The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is a national-level entrance exam for admission to postgraduate management programmes in India. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is accepted by management institutes and business schools in India and overseas.
The two exams differ in their schedules and retake policies. CAT is held once a year, while candidates can take the GMAT throughout the year. Candidates who miss CAT must wait until the next test cycle, whereas GMAT candidates can retake the exam after a minimum gap of 16 days, subject to attempt limits.
Start by checking the admission requirements of your target programmes. Applicants to the IIMs through their regular domestic admission process generally need a CAT score. Several other management institutes accept both exams. S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), for instance, accepts CAT and GMAT scores for its PGDM and PGDM (BM) programmes.
GMAT vs CAT: Key differences
The table below compares the two MBA entrance exams on the points candidates ask about most.
| Parameter | CAT | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted by | IIMs and other Indian institutes | Indian and international business schools |
| Test dates | Once a year, usually towards the end of the year | Year-round |
| Sections | VARC, DILR and QA | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Score validity | Relevant admission cycle | 5 years |
| Retakes | Next annual test | 16-day gap; up to 5 attempts in 12 months |
Should you take CAT?
CAT is held once a year, usually towards the end of the year. It is accepted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other management colleges in India. CAT may be the right choice if your target programmes require CAT scores or accept them as part of their admission process. If you miss the exam, your next opportunity will be the following year.
The test has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
Your score is one factor in the selection process, but business schools also look at your academic record, work experience, and achievements.
Should you take GMAT?
GMAT is accepted by business schools in India and internationally. Test slots are available year-round. GMAT may suit applicants targeting business schools in India or overseas, particularly those who need flexibility in scheduling their exam.
The exam has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. It takes 2 hours 15 minutes. GMAT scores remain valid for five years.
Schools differ on which test formats they accept: authorised test-centre results, online scores, or both. Check this before scheduling your exam.
How to choose between GMAT and CAT
Ask these questions:
If S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) is on your list
SPJIMR accepts CAT and GMAT scores for admission to the PGDM and PGDM (BM) programmes.
You may submit your application before your examination results arrive. Update your scores in your application once results are declared.
Qualifying criteria
Domestic candidates must achieve an overall 85 percentile and 75 percentile in each section on the accepted examination.
International applicants (those who are not Indian citizens and do not hold an Indian passport) can apply to PGDM with these criteria: GMAT 75 percentile overall and 65 percentile in each section, or CAT 85 percentile overall and 75 percentile in each section. PGDM (BM) is structured for domestic applicants.
Meeting the qualifying criteria does not guarantee shortlisting. SPJIMR also considers your academic performance, work experience, and achievements.
GMAT-specific requirements
Although GMAT scores remain valid for five years, SPJIMR sets a specific score acceptance window for each admission cycle. Check the relevant programme’s admissions page before applying.
Other SPJIMR programmes that accept CAT and GMAT
CAT and GMAT scores are also accepted for SPJIMR’s Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM), an 18-month AICTE-approved full-time programme for experienced professionals, and the Global Management Programme (GMP), a study-abroad programme at SPJIMR.
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