Know the Key Differences between MAT & CAT
MBA aspirants who want to take admission in top B- schools of India are preparing for numerous management entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT and many more. However, MAT and CAT are the two most popular management entrance exams in India. If both the entrance exams take you into Top B-schools, then how do they differ?
In this article, we are giving you the main differences between MAT and CAT, so that you can have a clear idea about both of them.
MAT- Management Aptitude Test:
Conducting Agency- MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA).
Times- It is held 4 times a year in the months of February, May, September and December. The MBA Aspirants can appear for the exam according to their preparation standard. They may appear for multiple times, that is 4 times a year.
Eligibility Criteria- There is no minimum percentage requirement. Aspirants who have completed their Graduation from recognised University can apply for MAT. You can also apply if you are in final year of Graduation or the final year results are awaited.
Mode of Test- MAT is held in both Online and Offline Mode i.e, Computer Based and Paper Based test.
Language- MAT Question Paper is available bilingual i.e., in English and Hindi.
Sections- MAT essentially has 4 sections- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability and Indian & Global Environment.
Questions- Total Number of Questions is 200
Marks- In MAT, a question carries a +1 mark and a 1/4th mark is deducted for incorrect responses.
Duration of Exam- The duration of is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Sectional time limit- Time pressure is not a problem in this exam as there is no sectional time limit.
Difficulty Level- The difficulty level of MAT is easy to moderate.
Scope- The score of MAT is accepted by around 600 Top B-schools.
Want to Know How to Calculate MAT Entrance Score? Click Here
CAT- Common Admission Test:
Conducting Agency- CAT is conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis.
Times- It is held only once a year. CAT 2018 is scheduled for 25th November. Aspirants can appear the test once a year.
Eligibility criteria- Aspirants need to obtain a minimum aggregate of 50% in the Bachelor’s degree for CAT. However, final year students can also apply.
Mode of Test- CAT is an Online i.e. Computer Based Test
Language- CAT Question Paper is available in English Only.
Sections- CAT contains 3 sections such as Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability.
Questions- The total number of questions in CAT is 100
Marks- In a CAT, each question carries +3 marks and 1 mark is deducted for a wrong answer.
Duration of Exam- The duration is 3 hours
Sectional Time Limit- Each Section is given 1 hour.
Difficulty Level- The Difficulty level of CAT is highest amongst all management entrance exams conducted across India.
Scope- CAT is the most essential and sought after entrance exam for admission into Top B-schools in India including IIMs and other Tier 1 B-schools.
A lot of factors are taken into consideration to take MAT or CAT. MBA Aspirants must select the exam after analysing all the factors. These management entrance exams are vital and are deciding factors which B-school you are going to join. The above mentioned key difference between CAT and MAT exam will assist you in taking the final decision.
So, make the right choice and do well in the exam. Good luck!
