What is the Difference Between CAT and GMAT?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The CAT (Common Admission Test) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are both entrance exams for business schools, but they have some key differences:
- Acceptance: GMAT is a global exam accepted by more than 7,000 MBA programs in 110 countries, while CAT is accepted only by Indian business schools.
- Score Validity: GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, whereas CAT scores are valid for only 1 year.
- Format and Duration: CAT consists of 3 sections, while GMAT has 4 sections, including an analytical writing assessment. Both exams are computer-based, but GMAT is adaptive, meaning the difficulty level of the next question depends on your performance in the previous question. CAT lasts for 2 hours, while GMAT lasts for 3 hours and 7 minutes.
- Sections: CAT has sections on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). GMAT has sections on Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Integrated Reasoning.
- Exam Fee: The GMAT exam fee is $275 (approximately), while the CAT exam fee is not mentioned in the search results.
In summary, the GMAT is a more widely accepted exam with a longer score validity period, an adaptive format, and a slightly longer test duration. The CAT, on the other hand, is specific to Indian business schools and has a shorter score validity period. The exams also differ in their sections and content.
Comparative Table: CAT vs GMAT
The CAT (Common Admission Test) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are both popular management admission exams, with the key difference being their acceptance and scope. Here is a table comparing the differences between CAT and GMAT:
| Feature | CAT | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Common Admission Test | Graduate Management Admission Test |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Institutes of Management | Graduate Management Admission Council |
| Accepted by | Indian Business Schools only | Global and Indian Business Schools |
| Exam Format | Computer-based test | Computer-based test |
| Skills Tested | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning |
| No. of Questions | 66 | 80 |
| Length of Score Validity | 1 year | 5 years |
| Test Length | 2 hours (40 Minute for each section) | 3 hours and 7 minutes |
| Mode of Exam | Online | Online & Offline |
| No. of Attempts Allowed | No restrictions | Eight in a lifetime |
The GMAT is a global exam accepted by more than 7,000 MBA programs in 110 countries, while the CAT is accepted only by Indian business schools. The GMAT score is valid for 5 years, whereas the CAT score is only valid for 1 year. The GMAT has an exam fee of $275, whereas the CAT has a registration fee of Rs 2400.