Before preparing and applying for different MBA exams such as CAT, XAT, CMAT, IIFT or others, candidates must know what is the difference between CAT and other MBA Entrance Exams. There are numerous similarities between CAT and other exams but still, there are significant differences between the XAT Exam and CAT exam. The searches related to CAT Vs CMAT; CAT Vs XAT; CAT Vs IIFT by the potential test-takers and the correct supervision with comparison tables for these exams assist not only the CAT or XAT preparation but also selecting the right exam leading to correct MBA colleges for instance the test taker can come to a decision as per his/her choice which one is better XAT or CAT? How is CAT different from XAT?
How is the CAT examination diverse from other MBA exams?
The syllabus of the CAT exam is more or less similar to the other MBA exams with some small differences. An instance of this is that the CAT does not have the Essay Writing sections or General Knowledge like numerous other exams such as XAT does. The details about most of the significant MBA exams including CAT are mentioned below so that you can judge and understand the differences between them.
CAT
Common Aptitude Test or CAT is conducted by the different IIM’s in rotation for MBA admission into the IIM’s in addition to other well-known institutes such as DMS, FMS, etc. Details about cat 2019 format and cat exam pattern are given as follows:
- IIM Kozhikode will carry out CAT 2019 in two separate sessions. CAT 2019 will have a blend of MCQs and Non-MCQs to offer level playing field to the students of all streams. CAT application form is only available online.
- CAT 2019 Exam duration is of 3 hours
- CAT 2019 Exam will be classified into MCQs and Non-MCQ type questions
- The exam will be conducted in two sessions: Morning and Afternoon
- The exam will be held in 156 test cities across the country
- IIM Kozhikode will release tutorial to know the format of CAT 2019 Test and question pattern on the CAT 2019 website on October 16.
- Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in any stream from a renowned university. Final year students can also apply.
- Exam Syllabus: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Exam Fee: Rs. 1800 for General, Rs. 900 for Reserved
- Mode of Exam: Computer Based Exam
- Marking Scheme: Incorrect Answer is -1 and Correct Answer is +3
- The validity of the exam score: 1 year
- Exam Duration: 3 hours
IIFT
IIFT MBA Entrance Exam is carried out by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade for admission to IIFT campuses situated at Kolkata, Delhi, and Kakinada. Details about this examination are given below:
- Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any stream from a recognized university while it is 45% for SC/ST/PWD. Final year students can also apply.
- Exam Syllabus: Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Knowledge, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Reading Comprehension
- Mode of Exam: Paper-Based Exam
- Marking Scheme: Incorrect Answer is -1/3 of marks for the correct answer and correct answer is +0.5 to 1
- Exam Fee: Rs. 1650
- Exam Duration: 2 hours
- The validity of the exam score: 1 year
XAT
Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT is carried out by Xavier School of Management for MBA admission to XLRI in addition to some other institutes. Details about this exam are mentioned below:
- Mode of Exam: Computer Based Exam
- Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a renowned university. Final year students can also apply.
- Exam Syllabus: Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, General Knowledge, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- Exam Duration: 3 hours
- Exam Fee: Rs. 1650
- Marking Scheme: Incorrect Answer is -0.25 and Correct Answer is +1
- The validity of the exam score: 1 year
GMAT
Graduate Management Admission Test is a global test carried out by Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) for admission to leading Business Schools abroad or in India like IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmadabad, IIM Bangalore, XLRI, ISB, etc. Details about this exam are given as follows:
- Mode of Exam: Computer Based Exam
- Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university and proficiency in the English language.
- Marking Scheme: The GMAT has a computer adaptive testing with different scoring scales for different sections
- Exam Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude Integrated Reasoning Verbal Ability Analytical Writing Assessment
- Exam Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Exam Fee: Rs. 18, 000
- The validity of the exam score: 5 years
CMAT
Common Management Admission Test is carried out by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to all management programs that are approved by AICTE. Details about this exam are mentioned below:
- Mode of Exam: Computer Based Exam
- Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university. Final year students can also apply.
- Exam Syllabus: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and General Awareness
- Exam Duration: 3 hours
- Exam Fee: Rs 1400 for General and Rs 700 for ST/ SC/ Women/Transgender
- Marking Scheme: Correct Answer is +4 and Incorrect Answer is -1
- The validity of the exam score: 1 year
Preparation for Various MBA exams
All the MBA exams mentioned above; including CAT, have some commonalities in their curriculum. Most of these exams share a common core of Verbal Ability and Quantitative Aptitude with differences, for instance, the addition of General Knowledge or Essay Writing in some exams. So, the core syllabus is the same which can be studied from a single source to prepare for numerous exams.
Check out the complete information related for CAT Exam at https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam