Updated On : September 15, 2023
Summary: Discover the fundamental differences between the CAT (Common Admission Test) and MAT (Management Aptitude Test) examinations. Explore the differences in exam frequency, pattern, duration, eligibility, and other factors to make an informed decision between these two popular MBA admission examinations. Understand the similarities and differences to guarantee you're on the proper track towards your MBA ambitions.
MAT vs CAT compares the MAT (Management Aptitude Test) with the CAT (Common Admission Test) to help you make an informed choice. The CAT and MAT exams are the most popular national-level MBA entrance exams for admission to India's top business schools. Aspirants for an MBA degree typically take both of these tests.
The basic difference between MAT and CAT exams is that the CAT is the only way to get into IIMs, whilst the MAT allows you to get into other B-schools such as Amity University, Christ University, Alliance University, Taxila Business Schools, and many more.
The most difficult decision for MBA candidates is whether to take the CAT, the MAT, or both. If applicants want to prepare for both these two examinations, they must understand the differences between the MAT and CAT exams.
Our specialists have conducted a thorough examination of MAT versus CAT to assist applicants in their preparation.
Both of these exams are used to gain admission to MBA degrees at various B-schools in India. As a result, there are some fundamental similarities between these exams. Take a look at the table below to see how the MAT and CAT exams are similar.
Components |
Details |
Course for admission |
MBA/PGDM |
Level of Exam |
National |
Exam Medium |
English |
Negative Marking |
Yes |
Read more: Difference between CAT and GATE Exam
There are a number of differences between MAT and CAT exams. The major differences between these two tests are in the frequency, pattern, duration, eligibility, marking approach, syllabus, and conducting body.
One of the most significant differences between the CAT Exam and the MAT Exam is that the MAT allows you to increase your score through numerous attempts, whereas the CAT does not.
Let's have a look at the differences between MAT and CAT Exams:
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% marks |
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 |
|
|
Number of Sections |
5 sections |
3 sections |
Exam Sections |
|
|
Number of Questions |
200 questions |
66 questions |
Exam Duration |
2.5 hours |
2 hours |
Difficulty Level |
Easy to medium |
Moderately difficult |
Marking Scheme |
|
|
Total Marks |
200 marks |
198 marks |
Exam Fee |
|
|
Everyone is aware that separate authorities administer the CAT and MAT examinations. One of the IIMs releases the official notification for the CAT Exam once a year. IIM Bangalore hosted CAT 2022, while IIM Ahmedabad hosted CAT 2021.
MAT notification, on the other hand, is issued by AIMA (All India Management Association). It is administered multiple times a year, including February, May, September, and December, and in three different formats: CBT (Computer-Based Test), PBT (Paper-Based Test), and IBT (Internet-Based Test). The most significant advantage of the MAT Exam is that aspirants can choose to take the exam from home or at a test centre based on their choices.
Minimum qualification percentages must be fulfilled by aspirants in order to sit for the CAT and MAT exams. As a result, before applying for the exam, it is necessary to compare the MAT vs CAT qualifying criteria.
Read more: CAT Exam Eligibility
Exam frequency for both of these exams is quite different. The aspirants get only a single chance every year to crack CAT, while there are multiple chances to crack MAT in a single year.
The MAT exam pattern and CAT exam patterns differ in terms of total number of questions, exam sections, total time, and sectional time limitations. Take a look at the table below to see how the MAT and CAT exam patterns differ.
Components |
CAT |
MAT |
Total Number of Questions |
66 Questions |
200 Questions |
Exam Sections |
CAT Exam Pattern has 3 Sections
|
MAT Exam Pattern has 5 Sections
|
Time Duration |
120 Minutes |
2.5 Hours |
Sectional Time Limit |
40 Minutes |
No |
Both the MAT and the CAT have very different exam durations. Exam duration for MAT versus CAT may be viewed in the table below:
CAT |
MAT |
|
|
Read more: Is CAT tougher than GMAT?
Because both of these exams involve negative marking schemes, applicants must focus on accuracy during their preparation. The table below summarises the marking scheme differences between the MAT and CAT exams.
Components |
CAT |
MAT |
Total Marks |
198 |
200 |
Marks Per Questions |
+3 |
+1 |
Negative Marking |
-1 (For MCQs Only) |
-0.25 |
Blank Question |
No Marks |
No Marks |
Read more: CAT Marks vs Percentile
Aspirants planning to take both the CAT and MAT exams should be aware of the topics included in these exams. There is a significant gap between the MAT syllabus and CAT syllabus. Take note of the guideline table below for subject indications for MAT vs CAT.
CAT |
MAT |
The CAT syllabus covers the following chapters
|
The MAT syllabus covers the following chapters:
|
The table below summarizes the exam fee difference between MAT and CAT exams.
CAT |
MAT |
General – Rs. 2,200/- for General Reserved Category- Rs. 1,100/- |
The application fee for MAT is Rs. 1,650/- for one paper, i.e, either, IBT, PBT, or CBT. If you wish to appear for both PBT and CBT, then the fees will be Rs. 2,750/- |
Read more: CAT Application Form
Other than IIMs, the list of top 20 MBA colleges in India that accept CAT scores are listed below. The following IITs provide MBA programmes through their management studies departments and schools:
S. No. |
Top 20 CAT Colleges |
1 |
MDI, Gurgaon |
2 |
IMT, Ghaziabad |
3 |
IIT Kanpur-IME |
4 |
IMI, Delhi |
5 |
IIT Delhi - DoMs |
6 |
IIT Bombay -SJMSOM |
7 |
IIT Madras - DoMs |
8 |
IIT Roorkee - DoMs |
9 |
IIT Kharagpur - VGoSM |
10 |
IIT Dhanbad - ISM |
11 |
Great Lakes Institute of Management |
12 |
IMT, Nagpur |
13 |
IMI, Kolkata |
14 |
IPE, Hyderabad |
15 |
ITM, University |
16 |
Institute of Management, Nirma University |
17 |
IIITM, Gwalior |
18 |
Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa |
19 |
National Institute of Technology, Warangal |
20 |
VIT Business School, Vellore |
Read more: CAT Exam Participating Colleges
Over 700 MBA institutions in India accept MAT results. The list of top 20 MAT colleges in India that accept MAT scores for admission to MBA programmes is shown below:
S. No. |
Top MAT Colleges |
1 |
Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development, Mysore |
2 |
SPJIMR, Mumbai |
3 |
School of Business, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun |
4 |
Christ University, Bangalore |
5 |
National Institute of Technology Warangal |
6 |
VIT Business School, Vellore |
7 |
Prin LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai |
8 |
AIMS Institutes, Bangalore |
9 |
Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata |
10 |
Doon Business School, Dehradun |
11 |
PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore |
12 |
ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai |
13 |
New Delhi Institute of Management, Delhi |
14 |
Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi |
15 |
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, Bangalore |
16 |
Chandigarh University, Chandigarh |
17 |
GITAM Hyderabad Business School, Hyderabad |
18 |
Techno India University, Kolkata |
19 |
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai |
20 |
MIT School of Management, Pune |
Read more: How can I study MBA in top colleges?
To summarise, choosing between CAT and MAT is critical for MBA candidates. While the CAT provides access to the prestigious IIMs, the MAT provides a variety of opportunities at other prestigious B-schools across India.
When making this decision, it is important to examine parameters such as exam frequency, pattern, duration, and eligibility. Understanding the differences and similarities between both of these exams will allow you to start on your MBA journey with confidence, knowing that you've chosen the path that fits your aspirants and goals.
Also read: Which IIM is best for MBA?
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Frequently Asked Questions
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