CAT vs MAT: What is the Difference Between MAT and CAT Exam?
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CAT VS MAT- CAT and MAT are two of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India. Most candidates find it difficult to decide which one to attempt. Rread here the key differences between CAT and MAT, to take that decision.
CAT vs MAT – This is not a tough choice. CAT conducted by the IIMs is accepted by nearly 1600 MBA colleges in India, which include all the top ranked ones. MAT is accepted by nearly 800 B-Schools but only a few top ranked colleges accept the score.
CAT is a very tough exam and conducted only once a year. The competition is too high with over 2.50 lakh candidates appearing for it. MAT on the other hand is easier and mode student friendly as it allows multiple attempts to improve score. So the choice between CAT and MAT should be based the target colleges as well as availability of time and resources to study.
- CAT vs MAT: Highlights
- What is the Difference Between CAT and MAT?
- CAT vs MAT: Exam Conducting Body
- CAT vs MAT: Eligibility Criteria
- CAT vs MAT: Frequency of Exam
- CAT vs MAT: Exam Pattern
- CAT vs MAT: Exam Duration
- CAT vs MAT: Difficulty Level
- CAT vs MAT: Marking Scheme
- CAT vs MAT: Exam Fee
- CAT vs MAT Exam: Key Differences
- Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score Apart from IIMs
- Top Colleges Accepting MAT scores
CAT vs MAT: Highlights
Check the key aspects of CAT and MAT listed in the table below to understand requirement for preparation.
| CAT | MAT |
|---|---|
| CAT is of high difficulty level exam | MAT is a low difficulty level exam |
| CAT requires a minimum of 9 months of preparation | MAT preparation can be done in less than 6 months |
| CAT is accepted by IIMs and all top ranked MBA colleges | MAT score is not accepted by IIMs and top MBA colleges in India |
| Most of the government institutions accepted CAT score of MBA admission | MAT score accepted by only private colleges which have registered with AIMA for student shortlisting |
CAT as everyone knows is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India. What makes MAT also a popular choice is that it offers multiple attempts to candidates to improve their score in the same academic session. If one is not satisfied with their MAT score, they can reappear in the same academic year and improve the score but other entrance exams including the CAT does not have this option. Also, CAT is much tougher than MAT.
Commonly asked questions
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.
Difficulty level of MAT exam is lower than other MBA entrance exams. The question paper is usually of easy to moderate difficulty level. The exam is now held for 120 minutes. There are now 150 questions in the exam paper. There is no sectional time limit in MAT which allows the candidate to plan a strategy according to their strengths and weaknesses. The score of Indian and Global Environment section is not considered for percentile calculation thus candidates don't have the stress of fifth section. Also, solving 150 questions is not mandatory so candidates can choose to solve only those questions which they know they can solve accurately. Sectional difficulty level of MAT is also lower than other MBA exams. Candidates can attempt the exam multiple times in the same academic year to improve their score. They also have the option to choose the mode of test - CBT, IBT, PBT - which makes it the most student friendly exam. Also, the MAT cut offs for admission are much lower as compared to other entrance exams.
CAT exam is held in about 170 cities across India. Candidates can choose up to six cities as their preferred test location. The list of test cities for CAT is available in application form. Candidates should choose the test city carefully as the request to change the test city later may or may not be accepted due to non-availability of seats at the centres in that particular city. Given below are the cities where CAT exam is usually held.
