Introduction:
Aspiring to pursue an MBA but confused about which entrance exam to take—CAT or MAT? You’re not alone. Both the Common Admission Test (CAT) and Management Aptitude Test (MAT) are popular entrance exams in India for MBA and PGDM admissions, but they serve different purposes and are accepted by different institutes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between CAT and MAT exams, including exam pattern, eligibility, difficulty level, accepting colleges, and more—so you can make the right decision for your career.
Overview of CAT and MAT
Feature | CAT (Common Admission Test) | MAT (Management Aptitude Test) |
Conducted By | IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) | AIMA (All India Management Association) |
Frequency | Once a year | Four times a year |
Mode | Online (CBT) | Online Offline |
Accepting Colleges | IIMs, IITs, top-tier B-Schools | 600+ B-Schools across India |
Difficulty Level | High | Moderate |
What is CAT?
The CAT Exam is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and is a gateway to the top B-schools in India, including IIMs, IITs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and more.
CAT Exam Pattern:
- Sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Mode: Computer-Based Test
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong answers
CAT Exam Eligibility:
- Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST)
- Final-year students can also apply
What is MAT?
The MAT Exam is conducted by AIMA and is accepted by over 600 B-schools, mostly in the private and Tier-2/Tier-3 category. It is more flexible and less competitive than CAT.
MAT Exam Pattern:
- Sections:
- Language Comprehension
- Intelligence Critical Reasoning
- Mathematical Skills
- Data Analysis Sufficiency
- Indian Global Environment
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Mode: Paper-Based, Computer-Based, and Internet-Based
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong answers
MAT Exam Eligibility:
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline
- No minimum percentage required
- Final-year students are eligible
Key Differences: CAT vs MAT
Criteria | CAT | MAT |
Exam Authority | IIMs | AIMA |
Difficulty Level | High | Moderate |
Exam Frequency | Once a year | 4 times a year |
Score Validity | 1 year | 1 year |
Exam Mode | Only Online | Online Offline |
Accepting Institutes | IIMs, top-tier B-Schools | Mid-tier private B-Schools |
Ideal For | Students aiming for top institutes | Students seeking flexibility and wider options |
Colleges Accepting CAT and MAT Scores
Top Colleges Accepting CAT:
- IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow
- FMS Delhi
- MDI Gurgaon
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- IITs (for MBA/Management programs)
Top Colleges Accepting MAT:
- Christ University, Bangalore
- Alliance University
- Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS)
- IILM University
- MS Ramaiah Institute of Management
Which Exam Should You Choose?
Choose CAT if:
- You're aiming for top-tier colleges like the IIMs or IITs
- You're confident in quantitative, logical, and verbal reasoning
- You're ready to put in rigorous preparation
Choose MAT if:
- You want multiple attempts in a year
- You're targeting mid-tier B-schools
- You're looking for more flexibility in mode and schedule
Final Thoughts:
Both CAT and MAT are excellent entry points into India’s management education ecosystem. Your choice should depend on your academic strengths, target colleges, and career goals. If you’re still unsure, expert counseling can help.
Need Help Choosing the Right MBA Path?
Visit BangaloreStudy.com to compare colleges, entrance exams, fees, and more. Get personalized counseling to choose the best MBA route for 2025.
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