get the confidence to score high.
- 8. Seek Guidance: Consider joining CAT GMAT coaching, online forums, or study groups to interact with fellow test-takers and seek guidance from experienced mentors. If you join any CAT and GMAT coaching, you will get the following.
- I. The expert trainer who will give you expert guidance
- II. A planned course that will save you time and will put you on track.
- III. A to Z source that will save you time again.
- IV. An on-the-spot doubt-clearing session will enhance your aptitude ability to deal with the question.