CAT vs XAT vs MAT vs CMAT: Which Exam Is Right for Your PGDM Programme?
Choosing the correct CAT/MAT/XAT/CMAT Management Exam is very important for any student's PGDM journey. Each of these exams has its own pattern and difficulty level. It is essential to understand the differences between them to make decisions wisely. The chosen exam will have to align with the preferred PGDM program to be effective in the career of the student in question.
On that note, let’s find out the differences between these exams and which ones are actually suitable for a bright career ahead.
Overview of the Exams
These exams are crucial for you to get admission in the best PGDM colleges in India. Each of these exams differs in its own way. You need to understand each of them in depth to improve your chances of pursuing PGDM programs. Let us explore the basics of these exams one by one:
-
CAT : Common Admission Test, CAT, is a national-level entrance exam. It allows you to get admission in top B-Schools. It is single-handedly the biggest entrance test for MBA in the nation.
-
XAT : The complete form of XAT is the Xavier Aptitude Test. It is also a national-level entrance test conducted by Xavier Labour Relation Institute (XLRI). This exam has been conducted for more than 70 years to select students for MBA programs.
-
MAT : Management Aptitude Test, MAT, is a national entrance-level exam held by AIMA. MAT score is accepted in more than 800 MBA institutes all over India.
-
CMAT : Common Management Admission Test or CMAT is an aptitude test conducted by NTA. It is meant for PGDM/MBA courses present in government-recognised institutes.
Comparison Between the Exam Patterns
Understanding the various factors related to these exams is important for your preparation for PGDM programs. A clear differentiation between these exams will help you in choosing the right test for you based on your strengths. It will also enhance your probability of getting into the best PGDM colleges throughout the country.
Given below is a table that will help you in understanding the distinct differences between these exams. Differences are on the basis of parameters like sections, mode, duration and frequency:
| Parameters |
CAT |
XAT |
MAT |
CMAT |
| Sections |
Verbal ability and reading (VARC), Data interpretation and logical reasoning (DI & LR), Quantitative Ability (QA) |
Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative ability & data interpretation, general knowledge |
Language comprehension, data analysis and sufficiency, mathematical skills (quantitative aptitude), critical reasoning, and economic and business environment |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability, General Awareness, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (optional paper) |
| Mode |
CBT |
CBT |
CBT, IBT and PBT |
CBT |
| Duration |
2 hours |
180 minutes |
2 hours |
3 hours 30 minutes for the optional paper |
| Frequency |
Once a year |
Once a year |
Multiple times a year |
Once a year |
Question Type and Difficulty Level
These exams also differ mainly on the basis of question types and difficulty levels. It is vital to realise these variations when choosing the right exam. This will also impact your chances of getting started with PGDM courses.
-
Type of Questions
| Exam |
Type of questions |
|---|---|
| CAT |
48 MCQs and 18 non-MCQs |
| XAT |
Objective-type MCQs |
| MAT |
Objective-type MCQs |
| CMAT |
Objective-type MCQs |
-
Difficulty Level
| Exam |
Level of difficulty |
|---|---|
| CAT |
High difficulty level |
| XAT |
Moderate to high difficulty level |
| MAT |
Comparatively easier than CAT and XAT |
| CMAT |
Comparatively easier than CAT and XAT |
Who Should Take Which Exam?
Each of these exams will serve a unique purpose for you and target different aspirants. You must know which exam you should take. This will help in chalking out your preparation strategy and coordinating your preparation effectively. Find below a table that will help you understanding your target entrance exam for PGDM (MBA) Admission:
| Exam |
Target Aspirant |
|---|---|
| CAT |
Opt for this if you are targeting top B-schools like IIMs etc. |
| XAT |
This can be your preferred exam if you are targeting to get into XLRI |
| MAT |
You can apply for MAT if you are looking for flexible test dates and Tier 2 or 3 B-Schools |
| CMAT |
This can be your prioritised exam if you are aiming at affordable colleges that AICTE approves |
Conclusion
The right management entrance exam will help the candidate get admission in the best PGDM colleges all over India. Each of these exams differs in its patterns, levels of difficulty, question types, frequencies and durations. CAT and XAT can lead you to the top B-Schools pan-India.
On the other hand, MAT and CMAT will help you pursue B-schools with moderate levels of preparation. If you are looking for an institute among the top NIRF-ranked B-Schools, JIMS Rohini (http://jimsrohini.org) can be a great choice. It is NAAC and NBA accredited and ranks among the top 100 business institutes in India. In addition, the institute facilitates you with a structured curriculum for your PGDM program.
Note: The views expressed in this article are of JIMS, Rohini and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.
Note: All details of the exams in the article are mentioned with reference to the Academic Year 2025.
News & Updates
Photos & Videos
+9
Contact Details
Address
3, Institutional Area
Sector-5, (Near Rithala Metro Station)
Rohini, Delhi
Get details of Similar Colleges
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
Students can apply for direct admissions through the JIMS New Delhi page in offline or online mode. Interested students can check the guide below for the online application process:
- Open the institute page (jimsd.org).
- Click on 'Management Quota 2025'
- Choose the online application link.
- Fill out the for
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The documents below are required during the JIMS New Delhi admissions:
- Class 10th Mark sheet
- Class 12th Mark sheet
- 12th Passing certificate
- Admission Verification Form
- CET Admit Card
- Proof of Date of Birth (10th Certificate)
- GGSIPU Registration Slip
- Certificate of Qualifying Exam
- GGSIPU Allotment Letter
- Dist
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The most popular programme at JIMS New Delhi is its BBA programme. The course is extended for a duration of 3 years and is offered with affiliation with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University with admissions depending on the university's entrance exam or GGSIPU CET. Though vacant seats are also f
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
JIMS New Delhi offers admissions to the BBA course with a total seat intake of 240. These seats are divided into Morning and Evening shifts with 120 each. Also 24 of these seats are reserved for the Management Quota for students who choose to go for direct admissions.
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
For admissions to JIMS New Delhi the selection criteria is entrance exam scores such as Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University or CUET. While students who appear for GGSIPU CET are given preference compared to CUET. Students can also apply for direct admiss
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
JIMS Homoeopathic College and Hospital BHMS entry requirement is Class 12 or equivalent examination pass from a recognised board. In addition, the applicant must be 17 years of age on or before Dec 31 of the admission year. During form filling and course admission, the aspirants must hold the pass c
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 months ago
Yes, JIMS Homoepathic Medical College and Hospital has reserved seats for admission through the Telangana state government's Ayush NEET counselling. The college may have 15% All India quota seats and 85% state quota seats. Aspirants wanting to apply for the reserved seats have to submit the importan
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 months ago
In BBA, JIMS Rohini and VIPS (Delhi-NCR) are also reputed to have high rankings because of the high academics and placements. The other institutes that are highly regarded and well connected within the industry are IMS Noida, Galgotias University and GL Bajaj (Delhi-NCR). Banasthali Vidyapith Jaipur
A
Contributor-Level 8
According to the official JIMS website, both MBA and PGDM are postgraduate courses in Management. A postgraduate degree can be awarded by a University, whereas an autonomous institution can only offer the PGDM programme. JIMS specifically provides PGDM courses. In comparison Autonomous institutions have much more flexibility compared to the University system when it comes to curriculum, and faculty of pedagogy. In addition, the PGDM curriculum is usually broader and heavier with considerable emphasis on practical exposure, case studies, and soft skills training, closely aligning with the needs of industry and recruiters.