GMAT vs CAT: What is the Difference Between GMAT and CAT?
GMAT vs CAT: Most typical business schools in India and abroad base their application evaluations for MBA and finance programs on two of the most competitive standardised tests in the world: the CAT and the GMAT.
Even though many schools accept both tests, they are inherently different. Understanding the differences between GMAT and CAT can help dispel many of the doubts most aspirants face.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are recognized as premier entrance examinations for Master of Business Administration programs. Scores from both tests are accepted by leading business schools in India, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Read this blog to get details on GMAT vs CAT.
The fundamental distinction lies in the scope of these examinations: the Common Admission Test (CAT) serves as a domestic entrance examination ( while some international universities accept CAT scores), whereas the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an international assessment recognized for admissions to business schools globally. Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council, GMAT scores are typically considered by Indian business schools primarily for non-resident Indian and international students.
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GMAT vs CAT- Overview of GMAT and CAT:
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Common Admission Test (CAT) are standardized exams for business school admissions, but they serve different purposes. GMAT is used globally, especially for MBA programs abroad, while CAT is India-focused, mainly for IIMs and other Indian MBA colleges.
Read the table below to get a complete overview of GMAT vs CAT:
| Parameter | GMAT | CAT |
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam Frequency | Available year-round; up to 5 attempts per year | Conducted once a year, typically in November |
| Exam Duration | Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes | 2 hours |
| Sections | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Scoring | Total score ranges from 205 to 805; no negative marking | Scores are presented as percentiles; +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers in multiple-choice questions |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 1 year |
| Question Type | Computer-adaptive; question difficulty adjusts based on performance | Fixed set of questions; not adaptive |
| Negative Marking | No | Yes, -1 for incorrect multiple-choice answers citeturn0search2 |
| Acceptance | Accepted by over 7,700 programs worldwide, including top global business schools | Primarily accepted by Indian business schools, including all IIMs |
| Difficulty Level | Quantitative section is generally considered easier; Verbal section can be challenging for non-native English speakers | Quantitative and DILR sections are often considered more challenging; overall difficulty is higher due to unpredictability |
The table outlines the key differences between the GMAT and CAT exams. The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, while the CAT is computer-based. Both evaluate quantitative skills, but the GMAT also tests verbal reasoning and data insights, whereas the CAT focuses on verbal ability and reading comprehension in addition to data interpretation and logical reasoning. GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, compared to 1 year for CAT scores, and the GMAT allows up to 5 attempts per year. While the GMAT offers immediate unofficial scores and results within 3-5 business days, CAT results are released after a month. Notably, the GMAT doesn’t have negative markings, unlike the CAT. The GMAT is accepted globally, while the CAT is primarily for Indian business schools.
GMAT vs CAT- Eligibility:
When comparing the eligibility criteria for the GMAT and CAT exams in 2025, there are some key differences to note. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is globally accepted and has minimal eligibility restrictions. Candidates must be at least 13 years old, though those under 18 require parental consent. There is no upper age limit, and notably, no specific educational qualification is required to take the exam. There are also no minimum academic marks needed, and even those in their final year of studies, or without a formal degree, can attempt the test. However, individual B-schools accepting GMAT scores may set their own admission requirements. Candidates can take the GMAT up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, with a lifetime cap of eight attempts.
On the other hand, the CAT (Common Admission Test) is conducted in India, primarily for admission to the IIMs and other top Indian B-schools. To be eligible for CAT 2025, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a minimum of 50% marks (or 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply as long as they complete their degree within the required timeframe. There is no age limit for CAT and no restriction on the number of attempts, making it more accessible in that regard. However, unlike GMAT, CAT has stricter academic prerequisites and is intended largely for Indian nationals (though some IIMs accept GMAT scores from foreign nationals for international admissions).
GMAT vs CAT- Exam Content and Structure:
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT Focus Edition comprises three sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses problem-solving abilities and understanding of basic mathematical concepts.
- Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills.
- Data Insights: Measures the ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats, including data sufficiency, table analysis, graphics interpretation, multi-source reasoning, and two-part analysis.
Each section consists of a specific number of questions and is timed at 45 minutes, totaling 2 hours and 15 minutes for the entire exam. citeturn0search6
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the test-taker’s performance.
CAT (Common Admission Test)
The CAT exam comprises three sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Tests English language skills and comprehension.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Assesses the ability to interpret data and solve logical problems.
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Evaluates mathematical skills and problem-solving capabilities.
Each section is allocated 40 minutes, making the total exam duration 2 hours. citeturn0search3
Unlike the GMAT, the CAT is not adaptive; all candidates receive the same set of questions.
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GMAT vs CAT- Preparation and Strategy:
GMAT: Preparation typically takes between three to six months. The GMAT allows flexibility in scheduling, as it can be taken multiple times a year, enabling candidates to choose a date that aligns with their readiness.
CAT: Candidates need to dedicate around a year to prepare for the CAT due to its unpredictable nature and the intense competition. Strategic planning is crucial since the CAT is conducted only once a year.
What to choose when deciding between the GMAT and CAT depends on individual career goals, target institutions, and personal strengths. The GMAT offers global opportunities with flexible scheduling, making it suitable for candidates aiming for international business schools or specific programs within India. Conversely, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is imperative for individuals aspiring to enroll in prestigious Indian institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). A comprehensive understanding of the distinguishing characteristics of each examination will enable candidates to make judicious selections that are congruent with their professional objectives.
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