1. Exam Overview

CAT (Common Admission Test): Conducted by the IIMs, it is the gateway to all IIMs and many other leading Indian B-schools.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Conducted by GMAC, it is a global exam for admission to 7,000+ management programs across 2,000+ universities, including ISB in India and top global B-schools (Harvard, INSEAD, LBS, etc.).

2. Syllabus Comparison

• VARC (CAT) vs. Verbal Reasoning (GMAT):
  CAT emphasizes RCs with tricky inference-based questions. GMAT Verbal focuses on critical reasoning, sentence correction, and structured RCs, testing grammar and logic more explicitly.

• LRDI (CAT) vs. Integrated Reasoning (GMAT):
  CAT LRDI is puzzle-heavy and known for unpredictability. GMAT Integrated Reasoning tests data interpretation through tables, graphs, and multi-source reasoning.

• QA (CAT) vs. Quantitative Reasoning (GMAT):
  CAT QA includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern math (with TITA + MCQs). GMAT quant focuses on problem-solving and data sufficiency (all MCQs, slightly easier concepts but trickier reasoning).

• AWA (GMAT only):
  GMAT has an Analytical Writing Assessment (essay).

• GMAT Focus Edition (new format):
  No AWA, only Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights.

3. Difficulty Level

• CAT: High difficulty due to unpredictable LRDI and lengthy RCs; competition is intense as lakhs of aspirants fight for limited seats.

• GMAT: More structured and standardized, adaptive in nature (difficulty adjusts to candidate performance). Content difficulty is moderate, but accuracy is critical.

4. Exam Pattern

• CAT: 120 minutes, 3 sections (VARC, LRDI, QA). Mix of MCQs and TITA. Sectional time limit of 40 minutes each.

• GMAT (Focus Edition): 135 minutes, 3 sections – Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights. Adaptive, computer-based exam.

5. Eligibility Criteria

• CAT: Open to all graduates with a minimum percentage specified by IIMs.

• GMAT: No specific eligibility (universities decide their own criteria). Open to anyone above 18 years.

6. Marking Scheme

• CAT: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQs); no negative for TITA.

• GMAT: Scaled score (200–800). Adaptive format means accuracy + difficulty level decides score. No negative marking.

7. Preparation Tips

For CAT:

• Build conceptual clarity in QA and LRDI.

• Practice high-level RCs and inference questions.

• Take mocks regularly to adapt to difficulty fluctuations.

For GMAT:

• Focus on critical reasoning, grammar, and data sufficiency.

• Practice under adaptive test conditions.

• Prioritize accuracy over speed.

• Work on structured essay/IR (if not taking GMAT Focus).

8. Top Colleges Accepting Scores

• CAT: All IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, IIT B-schools, etc.

• GMAT: ISB Hyderabad, top IIMs (for executive MBAs), XLRI (for GMP), and global B-schools like Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD, LBS, Wharton, etc.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which exam is tougher, CAT or GMAT?
A: CAT is tougher for QA + LRDI because of unpredictability and higher competition in India. GMAT is standardized and adaptive, so difficulty lies in precision and consistency.

Q: Can I take both exams?
A: Yes, many aspirants appear for both—CAT for Indian B-schools and GMAT for ISB/global B-schools.

Q: Which exam should I choose?
A: If you aim for IIMs and top Indian B-schools, CAT is ideal. If you want ISB or international MBAs, GMAT is the better choice.