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CAT and CMAT are the most common management exams in India opted by students. The scores of both examinations are accepted by multiple management colleges. However, the CAT is considered India’s most difficult competitive exam. It consists of challenging questions and needs lots of preparation. On the other hand, the CMAT exam entails questions that are easy and less difficult to solve. Continue reading the blog article below to learn more about Is CAT Easier than CMAT?
Table of Contents
CAT vs CMAT Similarities
Both the examination is held in various cities and for MBA schools. Check the table given below to learn about the similar components of the CMAT and CAT examinations.
| Components | CAT VS CMAT Details |
| Exam Mode | Online Computer-based |
| Exam Medium | English |
| Exam Frequency | Once in Every Year |
| Negative Marking | Yes |
| Course for admission | MBA/PGDM |
| Level of Exam | National |
Also Read: CMAT Exam– Notification, Exam Dates, Application Form (Direct Link)
Which is Better CAT or CMAT?
Both exams are an optimal choice for MBA aspirants. However, CAT needs a dedicated study. CMAT can be prepared with less pressure as compared to the CAT exam. CMAT is a low-difficulty level exam. Moreover, the CAT and CMAT have very similar syllabi, candidates can opt for both examinations as well.
Also Read: CMAT Eligibility Criteria: Key Highlights, Age Limit, Educational Qualification
About CAT
As compared to other management exams, the CAT exam is considered to be the premier exam and its difficulty level keeps increasing each year. For most of the management aspirants, it is considered a priority. CAT examines the aspirant’s verbal, quantitative and reasoning skills. Moreover, IIMs have made CAT scores mandatory for aspirants. Refer to the table given below for more information.
| Full Name | Common Admission Test |
| Exam Level | National |
| Pattern of Exam | Computer-Based Test with MCQs |
| Number of Exam Cities | 155 |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Fees | General INR 2300SC/ST/OBS INR 1150 |
| Eligibility | Graduate with 50% marks (general) and 45% marks (SC/ST students) |
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About CAT Exam
About CMAT
The CMAT can be taken up by aspirants without any pressure. The best part of the CMAT examination is that the time provided to complete the examination is 180 minutes, without any sectional time limit. The questions paper consists of straightforward questions and easy to solve. If you are preparing for CMAT and CAT together, the learning process will be smoother as the syllabi for both are similar.
| CMAT Exam | Details |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam frequency | Once a year |
| Exam mode | CBT |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes for optional paper |
| Exam schedule | Last week of May 2024 |
| Registration Dates | February 2024 to March 2024 |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any stream from a recognized university Final-year graduation students can also apply |
| Exam fees | INR 2,000 |
CAT and CMAT Participating Colleges
Both CAT and CMAT have over 1000+ participating institutes in India. The primary reason for the popularity for CAT is admission to top IIMs in India. The IIMs across the country only take candidates who have cleared their CAT exam successfully.
About 1300+ institutes offer MBA and PGDM programs based on CMAT as recognised by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE).
Related Reads for CAT & CMAT
FAQs
In comparison, CMAT is simpler than CAT.
It’s crucial to remember that, despite certain overlaps, the curricula of the CAT and CMAT differ significantly, particularly in the areas of advanced mathematics in the CAT and general awareness in the CMAT.
Considered to be one of the easier MBA entrance tests is the CMAT. Because the candidates have already taken other aptitude exams, it is much more tolerable because it is held after the CAT, XAT, IIFT, and NMAT.
We hope this blog provides you with all the necessary information about, Is CAT easier than CMAT? For more such informative blogs do check out our Indian exams page. If you have any queries, then Leverage Edu will be happy to assist you!