Distinguishing Between GMAT and CAT: Which is Best for Your Graduate Programs?
Choosing between the GMAT and CAT can be a daunting decision for prospective MBA students. Both exams assess critical skills necessary for success in business and management programs, but they serve different purposes and have distinct features. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between the GMAT and CAT, helping you decide which exam is the best fit for your academic and career goals.
1. Purpose and Target Audience
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is primarily used for admission to graduate management programs such as MBA. Its primary audience includes students aspiring to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree from business schools around the world.
CAT (Common Admission Test) is used for admission to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and various other management programs in India. Its target audience is Indian students and professionals looking to secure admission to top business schools in the country.
2. Structure
GMAT consists of four main sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal.
CAT comprises three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
3. Question Types
GMAT incorporates a variety of question types including multiple-choice, data sufficiency, and essay writing.
CAT primarily features multiple-choice questions, but the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section may include non-multiple-choice questions as well.
4. Duration
GMAT takes approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete, including breaks.
CAT has a time limit of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
5. Adaptable vs. Non-Adaptable
GMAT is an adaptive test, meaning the difficulty level of the questions adjusts based on the test-taker's performance.
CAT is also adaptive, with the difficulty level adapting within each section.
6. Scoring
GMAT scores range from 200 to 800, with separate scores for each section.
CAT uses a scaled score, and the overall score is used for selection.
7. Difficulty Comparison
The difficulty level of both exams is subjective and can vary from person to person based on their strengths and preparation strategies. Determining which exam is more challenging requires a personal assessment of your capabilities and the specific requirements of the business programs you are interested in.
8. Global vs. Regional
GMAT is widely recognized and accepted by a broad range of business schools globally. Almost all top business schools accept GMAT scores for admissions.
CAT is primarily accepted by Indian business schools. While some international business schools do accept CAT scores, the recognition and acceptance are generally limited to the Indian context.
9. Frequency
GMAT is offered year-round, providing flexibility for test-takers to schedule exams according to their availability.
CAT is conducted annually, with set dates for the test. This means students need to plan their preparations accordingly.
10. Language
GMAT is primarily conducted in English. However, test takers can take the exam in several other languages.
CAT is conducted in English but may include some questions in Hindi, catering to the diverse linguistic needs of students in India.
Conclusion
In essence, while both exams assess skills relevant to business and management, the GMAT is more global in its reach, being accepted by a broader range of institutions, whereas the CAT is specifically designed for management programs in India. The perceived difficulty of each exam may vary based on individual strengths and preparation strategies.