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CAT vs MAT 2026: What is the Difference between CAT and MAT Exam 2026
July 16, 2026
Overview: There are numerous MBA exams in our country. While the CAT is the most common entrance exam for admission into IIMs, over 20,000 candidates appear for the MAT exam every year, allowing students to secure admission in one of the 600 B-schools. So, what is the difference between CAT and MAT exam? Let's see in this article!
- The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) are two of India's most popular entrance exams for admission to an MBA.
- The CAT, conducted by the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), serves as the gateway to their flagship Postgraduate Programs in Management.
- On the other hand, the MAT, conducted by the esteemed All India Management Association (AIMA), opens doors to over 600 B-schools across India.
- The credibility and reputation of these institutions make these exams highly sought after.
Let’s begin by examining the CAT vs MAT exams in detail.
Table of Contents
- Difference Between CAT and MAT Exam: Understand the Basics
- Difference Between CAT and MAT Exam 2026
- Difference Between CAT and MAT Exam 2026: Colleges Accepting Scores
- Conclusion
Difference Between CAT and MAT Exam: Understand the Basics
Before going ahead and understanding the difference between the CAT vs MAT exams, you must have basic knowledge about both exams.
What is CAT exam 2026?
- 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 annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
- The CAT exam is a comprehensive test that evaluates a candidate’s aptitude in quantitative ability, data interpretation, verbal ability, and logical reasoning.
- Top MBA colleges in India use the CAT scores vs percentiles to shortlist candidates for their MBA programs.
What is MAT exam 2026?
- 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.
- Conducted four times a year in February, May, September and December, the MAT exam offers flexibility in choosing the exam date.
- The MAT exam pattern assesses the candidate’s aptitude in language comprehension, mathematical skills, data analysis and interpretation, intelligence, and critical reasoning, as well as their understanding of the Indian and global environment.
Difference Between CAT and MAT Exam 2026
As you can see from the table, CAT vs MAT differ in terms of their eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabi.
The CAT is a more competitive exam that focuses mainly on quantitative, logical, and verbal abilities.
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 |
+1 and -0.25 |
+3 and -1 |
| 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 |
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.
Difference Between CAT and MAT Exam 2026: Colleges Accepting Scores
Here is a list of Colleges Accepting CAT Scores in 2026
Colleges Accepting MAT Scores
| MAT MBA Colleges |
| BIMTECH Greater Noida |
| JAGSoM |
| XIME Bangalore |
| Rajagiri Business School, Kochi |
| Woxsen University Hyderabad |
| Jaipuria Lucknow & Noida |
| Indus Business Academy - IBA Bangalore |
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Conclusion
Overall, the Primary Difference between CAT and MAT exams is that they are two popular entrance exams for management education in India. While IIM conducts CAT, MAT is conducted by AIMA.
Both exams differ in their eligibility criteria, exam patterns, durations, and syllabi. Candidates should decide which exam to take based on their eligibility and preferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Zubeen Siddiqui
Content Writer | MBA & CAT Preparation
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