NMAT vs CAT Syllabus: Know Differences & Similarities

Yes, the NMAT is easier than the CAT exam. This is due to the following reasons:

1. There is no negative marking in the NMAT unlike one-third negative marking for wrong answers in the CAT.
2. You can do guess marking in a last-minute rush and get three marks even if only one choice is right.
3. NMAT allows you to schedule the order of sections during the test. This makes it easier to attempt the sections for which you are well prepared.
4. According to the updated pattern, the CAT has only 66 questions, compared to the NMAT's 108 questions, but the level of difficulty is higher.
5. The CAT is a concept-based exam where you need to understand each question, and therefore, you need accuracy as well as speed in this exam.
6. The competition in the NMAT is less than that in the CAT. As most MBA aspirants aim for IIM.

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.

Yes, preparation for NMAT and SNAP can be done together as most of the syllabus of both the exams are identical. Candidates are always recommended to appear for both the exams together if you are planning to give any one. Both NMAT and SNAP have four broad sections, that include Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability and Language skills. The names of these sections can change across different exams but are identical in relation to the MBA entrance exams.

Although one can prepare for all MBA entrance exams simultaneously, candidates must tweak the preparation strategy and fine tune a particular type of questions that are seen typically in each of the entrance exam. Some of the tips top prepare for both NMAT and SNAPT simultaneously are as follows:

1. Begin by practicing conceptual questions with easy to moderate level difficulty.
2. Learn about a lot of tips and tricks which can be used for both NMAT and SNAP. This saves a lot of time while attempting questions.
3. Once the concept is clear, one must move on to moderate to tough questions. Transitioning from easy to difficult questions will help candidates preparing for different MBA entrance exams.
4. Candidates must appear for mock tests of both NMAT and SNAP to get the clarity in terms of the pattern, difficulty standards, type of questions, and more.
5. Start with NMAT mock tests as NMAT exam typically commences in the month of October, while the SNAP exam date lies around December.

Taking the mock tests for both SNAP and NMAT will provide a base to develop an exam day strategy for both the exams.

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: