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CMAT vs CAT: Similarities and Differences between CAT and CMAT

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 13th, 2023

CMAT vs CAT will cover all the differences and similarities between the exam to provide a clear picture to the aspirants. If the aspirants want to prepare for both of these exams, they must be aware of a few things for which these two exams are quite different. We have highlighted the below points on CMAT vs CAT to ensure the aspirants understand the basic difference between CAT and CMAT.

CAT vs CMAT: these two are the two different national-level MBA entrance exams for admission to different management programs in B-schools. CAT (Common Admission Test) and CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) are the two most popular MBA exams. IIMs conduct CAT while CMAT is conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) to choose aspirants for admission in B-schools.

CMAT vs CAT Similarities

Both of these exams are conducted for admission to MBA in B-schools. Note the below table to get an idea about the similarities between CAT vs CMAT.

Components

CAT VS CMAT Details

Course for admission

MBA/PGDM

Exam Mode

Online Computer-based

Level of Exam

National

Exam Frequency

Once in Every Year

Exam Medium

English

Negative Marking

Yes

CMAT vs CAT Exam Pattern

It is important to determine the difference between CAT vs CMAT in terms of the number of questions, sections and marking scheme. Note the below table to get an idea of exam patterns and key elements of both of these exams.

Components

CAT Paper Pattern

CMAT Paper Pattern

Question Type

MCQs and TITA

MCQ

Duration

120 minutes (as per CAT 2021)

180 minutes

Total Number of questions

66 (as per CAT 2021)

100

Marking Scheme

+3 For Every Correct Answer

-1 For Every Incorrect Answer (None for Non-MCQs)

+4 For Every Correct Answer

-1 For Every Incorrect Answer

Sectional Time Limit

40 Minutes (as per CAT 2021)

No

Difficulty Level

Moderate to High

Easy to Moderate

Official Website

iimcat.ac.in

cmat.nta.nic.in

Get a detailed analysis of the CAT Exam Pattern and CMAT Exam Pattern

CAT vs CMAT Sectional Overview

The aspirants, preparing for both CAT and CMAT, must be aware of CAT and CMAT exam sections. Note the below two tables to understand the sectional overview of CMAT vs CAT.

CAT Paper Pattern

Exam Sections

Total Questions

Number of MCQ Questions

Number of TITA Questions

Section-wise Time Limit

VARC

24

19

5

40

DILR

20

15

5

40

QA

22

14

8

40

Total

66

48

18

120 (as per CAT 2021)

CMAT Paper Pattern

Type of questions No. of questions Maximum Marks
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation 20 80
Logical Reasoning 20 80
Language Comprehension 20 80
General Awareness 20 80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship 20 80
Total 100 400

CMAT VS CAT Syllabus

Check the CAT and CMAT syllabus to know the difference between CAT and CMAT question papers and preparation strategies. When comparing the CAT syllabus with the CMAT syllabus, there are two additional sections in CMAT – General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

The CAT & CMAT syllabus for the three common sections almost remains identical.

CMAT vs CAT Participating Institutes

Both CAT and CMAT have approximately 1000 participating institutes all over the country. Note the below table to get an idea about the participating institutes for both CAT and CMAT. The major difference between CAT and CMAT for MBA colleges is IIMs. IIMs only accept CAT scores.

CAT

CMAT

All IIMs accept CAT scores along with colleges link XLRI Jamshedpur, MDI Gurgaon, IMI, and SPJIMR.

Accept IIMs, all other institutes that provide MBA/PGDM courses accept CMAT scores.

AICTE- Approved Institutions / University
Departments / Constituent Colleges /Affiliated Colleges.

How to Prepare for CAT and CMAT

The aspirants may find three common sections in CAT and CMAT, with an almost identical syllabus. So, if you want to prepare for both of these exams then you can easily start your preparation. Our experts have listed some strategies to help aspirants who want to prepare for CAT and CMAT simultaneously.

While preparing note the difference between CAT and CMAT paper patterns and the extra sections in CMAT.

  • Be very specific about the CAT syllabus and CMAT syllabus
  • Make a study plan for each of these exams. Start your preparation with QA and DI, as both of these exams have these two sections
  • For the Quantitative Ability section, always be focused on knowing the concepts and solving tricks rather than learning the formulae.
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