Difference between CAT and MAT Exam
Updated On : June 25, 2024
Summary: Most of us must know that CAT and MAT exams are conducted for admission into management programs. This article walks us through the difference between CAT and MAT exams.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) are two of India's most popular entrance exams for management education.
While the CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their flagship Post Graduate Programs in Management, the MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to various management courses in various institutes all over India.
Although the exam is conducted for admissions into management programs, this article will walk you through the difference between CAT and MAT exams.
What is CAT exam?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an entrance exam for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top MBA colleges in India.
It is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) annually.
The exam tests a candidate’s aptitude in quantitative ability, data interpretation, verbal ability and logical reasoning.
Top MBA colleges in India use the CAT Exam score to shortlist candidates for their MBA programs.
What is MAT exam?
MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is an all-India level entrance exam conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association) for admission into MBA and other allied programs.
It is conducted four times a year in the months of February, May, September and December.
The exam tests the candidate’s aptitude in language comprehension, mathematical skills, data analysis and interpretation, intelligence and critical reasoning, Indian and global environment.
Check: CAT Exam Cut Off 2023
Difference between CAT and MAT exam
As you can see from the table, CAT and MAT differ in terms of their eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus.
The CAT is a more competitive exam focusing mainly on quantitative and verbal ability.
On the other hand, MAT is a more comprehensive exam that tests the candidate’s aptitude in multiple areas.
| Parameters | MAT Exam | CAT Exam |
| Exam Full Form | Management Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | AIMA | IIM |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% mark | Passing marks required for a bachelor’s degree |
| Exam Frequency | Four times a year (February, May, September, December) | Once a year (November) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) Paper-Based Test (PBT) Internet-Based Test (IBT) |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Sections | 5 sections | 3 sections |
| Exam Sections | Language Comprehension Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Indian and Global Environment Data Analysis and Sufficiency Mathematical Skills |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
| Number of questions | 200 questions | 66 questions |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 hours | 2 hours |
| Difficulty level | Easy to medium | Moderately difficult |
| Marking Scheme | #ERROR! | #ERROR! |
| Total Marks | 200 marks | 198 marks |
| Exam Fee | One paper: Rs 1,650 CBT+ PBT: Rs 2,750 CBT+PBT+ IBT = 4,950 |
General and NC-OBC: Rs 2,300 SC/ ST/ PwD: Rs 1,150 |
Check: CAT Exam Marks vs Percentile 2023
As you can see from the table, CAT and MAT differ in terms of their eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus.
The CAT Syllabus 2023 is a more competitive exam focusing mainly on quantitative and verbal ability.
On the other hand, MAT is a more comprehensive exam that tests the candidate’s aptitude in multiple areas. It is important to note that both exams are equally important for admission to management courses in India. Candidates must decide which exam to take based on their eligibility and preferences.
Candidates should also remember that both exams have different cut-offs and selection criteria.
Check: CAT Exam Maths Syllabus 2023
Conclusion
Overall, CAT and MAT are two popular entrance exams for management education in India. While IIM conducts CAT, MAT is conducted by AIMA. Both exams differ in CAT eligibility criteria, exam pattern, duration and syllabus. Candidates should decide which exam to take based on their eligibility and preferences.
Check: CAT Exam Notification 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CAT and MAT exams?
How many times is the CAT and MAT exam conducted in a year?
What is the format of the CAT and MAT exams?
What is the duration of the CAT and MAT exams?
What is the syllabus for CAT and MAT exams?
Difference between CAT and MAT Exam
June 25, 2024
Summary: Most of us must know that CAT and MAT exams are conducted for admission into management programs. This article walks us through the difference between CAT and MAT exams.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) are two of India's most popular entrance exams for management education.
While the CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their flagship Post Graduate Programs in Management, the MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to various management courses in various institutes all over India.
Although the exam is conducted for admissions into management programs, this article will walk you through the difference between CAT and MAT exams.
What is CAT exam?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an entrance exam for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top MBA colleges in India.
It is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) annually.
The exam tests a candidate’s aptitude in quantitative ability, data interpretation, verbal ability and logical reasoning.
Top MBA colleges in India use the CAT Exam score to shortlist candidates for their MBA programs.
What is MAT exam?
MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is an all-India level entrance exam conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association) for admission into MBA and other allied programs.
It is conducted four times a year in the months of February, May, September and December.
The exam tests the candidate’s aptitude in language comprehension, mathematical skills, data analysis and interpretation, intelligence and critical reasoning, Indian and global environment.
Check: CAT Exam Cut Off 2023
Difference between CAT and MAT exam
As you can see from the table, CAT and MAT differ in terms of their eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus.
The CAT is a more competitive exam focusing mainly on quantitative and verbal ability.
On the other hand, MAT is a more comprehensive exam that tests the candidate’s aptitude in multiple areas.
| Parameters | MAT Exam | CAT Exam |
| Exam Full Form | Management Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | AIMA | IIM |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% mark | Passing marks required for a bachelor’s degree |
| Exam Frequency | Four times a year (February, May, September, December) | Once a year (November) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) Paper-Based Test (PBT) Internet-Based Test (IBT) |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Sections | 5 sections | 3 sections |
| Exam Sections | Language Comprehension Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Indian and Global Environment Data Analysis and Sufficiency Mathematical Skills |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
| Number of questions | 200 questions | 66 questions |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 hours | 2 hours |
| Difficulty level | Easy to medium | Moderately difficult |
| Marking Scheme | #ERROR! | #ERROR! |
| Total Marks | 200 marks | 198 marks |
| Exam Fee | One paper: Rs 1,650 CBT+ PBT: Rs 2,750 CBT+PBT+ IBT = 4,950 |
General and NC-OBC: Rs 2,300 SC/ ST/ PwD: Rs 1,150 |
Check: CAT Exam Marks vs Percentile 2023
As you can see from the table, CAT and MAT differ in terms of their eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus.
The CAT Syllabus 2023 is a more competitive exam focusing mainly on quantitative and verbal ability.
On the other hand, MAT is a more comprehensive exam that tests the candidate’s aptitude in multiple areas. It is important to note that both exams are equally important for admission to management courses in India. Candidates must decide which exam to take based on their eligibility and preferences.
Candidates should also remember that both exams have different cut-offs and selection criteria.
Check: CAT Exam Maths Syllabus 2023
Conclusion
Overall, CAT and MAT are two popular entrance exams for management education in India. While IIM conducts CAT, MAT is conducted by AIMA. Both exams differ in CAT eligibility criteria, exam pattern, duration and syllabus. Candidates should decide which exam to take based on their eligibility and preferences.
Check: CAT Exam Notification 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CAT and MAT exams?
How many times is the CAT and MAT exam conducted in a year?
What is the format of the CAT and MAT exams?
What is the duration of the CAT and MAT exams?
What is the syllabus for CAT and MAT exams?
