MAT vs CAT: Which MBA Entrance Exam is Better for You?

An MBA is one of the most exciting and adventurous but rigorous journeys. A major part of it is the selection to get into a B-School. Two such tests that prepare future managers and leaders are the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) and the Common Admission Test (CAT). Though both open up the option of numerous business schools, the needs and goals that each satisfies vary. This blog is an attempt to break the bubble on MAT and CAT—let it help you decide for yourself which one is the test that syncs more with your career aspirations and preparation capabilities.

What is MAT?

Definition and Overview

Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association. It has been used as a stepping stone for a huge number of MBA and management programs both in India and overseas. MAT is conducted in order to measure the standards of management through various tests that help to measure the level of aptitude of a candidate for majorly general knowledge, mathematical skills, language understanding power, and critical analysis ability.

Exam Pattern

MAT is determined in three modes: Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT). The MAT test paper comprises five sections:

Language Comprehension: Testing of the English language, including grammar and comprehension.

Mathematical Skills: It tests the understanding of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry of the participant.

Data Analysis and Sufficiency: Judges the capability of interpretation and analysis.

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning: This is based on logical reasoning and problem-solving.

General Awareness: Current knowledge, especially in business and social issues.

The examination is a 150-minute paper with all the sections holding an equivalent score amount for marking.

Eligibility

The candidates have to complete a recognized bachelor's degree from a known university or college. There is no age restriction for MAT; this one condition makes it one of the most flexible entrance examinations in the country, taken by a myriad of native aspirants.

Key Features

One of the exceptionally good features of MAT is its flexibility. Several test modes and multiple dates provide the candidates with more than enough chances to appear for the exam. Further, MAT scores are accepted by a wide range of business schools, many of them even in the much-hyped tier 2 and tier 3 categories, which is the majority.
 

What is CAT? 

Introduction and Overview

Another very important entrance test carried out on the part of the Indian Institutes of Management is the Common Admission Test (CAT). Known to be the hallmark as far as admission of students is concerned to the management programs of some of the best business schools across India, CAT is quite competitive and extremely rigorous in testing the candidates.

Exam Pattern

CAT is a 120-minute test and requires a candidate to complete each section within a time frame of 40 minutes. It is conducted annually in November. It has the following sections:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests the language skills of a candidate by basing the questions on reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section expands a lot of thought on how to test the ability to interpret data and establish logical reasoning against complex problems.

Quantitative Ability (QA): Involves problem areas that are related to mathematics and the ability to analyse in quant.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for CAT, candidates have to secure at least fifty percent marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD) in their bachelor's degree or be in their final year of graduation. The following, however, makes it very challenging since it is the only route to the premier IIMs and other leading business schools.

Key Features

CAT is one of the most reputed and highly competitive exams in India; it is known for its tough regime and standards. As such, it is the desired examination for candidates who wish to pursue management studies from the best of the best, IIMs. The difficulty and the question system of this exam are in accordance with the quality and stiff competition leading to these revered institutions.

MAT vs CAT: The Basic Differences

1) Level of Difficulty in the Paper

MAT: MAT is easier compared to CAT. The questions in it are clear, and the overall level of complexity is reduced. MAT is formulated, therefore, to be the test of basic management aptitude and approachable to candidates from a wider range.

CAT: It is one of the toughest exams because it has questions having intricate toughness accompanied by enormous competition. The preparation level for this exam should be professional, with a strategy to battle with its tough questions.

2. Test Frequency and Availability

MAT: The test is very flexible, with various test windows distributed all over the year. Candidates can choose a variety in test modes and test dates, making this exam more available and accessible.

CAT: Since it is conducted once a year, the candidates have to be very well prepared in advance and manage time effectively. Because it is conducted once a year, a candidate has to be very detailed with the preparation to be able to ace the same.

3. Mode of Application, Eligibility, and Examination Participation

MAT: MAT has a more all-inclusive scope for candidates coming from different academic backgrounds and also for those who otherwise would have missed the opportunity to take other competitive exams.

CAT: It is very strict in the qualification requirements and quite competitive in nature. The paper is designed such that it is best suited for the students aspiring to get into the creme-de-la-creme management schools.

