| Updated On - May 30, 2024
Choosing between CMAT vs CAT can be a tedious task for students who are looking for an MBA or PGDM admission 2024. However, students should know that both exams are accepted in the top B-Schools in India, however, for IIMs, only CAT is preferred. Also, both are national-level examinations and are conducted online. Besides this, there are also differences between CAT and CMAT, which are discussed in this article.
CMAT vs CAT: Comparison
A detailed comparison between CMAT and CAT is provided below. Students can check, the similarities and differences for multiple parameters.
CMAT vs CAT: Similarities
There are a few similarities between CAT and CMAT. These are discussed in the table below -
| Particular | Exam Similarities |
|---|---|
| Exam Level | National |
| Focus | MBA/PGDM |
| Medium | English |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Age Limit | No Upper age limit |
| Exam Type | Objective |
| Frequency | Once in a year |
CMAT vs CAT: Differences
The basic differences between CAT and CMAT are provided in a tabular format below -
| Particulars | CAT | CMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | IIM | NTA |
| Type of Questions | MCQs + TITA | MCQs only |
| Registration | July - September | February - March |
| Exam Month | November | Feb - May |
| Number of Section | 3 sections | 5 sections |
| Total Questions | 66 | 100 |
| Sectional Time | 40 mins | Nil |
| Total Time | 180 mins | 120 mins |
| Difficulty Level | high | moderate |
| Marks per questions | +4 | +4 |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in | nta.ac.in |
CMAT vs CAT: Sectional Details
Most management exams have the same sections for the examinations, and the sections for CAT and CMAT are mentioned here -
CAT Exam Sections
The sections included in the CAT exam are:
| Sections | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 66 |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | 72 |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 66 | 198 |
CMAT Exam Sections
The exam sections for the CMAT are:
| Section | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
CMAT vs CAT: Syllabus
For CAT vs CMAT, there are differences in the syllabus. Students can check the syllabus differences below.
CAT Syllabus
Details about the CAT Syllabus are provided below.
CAT VARC Syllabus
CAT VARC Syllabus is divided into several sections including reading comprehension, parajumbles, para summary, para completion, and odd sentence. The paper comprises questions from topics such as -
| Essence of short paragraph/summary | Jumbled paragraphs |
| Odd sentences in jumbled paragraphs | Error correction in the verb, noun, pronoun, adjective, adverb, and other parts of speech in sentences |
| Correcting the sequence of sentences in articles such as giving the correct usage of conditional statements, time clauses, reported speech, and passive writing | Use of vocabulary in selecting the correct pair of words |
| Filling in blanks with appropriate vocabulary | Use of vocabulary in RC passages to identify the right synonyms and antonyms |
| Completing the last statements of paragraphs | Critical reasoning |
| Analogies | Usage of phrasal verbs |
| Facts, inference, and judgment | Sentence completion |
| Irrelevant sentences | - |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The Quany syllabus is a bit different from CMAT and is provided below -
| Coordinate Geometry | Mensuration | LCM and HCF |
| Set Theory and Function | Probability | Quadratic and Linear Equations |
| Number System | Averages | Complex Numbers |
| Ratio, Proportion, and Variation | Speed, Time, and Distance | Geometry |
| Compound Interest | Profit, Loss, and Discount | Algebra |
| Trigonometry | Permutation and Combination | Progressions and Series |
| Quantitative Aptitude Questions | Quantitative Aptitude Shortcut Techniques for CAT | Number System Shortcut for CAT |
| Shortcuts in Averages | Remainder Concepts | Circles |
| Factorials | Power Cycle | Relatives Speed |
| Arithmetic Progression | Polygons | Harmonic Progression |
| Quadrilaterals | Points, Lines, and Planes | Circles |
| Angles | Geometric Progression | Weighted Average |
| Graphical Division Geometry | Similar Triangles | Derangement |
| Applications of Averages | Conditional probability | Application of Power Cycle |
| Constant Product Rule | Laws in Set Theory | Properties of Ratio |
