How Difficult is IIFT Exam as Compared to CAT Exam?
CAT vs IIFT - Both CAT exam and IIFT exam are high difficulty level tests, as compared to other MBA entrance exams. But which one is tougher? CAT or IIFT? Let's look at the differences and similarities between CAT and IIFT to know which one is tougher.
CAT exam is one of the most popular management entrance tests and is a gateway to admission in to over 1,300 B-Schools in India. On the other hand, IIFT exam is conducted by Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi for admission to its flagship programme, i.e. MBA in International Business. No other B-school accepts IIFT score for admission. Even though IIFT score is valid for admission to one institute only, thousands of MBA aspirants across the country appear for it every year, thus making it one of the top MBA entrance exams. Both CAT and IIFT entrance exam are equally challenging in their own way. Since they have different exam patterns, candidates need to adopt different preparation strategies.
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Talking about the difficulty level, both the exams are equally difficult. However, few test-takers find IIFT a little more challenging than CAT due to the additional General Knowledge section. IIFT exam is generally conducted within 7-10 days after the CAT exam, thus leaving very little time for preparation of General Knowledge section. However, if you study GK from early on, then it is pretty manageable.To help test-takers understand the similarities and difference between IIFT and CAT, Shiksha has listed down the difficulty level of both the exams.
Q: Which CAT exam slot is the toughest?
Q: How to prepare for CAT?
Preparing for the Common Admission Test CAT can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and study plan, it is possible to succeed.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for CAT:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus of CAT thoroughly. The exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
- Make a Study Plan: Once you understand the exam pattern and syllabus, make a study plan that works best for you. Allocate time for each section, and include time for revision, practice tests, and solving previous year's question papers.
- Strengthen Your Basics: CAT is a test of your fundamental concepts in Mathematics, English and Logical Reasoning. Hence, focus on building a strong foundation by revising and practicing the basic concepts.
- Read and Analyze: To improve your Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, start reading newspapers, magazines, and books regularly. Analyze the content, style, and tone of the passages to gain a better understanding of the language.
- Practice Regularly: Practice is the key to success in CAT. Solve as many practice tests and previous year's question papers as possible to get familiar with the exam pattern and build your speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: CAT is a time-bound exam, and time management is crucial. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time frame to build your speed and accuracy.
- Join a Coaching Institute: If you find it challenging to prepare for CAT on your own, consider joining a coaching institute that offers specialised coaching for CAT. They will provide you with a structured study plan, guidance, and practice tests to help you prepare for the exam.
Remember, consistency, and dedication are key to success in CAT. Keep practicing and working hard, and you will achieve your goal.
Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2024, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2022 and CAT 2023 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.
The most important things to keep in mind are:
- CAT exam mode is online
- Each question carries three marks
- There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts
The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:
- Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high
CAT vs IIFT Highlights
IIFT exam is conducted by the NTA on behalf of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. Here are the key highlights of CAT and IIFT entrance exam which are also the differentiating factors:
| Particulars |
CAT |
IIFT |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form |
Common Admission Test |
IIFT Entrance Exam |
| Conducting Body |
IIM |
NTA |
| Exam Date |
November 26, 2023 |
Second week of December 2023 |
| Exam Frequency |
Annual |
Annual |
| Number of applicants |
Over 2 lakh |
Under 50,000 |
| Application Fee |
INR 2,400 (Unreserved) INR 1,200 (Reserved) |
INR 2,500 (Unreserved) INR 1,000 (Reserved) |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Minimum 50% marks in graduation or equivalent (45% for reserved categories) |
Minimum 50% marks in graduation or equivalent (45% for reserved categories) |
| Accepting colleges |
IIMs, MDI, IMT, IIT, SPJIMR, FMS and over 1,200 other B-schools |
IIFT |
| Admission Process |
CAT WAT-PI |
IIFT exam WAT-GD-PI |
IIFT Exam vs CAT Exam: Pattern
The first thing to note about CAT and IIFT entrance exam is the differences between the two in terms of test structure and pattern.
