What is XAT vs CAT Difficulty Level?

It can not be said which one is tougher in comparison. Details about XAT vs CAT show that both the exams are different in test structure and marking scheme. So, be very specific in your preparation if you want to prepare for both of these exams.

Is CAT preparation enough to appear in XAT?

Not at all, because in XAT you have to be well-versed with Decision making and the GK section. But while preparing for CAT, you can avoid these two sections

What is the marking scheme comparison between XAT vs CAT?

The marking scheme comparison between XAT vs CAT is as follows: In CAT: +3 for every correct answer -1 for every incorrect answer No marks for unattempted answers No negative marking in TITA questions In XAT: + 1 for every correct answer -0.25 for every incorrect answer Beyond 8 unanswered questions, 0.10 marks will be deducted for each unanswered question No negative marking for the GK section

Which is more scoring between XAT vs CAT?

In comparison to XAT vs CAT, the XAT exam is more scoring in Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section.

What is the main difference between CAT and XAT?

The main difference between CAT and XAT is in its syllabus. CAT has three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA While XAT has 3 sections, including Part 1, 2 and 3 Part 1: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning, Decision Making and QA&DI Part 2: Mock Keyboard Testing Part 3: GK and Essay

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XAT vs CAT: Check Similarities and Differences Between XAT and CAT

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 13th, 2023

XAT vs CAT provides you with an understanding of the differences and similarities between these two exams. XAT vs CAT helps you know which exam is the toughest and right choice for you. Both CAT and XAT are the most popular exams among management aspirants. But there are some differences between XAT and CAT, that you must be aware of before starting your preparation.

The candidates who are preparing for both of these exams must check XAT vs CAT to prepare simultaneously for these two exams. In this article, BYJU’S Exam Prep experts have listed important similarities and differences between CAT and XAT to help you in preparation.

Table of content

1. XAT vs CAT Similarities
2. CAT vs XAT Differences
3. XAT vs CAT Exam Pattern
4. XAT vs CAT Section-wise Weightage
5. CAT vs XAT Marking Scheme
6. XAT vs CAT Syllabus
7. XAT vs CAT Participating Institutes

XAT vs CAT Similarities

Both CAT and XAT are conducted for MBA admission in India, so there are some basic points on which both of these exams are similar. Note the below table for XAT vs CAT exam similarities.

Components	Details
Course	MBA/PGDM
Difficulty Level	Moderate to Difficult
Sectional Timing	Yes
Exam Mode	Online Computer-based
Level of Exam	National
Number of Attempts	Once in Every Year
Exam Frequency	Once in Every Year
Exam Medium	English
Negative Marking	Yes

CAT vs XAT Differences

The aspirants must know the difference between XAT and CAT, and the points on which these two exams differ. Check the table below to get an overview of XAT vs CAT differences.

Components	CAT	XAT
Full-Form	Common Admission Test	Xavier Aptitude Test
Conducted by	IIMs	XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI
Time Duration	120 Minutes	190 Minutes
Application Fees	INR 2300/- for general category (INR 1150/- for reserved category)	INR 2000/-

XAT vs CAT Exam Pattern

The test pattern for both XAT and CAT is quite similar as both of these exams consist of MCQs. But in the CAT Exam, the candidates also have to answer the TITA questions, which are not present in XAT Exam. Besides, the marking scheme and sectional time limit are different in both XAT and CAT. BYJU’S Exam Prep Expert has listed some important points below to show the difference between XAT vs CAT.

Particulars	XAT	CAT
Total number of Questions	101	66
Total Sections	Part 1 (Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation) Part 2 (General Knowledge, Essay)	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical
Types of Questions	MCQs + 1 Essay	MCQs and TITA
Total Marks	100 marks	198 marks
Marking Pattern	•+1 for every Correct Answer •-0.25 for every negative answer •Negative marking for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions •Negative marking does not apply to GK section	•+3 for every Correct Answer •-1 for every negative answer •No negative marking for TITA questions

(Note: The Essay question in Part 2 in the XAT exam pattern was reintroduced. So, it will be evaluated if the aspirants are shortlisted for the XAT interview process.)

XAT vs CAT Section-wise Weightage

The aspirants preparing for both CAT and XAT must be sure about CAT vs XAT sectional analysis. Note the below two tables to understand the section-wise weightage for both CAT and XAT.

CAT Exam Pattern

In the table below we have shared the details for the latest CAT Exam Pattern.

Exam Sections	Total Questions	Number of MCQ Questions	Number of TITA Questions	Section-wise Time Limit
VARC	24	21	3	40
DILR	20	14	6	40
QA	22	14	8	40
Total	66	49	17	120 minutes

XAT Paper Pattern

Note the table below to get a detailed analysis of the updated XAT Exam Pattern.

Components	Number of Questions	Total Time
Part 1	Verbal and Logical Ability: 26 Decision Making: 22 QA & DI:28	175 Minutes
Part 2	Mock Keyboard Testing (new section)	5 Minutes
Part 3	General Knowledge: 25 Essay: 1 to be answered out of 3 questions	30 Minutes
Total	105 Questions	210 Minutes

☛ See Also: XAT Preparation

CAT vs XAT Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for XAT and CAT is quite different. Note the below table to understand the marking scheme difference between XAT vs CAT.

Components	CAT	XAT
Marks Awarded	+3 (for every correct answer)	+1 (for every correct answer)
Marks Deducted	-1 (for every correct answer)	-0.25 (for every incorrect answer)
Unattempted Questions	No deduction	Beyond 8 unanswered questions, 0.10 marks will be deducted for each unanswered question
Questions without Negative Marking	TITA questions	GK Questions

☛ Check also

XAT vs CAT Syllabus

There are 2 chapters in XAT, such as Decision Making and General Knowledge which is not there in the CAT Syllabus. The below table indicates the subjects for XAT vs CAT so that the aspirants can prepare accordingly.

☛ See Also: XAT Syllabus

XAT

CAT

Decision Making

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning

Mock Keyboard Testing

General Knowledge

Essay

Quantitative Ability

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

XAT vs CAT Participating Institutes

CAT and XAT score is accepted by more than 1000 B-schools in India. However, if you have the desire to study only in IIMs or XLRI and XAMI members institutes, then you have to score individually for CAT and XAT and check for the participating institutes all over the country. Note the below table to get an idea about the participating institutes for both CAT and XAT.

CAT	XAT
CAT is popular because IIMs accept only the CAT scores.	To become eligible for admission in the XLRI Jamshedpur, the candidate needs to appear for the XAT exam only
Apart from IIMS, other institutes like IITs, FMS-Delhi, etc accept only the CAT Score Card for their shortlisting process.	Apart from XLRI, some of the XAMI (XLRI Associate) members also accept XAT scores in their selection process.

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