When it comes to competitive exams in India, CAT (Common Admission Test) and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) are two of the most talked-about. But a question that often arises among aspirants is — “Is CAT tougher than NEET or vice versa?” Let’s break this down the key differences and which exam might be more challenging for you.
Which Exam is Tougher – CAT or NEET?
Both the exams are considered tough, but the level of toughness may vary according to the individual capability, interest and preparation of the person.
|
Parameter |
CAT |
NEET |
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose |
MBA Admissions |
Medical Admissions |
|
Subjects Covered |
Quantitative Aptitude, LRDI, Verbal Ability |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
|
Educational Background |
Any Graduate |
10+2 with Science (PCB) |
|
Number of Applicants |
~2.5 Lakhs (2024) |
~20 Lakhs (2024) |
|
Exam Duration |
2 Hours |
3 Hours 20 Minutes |
|
Scoring Method |
Percentile |
Marks out of 720 |
|
Competition Intensity |
Very High |
Extremely High |
Compared to NEET, CAT is more inclined to memory and concept-based learning in sciences and less on the type of logic, reasoning, and interpretation. As compared to CAT, NEET is more systematic but longer and more descriptive, while CAT is famous for its randomness and logical thinking.
Read More: Can I Crack a CAT Without Coaching?
Who Should Choose NEET and Who Should Go for CAT?
• The students who play truant and do not want to sit for any exams are referred to as NEET. It has a basic prerequisite of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology among other subjects. Solving the NEET chapter wise question bank is helpful for the aspirants to build a strong concept of each topic.
• CAT is useful for graduates who want to work in the managerial capacity. As for me, I want to emphasize that it also checks logical-mathematical skills, analysis of the data, and language proficiency. Hence, it is imperative that one takes as many CAT mock tests as possible to enhance accuracy as well as speed.
Which Exam Has a More Competitive Cut-Off?
In terms of cut-offs:
• For getting into good medical colleges, it is compulsory to obtain good marks in NEET which is above 650 out of 720.
• CAT cut-offs are calculated on the basis of percentile scores and IIMs require 98-99+ percentile. The numbers of the seats are less, which means the competition is high.
Solving the previous years’ question papers of CAT is beneficial in terms of knowing the pattern, level of difficulty, and the type of questions that are asked.
Which Exam Requires More Study Time?
Preparation hours vary:
-
NEET aspirants often prepare for 1–2 years right from Class 11 due to the vast syllabus.
-
CAT aspirants typically prepare for 6–12 months post-graduation, focusing more on practice and strategy.
For both, consistency is the key. NEET aspirants should revise with the NEET chapter wise question bank, while CAT aspirants must not skip full-length CAT mock test attempts.
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Final Verdict
So, is CAT tough or NEET? The answer is – it depends on your interest, background, and aptitude. If you’re a science student with a passion for medicine, NEET might feel natural but intense. If you’re a graduate with analytical skills and communication strengths, CAT might suit you better but will demand a different kind of preparation.
