Picking the right entrance exam for management studies is very important for your future career. Many people do not know the difference between CAT and MAT, since both provide chances to attend top B-Schools. How can you know which test to choose?
Let’s answer the most common queries students ask about CAT vs MAT 2025 in detail.
What is the difference between CAT and MAT 2025?
Feature |
CAT 2025 |
MAT 2025 |
Conducting Body |
IIMs |
AIMA |
Exam Frequency |
Once a year (November) |
Four times a year (Feb, May, Sept, Dec) |
Exam Mode |
Online (Computer-Based Test) |
Online, PBT (Paper-Based), and CBT |
Difficulty Level |
High |
Moderate |
Score Acceptability |
IIMs, top B-Schools |
600+ B-Schools |
Sections |
VARC, QA, DILR |
Language, Math, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning |
Validity of Score |
1 Year |
1 Year |
Which exam is tougher: CAT or MAT?
Most people find CAT to be more difficult than MAT because the questions are more complex and competitive, mainly in Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR).
To excel in CAT, it is important to practice with CAT Previous years question papers and do regular DILR mock test for CAT. They help you catch on to the most common questions and improve your response during an exam.
Who should choose CAT 2025?
Select CAT 2025 if you meet the following conditions.
• You are hoping to get admittance to IIMs or other top management institutes.
You have a good understanding of quantitative and reasoning skills.
• You may want to spend anywhere from 6 to 12 months preparing for the exam.
• You are not intimidated by important exams and strong competition.
A lot of candidates like to use CAT books that have theory, sample problems, and questions from previous years to build a sound base.
Read More: CAT 2025 Exam: How to Create a 6-Month Study Plan That Works?
Who is MAT 2025 meant for?
If you are interested in learning math, MAT 2025 is a great choice.
• You wish for more choices in when and how you take the exams.
You are aiming for B-schools that are not in the top tier.
• It is important to have extra attempts in case something goes wrong.
• You have to combine your work or studies with preparing for exams.
Since MAT is not very tough, a simple preparation plan works well if used on a regular basis.
Can I appear for both CAT and MAT?
A lot of students choose to take both exams. Depending on your test results, you have a better chance of being admitted to a good MBA college.
Preparing for both at the same time is possible using quantitative aptitude and reasoning as a base. Still, to improve your CAT score, you should not miss practicing with DILR mock test for CAT and solve CAT previous year question papers regularly.
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Final Verdict: Which exam suits you best?
Your choice of colleges, amount of time for preparation, and your abilities will determine this. If becoming a part of an IIM or top B-school is your goal, CAT 2025 is the best way to achieve it. If you want more options and still want to attend a good MBA college, MAT 2025 is a good choice.
What counts more than the exam you pick is regular practice and the best approach. Concentrate on your studies, use the available books and materials wisely, and keep reviewing with CAT books to perform better than others.