Is GMAT Tougher than CAT Exam 2024? Check Exam Pattern & Difficulty Level
Overview: When it comes to conventional entry exams for post-graduate management programs, the CAT and GMAT are the two most famous. Both tests lead to admission to prestigious business schools. “Is the GMAT tougher than the CAT exam?” is a frequently asked question among applicants. Let’s find out.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are both highly regarded and competitive exams that provide admission to prominent business schools.
However, one topic that commonly perplexes MBA candidates is, “Is GMAT tougher than CAT?”
The answer to this issue could be more complex, depending mostly on individual strengths and career goals.
This article will help you discover the correct answer to this issue, namely, the difference between GMAT and CAT.
Is GMAT tougher than CAT? Let’s understand the exams
GMAT
- The GMAT is a test used largely for admission to MBA programs worldwide, particularly in countries other than India such as the United States and Europe.
- This entrance exam measures analytical writing, mathematical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated thinking abilities.
CAT
- The CAT entrance exam is for MBA programs in India, particularly at Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools.
- The examination assesses a candidate’s numeric aptitude, linguistic ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, and logical thinking skills.
Is GMAT Tougher than CAT: Comparing CAT and GMAT
The difficulty of sections in both exams can be subjective and depends on individual competencies.
The Quantitative section in CAT is often considered trickier, emphasizing advanced topics like Geometry and Algebra.
Also Read: CET vs CAT Exam
Is GMAT tougher than CAT?
GMAT Quant, on the other hand, concentrates on basic arithmetic and algebra, recognizing that logic and analytical skills are required for this exam.
The verbal component of the CAT focuses on reading comprehension and verbal ability, with a strong emphasis on vocabulary. In contrast, the GMAT’s Verbal part focuses on Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension, which necessitates a thorough comprehension of grammatical norms and logical reasoning.
The CAT’s Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning portion requires complicated problem solving and might be time-consuming. The GMAT’s Integrated Reasoning assesses the ability to comprehend and analyze data from numerous sources, which is difficult but frequently deemed less difficult than the CAT’s DILR.
Time Management: CAT vs. GMAT
- Time management can be an important component in deciding the difficulty of these exams.
- Some may find the CAT exam structure 2024 with a segment time constraint too restrictive, whereas others may find the GMAT’s 3.5-hour format with discretionary time allotment per part to be more accommodating.
Test Preparation: CAT vs GMAT
GMAT vs. CAT: Which is better?
Determining which exam is better, the GMAT or the CAT, is a subjective decision that is heavily influenced by an individual’s own demands and interests.
CAT exam preparation necessitates a strong conceptual knowledge and is frequently regarded to demand more rigorous preparation because to the high competition.
While still challenging, the GMAT may have a slightly more doable syllabus for people who are familiar with grammar standards and basic quantitative principles.
It’s vital to realize that the perceived difficulty and applicability of CAT and GMAT tests can differ greatly depending on an individual’s specific skills and shortcomings.
Is GMAT Tougher Than CAT: Major Differences (With the Help of the Table)
The considerable difference between the two admission exams will help you determine whether the GMAT is more difficult than the CAT.
Basis |
CAT Exam |
GMAT Exam |
| Difficulty Level in Maths Section | The CAT’s QA section is known for its wide range of difficulty. It includes questions ranging from arithmetic to higher-level algebra and geometry. The unpredictability of the difficulty level is a significant challenge for many candidates. | The GMAT’s Maths section focuses on problem-solving and data sufficiency. While the math level could be more advanced, the questions are designed to test logical reasoning and ability. |
| Difficulty Level in English Section | The CAT’s VARC is also challenging but focuses more on reading comprehension and basic grammar. It needs sentence correction to the same extent as the GMAT. | The English in GMAT is relatively challenging, especially for non-native English speakers. It includes sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension. |
| Difficulty Level in Reasoning Section | The CAT’s DILR section is often considered one of the most challenging parts of the exam. The questions are tricky and time-consuming, requiring quick thinking and sharp analytical skills. | The GMAT includes a Reasoning section that tests the ability to analyze data presented in various formats and requires logical reasoning to solve complex problems. |
| Exam Format | It has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (40 minutes), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (40 minutes), and Quantitative Ability (40 minutes). The total duration is 2 hours. | Â It has 4 sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (30 minutes), Integrated Reasoning (30 minutes), Quantitative (62 minutes), and Verbal (65 minutes). The total duration is 3 hours and 7 minutes, including breaks. |
| Total Applicants | In 2023 over 2.8 lakhs applicants appeared for the entrance. | The GMAT is taken by around 200,000 candidates each year. |
| Marking Scheme | +3 and -1 | No negative marking. There are various ranges of increments for each group of questions. |
Conclusion
So, is GMAT tougher than CAT? There is no definitive solution. It’s more about identifying your strengths and determining which exam is best suited to your professional goals. Understand the structure, methodology, and requirements of both examinations, assess your talents, and select the one that best suits your strengths. Consistent preparation, hard practice, and effective time management are required for success regardless of the decision.
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