CAT Vs Other MBA Exams is a widely discussed topic. Many find it difficult to choose the best MBA entrance test. It is the first step towards shaping your career in management. There are many entrance tests that lead to the top B-schools in India. Popular options are CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, and MAT. The CAT exam is preferred by many aspirants. It is the gateway to top MBA colleges in India. But is CAT the only way to enter a good B-school? Not really. Every entrance test has its own structure, difficulty level, and advantages. We have shared below a comparison of CAT and other MBA entrance exams. This can help candidates make the right choice for their career.
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What is CAT?
CAT is the common admission test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is held at the national level for MBA admission in all IIMs and leading B-schools. Let’s see some crucial points related to CAT:
- Mode: Online (Computer-based test)
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Sections: VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Frequency: Once a Year
- Number of Test-takers: 2 lakh+
- Exam Level: Moderate to Difficult
Overview of Other Major MBA Entrance Exams
A candidate should be a graduate with the minimum required marks to be eligible for other MBA exams. They are different from the CAT exam in terms of difficulty level, marking scheme, and format. Look at the overview of other major MBA entrance exams:
| Exam | Full Form | Conducted By | Accepted By | Frequency |
| XAT | Xavier Aptitude Test | XLRI Jamshedpur | XLRI + top B-schools | Once a year |
| NMAT | NMIMS Management Aptitude Test | GMAC | NMIMS + leading MBA colleges | Multiple times a year |
| SNAP | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test | SIU institute | SIU institutes | Once a year |
| CMAT | Common Management Admission Test | NTA | AICTE-approved colleges | Once a year |
| MAT | Management Aptitude Test | AIMA | 600+ institutes | Multiple times a year |
CAT vs Other MBA Exams: Exclusive Comparison
It is crucial to compare CAT with other MBA exams before applying. It will help you understand the competition level and choose an option that suits your preference. We have shared below the CAT vs Other MBA exams in terms of difficulty level, pattern, etc.
CAT vs Other MBA Exams: Difficulty Level
The CAT exam is more difficult compared to other MBA exams. But it does not mean you can easily score high marks in other MBA entrance tests. XAT is the toughest entrance test after CAT. CAT check analytical and problem-solving skills. XAT is tough due to decision-making. NMAT, SNAP, and CMAT are moderately easy. Look at the difficulty level and key challenges of CAT and other MBA exams.
| Exam | Difficulty Level | Main Challenge |
| CAT | High | Unpredictable questions |
| XAT | Very High | Decision-making is a key area |
| NMAT | Moderate | Speed-oriented |
| SNAP | Moderate | Limited time, Speed and accuracy |
| CMAT | Moderate | Vast syllabus |
| MAT | Easy to Moderate | Ideal for beginners |
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CAT vs Other MBA Exams: Exam Pattern
The exam pattern of CAT is different from other MBA exams. CAT and XAT are concept-based. SNAP and NMAT tests speed and accuracy. While CMAT and MAT are time-consuming. Look at the detailed analysis of the CAT vs other MBA exams in terms of pattern:
| Parameters | CAT | SNAP | MAT | NMAT | XAT |
| Section | VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability (QA) | General English, Analytical & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency. | Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, and Economic & Business Environment | Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning | Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR), Decision Making (DM), Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), and General Knowledge (GK). |
| Number of Questions | 68 | 60 | 150 | 108 | 95 |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 60 minutes | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | 180 minutes |
CAT vs Other MBA Exams: Marking Scheme
Reviewing the marking scheme for CAT and other MBA exams is crucial. NMAT follows no negative marking scheme. While CAT, MAT, and SNAP penalise incorrect answers. It implies that test-takers should avoid any guesswork in the exam. Look at the detailed analysis of the CAT vs other MBA exams in terms of the marking scheme.
| Exam | Negative Marking |
| CAT | -1 |
| NMAT | No negative marking |
| SNAP | -0.25 |
| CMAT | -1 |
| MAT | -0.25 marks |
CAT vs Other MBA Exams: Acceptance and Reach
CAT scores are compulsory for IIMs admission. Moreover, it is accepted by the majority of top business schools in India. It has a wider reach. XAT is crucial for admission to XLRI. NMAT and SNAP are university-oriented. CMAT and MAT scores are accepted by tier-2 and tier-3 institutes. Check the analysis of the CAT vs other MBA exams in terms of colleges.
| Exam | Top Colleges Accepting |
| CAT | All IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, IITs, |
| XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, FORE |
| NMAT | NMIMS Mumbai, KJ Somaiya Institute, ISB, SPJIMR, etc |
| SNAP | SIBM Pune, SICSR, SIMC, SIIB, etc |
| CMAT | KJ Somaiya, Great Lakes Institute, IFIM, XIME, etc |
CAT vs Other MBA Exams: Which One Wins?
CAT is the most preferred entrance exam in India. It is accepted by B-schools that offer excellent education and ROI. This is why it attracts lakhs of applicants every year. But you should select the exam based on your strengths and goals. You can take 2 to 3 exams to keep your career options open. We have shared below the final verdict of CAT vs other MBA exams in various parameters:
| Criteria | Winner |
| Prestige & Reach | CAT |
| Toughest Challenge | XAT |
| Flexibility & Attempts | NMAT |
| Speed-based Exam | SNAP |
| Beginner-Friendly | MAT |
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