For most international MBA applicants, the GMAT vs CAT dilemma is a no-brainer. Right? But you’d be surprised at how many folks who are just starting out have queries such as ‘Which is more difficult – CAT or GMAT? Which one should I go for? Should I use CAT material to prepare for the GMAT syllabus? Does the GMAT also have nine lives like the CAT?‘
Well, ok…the last one might be a figment of our imagination. Pretty much like our friend Achamba – The Super MBA
Most MBA aspirants would be aware that the CAT score is a compulsory requirement for the IIMs and also accepted by several Indian MBA institutes. However, if you are planning to study abroad, the GMAT score is essential. Some of the MBA colleges in India that accept CAT scores may also consider the GMAT score. However the best international business schools where GMAT is an essential requirement would never accept the CAT score. A majority of MBA applicants in India take the CAT, some opt for the GMAT while others are on the crossroads and undecided between the two.
It’s not just a case of which is tougher – CAT or GMAT – it’s more a question of which is more appropriate for you.
To assist you make up your mind, you need to be aware of the various facts, test formats and have a clear picture of how the CAT and GMAT differ from each other.
Test frequency for GMAT and CAT
CAT or Common Admission Test is an all-India entrance exam that can be taken just once a year. The test which was earlier paper-based has moved on to become computer-based since 2009. This year the tests were held from 11th October to 6th November.
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-adaptive test and can be taken up to five times in a year. The GMAT test dates can be chosen as per convenience.
The GMAT test takers also have an option to reschedule the exam seven days before the GMAT test date at an additional fee of $50. Rescheduling the test is also an option for the CAT takers, but the date has to be within the test window and subject to availability, so there’s lesser flexibility on this front.
For those who wish to improve their CAT scores, the waiting period would be one year to re-take the test whereas in case of the GMAT, you can re-take the test after a gap of thirty-one days.
GMAT Test results vs CAT results
CAT test results are announced much later at a fixed date. This year the results would be announced on January 9, 2013.
The GMAT score for the Verbal and Quantitative (GMAT Maths) section can be known immediately after the test is taken though it takes up to three weeks for the official scores to reach you.
GMAT Score validity vs CAT score validity
The CAT score is valid for one year whereas the GMAT score is valid for a period of five years. For candidates wishing to re-apply the following year, those with a GMAT score have an advantage as the CAT takers would have to take the test again.
If you have had multiple attempts at the GMAT, the highest score is considered, however in case of CAT, only the current year score is valid.
GMAT fees vs CAT fees
The GMAT test fee is $ 250 whereas for the CAT, it is comparatively low, INR 1600.
GMAT syllabus and duration vs CAT sections
The CAT has two sections (a) GMAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (b) Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning. Both the sections are timed separately. Each section lasts for 1 hour 10 minutes with a fifteen minute tutorial before the test begins. So the total duration adds up to two hours thirty-five minutes.
In the GMAT, the ‘Analytical writing assessment’ (AWA) section comprises of a 30-minute ‘analysis of an argument’. The ‘Integrated reasoning’ section lasts another 30 minutes. The ‘Quantitative’ and the ‘Verbal’ section have 75 minutes each. The total time thus adds up to three and half hours.
CAT Test format vs GMAT
In case of the CAT, each section comprises of thirty questions. Candidates have to take the Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section first followed by the Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning section. Candidates can review the various answers within a section during the time provided. Once a section is completed, candidates cannot have access to it. There is a +3 marking for a correct answer provided and a -1 marking for an incorrect answer. There will be no marks for unanswered questions. Some candidates may opt to skip a few answers instead of providing incorrect answers. Results provided mention the percentile rankings for each individual section and the overall test score.
In case of the GMAT, the test follows a computer-adaptive format. Here, the candidate can view only one question at a time. If the answer provided is correct, the next question displayed would be slightly tougher than the previous one. The difficulty level would increase with each correct answer provided. In case of an incorrect answer, the next question asked would be slightly easier. There is no negative marking here and once you answer a question and move on to the next one, you cannot go back and change your answer. The scores are provided for the Quantitative and GMAT Verbal sections out of 800 and the AWA section has a score on a scale of 0-6.
How to go about it
In case of the GMAT, you need to visit the GMAT official website, www.mba.com and choose the nearest GMAT test center after which you can select the GMAT test date and time as per your convenience and register.
For the CAT, candidates have to purchase CAT vouchers at selected Axis bank locations. This year the vouchers were available from 30 July – 17 September 2012. Online registration can be done using the voucher number.
