Is MAT tougher than CMAT Exam? Know Major Differences in Pattern & Syllabus

Is MAT tougher than CMAT Exam? Know Major Differences in Pattern & Syllabus

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Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Dec 13, 2024 16:13 IST

Confused between MAT and CMAT? Is CMAT tougher than MAT? How is MAT different from CMAT exam? Are they both easier than CAT? Know the major differences between CMAT and MAT. 

CMAT vs MAT

CMAT vs MAT

MAT and CMAT are two of the most popular entrance exams for admissions to MBA/PGDM courses, not because they are pan-India exams or because a large number of government and private B-Schools accept their scores but also because they both are much easier than the CAT conducted by IIM. But out of the two which one is easier? Is MAT tougher than CMAT or is CMAT tougher than MAT. Let’s find out.

MAT and CMAT are both speed based exams having the same syllabus. However, CMAT has an extra section and is more difficult than MAT. The benefit of MAT over CMAT is that one can attempt MAT multiple times in the same academic session to improve the exam score. 

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Another benefit of MAT over CMAT is that it is conducted in computer based mode, paper based mode and internet based mode. One can choose the exam mode as per their convenience and location. CMAT is conducted in computer based mode only and one has to visit the designated test centre to take the test. CMAT is conducted only once in a year.

Q:   Is CMAT easier than CAT?

A:

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.

Q:   Is MAT exam easier than other MBA entrance exams?

A:

Yes, the 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.

Q:   What is the difference between CBT and PBT modes of MAT exam?

A:
The CBT or computer based mode MAT exam is conducted online in which, candidates have to punch in their answers on the computer screen with the help of the mouse-pad. In PBT mode exam, candidates have to fill an OMR sheet with a blue/black ball point pen with the suitable option as the answer. These days most of the candidates opt for CBT which is way it is conducted twice in a particular exam phase. PBT is conducted only once in MAT exam phase. There is no difference in the exam pattern or syllabus of the MAT CBT and MAT PBT. Candidates can choose the mode of exam at the time of registration as per their convenience. If a candidate is comfortable in pen and paper mode, then they can opt for MAT PBT and if the candidate is comfortable in taking tests on computer, they can opt for MAT CBT. However, the CBT and PBT exams are held in different cities so candidates must check the list of test cities before choosing their exam mode.

However, CMAT is accepted by all AICTE approved colleges, which includes government as well as private institutes. MAT is accepted by private institutions only. Shiksha brings to you major differences between two of the most popular MBA exams i.e. MAT and CMAT - on level of exam difficulty, exam pattern, and other features.

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In a poll conducted by Shiksha recently, it was seen that most of the MBA aspirants prefered CMAT over MAT. As per the poll, 47% preferred to appear for CMAT after CAT and 27% preferred to appear for MAT after CAT. 

CMAT vs MAT

CMAT vs MAT

 

MAT vs CMAT: Highlights

Most of the MBA aspirants appear for both MAT and CMAT. However, if you have to choose between the two check the table below for the key aspects of MAT and CMAT.

Exam Features

MAT

CMAT

Exam Name

Management Aptitude Test

Common Management Aptitude Test

Exam Conducting Body

All India Management Association - AIMA

National Test Agency - NTA

Frequency of Exam

Multiple times in four phases per year

Once a year

Participating Colleges

700 MBA colleges

1300 B schools in India

Eligibility

Passed or appearing in Bachelor degree in any stream

Professional degree in commerce and accounting are also eligible

Passed or appearing in Bachelor degree in any stream

Professional degree in commerce and accounting are also eligible

Application Fee

INR 2,100 for one session

INR 3,150 for two sessions

INR 2,500 for General Male candidate

INR 1,250 for General Female candidate

INR 1,250 for SC, ST, PWD candidate

Also Read:

Q:   Which is better MAT or CAT?

A:

CAT is conducted by IIMS for admission to their college. CAT is accepted in all colleges of the country. MAT is accepted by Private management colleges across the country but few colleges accept CAT only. Both the exams are for the taking admission in management course.

Common Admission Test CAT is conducted by one of the Iims, while MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is approved by MHRD and conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). Considering its reputation, the CAT is the most prestigious common entrance exam for an MBA.

To appear in a CAT exam candidates need a Bachelor's degree from a recognised board with a minimum 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA. The cut-off is 45% for SC, ST, and PWD or DA categories. For the MAT exam, there are no minimum percentage criteria and no minimum age limit.

