Is MAT tougher than CMAT Exam? Know Major Differences in Pattern & Syllabus
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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 |
||
Frequency of Exam |
Multiple times in four phases per year |
Once a year |
Participating Colleges |
||
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 |
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Q: Which is better MAT or CAT?
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?
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.
Q: Which is better MAT or CMAT?
Q: Which are the most preferable colleges under CMAT and MAT? What is their requirement?
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 |
|
|
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 |
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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
|
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Topics
|
Logical Reasoning Topics
|
Language Comprehension Topics
|
Language Comprehension Topics
|
Indian & Global Environment Topics
|
General Awareness Topics
|
Data Analysis and Sufficiency Topics
|
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
|
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 |
|
|
Score Type |
|
|
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:
FAQs related to MAT vs CMAT
Q: Is MAT tougher than CMAT?
Q: What is the syllabus of CMAT?
Q: Is the syllabus of MAT different from CMAT?
Q: Are CMAT and MAT conducted by the same agency?
Q: How is CMAT different from MAT?
Q: How many attempts are allowed in CMAT?
Q: What is the examination mode of CMAT and MAT?
Q: What is the MAT application fee?
Q: What is the CMAT application fee?
Q: Is there any difference between eligibility criteria of MAT and CMAT?
Q: Which of the two has negative marking? MAT or CMAT?
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