Education in management has been one of the most popular alternatives for higher studies among students in recent years. For this, MBA applicants must first participate in the management entry test to compete for a seat in a management program. The decision of which MBA entry test to take can be a difficult choice, as you need to factor in the application fee, procedure, and preparation. The Common Admission Test (CAT), Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), Management Aptitude Test (MAT), Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade test (IIFT), and Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) are some of the most prominent management entry tests. Various management institutions accept multiple entries, and some even conduct their own examinations.
Both CAT and MAT are comparable in terms of the curriculum but are different in other aspects. The principal distinction between CAT and MAT is the frequency of the examination. CAT 2021 and MAT 2021exams are going to be conducted soon, and it is the responsibility of candidates to choose which exam is most beneficial to them. The popular verdict is that MAT is an easier test than CAT.
Here’s why MAT is easier than CAT:
- Exam frequency:
MAT 2021: The MAT for PGDM/MBA programs at 600 Business Schools in India is organized by the All India Management Association (AIMA). MAT tests are performed in three modalities four times a year: paper-based test (PBT), Internet-based test (IBT), and computer-based test (CBT).
CAT 2021: The CAT for PGDM/MBA courses is conducted once a year. The test is performed on a rotational basis by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The CAT test is conducted every year by any one of the major IIMs. CAT is a computer-based (CBT-style) test and is the most challenging MBA entrance examination.
- Checking Patten
MAT 2021: The overall score is 200. Every correct answer has a +1 point, and each wrong answer results in a deduction of 0.25 points.
CAT 2021: The total marks for CAT are 228, with +3 marks earned for each correct answer and -1 negative marking for each wrong answer. If a student does not attempt a question, there is no deduction.
- Exam fluency
MAT 2021: MAT is usually conducted in February, May, September, and December annually. There are multiple dates for CBT, PBT, and IBT tests, and they can choose one or more test modalities for each applicant.
CAT 2021: the CAT is held once a year in two sessions: forenoon and afternoon on the final Sunday of November. In 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic led to CAT in three sessions. CAT 2021 is scheduled for 28 November 2021.
- Eligibility criteria
MAT 2021: The MAT is advantageous for those who do not acquire the highest percentile in their exams. Every passing graduate can take the MAT; there is no age limit or minimum percentage required to appear for this test.
CAT 2021: Students must possess a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50 percent aggregate marks or the equivalent CGPA from any recognized university/board. A minimum of 45 percent aggregate ratings or marks must be secured by SC, ST, and PwD/DA candidates.
Here is an overview of the comparison between CAT and MAT syllabus:
| Section | CAT | MAT |
| Logical Reasoning | Yes | Yes |
| Verbal Ability | Yes | Yes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Yes | Yes |
| General Knowledge | No | Yes |
With the increasing number of IIM applicants in CAT, competition to the top 10 business schools has grown significantly, and a 99+ percentile is needed in the CAT test. This makes CAT one of the toughest control admission tests to break. Choosing the right exam with more benefits and less effort and expenditure is always a wise decision. We hope you will be able to pick your test to save you time, money, and effort with the above insights on the distinctions between the CAT 2021 and MAT 2021 exam.