Management Aptitude Test, popularly known as MAT is conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association). It is a National Level Entrance Test. As per MAT score, applicants need to score at least 95 percentile for admissions in top second-tier AICTE schools, whereas from CAT one needs to score at least 99 percentile for admissions in top Iims like Calcutta, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad.

The CAT is more difficult than MAT and its score is accepted by the top Iims and B schools across India. Comparatively, MAT is much easier, and around 600+ management universities in India accept the MAT result score.

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

A:

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Q:   Which is better MAT or CMAT?

A:
MAT and CMAT have similar syllabus but the difficulty level is different. Both exams have Quantitative Aptitude Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, English and General Knowledge. CMAT has an additional section - Innovation and Entrepreneurship which was introduced in 2021. While MAT is an easy exam, CMAT is moderately tough but to say which is better totally depends upon the college a candidate is targeting for MBA Admission. The participating colleges for both exams are different. If a candidate's dream college accepts MAT score, then they appear for MAT but if their dream college accepts CMAT then they should appear for CMAT. The CMAT exam is conducted by the NTA only once in a year but MAT is conducted multiple times in a year. AIMA conducts MAT in February, May, September and December. So, unlike CMAT MAT gives a candidate the choice to appear for the exam when they are well prepared and improve test score in the same academic session. The benefit of CMAT or MAT is that former is accepted by all government and state universities/institutes whereas latter is accepted by mostly private institutes.

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

A:
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!

Difference in Exam Pattern of MAT and CMAT

Both MAT and CMAT are a national level entrance exam but there are major differences between both the exams including difficulty level, test duration, exam pattern and marking scheme. This year MAT exam pattern has been revised, and it is now a 2-hour exam with 150 MCQs.

Features

MAT Exam Pattern

CMAT Exam Pattern

Exam Mode

Paper-Based Test mode (PBT)

Computer-Based Test mode (CBT)

Internet-Based Test mode (IBT)

Computer-Based Test mode

Exam Duration

2 hours

3 hours

Shifts and Timings

PBT mode – 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

CBT mode – 10:00 am to 12:30 pm 

IBT mode  – Multiple shifts

Morning shift - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Evening shift - 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Exam Difficulty level

Easy to Moderate

Moderate to Difficult

Sections

Five

Four

Sectional Time limit

No

No

Subjects

  • Economic and Business Environment
  • Language Comprehension
  • Data Analysis and Sufficiency
  • Mathematical Skills
  • Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Language Comprehension
  • General Awareness
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Total Questions

150 questions

100 questions

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Total Marks

150 marks

400 marks

Negative Marking

0.25 marks deducted for each wrong attempt

-1 mark for each wrong attempt

Also Read:

MAT 2025 Exam Pattern

MAT 2025 Preparation

CMAT 2025 Exam Pattern

CMAT 2025 Preparation

Similarities between MAT Syllabus and CMAT Syllabus

The MAT syllabus and CMAT syllabus are same but the names and grouping of subjects are different.

  • The General Awareness section of CMAT is named as Indian and Global Environment in MAT
  • The Data Analysis and Sufficiency section of MAT is clubbed with Quantitative Techniques in CMAT
  • CMAT has an extra section - Innovation and Entrepreneurship which carries 25 marks

Given below are the topics included in the syllabus of MAT and CMAT exam. 

MAT Syllabus

CMAT Syllabus

Mathematical Skills Topics

  • Number System
  • Mixtures and Allegation
  • Profit and Loss
  • Interest & Percentage
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Trigonometry
  • Algebra
  • Mensuration

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics

  • Algebra
  • Time, Speed, Distance & Work
  • Allegation and Mixtures
  • Geometry
  • Quadratic Equation
  • Linear Equations
  • Mensuration
  • Data Interpretation in Tables, Graphs
  • Data Sufficiency – Sentence and Conclusions
  • Venn Diagram
  • Charts (Column, Bar, Pie)

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Topics

  • Passage Conclusions
  • Fact Inference Judgment
  • Statement Argument
  • Blood Relations
  • Charts and Analogy

Logical Reasoning Topics

  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Linear Arrangements
  • Series
  • Matrix Arrangements
  • Blood Relations

Language Comprehension Topics

  • Fill in the blanks
  • Reading Comprehension
  • English proficiency
  • Vocabulary and grammar
  • Para Jumble

Language Comprehension Topics

  • Fill in the blanks
  • Reading Comprehension
  • English proficiency
  • Vocabulary and grammar
  • Para Jumble

Indian & Global Environment Topics

  • Current Affairs
  • World Records
  • Books and Authors
  • Top Officials of Big Companies
  • Space Research Missions
  • Awards – National, International and Different Industries

