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16 September, 2025
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Dr APJ Abdul Kalam once said, “Dreams are not those that you see in sleep, dreams are things which do not let you sleep.” Many students every year manifest their MBA in IIMs and other prestigious institutes and prepare for popular MBA entrance exams. Among so many entrance exams, CAT and MAT are two popular tests for admission to MBA colleges in India. However, what is the difference between CAT and MAT is often a query. Although both CAT and MAT are entrance exams for MBA admission, they vary based on various factors such as difficulty, frequency, exam duration and more.
Consider this blog a full-fledged showdown of MAT vs CAT. We have compared the essential features of the CAT vs MAT exams such as exam pattern, eligibility, difficulty level, conducting body, and so much more. Dive in to discover which MBA entrance exam is right for you.
The full form of the CAT is the Common Admission Test. This is a national-level entrance exam, organised once a year. Every year, the number of students appearing for CAT exam is over 2 lakhs. Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) conduct the CAT entrance exam to shortlist candidates for admission to their MBA and PGDM courses. Along with IIMs, CAT scores are also accepted by the top-ranked business schools across the nation for admission to their management courses. Moreover, the IIM entrance exam is a computer-based exam that tests your aptitude across three primary sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Ability (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).
The MAT exam full form is Management Aptitude Test. It is a national-level exam for admission to MBA and various management courses across top B-schools in India. All India Management Association (AIMA) is the conducting body that organises MAT, four times a year. Besides, the exam is conducted in both pen and paper & computer-based modes. It tests your quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills, including knowledge of business management and economics.
Common Aptitude Test and Management Aptitude Test significantly differ in terms of conducting body, exam frequency, difficulty level, etc. MAT difficulty level is low as compared to CAT. Here is a quick overview of key differences between the CAT and MAT entrance exams. Explore at a glance:
| Parameters | MAT Entrance Exam | CAT Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Management Aptitude Test | Common Aptitude Test |
| Conducting Body | All India Management Association | Indian Institutes of Management |
| Exam Main Purpose | Admission to Management Courses | Admission to IIMs MBA/PGDM Courses |
| Exam Duration | 150 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
| Exam Mode | Pen & Paper / CBT | CBT |
| No. of Questions | 150-200 (may vary by years and papers) | 66-68 (varies by year) |
| Total Marks | 150-200 (may vary by years and papers) | 198-204 (depends on no. of questions) |
| Frequency of Exam | Four times a year | Annually |
| Number of Sections | 5 | 3 |
| Marking Scheme | Negative Marking | Negative Marking |
CAT and MAT are two distinct entrance exams for MBA admissions to various colleges in India. The difference between CAT and MAT lies in terms of duration, frequency, pattern, marking scheme, etc. Here, we have done a detailed comparison of the MAT vs CAT exam. Let us explore:
The total duration of the MAT exam is 150 minutes, which is 2.5 hours. However, this duration may sometimes vary depending on the exam mode, ranging between 120-150 minutes. The MAT exam contains five sections, with 40 minutes allocated for each section, making the total duration 150 minutes.
CAT, on the other hand, lasts 120 minutes (2 hours). This duration is broken down into 40 minutes for each section. There are three sections in the CAT exam, giving you 40 minutes to solve each section.
MAT is available in three formats: Computer-based Test (CBT), Paper-Based Test (PBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT), and is conducted four times a year. You can choose your desired MAT exam format. It is generally organised in February, May, September, and December.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted only once a year, generally in November. Moreover, the exam is conducted in three shifts a day. Candidates need to arrive at the exam center at the specified time and shift as per their admit card.
For the MAT exam, having a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution is mandatory. There is no specific percentage requirement in graduation. CAT, however, requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with an aggregate of 50% marks from a recognised institution. Reserved category candidates can apply with 45% scores in graduation.
Both MAT and CAT are popular MBA entrance exams in India, but their exam patterns differ significantly.
The MAT exam pattern includes five sections: mathematical skills, intelligence and critical reasoning, language comprehension, data analysis and sufficiency, and global environment. You need to solve 150-200 questions within 150 minutes. Each correct answer earns +1 mark, and there is a negative marking of -0.25 for every incorrect answer.
The CAT exam pattern involves three sections: verbal ability and reading comprehension, quantitative ability, and data interpretation and logical reasoning. Based on the number of questions, the exam generally lasts 120 minutes. Every correct answer earns +3 marks, while an incorrect answer results in -1 mark. Both CAT and MAT have no negative marking for unattempted questions.
