Is GMAT Harder than Cat?

One of the most common dilemmas that MBA aspirants face all over the world is whether to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or the CAT (Common Admission Test). While both of these examinations are accepted by the top B-schools in the world, it is always interesting to know if GMAT is harder than CAT or is CAT harder than GMAT. In this article, we will explore GMAT VS CAT which is better, know their formats, difficulty levels, score cutoffs and best B-schools.

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This Story also Contains

1. GMAT vs CAT 2025: Highlights
2. Is GMAT and CAT Syllabus Same?
3. Which Exam is More Difficult: GMAT or CAT?
4. GMAT VS CAT Which is Better?

GMAT vs CAT 2025: Highlights

Is GMAT and CAT Syllabus Same?

No, the GMAT syllabus is very different from the CAT syllabus. Following are the topics covered in the three sections of the GMAT exam syllabus.

• Quantitative Reasoning: Arithmetic, Algebra, Word Problems

• Verbal Reasoning: Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning

• Data Insights: Combines data interpretation and integrated reasoning

There is no geometry section in the GMAT exam pattern, and as it is a computer-adaptive test, the level of difficulty depends on the performance.

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Following are the topics covered in the three sections of the CAT exam syllabus:

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Math

• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Graphs, Tables, Puzzles

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): RC Passages, Para Jumbles, Grammar

As it is a non-adaptive test, it offers the same level and order of questions for all the test-takers.

Which Exam is More Difficult: GMAT or CAT?

Both GMAT and CAT are challenging in their own ways. Here is a comparison between GMAT and CAT based on different aspects:

1. Quant section: The GMAT exam mainly focuses on heavy logic but few topics. On the other hand, the CAT exam is broad and even mathematics and geometry is also included.

2. Verbal section: Students have to do sentence correction in the verbal section of GMAT which makes it more difficult. In CAT, they only have to do a few grammar questions.

3. Reasoning/data analysis: This section in the GMAT exam is highly analytical, whereas the section in the CAT exam is less structured and has logic puzzles.

4. Test format: The GMAT format is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the test increases with each correct answer. In CAT, the questions are the same for everyone.

5. Time duration: The total duration to complete the GMAT is tight but students manage to complete the test on time because there are fewer questions. For CAT, the time duration is also less and due to more complex questions, students find it difficult to complete the test on time.

6. Test scores: GMAT is a standardized test, because of which students are allowed to take the test multiple times. On the contrary, students can take the CAT only once per year.

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GMAT VS CAT Which is Better?

Is GMAT tough? As discussed above, both the exams have their own set of challenges. It depends on what your purpose is to take the test.

You must choose GMAT if:

• You want to study MBA abroad

• You want to apply to a logic and data-driven test

• While applying, you require flexibility to retake or reschedule the test

• You prefer a global exposure more than a domestic exposure

• You can score well in English and analytical reasoning

Why choose CAT over GMAT? You must choose CAT only if:

• You want admission in an Indian IIM or some of the foreign colleges that accept CAT scores

• You have a strong grasp of the Quant and DILR sections

• You don’t require multiple takes for the exam and are confident in your ability to clear the test in one go

• You have a limited budget for the exam

• You perform better in Maths

Is GMAT harder than CAT? There’s no single answer. CAT is harder in terms of math scope and competition, while GMAT is harder for its adaptive logic and English intensity, especially under time pressure. You should consider your academic background, career aspirations and preferred study destination before deciding between the two exams.