NMAT vs CAT Syllabus: Know Differences & Similarities

Yes, the NMAT is easier than the CAT exam. This is due to the following reasons:

1. There is no negative marking in the NMAT unlike one-third negative marking for wrong answers in the CAT.
2. You can do guess marking in a last-minute rush and get three marks even if only one choice is right.
3. NMAT allows you to schedule the order of sections during the test. This makes it easier to attempt the sections for which you are well prepared.
4. According to the updated pattern, the CAT has only 66 questions, compared to the NMAT's 108 questions, but the level of difficulty is higher.
5. The CAT is a concept-based exam where you need to understand each question, and therefore, you need accuracy as well as speed in this exam.
6. The competition in the NMAT is less than that in the CAT. As most MBA aspirants aim for IIM.

CAT exam is a national level MBA entrance exam conducted by the IIM. Every year, over 2.3 lakh candidates apply for it. Since the last two years, the competition has increased further with oveer 3 lakh candidates applying for the exam.

The CAT score is accepted by the Iims and all top MBA colleges in India. To select the best candidates from over 3 lakh test takers there is a need for stringent criteria. That's why, the CAT exam is tougher than other MBA entrance exams. Even though the syllabus of CAT is same as that of other MBA entrance exams, the question paper set by the IIM faculty always has tough questions. Moreover, CAT has sectional time limit for each section which is not there in any other exam except XAT. Having a time limit for each section adds pressure on candidates to complete solving adequate number of questions in a section within the time limit. If a student is weak in a particular subject, they can't use the time as per their need. CAT's Reading Comprehension passages are long and dense unlike other MBA exams. This is one more reason why most candidates feel CAT is tougher than any other MBA entrance exam.

Yes, preparation for NMAT and SNAP can be done together as most of the syllabus of both the exams are identical. Candidates are always recommended to appear for both the exams together if you are planning to give any one. Both NMAT and SNAP have four broad sections, that include Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability and Language skills. The names of these sections can change across different exams but are identical in relation to the MBA entrance exams.

Although one can prepare for all MBA entrance exams simultaneously, candidates must tweak the preparation strategy and fine tune a particular type of questions that are seen typically in each of the entrance exam. Some of the tips top prepare for both NMAT and SNAPT simultaneously are as follows:

1. Begin by practicing conceptual questions with easy to moderate level difficulty.
2. Learn about a lot of tips and tricks which can be used for both NMAT and SNAP. This saves a lot of time while attempting questions.
3. Once the concept is clear, one must move on to moderate to tough questions. Transitioning from easy to difficult questions will help candidates preparing for different MBA entrance exams.
4. Candidates must appear for mock tests of both NMAT and SNAP to get the clarity in terms of the pattern, difficulty standards, type of questions, and more.
5. Start with NMAT mock tests as NMAT exam typically commences in the month of October, while the SNAP exam date lies around December.

Taking the mock tests for both SNAP and NMAT will provide a base to develop an exam day strategy for both the exams.

CMAT syllabus is somewhat same as CAT syllabus. It has two extra subjects, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and General Awareness. However, these two subjects are not tough and can be covered alongside Quantitative Aptitude, English and Logical Reasoning. Despite having less subjects CAT is tougher than CMAT.