CAT Exam vs. MAT Exam

Attribute	CAT Exam	MAT Exam
Full Form	Common Admission Test	Management Aptitude Test
Conducted By	Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)	All India Management Association (AIMA)
Frequency	Once a year	Four times a year
Sections	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability	Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Indian and Global Environment
Score Validity	1 year	1 year

Introduction

The CAT (Common Admission Test) and MAT (Management Aptitude Test) are two of the most popular entrance exams for management programs in India. Both exams are conducted by different organizations and have their own unique attributes. In this article, we will compare the key features of CAT and MAT exams to help aspiring management students make an informed decision about which exam to take.

Exam Conducting Body

The CAT exam is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. It is considered one of the toughest management entrance exams in India. On the other hand, the MAT exam is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) four times a year. MAT is known for its flexibility in terms of exam dates and modes of examination.

Exam Pattern

The CAT exam consists of three sections - Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam is conducted in online mode and has a duration of 180 minutes. In contrast, the MAT exam has five sections - Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment. MAT can be taken in both online and offline modes, with a duration of 150 minutes.

Difficulty Level

CAT is known for its high difficulty level and is considered a challenging exam to crack. The competition is intense, and candidates need to have a strong grasp of concepts and excellent problem-solving skills to score well in CAT. On the other hand, MAT is relatively easier compared to CAT. The questions in MAT are more straightforward and test basic concepts rather than complex problem-solving abilities.

Eligibility Criteria

To appear for the CAT exam, candidates must have a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. Final year students are also eligible to apply. In contrast, the eligibility criteria for MAT is a bit more relaxed. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. There is no minimum percentage requirement for MAT, making it more accessible to a wider range of candidates.

Acceptance by B-Schools

CAT scores are accepted by all the IIMs and several other top management institutes in India. A high percentile in CAT can open doors to prestigious B-Schools and increase the chances of getting into top management programs. On the other hand, MAT scores are accepted by over 600 B-Schools in India. While MAT may not have the same prestige as CAT, it still provides a wide range of options for management aspirants.

Frequency of Exam

The CAT exam is conducted once a year, usually in November or December. Candidates have to wait for a year to reappear for the exam if they are not satisfied with their scores. In contrast, MAT is conducted four times a year - in February, May, September, and December. This frequent schedule allows candidates to retake the exam and improve their scores without waiting for a long period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both CAT and MAT exams have their own unique attributes and cater to different types of candidates. CAT is ideal for those who are looking to get into the top management institutes in India and are willing to put in the effort to crack a challenging exam. On the other hand, MAT is more suitable for candidates who are looking for a wider range of B-School options and prefer a more accessible exam format. Ultimately, the choice between CAT and MAT depends on the individual preferences and goals of the candidates.