The number of questions in the MAT exam may vary by mode and year, ranging from 150-200. +1 mark is awarded for each correct answer, and -0.25 is deducted for every incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
In the CAT exam, the number of questions generally varies between 66-68. In 2019 and 2020, there were 100 and 76 questions, respectively. Each correct answer earns +3 marks, while each incorrect answer gets -1 mark. Like MAT, unattempted questions have no negative marking.
The syllabus for MAT and CAT exams is different, though some concepts may overlap. MAT exam syllabus primarily spans five sections, while CAT requires preparation for three sections. CAT generally requires a deeper understanding of concepts, critical thinking, and quick decision-making skills. Chapter-wise preparation is recommended for your desired exam. Here are the MAT and CAT exam sections, which you must prepare thoroughly:
| Exam | Sections |
|---|---|
| MAT Entrance Exam |
|
| CAT Entrance Exam |
|
MAT exam fees for one paper among IBT, CBT, and PBT are INR 1,950. It allows you to opt for two papers at a time: CBT+PBT, IBT+PBT, and CBT+IBT. If you choose to take MAT in two different exam modes, you shall have to pay INR 3,100. Notably, MAT exam fees remain the same for every candidate, regardless of their category.
On the other hand, the IIM CAT entrance exam involves one paper. The fees for the CAT exam are INR 2,300 for the General and NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Other Backward Classes) category. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD (DA) categories shall have to pay INR 1,150 for the CAT exam paper.
| Exam | Exam Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|
| MAT Entrance Exam |
|
| CAT Entrance Exam |
|
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is considered tougher than the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) exam. The CAT entrance exam has a pre-specified duration for each section. Of 120 minutes, you need to solve a section within 40 minutes, making the CAT exam even more challenging. The MAT exam, on the other hand, is known for its moderate difficulty level, and there is no strict time limit for each section. Additionally, CAT is your gateway to prestigious IIMs and top B-schools in India, whereas MAT exam scores are accepted by tier-B schools in India.
Check out the names of the five best colleges that accept scores from MAT vs CAT. Take a look:
| Colleges for CAT Exam | Colleges for MAT Exam |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | BIMTECH Noida |
| IIM Bangalore | Amity University, Noida |
| MDI Gurgaon | XIME Bangalore |
| FMS Delhi | OP Jindal Global University |
| SPJIMR, Mumbai | IPE Hyderabad |
Both the MAT and CAT entrance exams are excellent choices for admission to an MBA course. Choosing the best depends on your institution’s preferences and the difficulty level of exams. If you are aiming for prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT is the right choice. However, if IIMs are not your priority and you are seeking MBA admissions to any one of the top B-schools in India, MAT could be your go-to exam.
Pro Tip: It is recommended to appear for both exams as the aptitude tests have similarities in terms of major focus concepts. This also increases your chances of entering a top-notch management college.
CAT vs MAT, both are the most sought-after exams in India for MBA admissions. Every year, thousands of candidates appear for the CAT exam in the hope of paving the way to top-tier B-schools across India, such as IIMs, IMT Ghaziabad, and MDI Gurgaon. Similarly, a large number of aspirants take the MAT entrance exam for MBA admissions to tier-B schools such as OP Jindal Global University and Amity University Noida. The choice of a better exam depends on your goals and preferences. Explore the key differences between the MAT vs CAT exams to make an informed decision.
The CAT exam is better if your target institutions are IIMs. You can opt for MAT, which may have a relatively easier exam pattern than CAT, for admissions to top business schools in India other than IIMs.
Common Aptitude Test (CAT) is generally considered tougher than the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) exam as it contains more complex questions with a high difficulty level that require strong critical thinking and analysis skills. The MAT exam has lower difficulty level questions than the CAT.
No, IIMs do not consider MAT exam scores as they exclusively accept CAT scores. However, various other top business and management schools in India accept MAT exam scores for admission to MBA and other management courses. You can perform individual research for your desired college if it accepts MAT or GMAT scores.
No, MAT and CAT syllabi are not the same, but they do share some similarities in sections like verbal comprehension, reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. CAT generally has a more complicated exam structure than MAT.
Absolutely, there are many top-notch colleges that provide MBA admissions solely based on management quota, not requiring any entrance exam. You can also consider an online or distance MBA from renowned universities like Amity, Jain, or Manipal.
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