CMAT vs ATMA: Which Exam is Best for MBA?

5 minute read
10 shares
CMAT vs ATMA

Choosing the right entrance exam for pursuing an MBA can be an important decision for your future career aspirations. The CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) and ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions) are two popular options in India. Both exams are designed to evaluate your aptitude in areas like quantitative techniques, language skills, and logical reasoning. Nevertheless, they differ in structure and acceptance by various business schools. Moreover, understanding these differences can help you decide which exam matches your strengths and the MBA programs you aim to join. Check the blog post below and get an idea about the major differences between CMAT vs ATMA. 

Differences Between CMAT vs ATMA

While CMAT scores are widely accepted by many business schools across India, ATMA is recognized by a significant number of institutions as well. However, comprehending these differences can help students decide which test aligns better with their strengths and career goals. Check the table given below for an overview of the CMAT and ATMA exams. 

ParticularsCMATATMA
Exam NameCommon Management Admission Test (CMAT)AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA)
Conducting BodyNational Testing AgencyAssociation of Indian Management Schools (AIMS)
Exam LevelNationalNational Level
Exam frequencyThird week of May (tentative)4-5 times a year
Exam modeNationalCentre-Based Online Mode
DurationOnce a year3 Hours



Syllabus
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability, General AwarenessInnovation and EntrepreneurshipAnalytical Reasoning Skills, Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills


Exam Pattern


100 questions in MCQ format
Consists of 180 MCQs where a +1 mark is awarded for a correct answer and 0.25 marks are deducted for an incorrect answer.
Exam MediumEnglishEnglish
Exam feesINR 2,000 (General category male)INR 1,000 (General category female/reserved category students)INR 1,500
Exam purposeAdmission to 1,300 MBA collegesAdmission into 756 colleges
Course offeredMBA/PGDMMBA, PGDM, MCA, PGDBA
No. of test cities124102 test cities (new exam centres added)
Exam date                                                        – Session 1: 18-Feb-2024Session 2: 25-May-2024Session 3: 23-Jun-2024Session 4: 21-Jul-2024
Official websitehttps://cmat.nta.nic.in/https://www.atmaaims.com/

Also Read: CMAT Exam: Latest Update, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern

CMAT vs ATMA: Eligibility Criteria

Both exams are designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude for management education, but the exact criteria might slightly vary, so it’s always best to check the specific details for the year you plan to apply.

CMATATMA
The aspirant must have completed graduation or equivalent degree from a recognised university.Candidates applying for the ATMA exam should be a citizen of India.
The aspirant must have completed graduation or equivalent degree from a recognised university.Any graduate with a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate or equivalent CGPA, from a recognised university, is eligible to apply.
Final year graduation students are also eligible to apply for CMAT Exam.Candidates who are in their final year of graduation can apply provisionally.
There is no upper age limit for CMAT. Freshers as well as working professionals can appear for CMAT.There is no age limit.

Also Read: ATMA Eligibility Criteria: Details (Out), Qualification, Age Limit

CMAT vs ATMA: Syllabus

While both tests consider similar skills, their structure and emphasis differ, making it essential for candidates to understand the specific requirements of each to prepare effectively.

CMATATMA
Quantitative Techniques & Data InterpretationAnalytical Reasoning Skills – 1
Logical ReasoningVerbal & Quantitative Skills – 1
Language ComprehensionAnalytical Reasoning Skills – 2
General AwarenessVerbal Skills – 2
Innovation & EntrepreneurshipQuantitative Skills – 2

Also Read: CMAT Syllabus: Check Section-wise Important Topics

CMAT vs ATMA: Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

Knowing the differences between marking schemes, subjects and exam duration makes it easier for the candidates to understand about the exam pattern followed as prescribed by the exam conducting committee. Comprehending these differences can support learners better prepare and decide which exam aligns with their strengths.

ParticularCMATATMA
Number of sections in the examQuantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, English Language, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and ( Innovation and Entrepreneurship)Total – 5 SubjectsAnalytical Reasoning Skills – I, Verbal Skills – I, Quantitative Skills – I, Analytical Reasoning Skills – II, Verbal Skills –II, Quantitative Skills – II) – 3 Subjects
Mode of the examOnline examOnline exam
Duration of the Exam 180 minutes and +30 minutes for the optional paper180 minutes or 3 hours
Number of Exam Shifts2 shifts ( 9 Am to 12 Pm and 3 Pm to 6 PM)      —          –
Total Number of Questions100+25180
Marking Scheme for CMAT+4 for the right answer–1 for the incorrect one+1 mark for each correct answer-0.25 for every wrong answer
Language of ExamEnglishEnglish

Also Read: CMAT Exam Pattern: Duration, Marking Scheme, Subjects

CMAT vs ATMA: Best Preparation Books

A good preparation method involves practising with previous years’ question papers and taking mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam patterns and improve time management.

CMATATMA
The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK SinhaA Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CATFast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission Into IIMsObjective General English – RS Aggarwal
Business English and Communication by John O E ClarkEnglish is Easy – Chetan Anand Singh
Economic Times – The Financial TimesWord Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

Also Read: 15+ List of Colleges Accepting ATMA Score

MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT vs ATMA Exam Scores

These exams help students in securing for admission based on their performance. CMAT and ATMA are designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude in areas such as quantitative techniques, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness. Furthermore, this makes it easier for institutions to identify suitable candidates for their MBA courses.

CMATATMA
Birla Institute of Technology, MesraSchool of Management, Manipal University
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), MumbaiInternational School of Management & Research, Pune
BIMTECH, Greater NoidaSchool of Management, Manipal University
Goa Institute of Management, GoaISBR Business School, Bangalore
KIIT School of ManagementJagan Institute Of Management Studies, Rohini
Institute of Management Technology (IMT), HyderabadASM’s Institute of International Business & Research, Pune
Christ University, BengaluruXavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship ( XIME), Bengaluru

Read More Related Blogs

How To Prepare for the ATMA Exam?Expected Cut off Region-wise and Previous Year List
ATMA Counselling Process 2024 and Required DocumentsGMAT vs CMAT: Here’s All You Need to Know
ATMA Last-Minute Preparation Tips: July SessionHow to Prepare For CMAT: Tips, Strategy and Best Books
Is CAT Easier Than CMAT?Is CMAT Easier than CET? Know Differences

FAQs

What are CMAT and ATMA?

CMAT is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admissions to MBA and PGDM programs in India. ATMA is conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) for similar purposes.

What is the structure of the CMAT exam?

CMAT consists of four sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness. Furthermore, each section has 25 questions, making a total of 100 questions, and the exam lasts for 3 hours.

What is the marking scheme followed in the CMAT exam?

CMAT has a total of 400 marks. Each correct answer earns 4 marks, and each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark.

This was all about CMAT vs ATMA: Which Exam is Best for MBA? For more informative blogs, check out our Management Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our  Indian exams page of Leverage Edu.

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked *

*

*