The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive and nationally recognized entrance exam for admission into various postgraduate management programs, primarily MBA, in prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. CAT is conducted annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. It's a computer-based test that assesses candidates' quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation and logical reasoning skills. CAT is known for its challenging nature and rigorous selection process, with test-takers competing for limited seats in top business schools. Scoring well in CAT is crucial for admission to elite management programs, making it a highly sought-after exam.
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardized entrance exam in India conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). It is held multiple times a year, allowing candidates to apply for various management programs, including MBA, PGDM, and allied courses in numerous B-schools and management institutes across India. MAT evaluates candidates' aptitude in subjects like Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis, and Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, along with Indian and Global Environment. MAT offers both paper-based and computer-based testing options, providing flexibility to applicants. It's recognized by a wide range of institutes, making it a popular choice for management aspirants.
Aspect | CAT | MAT |
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Exam Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
Exam Frequency | Once a year (typically in November) | Multiple times a year (February, May, September, and December) |
Test Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Both Paper-Based Test (PBT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) options |
Sections | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA), and General Knowledge (GK) | Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Indian and Global Environment |
Number of Questions | Approximately 76 to 100 questions | Approximately 200 questions (PBT) and 160 questions (CBT) |
Duration | 2 hours (varies based on number of questions) | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Scoring | Scaled score based on a complex normalization process | Each question carries 1 mark; 1/4 negative marking for wrong answers |
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Aspect | CAT Advanced Syllabus | MAT Advanced Syllabus |
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Quantitative Ability | - Arithmetic (percentages, profit and loss, time and work, time-speed-distance, etc.) - Algebra (equations, inequalities, functions) - Geometry (lines, angles, triangles, circles) - Number System - Modern Mathematics (permutations and combinations, probability, set theory, etc.) - Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables) | - Similar to CAT, MAT's Quantitative section covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Modern Mathematics. However, MAT tends to include more straightforward questions. - Data Analysis is a prominent part, including data interpretation, data sufficiency, and basic statistics. |
Verbal Ability | - Reading Comprehension - English Grammar - Vocabulary - Critical Reasoning - Paragraph Jumbles - Sentence Correction - Analogies and Parajumbles | - Reading Comprehension with a focus on English language skills. - Questions test candidates' understanding of written material, grammar, and vocabulary. - Critical Reasoning may be less emphasized compared to CAT. |
Logical Reasoning | - Logical Puzzles - Syllogisms - Venn Diagrams - Blood Relations - Direction Sense - Coding-Decoding - Data Arrangement | - MAT's Logical Reasoning section includes various topics similar to CAT, but the level of complexity is generally lower. |
Data Interpretation | - Tables - Bar Charts - Line Charts - Pie Charts - Graphs - Caselets - Combination of different data sources | - MAT's Data Analysis and Sufficiency section focuses on interpreting data from various sources like charts, graphs, and tables, but it is generally less complex compared to CAT. |
General Knowledge | - Not a part of the CAT syllabus. | - MAT includes a section on General Knowledge, which covers current affairs, business, economics, sports, politics, and other related topics. |
Essay Writing | - Not included in the CAT exam. | - MAT typically includes an essay writing section, where candidates are required to write an essay on a given topic. |
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