GMAT vs CAT - Which is Better for MBA in India?

GMAT vs CAT Overview

GMAT and CAT exams are computer-based tests which are conducted for admission into management programs such as MBA, PGP, PGDM, and other related courses. GMAT scores are accepted by ISB, IIMs, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, Great Lakes, etc., and CAT scores are accepted by IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, etc. Here are the quick highlights of GMAT vs CAT shared below for reference:

Parameter	GMAT	CAT
Format	Computer-based test	Computer-based test
Conducting Body	Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)	IIM
Exam Taking Mode	Test centre or online at home	At Test Centre Only
Eligibility	18 years old	Bachelor’s degree
Number of Questions	64	68
Validity	5 years	1 year
Frequency	5 times a year	Once a year
Exam Duration	2 hours and 15 minutes (with one optional 10-minute break)	120 minutes
Choice of Selection Order	Yes	No
Negative Marking	No	Yes

Check our detailed CAT Exam guide

GMAT vs CAT Eligibility

Eligibility is one of the main factors when choosing between these entrance exams. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to take the GMAT exam. On the other hand, the CAT exam requires candidates to be a graduate or to be appearing in the final year of a bachelor’s degree to be eligible. Here is a CAT vs GMAT comparison in terms of eligibility shared below:

Parameter	GMAT	CAT
Eligibility	18 years old with a valid ID Proof	Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% marks for SC/ST/PwD). Candidates appearing for the final year of a Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification can also apply.

GMAT vs CAT- Exam Pattern

Both the entrance exams are computer-based tests and have three sections. However, they vary in the number of questions, difficulty level, negative marking scheme, and other factors. GMAT exam duration is  2 hours and 15 minutes (with one optional 10-minute break) and consists of 64 questions. The CAT exam duration is 120 minutes and has 68 questions. Here is the detailed GMAT vs CAT comparison in terms of exam pattern shared below.

Parameter	GMAT	CAT
Mode	Computer-based test	Computer-based test
Subjects	Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA)
Number of Questions	64	68
Section-Wise Pattern	Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes	VARC: 24 questions, 40 minutes DILR: 22 questions, 40 minutes  Quantitative Ability: 22 questions, 40 minutes
Exam Duration	2 hours and 15 minutes (with one optional 10-minute break)	120 minutes
Negative Marking	No	Yes (-1 mark for every wrong answer in MCQs)

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GMAT vs CAT Difficulty Level

Many students ask, “Is the GMAT tougher than the CAT exam?” Well, both exams are highly competitive and test candidates’ numerical ability, verbal skills, and ability to interpret data. The CAT exam is more challenging in terms of time pressure and flexibility. Let’s understand the GMAT vs CAT difficulty level explained below:

• Overall Difficulty Level: Many aspirants ask, “Is GMAT tougher than CAT?” Well, both exams are highly challenging and moderately difficult. The Quant section is a bit easier on the GMAT as compared to the CAT. 
• Number of Test-takers: More than 2.5 lakh candidates appear for the CAT exam every year, whereas over 93,000 candidates took the GMAT globally in 2025. This indicates that the GMAT generally has lower competition compared to the CAT.
• Negative Marking Scheme: The CAT exam has a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in MCQs. However, the GMAT exam does not have negative marking. This makes the CAT exam more challenging as there is a risk of losing marks.
• Flexibility: The GMAT exam is more flexible than the CAT. The reason is that GMAT is conducted 5 times a year. Hence, candidates get a chance to improve their scores.

GMAT vs CAT- Number of Attempts & Score Validity

Another major difference between CAT and GMAT is the number of attempts and score validity. The validity of CAT exam scores is 1 year from the date the results are announced. The CAT scorecard can be used for admission into MBA/PGDM programs for only the academic session, followed by the test. For example, a CAT scorecard 2025 is valid for the 2026 admission. Once the academic year is over, the validity of the CAT scorecard will expire. On the other hand, you can appear in the GMAT exam 5 times in a rolling 12-month period. However, you must wait at least 16 days between attempts. In simple words, GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, whereas CAT scores are valid for 1 year.  Check GMAT vs CAT exam comparison in terms of attempts and score validity below:

Parameters	GMAT	CAT
Number of Attempts	5 times a year	Once a year
Score Validity	5 years	1 year

GMAT vs CAT- Accepting Colleges

GMAT scores are accepted by 2,400 universities and organisations in 110 countries, whereas the CAT exam scores are accepted by 22 IIMs and 1200+ colleges in India. Some of the top MBA colleges accepting CAT exam scores are IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and more. The GMAT accepting colleges in India for MBA include a few IIMs, ISB, SPJIMR, and many others. Check the CAT vs GMAT comparison in terms of accepting colleges below:

Parameters	GMAT	CAT
Accepting Colleges	A few IIMs (IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, etc) Indian School of Business MDI Gurgaon SP Jain Institute of Management & Research Great Lakes Institute of Management IMT Ghaziabad XIM Bhubaneshwar, etc	All 22 IIMs FMS Delhi MDI Gurgaon SPJIMR Mumbai IIFT IIT Bombay IIT Delhi IMT Ghaziabad, etc

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GMAT vs CAT- Preparation Strategy

The ideal time to begin GMAT preparation is around 6-7 months before your test date. In comparison, CAT preparation usually requires 12-13 months to achieve a high percentile.

One of the main reasons is that the GMAT is conducted 5 times a year. This allows candidates to retake the exam and improve their scores if needed. On the other hand, the CAT is held only once a year. This gives candidates just one chance to perform well in that exam cycle. As a result, CAT aspirants usually need more preparation time. Here is the GMAT vs CAT preparation strategy for reference:

• Check the GMAT vs CAT syllabus comparison to understand which topics are commonly asked in both exams. You must jot down all the important topics to cover areas that really matter.
• Create a study plan that covers both conceptual learning and practice.
• Practice mocks and previous year papers to check where your preparation stands. 
• Revise all topics regularly to retain concepts and formulas.

GMAT vs CAT- Which is Better?

So, which is better, GMAT or CAT? The answer depends on your preferred institutes, subject knowledge, preparation timeline and career goals. If you are aiming for IIMs and top Indian B-schools, the CAT is a perfect choice. If you want to pursue an MBA in foreign countries or at institutes that accept GMAT scores, the GMAT is an ideal option.

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