Why IPMAT is Better than CAT? Early IIM Entry & More Benefits

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Why IPMAT is better than CAT?
Why IPMAT is better than CAT?

Entering to the top management institutions like IIMs is a dream for many students in India. Many aspirants who are preparing for the entrance exams are seeing this as their golden ticket to a high profile corporate career, leadership roles as well as international exposure. But many candidates don’t think early that the path they choose to get there can make a big difference in how quickly and smoothly they achieve this goal to reach IIMs.

When it comes to the top business schools like IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management), the Common Aptitude Test (CAT) exam is the first name that comes to an individual’s mind but here is the truth also that CAT is not the only way. In fact, there is a smarter, faster and less competitive route also to the IIMs and that is IPMAT (Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test).

Imagine a situation where you are joining an IIM at the age of 17 or 18, so getting both your BBA and MBA in a single go can avoid an intense competition of CAT’s 3 lakh+ candidates.
That’s why the IPMAT exam offers some early benefits to enter into an IIM and it is also an efficient way to enter into your management dream. In this blog we will be covering IPMAT vs CAT and show you why IPMAT could be a better choice for the ambitious management aspirants who want to secure their IIM seats as soon as possible.

IPMAT vs CAT (Overview)

Key PointsIPMATCAT
EligibilityAfter Class 12After Graduation
Age to Start IIM17–18 years21–23 years
Competition LevelModerateVery High
Seats AvailableLimited but nicheHigher but more competitive
Course Duration5 years (Integrated)2 years (MBA only)

Why IPMAT is Better than CAT?

There are many reasons to think to prove that IPMAT could be a better option in comparison to CAT exam:

Less Competition in IPMAT in Comparison to CAT

The very first benefit of opting IPMAT over CAT is due to its less competition and less number of students appearing for the IPMAT exam over CAT exam. Every year more than 3 lakhs aspirants appear for CAT exam whereas IPMAT only sees about 20,000-25,000 (approx.) students appear to secure a management seat. So, the lower competition in IPMAT vs CAT can directly increase your chances of getting an admission into a top IIM institute. Instead of competing with the large pool of candidates in a CAT exam along with having a good years of experience, it’s easy to go for the lesser side and more easy to approach the management journey early.

Better Return on Investment (ROI)

The IPMAT exam itself offers one of the best Return on Investment for management education in India. So clearing this exam right after your class 12th means you skip spending extra 3 to 4 years and extra tuition fees to cover separately for your undergraduate degree before pursuing MBA through CAT. You can directly enter into a 5 year integrated management programme that covers both BBA and MBA degrees at the top IIMs which is itself recognized by the corporate recruiters of top firms. By the time CAT aspirants join their MBA program, you will already be ahead of them in terms of your strong academic foundation, internships as well as industrial exposure. So, this saves you both money as well as valuable time, offering you a much higher ROI over the course of your career.

5 Years Integrated Programme

The 5 year integrated program offered by the IPMAT exam is a major benefit. So, once you clear the exam , you don’t need to appear for other competitive exams like CAT or go through multiple admission processes one after the other. Through the IPMAT exam, you can secure a combined seat for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. This academic stability, corporate opportunities, as well as focused study plan helps you to explore management concepts in your early stage. This also reduces the extra time to spend and prepare for the CAT exam later for pursuing MBA degree separately.

Early Entry in Top IIMs

With the IPMAT exam you can enter into a top IIM at a very early stage at the age of 17 to 18 years old whereas CAT aspirants usually join IIM institutes at their 21-23. So, this early entry gives you the head start for building an alumni network, and gains hands-on-experience before your peers. You will complete your MBA degree at a younger age, opening up multiple opportunities to take risks in your career, explore various startups according to your interests, or work in multiple sectors. The complete exposure to the IIM’s high quality educations and peer groups provides you the great exposure at an early stage of your management journey to IIMs

Time Management & Stress Advantage

Preparing for the IPMAT exam during the school years is generally a less stressful situation in comparison to preparing for the CAT  exam during your job or after completing graduation. The syllabus is more compatible in the IPMAT exam which you have already studied in higher secondary classes especially in subjects like Mathematics and English.

Unlike the CAT exam which demands advanced quantitative aptitude and reasoning skills from aspirants whereas the IPMAT exam is more focused on the mix of Quant, Logical and Verbal reasoning. This makes time management an easier task alongside your competitive exam preparation. Keep yourself free from the mental stress and focus better on your preparation and work ethics.

Who Should Choose IPMAT Over CAT Exam?

CriteriaIPMAT ExamCAT Exam
Career StartRight after Class 12After graduation
Age of Entry17–18 years21–23 years
Competition20k–25k aspirants (approx.)2.5–3 lakh aspirants
ProgramBBA+MBA (5 years)MBA (2 years)
ROIFaster start & earningsLater start but more options

Conclusion: Why IPMAT is better than CAT?

Both the CAT and IPMAT exam help aspirants to enter into their dream IIMs and other top business schools. The IPMAT exam offers several advantages for management aspirants who wish to start their management journey early. With the lower competition, better ROI and the benefit of covering 5 years of integrated BBA+MBA management degrees allows aspirants to enter to top IIMs directly after their class 12th. The early entry not only saves you time but also the amount of money you invested twice, first while going for your undergraduate program and second for your MBA degree. 

The IPMAT exam is not only your alternative to the competitive exam like CAT but it can be a faster, smarter as well as strategic route towards the same destination.

If you are looking for a structured preparation for IPMAT along with 24×7 doubt solving, then you can go for iQuanta’s IPMAT Course

FAQs: Why IPMAT is better than CAT?

Q1. Is IPMAT exam easier than CAT?
Yes IPMAT exam is considered easier after comparing several advantages than CAT because the competition is little lower and the syllabus is more aligned towards with Class 11th and 12th studies.

Q2. Who should choose IPMAT over CAT?
Students who want to join an IIM right after their Class 12 and wants to go for BBA+MBA mix at the same time will go for IPMAT.

Q3. Does IPMAT offer better ROI than CAT exam?
Yes IPMAT can offer a better ROI usually because aspirant start their management journey early through IPMAT exam, as it saves the cost and time of doing a separate undergraduate degree before MBA.

Q4. Which has more competition, IPMAT or CAT?
CAT has more than 3 lakh applicants appear for exam every year whereas IPMAT exam has about 20,000–25,000 aspirants who appear for exam, making CAT much more competitive.

Q5. Can I join a top IIM without giving CAT?
Yes through IPMAT exam you can secure management (BBA+MBA) admission to IIM Indore, Rohtak, or Ranchi without appearing for CAT exam.