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is the third and the last section of the question paper. It has 22 questions and the total marks is 66. This section of the CAT exam is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. Most of the questions out of 22 are asked from these two topics. There are about 7-9 Algebra questions and 7-9 Arithmetic questions (the exact number varied for all three slots). Apart from these two topics, there are questions from Mensuration Modern Math and Number System in the Quantitative Aptitude section CAT. Some of the important sub topics in this section include: Arithmetic topics: Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations Averages, Percentages, Mean Median Mode, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance Algebra topics: Basics Algebraic Formulae, Number of integer solutions, Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots, Maxima and Minimal, Higher Degree Equations, Linear Equations, Problems on ages, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The smallest Value in a Maximum Function Number System topics: Finding Out Last Two Digits, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, the highest Common Factor and the lowest Common Multiple, Finding Out the Last Digit, Fermat's Theorem, Euler's Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson's Theorem, Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition/Subtraction/ Multiplication in different bases Geometry Topics: Lines and Angles, Triangles Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry Modern Math topics: Sequence and Series Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability.
What is the Difference Between CAT and MAT?
The major difference between the two is that while CAT is accepted by all top MBA colleges in India, MAT isn't. In this article, we have discussed the difference between CAT exam and MAT exam. Knowing the main differences between CAT exam and MAT exam will help you decide which exam to opt for, in this academic year.
CAT vs MAT: Exam Conducting Body
CAT: The exam is conducted annually for admissions to MBA/PGDM courses. It is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) on rotation basis. Every year, one of the top IIMs is given the responsibility to conduct the exam. CAT is a Computer Based Test (CBT) mode exam and the most popular of all MBA entrance exams.
MAT: The exam is conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA). MAT exam is conducted several times in four months (February, May, August and December) in three modes - Computer Based Test (CBT), Paper Based Test (PBT) and Internet Based Test (IBT).
Commonly asked questions
The total number of questions in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of CAT exam is 22 (as per CAT 2024 question paper). Earlier, the number of DILR questions was 20.
There is equal number of question distribution between Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, which means both sections have 11 questions each. The total marks for DILR is 66. The questions on Data Interpretation as based on Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, whereas Logical Reasoning questions are based on Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism. This section of the CAT is usually moderate in terms of difficulty level and about 12-14 correct attempts are good enough to score high marks. Some of the other important topics include Series, Proposition, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Assumptions, Clocks and Calendars, Statements, Binary Logic, Data Structures, Data Sufficiency and Data Arrangement. To score high in this section, candidates must practice a good number of practice tests and sectional mock tests. The better you learn to interpret given data and apply reasoning to a given situation, the better you get at solving related questions.
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CAT vs MAT: Eligibility Criteria
CAT eligibility criteria: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised board or university with minimum of 50 per cent aggregate or equivalent CGPA in the qualifying exam. Candidates belonging to SC, ST and PWD/DA categories must have obtained a minimum of 45 per cent aggregate.
Also Read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
MAT eligibility criteria: This exam is a boon for candidates who have scored below 50 per cent in graduation. Any graduate with passing marks can appear for MAT exam. There is neither age limit nor minimum percentage required for appearing in the exam.
Also Read: MAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
CAT vs MAT: Frequency of Exam
CAT: The exam is conducted on a single day in three sessions. Test slot is allotted to candidates by the examination body on the basis of receipt of application.
MAT: MAT is conducted multiple times in a year in four phases - February, May, September and December. Dates of IBT, PBT and CBT mode exams are different and candidates can choose one or more examination mode. CBT and PBT mode exams are conducted in single slot, while IBT is conducted in two slots. Candidates can choose IBT slots as per their preference.
Commonly asked questions
MAT and CMAT both are moderately difficulty exam, but have their own challenges. While, CMAT has one extra section Innovation and Entrepreneurship, MAT has a separate section for Data Interpretation having 30 questions. With focused preparation, you can crack either of the two that you choose.
CAT vs MAT: Exam Pattern
CAT: Candidates appearing for CAT need to solve questions from subjects like Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).
Also Read: CAT exam pattern 2026
MAT: MAT exam paper consists of questions from Indian and Global Environment, Language Comprehension, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning. The Economic and Business Environment section has GK and current affairs questions.
