Is CMAT Exam really easy as compared to CAT Exam?

October 26, 2024October 26, 2024 Career Mantra

If you are aspiring to do an MBA or PGDM in India, then you would have certainly heard about two of the entrance tests which are the most common: the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) and the Common Admission Test (CAT). Both are entrance exams for many of the top business schools in India, but often people hear more debates about how difficult a single test is compared to another. Most students feel that CMAT is easier than CAT. In this blog post, we will dig deeper into the structures, levels of difficulty, and other nuances of these exams, in order that you may have a better idea of which one really is easier-CMAT or CAT.

1.1. Introduction to CMAT and CAT

We should first check out the basics of each test before actually diving into some analysis regarding which one is more accessible.

What is the CMAT Exam?

The Common Management Admission Test is conducted by the National Testing Agency. More than 1,000 MBA colleges in India, from among various Tier 1 institutes, accept the test. The five sections of the CAT exam typically include the following:

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
Logical Reasoning
Language Comprehension
General Awareness
Innovation and Entrepreneurship

What is the CAT Exam?

The most sought after exam for students seeking admission into the best management colleges, such as IIMs, FMS, and others big one names is Indian Institutes of Management, IIMs – Common Admission Test. The three sections that CAT has divided into are:

There’s Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, or VARC.

Then comes Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, DILR.

And finally, Quantitative Aptitude, or QA.

Now that we have an inkling of what both have in store for us, let us seek the reasons why CMAT is said to be easier than CAT.

2.Level of Difficulty: CMAT vs CAT

Quantitative Aptitude

CAT: The QA section of the CAT Exam is the most rigid one. Here, it questions your deep understanding of mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, number systems, and many more. Questions are generally tricky that require higher level logical thinking rather than mere application of formulas. CAT is quite notorious for its QA part as for the toughness quotient.

CMAT: In comparison, the Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section of CMAT is much easier. Questions are more formula-based, and you can do most of them with basic knowledge about arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. You might need some speed, but the questions are much less complicated than CAT.

Verdict: CMAT is easier on Quantitative Aptitude, as the questions will be much more simplistic and less tricky.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

CAT: The DILR section in CAT is known to be very tough and unpredictable. Questions are comparatively analytical, and sets are very intricate-most of the time. They say most of the candidates lose here because of the variety of logical puzzles and the required high logical reasoning at each place in the set.

CMAT: On the other hand, the Logical Reasoning part of CMAT is much simpler as questions are based on common logical puzzles like seating arrangements, blood relations, coding-decoding. Even the Data Interpretation part of CMAT consists of simpler graphs and tables, making it less complicated than that of CAT’s DILR part.

Verdict: The DILR part of CMAT is much easier as it has simpler and straightforward questions compared to CAT.

Verbal Ability and Language Comprehension

It is a combination of reading comprehension passages that are complex as well as the most challenging level of verbal ability questions like para jumbles, odd sentences, and inference-based questions. The paragraphs are usually very dense and require strong knowledge of language and reasoning.

CMAT: In the language comprehension section, CMAT is not so challenging. The passages are short and easy to read. There are no jumbles of paragraphs or complex inference-based questions. The verbal ability questions are more front-end based on grammar, vocabulary, and basic reading skills.

Verdict: the reason for this section being easy in CMAT is the easier passages and straightforward grammar-based questions. General Awareness

CMAT: The only major difference between CAT and CMAT is the existence of the General Awareness section in CMAT. It tests knowledge of current affairs, general knowledge, and static GK. This section does not exist in CAT thereby adding an extra layer to prepare for. However, GK questions are fact-based and require consistent reading in news and current affairs to score well.

CAT does not have a General Awareness section; therefore, that portion of CMAT can be termed as an additional challenge for those who are not good in current affairs for GK.

Verdict: This section might pose some amount of difficulty to CMAT, but for those being well-versed with GK, it is not a big issue.

3.Test Structure and Time Management

Test Time

CAT: 2 hours (40 minutes each section)

CMAT: 3 hours (No sectional time bound)

Another area where CMAT proves softer compared to CAT is time management. All the sections are timed in CAT, which means once the time limit for a particular section elapses, it is not possible to revert to that section. For many students who were weak in one or other sections, this rigid time management would be very nerve-wracking.

On the other hand, CMAT will give you the flexibility to move back and forth among sections; therefore, you can focus on your strengths. You may manage time based on performance throughout the test.

Verdict: It is thus seen that CMAT gives scope for flexibility in time management. Hence it is not as stressful as CAT.

4.Innovation and Entrepreneurship Section in CMAT

Recently, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship section has been included in CMAT. It tests the concept knowledge of entrepreneurs and innovations and startup ecosystems. Although it’s an additional section, the difficulty level is moderate, and students with basic knowledge of entrepreneurship can easily tackle this section.

Verdict: This section is more application-based but not too tough, and so adds a different flavour to the CMAT exam.

5.Acceptance and Prestige of the Exams

CAT: CAT is considered the most prestigious MBA entrance exam in India, solely because it allows an entry pass to IIMs, top management institutes in the country. Any good performance in CAT unlocks the doors for best management schools in the country.

CMAT : Although CMAT is accepted by most B-schools, some of the premier institutes like most of the top IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, and MDI do not accept CMAT scores. If your target is a good B-school but not the top 10, then CMAT is a good option.

Verdict: CAT has a greater prestige and acceptance level, making it the tougher but more rewarding examination in terms of career prospects.

6.Preparation Time and Strategy:

CAT: Since it is a long test with a difficulty level, months of hard and intensive study, practice, and mock tests are required in preparation for CAT. A year or more is therefore sufficient time for aspirants to prepare themselves fully for CAT.

CMAT: Since the questions of CMAT are much more accessible in nature, the preparation time taken is less. It will suffice if they spend all their time in their areas of aptitude, viz. arithmetic, logical reasoning, and general knowledge, for about 3-6 months.

Verdict : Time and efforts required for preparation of CMAT are relatively lesser.

7.Which Exam Should You Choose?

If you are targeting IIMs, FMS, MDI, and other top institutes, then CAT is what you have to work towards. However, don’t forget it is not a cakewalk.

If you target a greater number of B-schools and want an exam much less competitive, then CMAT should be something you should look forward to.

Ultimately, it’s what and how much you would like to achieve.

Conclusion

Although the CMAT is easier regarding the complexities of questions, preparation time, and time management compared to CAT, it remains one of the most competitive and prestigious exams. If entry into premier B schools like IIMs is your objective, then CAT is the exam to clear. But those of you who wish to have a stress-free journey with the access of a large number of B-schools can easily opt for CMAT- an easy entrance to quality education.

Both require much dedication, strategy, and practice; however, if you want a less challenging test, then CMAT is obviously lesser compared to CAT. Ultimately, the decision is yours based on your career goal, time accessibility, and comfort with the subjects tested in each exam.