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| Parameter |
IIFT exam |
CAT exam |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of exam |
2 hours |
2 hours (Sectional time limit of 40 minutes) |
| Number of Questions |
110 |
66 |
| Marking scheme |
|
3 marks for every correct entry |
| Negative marking |
1/3 marks |
1 mark |
| Maximum marks |
300 |
198 |
| Mode of exam |
Computer-based |
Computer-based |
| Sections |
|
|
Check: IIFT exam pattern
Check: CAT exam pattern
Section Wise Difficulty Level of CAT and IIFT
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: The Verbal Ability section is of same difficulty level in both exams. The topics are also usually the same such as sentence correction, parajumbles, odd one out, etc. The Reading Comprehension (RC) passage in CAT is a mix of both inference-based and fact-based types. However, the RC passages in IIFT are fact-based. IIFT focuses more on vocabulary, making this section moderately difficult. The VARC section of CAT, on the other hand, varies between moderate to high.
Quantitative Aptitude: There is no major difference in the Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT and IIFT. Both are more or less similar. The difficulty level of this section in both the exams is easy to moderate.
Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Q: If I am preparing for CAT, do I need to prepare separately for IIFT?
Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?
Q: What is the difficulty level of IIFT exam?
The difficulty level of IIFT exam is usually high, with tricky VARC and calculation intensive Quants. The IIFT 2023 question paper was also of moderate difficulty level. VARC was moderate to tough, so was the DILR section. The Quant section was tougher than VARC, DILR and GA.
The IIFT entrance exam is considered one of the high difficulty level MBA entrance exams in India. The syllabus and pattern are prescribed by the institute. It also sets the test paper. Considering IIFT is one of the top colleges for MBA in India, the only moderate to high level questions are selected to prepare the test.
Q: Why is CAT considered a difficult MBA entrance exam?
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Section: Candidates appearing for IIFT need to be quick in their calculations as the exam is more calculation intensive. CAT, on the other hand, does not have questions where intensive calculation is required. The DILR section of CAT exam often turns out to be lengthy, which is not the case with IIFT exam.
CAT vs IIFT Syllabus
There is not much difference between CAT and IIFT exam syllabus as both are management aptitude tests. While both IIFT syllabus and CAT syllabus include all topics of Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, IIFT has an extra subject - General Awareness.
IIFT vs CAT: Syllabus and Difficulty Level
Based on the questions papers of last few years of both IIFT and CAT, we have made an assessment of section wise difficulty level of both the exams. Check the tables below for details:
Quantitative Aptitude
Given below is the topic-wise difficulty level of Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT and IIFT exam:
| Quantitative Aptitude Topics |
IIFT |
CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| Moderate |
Moderate |
|
| Permutation and Combination |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| Heights and Distance |
Difficult |
Moderate |
| Difficult |
Moderate |
|
| Numbers |
Difficult |
Moderate |
| Moderate |
Moderate |
|
| Coordinate Geometry |
Difficult |
Moderate |
| Geometry |
Difficult |
Difficult |
DILR
Given below is the topic-wise difficulty level of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of CAT and IIFT exam:
| DILR Topics |
IIFT |
CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzles |
Difficult |
Moderate |
| Family Tree |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| Seating Arrangement |
Moderate |
Moderate |
VARC
Given below is the topic-wise difficulty level of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section of CAT and IIFT exam:
| VARC Topics |
IIFT |
CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Correction |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| Grammar |
Moderate |
Difficult |
| Fill In the blanks |
Moderate |
Difficult |
| Moderate |
Difficult |
|
| Para Completion |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| Antonyms/ Synonyms |
Moderate |
Difficult |
| Moderate |
Difficult |
|
| Moderate |
Difficult |
| Download Free CAT Syllabus PDF | Download Free IIFT Exam Syllabus PDF |
Key Differences Between IIFT Exam and CAT Exam
- In CAT, there is sectional time limit which means candidates have to complete every section within the prescribed time limit. IIFT exam does not have sectional time limit.
- CAT has three sections and IIFT has four sections (an extra section of General Knowledge).
- Total marks of CAT is 198, whereas total marks of IIFT is 300.
- CAT score is accepted by all 20 IIMs, top MBA colleges in India and over 1,200 other B-Schools. IIFT entrance exam score is valid for admission to IIFT only.
Also Read:
| CAT Preparation Tips and Strategy | IIFT Preparation Tips and Strategy |
One of the best ways to prepare for an exam is to solve past years’ sample papers and question papers.
Candidates appearing for IIFT can have a look at IIFT past years’ question papers
Candidates appearing for CAT can view past years’ question papers
| CAT_Mock_Test_Set_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_Set 1 Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_Set_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_Set 2Solutions |
Read More:
- Difference between XAT and CAT exam
- What is the difference between MAT and CAT exam?
- How is the NMAT exam different from the CAT?
- Difference between GMAT and CAT exam
Important FAQs on IIFT and CAT
Q: What is the difference between IIFT exam and CAT exam?
A: Some of the key differences between IIFT and CAT are listed below:
- IIFT exam has General Awareness section while CAT exam doesn’t have it.
- The marking schemes of both the exams are also different.
- CAT exam is held in three slots whereas IIFT exam is held in only one slot.
- Difficulty level is high in both exams
- IIFT has 110 questions to be solved in 2 hours, CAT has 66 questions to be solved in 2 hours
- CAT has sectional time limit, IIFT doesn't have sectional time limit
Q: Is IIFT exam tougher than CAT?
A: Both the exams are of moderate to high difficulty level but in IIFT, candidates have to solve 110 questions in 120 minutes while in CAT, candidates have to solve 66 questions in 120 minutes. The Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT is usually tough whereas in CAT, this section is moderate. Thus, for some candidates IIFT may come across as a tougher than CAT.
Q: Which MBA institutes accept IIFT exam score for admission?
A: IIFT exam score is accepted by only IIFT Delhi, IIFT Kolkata and IIFT Kakinada for admission to the MBA in International Business programme offered at all three campuses. The institute has launched MBA in Business Analytics programme too, for which IIFT exam score is valid.
Q: When is CAT exam held?
A: CAT exam is conducted on the last week of November. CAT 2023 exam will be held on November 26, 2023 and the registration process will begin from August 2, 2023. The CAT 2023 registration last date is September 13, 2023. The exam will be held in three shifts. There will be 400 test centres in 155 cities where the exam is held.
aAQ: Who conducts IIFT exam?
A: IIFT exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. The NTA conducts the entire process of IIFT entrance exam, from online registration till answer key and result announcement. Post the result announcement, NTA has no role with respect to IIFT admission. Candidate shortlisting, personal interiview, group discussion,cut off determination, etc. are done by the institute.
Q: Are the eligibility criteria of IIFT and CAT same?
A: Yes, the eligibility criteria of IIFT and CAT are same i.e. graduation with minimum 50 per cent aggregate. Final year candidates are also eligible to apply if the aggregate of their first and second year score is 50 per cent. For Reserved category candidates, the minimum score required for both CAT and IIFT is minimum 45 per cent in aggregate.
Q: Can I prepare for IIFT exam by studying CAT books?
A: Yes, since the syllabus of both the exams is same, CAT books are sufficient to prepare for IIFT exam as the syllabus is same for both exams. Candidates will have to only study GK separately for IIFT. However, the candidates must solve IIFT mock tests and sample papers to practice exam specific questions.
Q: How is CAT exam pattern different from IIFT pattern?
A: CAT exam has 66 questions to be solved in 120 minutes while IIFT exam has 110 questions to solve in 120 minutes. The difference between CAT exam pattern and IIFT exam pattern is that of number of questions and marks allotment to each question.
| CAT vs IIFT exam pattern | ||
|---|---|---|
| 110 | 66 | |
|
3 marks for every correct entry | |
| 1/3 marks | 1 mark | |
Q: Is IIFT exam conducted in pen and paper mode?
A: No, IIFT exam is conducted in Computer Based Mode. Till 2018, IIFT was conducted in pen and paper mode, but in 2019, when NTA took over the responsibility to conduct the exam, it changed the test mode to computer based mode. Candidates have to visit a exam centre to appear for the test. At the exam centre, each candidate is alloted a computer system and candidates have to punch in their answers with the help of mouse pad.
Q: Which section of IIFT exam has maximum weightage?
A: In IIFT, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section has maximum weightage of 35 questions and 105 marks. In IIFT exam 2024, it is expected that the test pattern wil remain the same, thus in the upcoming exam too VARC will continue to have maximum weightage.
Q: Are the RC passages of IIFT exam tougher than CAT RC passages?
A: The Reading Comprehension (RC) passages of IIFT exam are often fact based unlike CAT in which the passages are inference based. Questions of fact based RC passages are easier to solve as you can note down the data while reading the passage. In inference based RC passages it is not possible to note down data. However, one can note down importtant sentences which can help them in answering the questions.
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