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Willing to study management programs offered by top institutes in India? IPMAT and CAT exams are mainly held for students who are willing to take up a career in management courses. These entrance exams evaluate students based on the marks obtained in their examinations and offer colleges accordingly. However, both IPMAT vs CAT differ in terms of their eligibility criteria, exam syllabus, exam pattern, difficulty level, competitions and acceptance of scores. To know more about IPMAT vs CAT, continue reading the blog post below.
Must Read: Everything you need to know about CAT Exam
IPMAT vs CAT: An Overview 2025
CAT and IPMAT, both are top management entrance exams in India. However, they differ in multiple aspects. The pointers listed briefly below give an overview of both IPMAT vs CAT:
- CAT is an entrance exam for postgraduate studies while IPMAT is an undergraduate exam for 5-year integrated programs.
- The CAT exam pattern entails more sections than the IPMAT exam.
- The CAT scores are accepted by all IIMs and top management institutes across India. On the other hand, IPMAT scores are accepted by specific IIMs and institutes in India.
- The CAT exam is the most competitive entrance exam in India. However, the difficulty level of the IPMAT is moderate as compared to the CAT exam.
Also Read: Is SNAP Tougher than CAT? Know the Difference between Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Major Differences Between IPMAT vs CAT 2025
Since both CAT and IPMAT are at their best from different angles, there is no way to determine which is a better exam to attempt. Nevertheless, this is how the CAT and IPMAT compare if you’d want.
| Particulars | CAT | IPMAT |
| Conducting Body | The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) | The Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM Indore) |
| Exam Level | National Level | National Level |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year | Once a Year |
| Exam Mode | Online | Online |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours | 2 Hours |
| Total Marks | 480 | 198 |
| Exam Syllabus | Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability | Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude |
| Programs Offered | Foundation Courses in Maths & Statistics, Indian Economy, Econometrics, International Trade, Game Theory, Optimization, Mathematical Modelling, Micro and Macro-economics | Post Graduate Programme (PGP), Executive MBA (ePGP, PGPEx), Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) |
| Eligibility | Candidates having 10+2 from a recognized board or any equivalent examination in 2020, 2021, or 2024. Candidates in General and NC – OBC category students must have scored a minimum of 60% aggregate in class 10+2 | Candidates having 10 + 2 from a recognized board. Candidates having their graduation or any equivalent examination in 2020 and 2021 are eligible for application. Candidates must score a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their bachelor’s degree to qualify for this examination. |
Also Read: Arihant CAT Books: Overview and Other Management Exam Books
Similarities Between IPMAT vs CAT 2025
As we know the differences between IPMAT vs CAT, we have curated another table of contents illustrating similarities between both exams.
| Particulars | IPMAT | CAT |
| Exam Purpose | Admission to Integrated Program in Management at top IIMs | Admission to MBA/PGDM programs in IIMs and other business schools in India. |
| Syllabus | Includes Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability | Consists of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
| Type of Questions | MCQs and Short Answers | MCQs |
| Eligibility Criteria | Higher Secondary Education or Equivalent | Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to High | High |
Also Read: How to Attempt the Logical Reasoning Section of IPMAT?
Exam Pattern for IPMAT vs CAT 2025
The exam pattern for IPMAT and CAT differs. The exam pattern is established by the exam conducting authority. Refer to the table given below to know the differences between the IPMAT exam pattern and the CAT exam pattern.
| Particulars | CAT | IPMAT |
| Exam Mode | Online | Online |
| Type of Questions | MCQs | MCQs and Short Answer |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Exam Medium | English and Hindi | English and Hindi |
| Total Marks | 198 marks | MCQs and Short Answers |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for each correct response -1 for each incorrect response | +3 for each correct response- 1 for each incorrect response |
Also Read: Is CAT Easier Than CMAT? Know Differences & Similarities
Related Reads on Management Exams
FAQs
The IPMAT is renowned for its moderate level of difficulty, but the CAT is one of India’s most difficult management entrance tests.
Yes, IIMs accept IPMAT scores and offer the IPM program.
Whereas MBA examinations are for postgraduate management studies, IPMAT is an admission exam for a five-year integrated management program.
For more informative blogs, check out our Management Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.