Which Exam is easier to crack, MAT 2022 or CAT?
A postgraduate degree in management, like an MBA, is an attractive career option after graduation. The complexities of running a modern industrial enterprise or a business have increased the demand for qualified professionals. As a result, the number of MBA aspirants is rapidly rising.
Admission to most business schools across India happens through a multi-tier selection process, with an entrance test being the first level. The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) and the Common Admission Test (CAT) are two of the most popular and significant entrance tests for a B-school admission. The MAT 2022 and the CAT are designed to ascertain a candidate’s aptitude for undergoing management studies at the post-graduation level.
CAT Exam
The Common Admission Test, CAT exam, is another national-level management entrance test conducted by one of the Indian Institutes of management by rotation.
Starting as an entrance test for the IIMs, today, over 1200 institutes use the CAT score to finalise MBA admissions. Graduates with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate or an equivalent CGPA (45 % for the reserved category candidates) are eligible for the CAT. Candidates appearing for the final graduation exams are also eligible to apply.
MAT Exam
The All India Management Association, AIMA, conducts the MAT as a national level test. Graduates in any subject are eligible for the test, including final year students.
Candidates can write the MAT in three different test modes; a paper-based test (PBT) or the Computer-based Test (CBT), or a Remote proctored Internet-based Test (IBT).
MAT is conducted four times a year, usually in February, May, September and December, in 50+ cities in India. The score remains valid for one year. There are over 600 participating institutes that use the MAT score for admission. The first MAT 2022 is scheduled for early March.
Which is Easier to Crack, CAT or the MAT?
To find out the answer, let us examine a few standard parameters for both the exams:
Parameter | MAT | CAT |
Test Pattern | Five sections- each with forty questions | Three sections- about 60 -70 questions |
Test Sections | 1) Language Comprehension
2)Maths skill 3)Data analysis and Sufficiency 4)Intelligence and Critical Reasoning 5)Indian & Global Environment |
1) QA or ,Quantitative Analysis
2)DILR,Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning 3)VARC, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
Test Duration | 150 minutes | 120 minutes |
Time Limitation | Section-wise suggested time | Section- wise FIXED time; say,if 40 mins is allowed for each section, screen will move to the next one after allotted time |
Marking System | 1 for each correct answer
and (-)0.25 for wrong ones |
3 for each correct answer
and (-)1 for incorrect ones |
Difficulty level | Relatively easy and simple | Tough |
The CAT is recognised as a tough test but with high rewards for good performance- admission to the IIMs and several top-of-the-line MBA programmes acknowledged for their quality of teaching and placements.
Why is the CAT a tough test?
First, the questions demand a clear understanding of the principles and concepts; you cannot get through selective preparation. Next, the sectional time limits directly raise the difficulty level. You are under pressure to answer correctly within the allotted time, unlikely to be of more than a minute and a half. Further, the test pattern is not the same every year, and you cannot be sure of the type of questions in advance.
How can I crack the CAT or the MAT?
Systematic preparation will help you face the challenges of the tests confidently. The formula for success in either CAT or MAT is quick thinking and prompt and accurate response.
BYJUs exam prep offers a comprehensive online CAT learning programme that systematically prepares candidates with live classes, study materials, and mock tests. Multiple revisions and simulated tests under the guidance of expert teachers is the reason for the success of the BYJUs exam prep programme.
Multiple revisions and simulated tests under the guidance of expert teachers is the reason for the success of the BYJUs exam prep program.
Read More – CAT Exam tougher
Passionate Writer, Blogger and Amazon Affiliate Expert since 2014.