Firstly, an important fact that must be known to a person is the difference between CAT and
GMAT exams. Common Admission Test (CAT) and Graduate Management Admission Test
(GMAT) are two of
the top management/business based entrance tests, scores of which are accepted by top Business
schools, including the IIMs.
The basic
difference between the two is that whereas CAT is a national level exam in
India, GMAT is a global exam. The score of CAT is valid only for one year,
whereas, the score of GMAT is valid for five years.
While the score obtained
in CAT is valid only for one year, the score obtained in GMAT is valid for five
years. The scores of GMAT are accepted worldwide but not of CAT. The number of
candidates are higher in GMAT than CAT, which increases the level of competition
in GMAT.
The Quantitative Ability section in the CAT is actually similar to the one in the GMAT. Both
tests have equivalent problems in the topics of basic algebra, geometry,
numeric properties, and so on. The GMAT does not allow you to use a calculator,
while the CAT does. Now, even though it may seem like a huge difference,
especially for those of you who are scared of maths, but the difference is
smaller than you think.
You will see
bigger differences between the tests when you get to the Verbal sections of
both the exams. The verbal section of CAT emphasizes reading comprehension
a lot more than the GMAT. (Although RC is certainly important on both tests!)
In addition, the heavy English grammar component in GMAT Verbal doesn’t emerge
in the CAT.
This brings us
to CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning vs. GMAT Integrated
Reasoning. The only similarity you will notice is that CAT Data Interpretation(DI)
and GMAT Integrated Reasoning(IR), both have graphs, charts, and mathematical
operations. However, CAT DI has easier graphs, charts, and calculations than
the GMAT.
In contrast,
GMAT integrated reasoning data problems are a lot more complex. The graphs and
charts are more detailed, with paragraphs of accompanying text.
Then there’s CAT
Logical Reasoning. This is nothing like GMAT IR. In CAT LR, you need to detect
and understand logical patterns. Now that you’ve compared both of them, you get
a slight idea as to which exam would benefit you more.
Overall, it is
believed that the difficulty level of CAT exam is higher than that of GMAT.
Latter has a well-defined syllabus which makes it relatively easier in terms of
preparation. The difficult task in CAT is the DILR section, which has been very
high on the difficulty level from the past two years.
The Verbal
Section of GMAT can be challenging for Indian test takers who are non-native
English speakers. The vocabulary used in verbal section questions in GMAT is of a comparatively advanced level. Therefore, for aspirants who find English a tough
nut to crack, GMAT will not be easy.
The admission
procedure of CAT is comparatively more complex than the procedures under GMAT.
Committed preparation for group discussion and personal interview is needed
after CAT. In GMAT, candidates with better command over the language will have
an edge in the selection procedures.
GMAT is a
preferred choice if you have an average score in standard X and XII. Appearing
for GMAT is obviously more flexible and the score is also valid for a longer
duration with wider acceptance.
The decision to
take GMAT or CAT obviously involves a lot of factors. Candidates must select a
test after considering all the alternatives. MBA is a once in a life-time
opportunity, so take a well-calculated decision for a successful career ahead.
What makes you
obtain a good score is practice with smart work and not only hard work. To test
yourself and your preparations for the coming GMAT or CAT exams, look for
online tests and series.
To excel out in
the exam without attending offline classes, you could join online courses on
GMAT/CAT or take tests to realize at what level do you lie. You might have
heard that “Modern problems require modern solutions.”.
There you go.
Good Luck!
Written by – Ritika Singh
Edited by - Bushra Makhdoomi
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