Also Read: MAT exam pattern 2026
CAT vs MAT: Exam Duration
CAT: The duration of CAT is 120 minutes or two hours. There is a sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section. Candidates have to follow the given sequence to solve the paper and as soon as 40 minutes of one section gets over, the computer screen jumps to the next section automatically.
Download: CAT Question Papers PDFs
MAT: Candidates need to solve 150 questions in 2 hours. There is no sectional time limit thus, candidates can solve the paper in a sequence they prefer. Scores of Economic and Business Environment section is not considered for MAT percentile calculation so candidates can attempt it in the end or leave it as per availability of time.
Download: MAT Question Papers PDFs
CAT vs MAT: Difficulty Level
CAT: Even though CAT has only 68 questions, it is regarded as one of the toughest MBA entrance exams. The question paper is usually of moderate to high difficulty level.
Also Read: CAT Exam Analysis
MAT: MAT has 150 questions but it is an easy exam. The questions in MAT are of easy to moderate difficulty level. A candidate who has prepared for CAT, can easily crack MAT.
Also Read: MAT Exam Analysis
CAT vs MAT: Marking Scheme
CAT: Total marks of CAT is 204. For every correct answer, 3 marks are awarded and there is a negative marking of -1 for every incorrect attempt. In case a candidate does not attempt a question, no marks shall be deducted. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs.
MAT: The total marks of MAT exam is 150. Every correct answer carries 1 mark, and 0.25 marks is deducted for every wrong attempt.
Also Read:
CAT vs MAT: Exam Fee
CAT: The registration fee is INR 2,600 for General and NC-OBC candidates. For SC/ST/PWD (DA) categories, the fee is INR 1,300.
MAT: The registration fee for MAT is INR 2,200 for one paper (either IBT, PBT or CBT).
CAT vs MAT Exam: Key Differences
To conclude, let us have a quick recap of difference between CAT and MAT:
| Parameters |
CAT exam |
MAT exam |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Full Form |
Common Admission Test |
Management Aptitude Test |
| Conducting body |
IIM |
AIMA |
| Eligibility |
Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 50% aggregate |
Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 50% aggregate |
| Frequency |
Once a year (November) |
Multiple times a year in February, May, August and December |
| Mode of Exam |
Computer Based Test (CBT) |
|
| Exam Sections |
|
|
| Number of sections |
3 |
5 |
| Number of questions |
68 questions |
150 questions |
| Exam Duration |
2 hours |
2 hours |
| Difficulty level |
High |
Low |
| Marking Scheme |
3 for correct answer -1 for incorrect answer |
1 for correct answer -0.25 for every incorrect answer |
| Exam Fee |
General and NC-OBC: INR 2,600 SC/ST/PwD: INR 1,300 |
All categories: INR 2,200
|
Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score Apart from IIMs
Given below is the list of top 20 MBA colleges in India accepting CAT score other than IIMs. The list includes IITs offering MBA programme through their management studies departments and schools.
| Top CAT Accepting Colleges (Non-IIMs) |
|---|
| 1. MDI, Gurgaon |
| 7. IMI, Kolkata |
| 10. IMI, Delhi |
| 12. IIT Roorkee-DoMs |
| 13. IIT Dhanbad-ISM |
| 14. IMT, Nagpur |
| 15. IPE, Hyderabad |
Also Read: List of all MBA colleges accepting CAT score
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Top Colleges Accepting MAT scores
MAT scores are accepted by over 800 MBA colleges in India. Given below is the list of colleges accepting MAT score for admission to their MBA programmes.
| Top MAT Colleges |
|---|
| 8. JIMS Rohini |
| 10. EIILM |
| 12. IILM University |
| 13. SRM University |
| 15. Jain University |
Also Read: List of all MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Score
Check out free online mock tests for CAT and MAT, created by Shiksha
Free Shiksha CAT Mock Test
| CAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Free Shiksha MAT Mock Test
| MAT_Mock_Test_1 | MAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| MAT_Mock_Test_2 | MAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
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Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
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