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GATE vs CAT Exam 2024: Know the Difference between CAT and GATE Exam
October 22, 2024
Overview: CAT and GATE are two entrance tests that are well-known in India. So, what is the difference between CAT and GATE Exam? Let's find out!
- Both CAT and GATE exams are highly competitive and require lots of planning and hard work to get through.
- Knowing the difference between the two exams is essential for students to make an informed decision about which exam to take.
Read on to learn the CAT vs GATE exam pattern, GATE vs CAT application fees, important highlights and more!
What is a CAT exam?
The Common Admission Test, or CAT, is a national-level management aptitude test conducted by the IIM for admission to the MBA courses offered by its campuses and over 1,200 B-schools in India.
The CAT exam 2024 will be conducted on 24 November 2024, and the last date to apply for the CAT exam is 13 September 2024. You can apply through the given link:
CAT Registration 2024 Direct Official Link
What is the GATE exam?
GATE is an All India Test authorised and managed in several across India.
The GATE committee conducts the exam.
The GATE exam assesses a student’s knowledge in subjects like Engineering and Science.
Note that multiple PSUs also use the GATE scorecard to recruit applicants for distinguished jobs at Indian Oil, GAIL, Hindustan Petroleum, etc.
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GATE vs CAT Difference between CAT and GATE Exam Highlights 2024
Here is the difference between GATE vs CAT Exam listed in the table below:
| CAT Exam | GATE Exam |
| IIM conducts the CAT Exam | IIT conducts the GATE Exam |
| CAT admissions are for management courses at IIMs. | GATE admissions are for M.E/ M.Tech (from IITs) subjects at PSU jobs. |
| Total Marks for CAT are 198 | Total Marks for GATE is 100 |
| The mode of the exam is online | The mode of the exam is online |
| Sections - VA, VARC and DIRL | General Aptitude and respective subjects selected by candidates |
| Eligibility - Bachelor's degree | Eligibility—The minimum requirement for applicants is 10+2+3, meaning that individuals in their third year of undergraduate study or higher—or who have already finished it—can also apply for the GATE entrance exam. |
| CAT scores valid for one year | GATE scores valid for three years |
| MCQs and Short Answers | Type of Questions - MCQs, MSQ's and NAT |
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A key difference between GATE and CAT is the scope of exams.
The GATE exam is designed to assess the comprehensive knowledge of the subject. In contrast, the CAT exam tests your knowledge in specific areas as per the CAT exam pattern, such as verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation.
Students aspiring to pursue a career in management can choose the CAT; similarly, students who are aspiring to pursue a career in engineering courses can take the GATE exam.
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GATE vs CAT Exam 2024: Important Dates
Here are the important dates of the Common Admission Test and the GATE exam:
| Important Dates | GATE Exam | CAT Exam |
| Registration Starts | 24 August 2024 | 1 August 2024 |
| Registration Ends | 26 September 2024 | 20 September 2024 |
| Admit Card Download Date | January 2025 | 5 November 2024 |
| Main Exam Date | 1st, 2nd, 15th, and 16th February 2025 | 24 November 2024 |
| Result Declaration | March 2025 | December 2024 |
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GATE vs CAT Exam: Application Fees 2024
While filling out the application form or either the GATE 2024 or CAT 2024 exam, you need to pay the application fees. The difference between the CAT and GATE exam application fees are:
GATE Exam Application Fees 2024
| Category | Regular Period | Extended Period |
| Female candidates SC/ST/PWD (per test paper) | Rs. 900 | Rs. 1400 |
| All other candidates, including foreign nationals (per test paper) | Rs. 1800 | Rs. 2300 |
CAT Entrance Exam Fees 2024
| Category | Fees |
| For other categories | INR 2500/- |
| For Reserved Categories | INR 1250/- |
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GATE vs CAT Exam: Exam Pattern & Syllabus Insights
Both exams are conducted online and at a particular time. Here are the major differences between the exam pattern and syllabus of CAT and GATE exams:
| Parameter | GATE Exam | CAT Exam |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Technology | Indian Institute of Management |
| Mode of Exam | Online | Online |
| Purpose | Entrance for M.Tech/ME or PSUs | Entrance for MBA (IIMs, FMS, MDI, SP JAIN, etc.) |
| Exam Pattern | Computer-based test (CBT) | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Sections | Multiple papers based on the subject (27 options) | Three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Question Types | MCQs and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions | MCQs and non-MCQs across all sections |
| Total Marks | 100 | 198 |
| Total Number of Questions | 65 | 66 |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Section Sequence | Varies by subject | Fixed: VARC → DILR → QA |
| Syllabus | Subject-specific, including engineering math and core topics | VARC: Reading comprehension, English usage, grammar DILR: Logical reasoning, data interpretation QA: Algebra, geometry, arithmetic, number systems, modern math, etc. |
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Difference Between CAT and Gate Exam (GATE vs CAT): Eligibility Criteria
There are some eligibility criteria that you need to fulfill while appearing for CAT or GATE entrance exam. These include:
| Eligibility Criteria | GATE Exam | CAT Exam |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or science OR a master’s in science/mathematics/statistics/computer applications, OR an equivalent qualification. |
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute. |
| Minimum Percentage | No minimum percentage is required. | General and OBC-NC: At least 50% or equivalent CGPA. SC, ST, and PWD: At least 45%. |
| Graduation Duration | No specific duration is required. | Minimum three-year bachelor’s program. |
| Final Year Students Eligibility | Yes, final-year students can apply. | Yes, final-year students can apply if they complete their coursework on time. |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit. | No upper age limit. |
| Work Experience | Not required. | Not required. |
| Number of Attempts | No limit on the number of attempts. | No limit on the number of attempts. |
| Nationality | Open to both Indian and international applicants. | Primarily for Indian citizens, but some international candidates can apply. |
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Conclusion
The CAT and GATE exams are two very different exams in terms of preparation, scope, and difficulty levels. While CAT is an entrance test for management courses, the GATE exam is mainly related to engineering.
Due to the unique requirements of each exam, it is important to thoroughly research and understand the differences between the two before finalising the decision to appear in either of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CAT and GATE?
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What is the duration of the CAT and GATE exams?
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