For those considering MBA colleges in India as well as international MBA options, check if the Indian b-schools you’re interested in consider the GMAT score. In that case, you can just go for the GMAT. So, do your own research and take a stand on which test would suit your requirements and go for it.
Btw, if you aren’t good with competitive tests, you should definitely read what can happen to those who fail entrance exams.
Hey, I wanted to know if IIMA , IIMB and IIMC accepts GMAT scores of an Indian candidates? I am not able to understand from their website.
Manish,
You are referring to their conventional CAT based programs, right? Short answer is – they do.
For instance, IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) accepts GMAT scores from Indian candidates for their PGP, PGP-PMP and FPM programs. Here’s the link for IIM Ahmedabad PGP Admissions requirement
IIM Bangalore (IIMB) accepts GMAT scores for PGSEM and PGPPM.
IIM Calcutta (IIMC) accepts it only from NRI/ PIO / Foreign national candidates for their PGDM & PGDCM courses.
Of course for their PGPX, EPGP, PGPEX courses, it is exclusively on the basis of GMAT scores.
Is der any fees difference in IIM’s for Post Graduate Programme in Management if we take admission through GMAT instead of CAT???Do they charge extra from students admitted through GMAT???
Anshuman, only the test criteria is different, not the fees.
For instance, here’s the IIMA page that lists only a single fee irrespective of the test score you submitted: IIMA PGP Fees
Hello,
I’m planning to take the GMAT in 2015, & I had a few queries. It will be very nice if you could clarify them.I will give you my entire academic profile so that you can appraise & tell me what I should do.
I graduated in 2008 from Calcutta University with English Honors. I had two “pass” subjects, namely Political Science & Philosophy. The marks in these subjects are not considered to calculate the percentage in graduation in Calcutta University. So during the selection process, will those marks be taken into consideration? 1st class is awarded if 60% marks is scored. My scores were as follows:
1st year (only pass subjects)- 40%
2nd Year (only English, which was my major)- 60.25%
3rd Year (Only English which was my major)- 55%
My scores in class 10 was 86%, & in 12 it was 77%.. What do you think my GPA would be??
ISB Hyderabad says minimum of 2 years of work exp is required for admission. Does it mean 2 years of “continuous” work exp, or 2 years of work exp in total? I’ve been working at LIC Housing Finance Ltd for the past 6 months, but I’m about to quit this organisation, as I’ve been selected as a probationary officer in a leading bank. Now, the date of joining the bank is unknown. So will this break in service period be taken into account??
Apart from that, I’m also pursuing correspondence courses in MBA from ICFAI University & MA in Sociology from IGNOU. Will the marks in these courses be taken into consideration while calculating my GPA??
I know the mail is a long one, but it will really be helpful if you could take the pain to clarify my doubts.
Thanks a lot in advance
Shuvajoy
i want to know dat if i prepare for cat ,will it help me to crack gmat or both the xams have different approach nd strategies for success..n i m from isc board where dey consider best four out of five subjects to calculate the overall percentage..so this criteria will be levied to calculate my %age or i have to take all d five subject into consideration while applying for cat..or gmat kindly response if u knw anything regarding this
@Shuvajoy:
1. Bschools ask for the transcript, which shows them the aggregate as well as the subject-wise breakup. You could get a query or two for the pass subjects. So be prepared to answer them.
2. Here’s a low-down on Percentage to GPA conversion
3. The work-experience doesn’t have to be continuous. But if you have breaks, prepare yourself for another justification.
4. Correspondence courses: You could mention it as an additional qualification, instead of your final degree.
@ Khushboo: Don’t use CAT material for GMAT. Also, not a good idea to use sms lingo when you are getting advice on MBA options, where written communication skills are so important for success. I had trouble understanding what you’ve written.
Dear Mr. Kamat,
I appreciate the effort you’ve put for this website & answering all our queries. I was really wondering what I should do, I can not appear in CAT as I did not have 50% in my Graduation. Whereas, I prepare myself for GMAT instead.
I would be glad if you kindly let me know whether this fact should bother me in near future. I was checking some websites of the B-Schools in India, mostly accept & recognise GMAT. Will my graduation still come in picture even after getting the qualifying scores in GMAT?
Additionally, I would also be grateful to you if you kindly let me know about IIFT. I visited their website, however, they did not mention anything for the cut off marks in Graduation other than their own entrance test or GMAT.