General Awareness Topics

  • Economic Events
  • Corporate Events
  • Current Affairs
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Culture & Society

Data Analysis and Sufficiency Topics

  • Data Interpretation in Tables, Graphs
  • Data Sufficiency – Sentence and Conclusions
  • Venn Diagram
  • Charts (Column, Bar, Pie)

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

  • Business Decision
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Types Business

Check detailed syllabus for MAT exam 2025

Check detailed syllabus for CMAT exam 2025

Difference between MAT scores and CMAT scores

MAT score card mentions sectional scores, overall scores, percentile as well as composite scores. Whereas, CMAT scorecard mentions sectional scores and percentile, overall scores and percentile, overall rank as well.

Scorecard details

MAT

CMAT

Sections for final scores

  • Language Comprehension
  • Data Analysis and Sufficiency
  • Mathematical Skills
  • Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Language Comprehension

Score Type

  • Section-wise scores
  • Overall scores
  • Overall Percentile
  • Composite scores for each section
  • Overall Composite scores
  • Section-wise scores
  • Overall scores
  • Sectional Percentile
  • Overall Percentile
  • All India Rank

Total Marks

200

400

Score calculation

Scores obtained in each section are evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100

Final scores of all sections are scaled from 199 to 800, where 199 being the lowest, and 800 being the highest score

Note: Indian and Global Environment section is not included in percentile calculation

All India Rank is calculated on basis of sectional scores i.e. out of 400 marks

Percentile is calculated on basis of rank, raw marks of candidate and total number of candidates appeared for CMAT

Note: General Awareness section is not included in percentile calculation

MBA colleges accepting MAT exam offer admission on basis of MAT percentile or composite scores. Whereas, for CMAT the colleges offer admissions on basis of CMAT percentile and All India Ranks.

Also Read:

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

Predict MAT Admission Calls

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

FAQs related to MAT vs CMAT

Q: Is MAT tougher than CMAT?

A: No, MAT is easier than CMAT in terms of difficulty level. MAT is also considered easy because it's marking scheme is fairly simple and one gets the chance to improve their score by taking it again in the same academic year.

Q: What is the syllabus of CMAT?

A: CMAT syllabus includes all the important topics of Language Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Q: Is the syllabus of MAT different from CMAT?

A: No, the syllabus of MAT is not different from CMAT. Both the exams have subjects English, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness.

Q: Are CMAT and MAT conducted by the same agency?

A: No, the exams are not conducted by the same agency. CMAT is conducted by the NTA whereas MAT is conducted by the AIMA. While NTA is a government agency, the AIMA is a private body.

Q: How is CMAT different from MAT?

A: CMAT is an annual exam whereas MAT is conducted multiple times in an academic year. CMAT is conducted in computer bases test mode whereas MAT is conducted in paper based test mode, computer based test mode and internet based test mode. The difficulty level of CMAT is higher than MAT.

Q: How many attempts are allowed in CMAT?

A: In CMAT, only one attempt is allowed in a particular academic year, as the exam is conducted annually. However, candidates can attempt CMAT in consequent years if they wish to improve their score.

Q: What is the examination mode of CMAT and MAT?

A: Examination mode of CMAT is computer based test. Candidates have to appear for the test at an exam centre. Candidates can appear for MAT in computer based test or paper based test at the designated examination centre or take the test from home in internet based test mode.

Q: What is the MAT application fee?

A: MAT application fee for all modes and all categories is INR 2,100. The fee is to be paid online at the time of application submission. Candidates must note that the MAT fee is non-refundable. Candidates must take care in filling the MAT application form so as to not make mistake.

Q: What is the CMAT application fee?

A: CMAT application fee for male general candidates is INR 2,000 whereas for reserved categories, women and transgender candidates it is INR 1,000. The fee is to be paid the at the time of application submission. The fee is to be paid in online mode only through credit/debit card or net banking.

Q: Is there any difference between eligibility criteria of MAT and CMAT?

A: Yes, there is a difference between eligibility criteria of MAT and CMAT. While for MAT, candidates need to have a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate in graduation (45 per cent for SC/ST/PWD candidates) in CMAT, all candidates require only passing marks to appear for it.

Q: Which of the two has negative marking? MAT or CMAT?

A: MAT and CMAT both have negative marking. In MAT, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong attempt and in CMAT, 1 mark is deducted for every wrong attempt. However, no mark is deducted for leaving a question unanswered in either of the exams. 
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Which is easy to crack CMAT or MAT for the beginner

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