CAT vs GMAT- Choosing the Right Test for You: Aspirants who are interested in pursuing MBA have a dilemma in choosing between CAT and GMAT. Every year there are thousands of applicants who are confused about the choice between CAT or GMAT. This is a big decision for them as giving these exams opens the doors of many opportunities for the candidates.
CAT or GMAT - Number of Attempts - GMAT can be attempted multiple times a year, whereas CAT can be attempted once a year. While GMAT can be taken up to five times in a year, there is no room for flexibility in CAT, meaning if the due date is passed, then next year will get the chance.
What is tested? - Another distinguishing factor between the two exams is how they test each of the applicants. CAT focuses more on interpretation of data and mathematical analysis. On the other hand, the GMAT has a greater focus on analytical skills and linguistic reasoning.
Validity of CAT score - This is a major differentiating factor between the two exams. CAT score is valid for one year only. There are some institutes that consider the previous year's CAT score of the applicants. On the other hand, the validity of the GMAT score of the applicant is five years. As far as flexibility is concerned, the GMAT is more flexible.
Choice of Institutions – CAT score is accepted by IIMs and other B-Schools. Applicants need to remember that the nature of CAT is focused on Indian education. So if Indians want to take admitted to one of the B-Schools then it would be right to opt for CAT. GMAT score is accepted by Indian institutions as well as B-Schools across the world. In other words, the applicant has more options to choose from.
Ease of Admission - When it comes to CAT, getting admission in the college of your choice is not easy. Because the number of applicants is large and the seats are few, if we talk about GMAT, it is very easy for the applicants to find the college of their choice. This is mainly because B-schools around the world accept GMAT scores. Even IIMs have started accepting GMAT scores.
Cost - Cost is the most important deciding factor that makes CAT a better option than GMAT. However, CAT is conducted only once a year and the examination fee is only Rs 1,800. If you compare it with GMAT then the cost of GMAT will be $250 i.e. around Rs.18,000 (per attempt). Doing MBA in India is cheaper than doing MBA in foreign universities.
Exam Pattern – Both these exams are very different. GMAT is a computer-optimized test. The difficulty level is adjusted based on your performance on the previous question in the GMAT exam. For example, if you answer your first question easily, your next question will be relatively difficult. Talking about the format of CAT, it is linear. CAT questions are selected at random from the question bank
What is the difference in the calculation of scores? There is also a big difference in the calculation of marks in both the exams. The CAT is scored in the percentile, while the GMAT is absolute. CAT percentile depends on how others have scored in the exam.