Do you know what is the cut off in IIFT(Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) ?
Thank you once again for you time & patience.
Dear Mr Mukherjee,
The GMAT doesn’t have any such qualifying pre-condition. You can go ahead and take it. However, many of the top bschools may have a similar cut-off, so you’d have to be flexible while selecting schools.
We focus on GMAT based international MBA programs (ranked by Financial Times), so I’m afraid I won’t be able to help out with the other query about cut-offs for Indian bschools.
Hi
I did engineering in ECE & 2010 Passed out. . I am working in Telecom Industry & not able to give sufficient time for CAT preparation . I have given CAT 3 times but not able to Crack it.( May be due to lack of preparation). This year I am very serious about doing MBA from good institute but is confused wheather i should go for GMAT or CAT as now i am 3 years experienced . So Can you please suggest me which path i should choose. I will prefer to do MBA from India.
Regards
Deepak Gupta
Hi Sameer,
I completed my engineering in ECE last year. Since I was placed in two different companies duringcampus placement, I didn’t bother searching for a job post graduation because generally companies call us within three or four months but due to lack of projects both the companies haven’t called me yet. By the looks of it I will start working by July-August. I am planning to work for two years and then pursue an MBA in UK or US. How much will this break affect my chances of getting into a good university?
Regards
-Kiran
@Deepak: The quick answer is to drop CAT and move to GMAT. But the slightly longer (and uncomfortable) thing for you to do first is to figure out why you’ve been chasing entrance tests for so long.
Do you really have a good idea of what you want from either the CAT based outcome or (now) the GMAT based schools? They are two different ball games to be playing. Some serious introspection required before you jump back into test prep mode. Read this story about what can happen after MBA entrance exams.
@Kiran: You’ll have to explain what you did during that break. Here’s a little more about dealing with layoffs and career breaks
sir,
currently i m doing english honours from Hindu college,delhi university,
i have 9.4/10 cgpa in class X and 82.2 percent in class XII from science stream non medical,
sIr,is my marks in class 10 and 12 good enough and will it be not a hinderence in getting calls for interview i will give cat in 2014,should i also have to give the justification for changing my stream………
Hello Sir,
Right now am having 4.5 year of work ex and by september it will be 5 year of complete work ex. Gave cat but couldn’t score a decent %ile.
Now i wanna pursue Exe MBA and shall i go for GMAT??
If yes, kindly advise me through a action plan to be taken. I have little idea about GMAT.
Best Regards,
Fahad
Hi Sameer,
I am having nearly 5 yrs of work experience in IT domain. I am planning to go for management studies. I have never seriously thought for management. Now i am giving a thought about the same. I want to persue 1 year management program(e.g : PGPM) in one of the top-B schools of India . I want to know wheather i should prepare for GMAT or CAT. Which would be better? And apart from this i want to know your suggestion about 1 year management program and how to go about the preparation . Your suggestion and opinion would greatly help me. Thanks in advance.
Warm Regard
Sophiya
@Naushad: Sorry, but we can’t help you with CAT related queries.
@Fahad: Yes, go ahead with GMAT. Start off with mba.com where you’ll get the most authentic info about the test, the format, etc. Then pick up a few good GMAT books to start the prep.
@Sophia: Go for GMAT. Most 1-year full time MBA programs accept it. Pick up any representative program (ISB, IIMA PGPX etc) and check out the official website. You’ll have enough to get you started.
I have 81% in graduation should i appear for gmat or cat i am in a great dillema please help me out .
Hi,
First of all It is a very beneficial forum, all i am worried about right now is GMAT coaching, how much would it cost me approx and how much minimum time is required for a full fledged coverage of the course for an average student?
@Sagar: You haven’t shared anything else apart from your graduation grades. So the only general advice I can give you is to NOT rush into an MBA when you aren’t sure about which entrance exam to take. Hang on, get some experience and then re-consider.
@Monish: The cost can vary from zero (if you use the free resources available on the internet) to several tens of thousands (depending on whether it is an online course or classroom based). Typically 2-3 months is what most applicants spend on the GMAT preparation phase.
Hi,
I just completed my engineering and got placed in a company. My joining date is in january. I want to use this break for preparation of CAT or GMAT exams. While doing job or when having other activities it is hard to crack it, so wanna complete with exam and keep the score. My question is Which has greater value, getting into IIM as a fresher or getting into ISB with 2 yrs experience? depending on this i should prepare seriously for CAT or GMAT . Please do suggest me.Thank you.
Respected Sir ,
i have just completed my 12th and i am planning to pursue B.A English (Hons.) . i seriously want to get into IIMs for which i’ll be starting my coaching soon . My query is If i take English hons. ,do i stand a good chance of getting selected in institutes like IIM-ahemdabad or , b’lore or even calcutta ..will they see that since this girl has taken English hons. she is not suitable to enter a GOOD IIM .? Also, please suggest if English hons. is not a good option ( if i want to make it to these top B-schools ) . which course is more suitable .
looking forward for a prompt reply ..
Thanking you !
Hi Sameer,
I really like your website and am a big fan. A month back I was planning to go in for CAT preparation in earnest. Recently I got through the first round for ISB’s ylp programme and consequently am required to take the gmat within a month (Last date: August 7). The thing is I dont have a preference among the two schools and would like to do well in both
Questions:
1) I want to give the gmat as quickly as possible, and focus on CAT again. Is this a good idea?
2) Can there be collaborative studies? I’ve heard that CAT quant and gmat verbal works. To me it seems absurd, but can something on these lines be done so that I have a good score in both
3) I recently got a wake up call when I got a measly 650 in the offi. software. I have downloaded Kaplan, MGMAT, MGMAT lectures, bought the OG. What should I follow and what should be my strategy (1 month)
4) I am going to give GMAT in earnest later on (next year) for sure. Is the ISB programme worth going through such confusion, could you shed some light on this programme? I was rather put off by the fact that even for a 2-year expereinced guy, they have a one year programme..!!
Thanks,
Cheers,
A really confused soul desperately seeking help.!
^ Just to add to the above, I am currently doing my summer project (8-6 through the week). So I have at max 2-3 hrs per day, and that too not in the best states of minds
I know for a fact that the ISB has very high standards, and anything below 740 would lead to eventual rejection of my candidature (my resume is so-so with only a decent academic performance 8.5/10)
@Mounica : I strongly feel that an MBA should be taken up after having a fair amount of real world experience. So my vote goes to the GMAT option, but only after a few years.
@Akshita: You must be the youngest person to comment on our site. But I’m afraid I wouldn’t be the right person to advise you on CAT based options. We focus on GMAT programs, which require 4-5 years of corporate experience on an average.
@Roshan: Don’t mix up the GMAT and CAT. Choose one and focus. If you are confused, that’s a good signal to defer the MBA plans.
Great post Sameer.
This paints a much clearer picture of what the two tests are all about.
Really helpful since so many people get the two exams, scores and their study material mixed up.
Not to mention try and crack BOTH at the same time. It’s always better to pick one, ANY one and concentrate on that.
If there are any queries or qualms about the GMAT please visit the GMAT official website: http://www.mba.com/india
@GMAT India: Good to have the ‘official’ viewpoint on this topic. Welcome to the blog, GMAT India.
Hi,Sameer.
I have just completed my engineering and placed in a company. My joining date is after October. I want to use this break for preparation of CAT or GMAT exams. I’ve heard of Early entry option program of ISB which offers deferred admission after 2yrs of Wrk exp. My UG score is 74% .. I have decent extra curriculars. Will my UG % be a hindrance for ISB.? I am not clear If i should prepare for CAT or GMAT. I don’t have a preference between ISB and older IIM’s.. Is it preferable to prepare for both.?
My percentage in grads is below 50%. Can i get admission in IIM through GMAT if i get a good score.kindly advice
I want to appear for CAT 2015 attempt. Currently pursuing B.com from University of Delhi.
Suppose I get into an AVERAGE MBA college in India through CAT. Can I have the option to appear for GMAT after around 5 years when I will have job experience with me. Will it be beneficial for me to crack GMAT and pursue MBA from a reputed US school…. after MBA from India? Or should I start preparing for GMAT itself?
What would you recommend?
Thankyou!
Hi Sameer,
Appreciate the good work, its the right guidance more than the exam itself!
I am an IT professional with 9 years of enormous overseas and leadership experience ,I researched a lot many overseas EMBA options and finally zeroed in IIM for the executive MBA looking to the cost and career payback options.
Please help if I am wrong in my approach
I need to appear for GMAT which could be done in 2-3 months for enrolling in Executive MBA Programme.
Please suggest me the Top B School and the apt trade. Many Thanks
@Neeha: In your position, I’d go with CAT. It’s too early for GMAT programs. The official GMAT team has clarified this just before your comment – ‘stick to one, don’t mix up the two‘.
@Raj: They’ll look at a combination of aspects. For instance , the IIMA PGPX website says – ‘Executives who have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline and have completed 27 years of age at the start of the programme may apply.’ There’s no undergrad cut-off, but there is an age cut-off. Check out the other IIM sites as well.
@Pallavi: It’s too early for you to think about GMAT.
@Upasana: Nobody on this site has described their experience as ‘enormous’ so far
I guess you are referring to programs like IIMA PGPX, IIMB EPGP, right? These are not Executive MBA programs. if you are targeting only Indian programs, the choice is pretty limited (ISB, IIMs, XLRI GMP etc).
I can’t suggest post-MBA goals based on this info. It requires more introspection and discussion.
Hi Sameer,
I am an BE(CSE) with 4.5 years of IT experience. I am earning ~8.7pa. I want to look out for higher education that is going to help me to move at higher levels. I am looking MBA as the only option but i am confused about CAT and GMAT.
I have enquired and got to know that a 4+ exp is not preferable in 2years full time programme. Also with 5 years of experience i would like to pursue a 1 yrs programme instead of 2 years one.
I am now confused whether to go for CAT of GMAT. As with GMAT i have only ISB option available as IIM have an age 27 criteria. I am 25 and cant met this. Also, all other colleges doesnt seems to give me higher returns as they have low average packages. I would not be able to spend much more or move outside india for this.
I am confused which one to go for? Also can you suggest some part time or other weekend executive courses that would help me to grow rather than to have a degree for namesake.
Looking forward for your reply.
-Amit
RESPECTED SIR,
IS JOB EXPERIENCE MANDATORY 4 CRACKING OF GMAT???? ME NT HAVING ANY JOB XPERIENCE…STILL WANNA PERCIEVE MBA ABROAD,i.e. wanna prepare 4 GMAT…IS IT APPLICABLE????
sir ….i m persuing b.e. nw …
i was preparing for cat …
i want to know the eligibility criteria for iim..
i hv got 61% in 10 ..
and 53% in 12 standard..
and 66% of graduation average..
Hi Sameer,
I am presently working in software compnay Igate.I have a total work-ex of 6 months(Wipro)+ 1 year Igate.
My academics score are:10th-93%,12th-86% and BCA-80%.
I am very much interested to do MBA as my post graduation and am currently preparing for CAT.
What i really want to know is that will GMAT be a better option for me than CAT according to my profile mentioned above?
@Amit: With your experience level, I’d suggest GMAT, not CAT. Also, if possible go for a reputed full-time program, and not part-time options.
@Pratik: For GMAT, work experience isn’t required. However, all the top schools that accept the score will insist on real world experience.
@Mukesh: You’ll find the eligibility criteria on the IIM websites.
@Nidhi: It’s too early for you to consider GMAT based MBA programs. CAT would work better if you can’t delay your MBA plans by a few years.
I am a final year student of Eng hons. (distance learning) and recently appeared for my second year examinations.
Result has not yet been declared.
i want to pursue MBA abroad.
My query is regarding my eligibility to appear for GMAT.
I have one year experience of working in a public sector bank.
so am i eligible to appear for GMAT being a final year student?
I have been informed that after scoring good in GMAT, top US B-schools (Harvard, Stanford etc) will select us only if we have at-least 5 years job experience. Is this information correct? Please let me know the correct criteria.
Hi Sameer,
I have 7 Yrs of Exp. post an MBA (Low Ranked Institute). Now working as manager in Banking Sector & strongly feeling glass ceiling in term of career progression , So looking for doing Ex MBA of 1 Yr. – 1.5 Yr. duration, kindly suggest one, Will it worth doing now to get a significant push in the career.
Thanks in Advance.
Hi. I just passed my BCOM, n its my dream to study abroad for my MBA…n in order to get some work experience n write the required exams I have decide to take a year off. Now im confused as to how to approach the entrance exams ie GMAT, CAT n MAT….well in case im not able to make it abroad I need to do an MBA in India.So my question is inorder to write all these three exams is it enough I go for a CAT coaching?? Can these three exams be written with the same preparation?? Thnks in advance
hello sir i got 113270 rank in 2013 iam also a OC student can i get MBA in distance by Govt.., seat in hyderabad plz when will councelling date announce plz reply me on my email