| Triangles | Boats and Streams for CAT | Escalator Questions for CAT |
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Syllabus
The CAT DILR syllabus includes:
| Seating Arrangement | 2D/3D Spaces | Routes and Networks |
| Scheduling | Venn Diagrams | Team Formation |
| Selections | Puzzles | Games and Tournaments |
CMAT Syllabus
The syllabus of CMAT is different from CAT. Students can check the syllabus for CMAT below:
| Sections | Topic |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | Jumbled Paragraphs, Reading Comprehension, English Grammar, Sentence Correction, Paragraph Completion, Idioms and Phrases, English Usage Errors, Sentence Improvement, One-word substitution, Synonyms, Antonyms, Phrases |
| Logical Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning, Statement Assumptions, Analogy Test, Inferences, Statement Arguments, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Cause and Effects, Statement and Conclusion, Blood Relationship, Symbol Based Problems, Sequencing, Matrix Arrangements, Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Direction and Distance Test, Ranking Tests |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | Number Systems, Fraction and Decimals, Geometry, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Tabulation, Partnership, Simple Interest, and Compound Interest Probability, Profit and Loss, Percentages, Mensuration, Averages, Work and Time, Graph, Ratios and Proportion of Line, Pipes and Cisterns, Time-Speed-Distance, Allegations and Mixtures, Permutations and Combinations, Algebra Pie Chart, Bar Charts |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Budget & Economic Survey, Business current affairs, New Investments & Opportunities, Important Events & Developments related to the financial & economic sectors, Schemes and Policies related to Entrepreneurship and business promotion, Startups & Innovation, Banking regulation, organizations & reforms, general economy, and current affairs. |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs of National and International Economy, Personalities in News, Indian Constitution, Sports News, Trade Awareness, Politics, History, Culture, Geography, Economics, Sports Science in Everyday Life |
CMAT vs CAT: Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for CAT and CMAT is a little different. For instance, the CMAT doesn't have TITA questions, and both exams have objective-type questions.
| Parameters | CMAT | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Question Type | MCQ | MCQ + TITA |
| Total Sections | 5 | 3 |
| Marks per Question | 4 | 3 |
| Total Questions | 100 | 66 |
CMAT vs CAT: Top Colleges
Top B-Schools accept both CAT and CMAT exams. However, students who are focusing only on the IIMs must appear for the CAT, as it is the only acceptable exam. Regardless, students can check the top colleges for CAT and CMAT below.
Hence, students can opt for both CMAT and CAT for their MBA. However, students note that not all colleges accept the CMAT score, and hence, it is important to check the entrance exam required, with the colleges. Regardless, in comparison with CMAT vs CAT, CAT holds a higher prestige, and it is also the most widely accepted MBA entrance examination.
CMAT vs CAT: FAQs
Ques. Do CAT and CMAT have the same syllabus?
Ans. No, the syllabus for CAT and CMAT are a little different. Although there are a few sections that coincide, the difficulty level of the CAT is higher than that of CAT.
Ques. Which is hard, CAT or CMAT?
Ans. Among CAT and CMAT, CAT is a tougher exam to crack. Also, the difficulty level of CMAT is moderate, whereas for CAT it is high.
Ques. Is CMAT accepted by IIM?
Ans. IIMs only accept CAT scores. Hence, students willing to study in IIMs must appear for the CAT exam. However, students willing to complete their MBA can appear for the CMAT, as it is also a widely accepted exam.
Ques. Is CMAT easy to crack?
Ans. CMAT exam is considered of moderate difficulty level. So, with preparation and dedication, students can ace the CMAT exam.
Ques. CMAT vs CAT which is better?
Ans. While comparing CMAT vs CAT for MBA, CAT is a better choice. However, it totally depends on the preference of the students. Both exams are accepted in top B-Schools and are also widely popular among students.
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