MAT vs CAT: When it comes to MBA entrance tests in India, CAT and MAT will feature at the top of the conversation. CAT score has a premium value and is accepted by 21 IIMs & 1000+ reputed B-schools across the country. On the other hand, MAT is accepted by over 700 management institutes. Some of the top b-schools accepting MAT are GL Bajaj Institute of Management & Research, Dr. D.Y. Patil B School-Pune, ITM University, Christ University, JIMS Rohini, Amity University, OP Jindal Global University, Jain University, etc. The CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) once a year while the MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) four times a year (February, May, September, and December). Notably, candidates must obtain a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) in their Bachelor's degree programme but no minimum percentage criterion has been mentioned for MAT. While CAT has a duration of 2 hours for 66 questions, MAT is held over a duration of 2.5 hours for 200 questions. CAT has a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer while there is no negative marking in MAT.Even though it might seem like the two tests have an uncanny similarity in their syllabus, they are quite different in other aspects. However, the CAT is more difficult to attempt than the MAT exam. Here, we will discuss the difference between CAT and MAT. The biggest distinction as we divide into the CAT vs MAT discussion is the frequency of these exams. While the CAT exam is only conducted once every year, one can appear for the MAT exam 4 times a year. Understanding the distinctions between the CAT and MAT exams can aid you in placing your best foot forward.

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MAT vs CAT: Overview

Check the similarities and differences between the MAT and the CAT exams below:

MAT vs CAT Similarities

MAT vs CAT Differences

Let's take a quick look at how CAT differs from MAT:

Also Read: CAT vs CMAT, NMAT, XAT, SNAP & Other MBA Entrance Exams

MAT vs CAT: Who Conducts the Exam? 

Let us now find out who conducts the MAT and CAT exam:

MAT Conducting Body

The All India Management Association popularly known as AIMA conducts the MAT exam. It is the gateway for admission to 600+ Indian B-schools that provide PGDM/ MBA programs. The MAT exam is generally conducted in 3 formats: paper-based test (PBT), computer-based test (CBT), internet-based test (IBT).

CAT Conducting Body

For admission to PGDM/ MBA programs in top-tier management institutions of India like IIMs, the CAT exam is conducted once a year. It is conducted on a rotational basis by the different Indian Institute of Management (IIMs). Each year, one of the best IIMs is tasked with administering the CAT exam. CAT is an entirely computer-based test (CBT) that is widely regarded as the most difficult of all the MBA entrance tests. The CAT score has a premium value over other exams.

MAT vs CAT: Who All are Eligible to Appear for the Exam?

Here's who can be considered eligible for CAT and MAT exams:

MAT Eligibility

The MAT exam is a savior for people who did not perform well in graduation. The MAT exam is open to any graduate with a passing grade. There is no minimum age or percentage requirement for the MAT exam.

CAT Eligibility

To appear for CAT, there are certain requirements. Students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university/board. Also, they must have scored at least 50% aggregate or an equal CGPA. ST, SC, and PwD/DA candidates must garner at least 45% aggregate or its equivalent CGPA.

MAT vs CAT: Frequency of the Exam

The difference between MAT and CAT exam also includes the number of times they are conducted in a year. Explore the same below:

MAT Frequency

The MAT is administered four times a year, in the months of February, May, September, and December. The dates for IBT, PBT, and CBT tests vary, and candidates may select one or more exam modes. Exams in the CBT and PBT modes are administered in a single slot, whereas those in the IBT format are conducted in two slots. Candidates can select their preferred IBT slots.

CAT Frequency

Three sessions of the exam are held on a single day. The examination body assigns candidates their exam slots based on the receipt of the application.

CAT vs MAT Exam Pattern

The exam pattern of CAT and that of MAT is again different. Here's how:

MAT Exam Pattern

The exam paper for MAT typically includes questions from the Indian & Global Environment, Language Comprehension, Data Analysis, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence, along Critical Reasoning. The India & Global Environment section comes with GK questions and current affairs. The MAT exam paper contains 200 questions segregated into 40 each in various sections.

CAT Exam Pattern

Students who are attempting the CAT must answer questions from the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Quantitative Aptitude(QA) segment. Due to the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the exam period was shortened to 120 minutes (2 hours) and the number of questions was trimmed to 66 in CAT 2021 and the same pattern has been followed since.

Also Read: How Did the CAT Exam Pattern Change Over The Years?

MAT vs CAT: Exam Duration

Find out what is the difference between CAT and MAT exam duration:

MAT Exam Duration

In 150 minutes or 2.5 hours, candidates must answer all 200 questions on the MAT. There is no sectional time limit, so applicants can complete the paper in any sequence they choose. The India and Global Environment section scores are not taken into account when determining the MAT percentile, so candidates may choose to attempt it in the end or skip it entirely depending on their time constraints.

CAT Exam Duration

The CAT exam takes two hours or 120 minutes to complete. The time allotted for each section is 40 minutes. To complete the paper, candidates must proceed in the prescribed order, and the computer screen automatically advances to the next section when each section's allotted 40 minutes have passed.

MAT vs CAT: Difficulty Level

Find out the difficulty levels of both exams which are based on past year analyses. 

MAT Difficulty Level

Although the MAT has 200 questions, it is an easier exam compared to the CAT. The MAT questions range in difficulty from easy to moderate.

CAT Difficulty Level

CAT is one of the most difficult MBA entrance exams, despite having only 66 questions. Typically, the difficulty level of the exam is between moderate and high.

CAT vs MAT: Marking Scheme

Here's how CAT and MAT marking schemes differ. 

MAT Marking Scheme

There are a total of 200 marks on the MAT exam. Every right answer receives a +1 mark, while every incorrect one receives a negative marking of -0.25. When determining the final MAT percentile, the score from the India and Global Environment part is not taken into account.

CAT Marking Scheme

The total score on the CAT exam is 228. For every correct response, +3 marks are awarded, and there exists a negative marking of -1 point for each incorrect response. There will be no points deducted if a student chooses not to attempt a question. Non-MCQ questions do not carry any negative marking.

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MAT vs CAT: Application Fee

The application fee for CAT and MAT also varies. Check out the same below:

MAT Application Fee

The MAT registration fee is Rs 2100 for one paper (either CBT, PBT, or IBT). The fee for students who want to take two exams is INR 3300. 

CAT Application Fee

For the General and NC-OBC categories, the CAT exam registration fee is INR 2,400. The CAT registration fee is INR 1,200 for the SC/ ST/ PwD (DA) categories.

Top Colleges Accepting MAT Scores in India

In India, nearly 600+ MBA colleges recognize MAT scores. A list of universities that recognize MAT scores to enroll in their MBA programs is provided below.

Top Colleges in India Accepting CAT Score Apart from IIMs

What are the top 20 MBA colleges that accept CAT results in India apart from the IIMs? Well, they are listed below!

 Also Read: Best Time to Start Preparing for CAT

Both the CAT and the MAT are national MBA entrance tests for management aspirants. The CAT is the most esteemed of all management entrance exams because acceptance into an IIM is likely the most significant stepping stone for the managerial aspirations of the candidates. Aspirants are frequently perplexed when deciding between the two because the management institutions available dependent on CAT scores vary significantly from those available based on MAT scores. As a result, it's critical to choose carefully between the two tests. The second most common admission exam for candidates seeking an MBA is the MAT.

By now, it should have become clear that MAT is easier than CAT. Because it is less challenging than the CAT exam, more students are registering to take the MAT. Candidates can opt to take the exam at their own pace because it is flexible enough to be offered four times a year. Although there is no such thing as simple or tough, your dedication to your goals will get you where you want to go. It is crucial that you choose your business school accordingly.

Let's hope that this article has quenched your thirst for knowing the difference between CAT and MAT. Stay tuned with us for more more such articles!

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