Syllabus and Preparation

MAT: The syllabus of MAT demands a balancing study of all topics because it has a wide range of topics under study. This exam will require one to challenge his/her aptitude and also practise different questions to be perfect.

CAT: CAT is difficult and needs hard-core preparation. One must be conversant with all advanced theories. The syllabus is quite vast, and the ability levels for solving problems and analytical skills need to be highly developed for a candidate.

5. Institutions and Acceptance

MAT: Many business schools accept MAT. All schools except a few top institutes accept the MAT score, and it, therefore, becomes available in many institutions that provide sound management education.

CAT: Currently accepted mainly by the IIMs and other top management schools, those with good scores in CAT can aspire for admission to some of the best institutions in India that come with excellent academic standards and career opportunities.
 

Which Exam is the Right One for You?

Whether to go for MAT or CAT would really depend to a great extent on your career orientation and your capability and preferences as far as preparation is concerned. Here's a quick take to help you:

MAT is the suitable exam if your goal is:

You have many business schools on your list and thus need to be flexible in terms of test windows.

You would like to prepare for a less rigorous test experience as opposed to the GMAT, XAT or CAT.

You would like to have more flexibility with the choice of schools, including the ability to choose from top-end, middle-level, and bottom-end institutions.

CAT is the suitable exam if your goal is:

You are ready to dedicate a lot of your time and put in strenuous effort and can take on a high level of competition.

You love challenges and are determined to do your best in a highly competitive environment.

You dream of getting into an IIM or other top B-schools. 

Preparation Tips

MAT Preparation Tips:

Understand the syllabus well of MAT and prepare according to your strong and weak areas.

Appear regularly for mock tests to gain confidence and manage time more effectively.

Review Past Papers: Go through previous years' papers to understand the type of the examination and types of questions asked.

CAT Preparation Tips:

Start your preparation much prior to the exam as you have to cover a vast syllabus.

Appear for mock tests regularly to review your performance and change your strategy easily.

One may choose to join a nice and reputed CAT coaching institute. Professional guidance and methodical preparation can be sourced from here.

MAT Study Material

"MAT Solved Papers" by RPH Editorial Board

"MAT: Management Aptitude Test" by Disha Experts

"MAT Past Years' Papers" by VVK Subburaj: Useful for understanding the exam pattern and the kinds of questions one can expect.

CAT Study Material:

Arun Sharma, "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Textbook

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Ajay Singh

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha

"CAT 2024 Preparation Guide" by Wiley

Conclusion

Your decision to apply to either MAT or CAT will depend on what career you aspire to, how you prepare, and what kind of institutes you want to apply to. MAT—it is generally preferred, as it offers flexibility in conducting its test on a wide scale of dates across institutions. CAT opens the way to prestigious management schools and is a high-prep, high-dedication test. Assess your goals, capacity in your preparation, and your test preferences for well-informed choices that are a fit to your future aspirations.

For more resources, tips, and guidance on preparing for these competitive exams, visit Skoodos Bridge. Skoodos Bridge offers a wealth of information and tools to help you excel in your preparation and achieve your MBA dreams.

FAQs

In what way is MAT easier compared to CAT?

MAT is easier than CAT as problem-solving skills for CAT needs extensive preparation and ability.

Is it practical to take both MAT and CAT examinations? 

Yes, a candidate can undertake both the MAT and CAT examinations. A majority of candidates do this to enhance their possibilities of getting into their favourite business school.

What are the major differences between the scoring system of MAT and CAT? 

MAT scores are used by as many business schools as possible in order to gauge general aptitude. CAT scores, on the other hand, are used only by top institutions like the IIMs and thus are vital in gaining access to these institutions.

Which one is better to apply for an MBA from an institution abroad? 

MAT is more focused on the country's institutions. For studies abroad, GMAT or GRE-like tests are primarily accepted by business schools abroad.

What are the best resources to prepare for MAT and CAT? 

The resources would include but not be limited to practice books, and previous years' papers for MAT and CAT. Other than this, students can also refer to comprehensive guides and such coaching materials that deal with the entire syllabus in a detailed manner for each of the sections of this exam.