Updated On : May 26, 2023
Summary: Different opinions exist for different exams, especially IPMAT vs CAT. CAT is for aspirants opting for postgraduation, while IPMAT is for aspirants opting for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Whether you should go for CAT or IPMAT, you will find all the required information here. Check out the differences between CAT and IPMAT here in this article.
IPMAT and CAT are different types of exams that are conducted to provide admission to management courses.
The IPMAT exam is for those who want to pursue an integrated management program after class 12, while CAT is a post-graduate level exam that is conducted for graduates. With this exam, students get directly into the IPM Admissions phase.
If you ask if IPMAT and CAT syllabi are the same?, then the answer is a big NO!
Or the question is IPMAT tougher than CAT? Then we can say IPMAT is tough at the board level, but CAT is also a tough exam, especially for graduates.
The ultimate goal is to find out the winner of CAT vs IPMAT.
Read through the post that will give you a complete insight into the differences between IPMAT and CAT, which is the better option, and more.
The IPMAT Exam is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore).
This exam is an entrance exam for the students to get admission to the 5-year Integrated Program in Management at IIM Indore.
This examination is a National level examination, i.e., any student from any corner of India is eligible to give this Aptitude Test for admission to the 5 years Integrated Program of Management.
The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) comprises 2 stages, i.e., a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI).
Every year, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) conducts a Common Admission Test (CAT) for the students to get admission to the most prestigious management institute.
This common admission test (CAT) is conducted to get admission to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) course in one of the world’s best management institutes.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level examination, i.e., any student from any corner of the world can apply for this admission test to get admission to the MBA course offered by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Common Admission Test (CAT) comprises one multiple-choice question and non-multiple choice questions.
In this article, you will get to know every detailed difference between IPMAT and CAT.
There is no actual way to decide the winner for IPMAT vs CAT, as both are at their best from different perspectives. Still, if you want a comparison, here is what the CAT vs IPMAT looks like.
Check out the table below to know the major differences between IPMAT and CAT:
Parameters | IPMAT | CAT |
Conducting Body | The Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM Indore) | The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) |
Exam Level | National Level exam | National Level Exam |
Programs Offered | Foundation Courses in Maths & Statistics, Game Theory, Optimization, Mathematical Modelling, Micro and Macro-economics, Indian Economy, Econometrics, International Trade | Post Graduate Programme (PGP), Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), Executive MBA (ePGP, PGPEx) |
Participating Institutes | The Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM Indore) | The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). |
Frequency of Exam | Once a year | Once a year |
Eligibility | The students who have passed their 10 + 2 from a recognized board or any equivalent examination in 2020, 2021, or 2023 are eligible to apply for this examination. The General and NC – OBC category students must have scored a minimum of 60% aggregate in class 10 and class 12. | The students who have passed their 10 + 2 from a recognized board and completed their graduation or any equivalent examination in 2020 and 2021 are eligible to apply for this exam. The student must score a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their bachelor’s degree to qualify for this examination. |
Appearing Candidates (2021) | 15,000 + | 1,92,000 (35% females and 65% males) |
Subjects in Exam | Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. |
Number of Questions | Total of 120 questions (Quantitative Ability has 40 questions, logical reasoning has 40 questions, and Verbal Ability has 40 questions) | Total of 66 questions (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension contains 24 questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning contains 20 questions, Quantitative Aptitude contains 20 questions). |
The Language of Paper | English and Hindi | English and Hindi |
Duration of Examination | 2 hours (120 minutes - 40 minutes for each section) | 2 hours (120 minutes - 40 minutes for each section). |
Mode of Examination | Online | Online |
Question Pattern | Multiple choice questions with one correct answer. | Multiple Choice Questions and non-multiple choice questions |
Marks Allocation | 4 marks will be given for each correct answer, 1 mark will be cut for every wrong answer, and 0 marks will be given for unanswered questions. | 3 marks will be given for each correct answer, and 1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer. |
Total Marks Allocated | 480 Marks | 198 marks |
IPMAT and CAT are some of the strongest entrance examinations in India. Both exams are highly respected and hold equal importance. However, there are major differences that the two hold and exam pattern is one of them.
To increase your preparation level, you should opt for IPMAT Online Coaching and CAT Online coaching.
The table below shows the IPMAT vs CAT exam pattern: -
Check out the table below to learn the detailed IPMAT Exam Pattern.
Specifications | IPMAT 2023 |
Exam Mode | Online |
Subjects | Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability |
Type of Questions | Quantitative Ability - 40 multiple choice questions, Logical Reasoning - 40 multiple choice questions, and Verbal Ability - 40 multiple choice questions |
Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
Duration of Exam | 2 hours (120 minutes - 40 minutes for each section) |
Total Marks | 480 Marks |
Marking Scheme | For MCQs: +4 for each correct response; -1 for each incorrect response; Unattempted questions will not be marked. |
Particulars | Details |
Mode of Examination | Online |
Medium of Examination | English and Hindi |
Duration of the Exam | 2 hours (120 minutes - 40 minutes for each section) |
Subjects | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. |
Number of Questions | 66 Questions |
Type of questions | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension - 24 multiple-choice questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning - 20 multiple-choice questions, Quantitative Aptitude - 22 multiple-choice questions. |
Total Marks | 198 Marks |
Marking Scheme | For MCQs: +4 for each correct response; -1 for each incorrect response; Unattempted questions will not be marked. |
Check: IPMAT Preparation Strategy from Class 11
IPMAT vs CAT is the optimal topic if you are confused about whether to go for a regular master's degree or an integrated program. Both exams have different outcomes; some favour one's needs while others don't. So do plan your future for these exams wisely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPMAT better than CAT?
IPMAT and CAT are two different examinations. IPMAT is for the students who have passed their 10 + 2 and want to do Law. And CAT is for the students who have cleared their graduation with 50% aggregate marks and want to do a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from IIM. so, we can’t say who is better because both are best in their fields.
Which is the best college for the MBA?
The best college for MBA (Master of Business Administration) is the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
Can I join IIM without IPMAT and CAT?
No, you can’t join IIM without IPMAT or CAT because these two are the entrance exam for the courses offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Both the exams have an equal significance in the field of law and mba. You can only appear for one of them at one time.
Is the IPMAT exam easier than the CAT?
The aptitude section is very easy. Gk and logic questions are easy to crack. The verbal ability section isn't very demanding and is just a basic approach.
Which management course is best after class 12th?
The following are some of the best courses that you can go for after class 12th: