Is CMAT easier than CAT?

Yes, CMAT is much easier that CAT exam. Despite the fact that CMAT and CAT syllabus are same and that CMAT has two more sections than CAT the former is much easier than the latter. The CAT exam is usually of moderate to high difficulty level, whereas the CMAT exam is of easy to moderate difficulty level. There are key differences between CMAT and CAT which make the former easier. There is no sectional time limit in CMAT so candidates do not face the pressure of completing a given section within certain time limit. In CAT there are 4-5 Reading Comprehension passages which are 500-600 words, and 12-14 question. In CMAT there is usually, only one Reading Comprehension passage, having 4 questions. The Quantitative Aptitude questions of CMAT are also easier than CAT and so are Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions. It is easier to score high percentile in CMAT as the number of applicants is more than one Lacs less in CAT.

Which exam is easier amongst CAT, NMAT, XAT and CMAT?

The difficulty level of exams may vary depending on numerous factors, including an individual's preparation, conceptual knowledge and aptitude. However, based on the past student reactions, the difficulty level of these exams is often perceived as mentioned below: CMAT is considered relatively easier in comparison with other MBA exams mentioned. Typically, the CMAT question paper is designed to test candidate's knowledge in quantitative techniques, logical reasoning, language comprehension, along with general awareness. NMAT is considered to be moderately difficult if compared with CMAT. NMAT question papers are designed with a focus on skills like language proficiency, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. Candidates are allowed to choose the order of sections and provides some flexibility. CAT is the most challenging MBA exam from the list. Different IIM conduct CAT exam every year for admission to PGP courses. Almost all the MBA aspirants in India appear for CAT exam. Therefore, it becomes challenging to score well in the exam. CAT assesses candidate's aptitude in similar sections, such as quantitative ability, verbal ability and reading comprehension, data interpretation and logical reasoning. XAT is also considered a challenging exam However, it is easier than CAT. XLRI Jamshedpur conducts XAT exam for admission to its MBA programme. Besides XLRI, several other b-schools accept XAT scores for admission. XAT assesses candidates on similar sections as CAT, with the addition of a general awareness section. Proper preparation, practice, and understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus are crucial for success in any of these exams. therefore, candidates must plan a well structured preparation startegy for NMAT and other MBA exams.

What makes CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?

CAT exam is a national level MBA entrance exam conducted by the IIM. Every year, over 2.3 Lacs candidates apply for it. The CAT score is accepted by the Iims and all top MBA colleges in India. To select the best candidates from over 2.3 Lacs test takers there is a need for tough 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 expect 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.

Which are the most preferable colleges under CMAT and MAT? What is their requirement?

Hi, It is important to find the right B-School among the most aspired and reputed. One that offers an excellent track record, high quality education, and a pick at one of the best corporate. Below are list of top MBA colleges accepting MAT and CMAT score: 1- IILM University, Gurugram 2- Birla Institute of Technology, Mersa 3- Jagan Institute of Management Studies 4- ITM group of Institution 5- JK Business School Gurugram 6- Jaypee Business School Noida 7- Amity University Eligibility for an MBA degree: As per the eligibility, student should have 50% in academics and applied in any of the entrance exam like CAT CMAT MAT NMAT SNAP etc. Hope this help!

Which is better IIM Jammu or IIM Sambhalpur?

Both IIM Jammu and IIM Sambalpur accepts CAT score for admission to the Management courses. IIMs cutoff 2023 will be released after the CAT result. However, considering the 2022 cutoff, IIM Jammu CAT percentile was 90 and for IIM Sambhalpur, the percentile stood at 92 for the General ALL India category candidates. So, considering the previous year CAT percentile for both the IIMs, Sambhalpur is more competitive than Jammu. Talking bout the NIRF Ranking 2023 under the Management category, IIM Jammu ranked 41, whereas, IIM Sambalpur secured the 58th position. Candidates can refer to the table given below to compare both IIM Jammu and IIM Sambalpur considering several aspects such as total MBA fees, highest package, NIRF ranking and CAT cutoff 2022 to make a clear decision: Parameters IIM Jammu IIM Sambhalpur NIRF Management Ranking 2023 41 58 CAT Cutoff 2022 90 92 Total MBA fee INR 10.5 L - INR 20.7 L INR 10.5 L Highest package 2023 INR 64 LPA INR 64.61 LPA

CMAT Vs CAT Exam - Know Difference Between CAT and CMAT

9 mins read18K Views Comment

Vipra Shrivastava

Senior Manager - Content

Updated on Dec 6, 2024 15:34 IST

CAT or CMAT, confused about which entrance exam is tougher to attempt? Read this article and know the differences between CAT and CMAT and their similarities.

CAT and CMAT are the two most popular entrance exams for MBA admission. Besides, gateway to top B-Schools, CMAT and CAT, both have several similarities leading to confusion among the MBA aspirants. CAT is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management, whereas, CMAT is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Both CMAT and CAT are conducted nationally for admission to more than 1000 institutes.

CAT receives more than three times the applications received for the CMAT exam. In CAT 2024, the total number of application received was 3.29 lakh, where as number of applications received in CMAT was around 75000. CMAT is the most preferred choice after CAT in comparison to MAT. Many candidates who appear for CAT, appear for CMAT too, as it offers them better options in terms of college choices (government/private both). In a poll conducted by Shiksha, the larger percentage of candidates said they prefer to appear for CMAT.

The difficulty level of CAT is higher than CMAT. Considering there is less competition in CMAT, one may say CAT is tougher. However, one must consider all the pros and cons before choosing one out of the two management entrance exams. Knowing the differences can help you decide which exam to appear and which college to choose for MBA admission 2025. Read this article further to know the insights on CAT Vs CMAT.

CMAT and CAT - Similarities

Both the entrance exams share identical traits leading to confusion among the aspirants. Here are all the similarities between CAT and CMAT.

Similarities between CMAT & CAT

Given below is the table indicating key highlights of CAT and CMAT which are common to both.

Particulars	Details
Course for admission	MBA/ PGDM
Exam level	National
Mode of exam	Online (Computer-Based Test)
Number of option choices per question	4
Frequency of exam	Once a year
Medium of exam	English only
Negative marking	- 1 mark (for MCQs only)
Exam fee	CAT: INR 2,500 (unreserved) and INR 1,250 (reserved) CMAT: INR 2,500 (unreserved), INR 1,250 (women and reserved)

Check: CMAT exam pattern 2025

Check: CAT exam pattern 2025

Difference Between CAT and CMAT

To determine which exam is tougher, we must dive into the differences between the pattern and key elements of both the exams.

CAT Exam Vs CMAT Exam

Particulars	CAT	CMAT
Type of questions	MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA)	MCQ only
Exam duration*	2 hours	3 hours
Number of sections	3 sections	5 sections
Sectional time limit*	40 minutes per section	No
Marks per question	3 marks per correct response	4 marks per correct response
Exam difficulty level	Moderate to hard	Easy to moderate
Official website	iimcat.ac.in	cmat.nta.nic.in

CAT Vs CMAT - Sectional Overview

Sections in any management entrance exam are identical. Division of questions, duration and marking scheme are the primary elements responsible for an asymmetry between the difficulty standards. Space below mentions the sectional analysis of CAT and CMAT.

CAT Sectional Overview

Section	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Sectional Time Limit
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	72	40 minutes
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	22	66	40 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	66	40 minutes
Total	68 questions	204 marks	160 minutes

CMAT Sectional Division

Section	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Sectional Time Limit
Language Comprehension	20	80	No
Logical Reasoning	20	80
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation	20	80
General Awareness	20	80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	20	80
Total	100	400	180 minutes

CMAT VS CAT - Section analysis to judge the difficulty levels

The difficulty level of all three sections in CAT is moderate to high. In contrast, the three common sections in CMAT are comparatively easy.
Test takers find the General Awareness section of CMAT to be the toughest among the other sections.
Sectional time limit in CAT is another factor accounting for a higher difficulty level of the Common Admission Test (CAT). Due to the sectional time limit, candidates are unable to navigate across sections.
Comparatively, CMAT does not have a sectional time limit. Thus, candidates can leave a particular question for the end and proceed with other questions in the exam.

Download: CAT syllabus PDF

Download: CMAT syllabus PDF

CAT and CMAT Participating Institutes

Both CAT and CMAT have over 1,000 participating institutes across India. The primary reason for the popularity of CAT is IIM admission. 20 IIMs situated across the nation only accept CAT score for management admission.

Also Read: List of B-Schools accepting CAT scores

CMAT is also a sought after management entrance exam in India accounting to its recognised participating institutes. About 1300 institutes offering MBA/ PGDM courses based on CMAT are recognised by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE).

Also Read: List of B-Schools accepting CMAT scores

Both CMAT and CAT have over 1,000 participating institutes. However, the number of candidates appearing for CMAT is much lesser as compared to CAT. Therefore, CMAT can be considered as the easier entrance exam for MBA admission. Candidates will have a better chance of scoring high in CMAT accounting to lower competition.

Check: CAT 2024 Exam Analysis

Check: CMAT 2025 Exam Analysis

CAT Preparation

The table below mentions links to study material, tips and tricks, and a holistic preparation plan to crack CAT exam.

Best books for CAT preparation	How many questions to attempt in CAT to score 99+
Ultimate CAT preparation tips from experts	How to prepare for CAT in 6 months?
CAT preparation tips for DILR	CAT preparation tips for VARC
CAT preparation tips and tricks for quant.	CAT question papers

Check out free online mock tests for CAT, created by Shiksha

CAT_Mock_Test_1	CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
CAT_Mock_Test_2	CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

CMAT Preparation

The table below mentions links to tips/tricks, study material, and overall preparation plan from experts to ace CMAT 2024.

CMAT Preparation: How to make a preparations strategy	How to prepare for CMAT 2024 in one month
CMAT exam day guidelines and strategies to crack the test	CMAT 2024 preparation: Logical Reasoning tips
Best Books for CMAT preparation	CMAT 2024 preparation: Quantitative Ability tips
CMAT 2024 preparation: Verbal Ability and RC tips	CMAT question papers

Check out free online mock tests for CMAT, created by Shiksha

CMAT_Mock_Test_2	CMAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
CMAT_Mock_Test_2	CMAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions

How to Prepare for CAT and CMAT Simultaneously?

Both CAT and CMAT have three common sections with a nearly identical syllabus. Therefore, the preparation for both exams can go hand in hand. Here are some strategies followed by toppers to prepare for PCM subject groups of competitive exams.

Considering CMAT is conducted in January and CAT is conducted in November; start General Awareness preparation around the month of September.
You should have completed the CAT syllabus before September; thus, along with General Awareness preparation, your primary aim must be to take as many CAT mock tests as possible.
Make a section-specific study plan for CAT. Sections in CMAT have an identical syllabus to CAT with an easy to moderate difficulty level as compared to CAT. Thus, do not focus on the CMAT syllabus except for General Awareness.
For the Quantitative Ability section, focus on knowing the concepts rather than learning the formulae.
Include breaks between the preparation plan to avoid facing exam stress.

NOTE - According to the several CMAT toppers’ recommendations, you must prepare for the General Awareness section at least three months before the exam.

Check CMAT Cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting CMAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CMAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict CMAT Admission Calls

Check CAT cut offs and predict calls from IIMs and Non-IIMs accepting CAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict CAT Admission Calls

FAQs on CMAT vs CAT

Q: Is CAT tougher than CMAT?

A: CMAT is a much easier exam than CAT, as the questions are easier and there is no sectional time limit. Those who have cleared CAT can easily clear the CMAT as well. The scores of both exams are widely accepted by more than 1,000 MBA colleges in India.

Q: How is CAT similar to CMAT?

A: Both CAT and CMAT are conducted at national level for MBA/PGDM admissions. Both exams are computer based time bound test having questions in MCQ format from English Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Apitute. CMAT has two extra sections - GK and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Q: When is the CAT exam held?

A: Common Admission Test is held in the last week of November every year. IIM releases the CAT application form in the first week of August. The CAT 2022 exam was held on November 27, 2022 and the CAT 2023 exam was held on November 26, 2023. CAT 2024 was held on November 24, 2024

Q: When is the CMAT exam held?

A: NTA usually conducted CMAT in January or February. However, since 2021, it is being conducted in March and April. CMAT 2021 was conducted on March 31 whereas CMAT 2022 was conducted on April 9, CMAT 2023 was conducted on May 4 and CMAT 2024 was conducted on May 15. The NTA has however, announced that CMAT 2024 will be conducted on January 25, 2025.

Q: Can I prepare for CAT and CMAT simultaneously?

A: Yes, you can prepare for CAT and CMAT simultaneously. CAT and CMAT have common syllabus for three sections. For CMAT, candidates are additionally required to prepare for the General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship sections.

Q: What is the difficulty level of the General Awareness section in CMAT?

A: The General Awareness section of CMAT is considered the toughest section. However, the other four compulsory sections are of moderate difficulty level, much easier as compared to that of CAT.

Q: Is there any sectional time limit in CAT?

A: CAT had a sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each. Candidates have to solve each section within the time limit as the moment 40 minutes are over for a section the page moves to the next section automatically.

Q: Is there any sectional time limit in CMAT like in CAT?

A: No. CMAT does not have any sectional time limit. Candidates can navigate across sections while taking CMAT. However, it is recommended that candidates time themselves well so that they are able to solve enough number of questions in each section of CMAT.

Q: Does IIMs accept CMAT score for admission?

A: No, the IIMs do not accept any MBA entrance exam score other than CAT, which is their own exam, also conducted for admission to 1000 other MBA colleges in India.

Q: Can I prepare for CMAT using CAT study material?

A: Although CMAT is easier than CAT, both the exams share a syllabus for three sections. Candidates can prepare for CMAT using CAT books and study material. However, they will have to prepare for the GK and Innovation & Entrepreneurship section separately as they are not a part of CAT syllabus.

Q: Which section of CMAT has the maximum weightage?

A: All the sections in CMAT are weighted equally. Each section as per the CMAT test structure comprises 20 questions of 4 marks each. So, each section of CMAT has 20 questions of 80 marks. There is a negative marking of -1 for incorrect answers in each section.

About the Author

Vipra Shrivastava

Senior Manager - Content

Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio