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There are several exams that are required for an individual to pass before being considered for admission into an MBA program. These include the CAT, MAT, XAT and CMAT exams. However, these terminologies are super confusing and can actually debilitate anyone with choices. So, what to pursue? This article will explain to you the difference between CAT, MAT, XAT and CMAT exams and assist you in choosing the one that suits you and your career aspirations the best!
1. CAT: Common Admission Test
The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is one of the most preferred MBA entrance exams in India. The scores obtained in CAT are acceptable to IIM and many other business schools spread all over India.
Key details about CAT:
- Mode of exam: Computer-based
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Sections: Verbal ability and reading comprehension, data interpretation and logical reasoning, quantitative ability
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with not less than 50% marks in general category and 45% for reserved categories
Why select CAT
CAT is the most highly competitive entrance exam due to its broad appeal and IIM’s reputational edge. If your aim is to have access to top-ranked business schools in India, then definitely this should be the test to sit for.
2. MAT: Management Aptitude Test
On the other hand, the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is also popular among those who would like to pursue an MBA but, unlike CAT, it does not have national character as it is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) four times every year — enabling more candidates to take part in it.
Key details about MAT:
- MAT Full Form: Management Aptitude Test
- Mode of Exam: Online (CBT), offline (PBT), and internet-based (IBT)
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Sections: Language comprehension, mathematical skills, data analysis & sufficiency, intelligence & critical reasoning, Indian & global environment
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Why choose MAT
Various examination modes and dates throughout the year are available on MAT giving examination flexibility as a key point. Moreover, India has more than 600 alternative business school candidates working in large numbers in different cities who are interested in taking this course together with its equivalents at the Asian level.
3. XAT: Xavier Aptitude Test
On the other hand, the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is held by the Xavier School of Management (XLRI)(information.careers360.com) Situated in Jamshedpur and is respected by 160 other similar schools conducting business studies in India. XAT exam has lately become known for its decision-making segment among other things that are not restricted to sectional tests only but widen to all possible areas within management discipline.
Key details about XAT:
- XAT full form: Xavier Aptitude Test
- Mode of exam: Computer-based
- Duration: 210 minutes
- Sections: Verbal and logical ability, decision making, quantitative ability and data interpretation, general knowledge
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Why select XAT
Especially decision making is hard within the XAT exam whose difficulty level is high. Moreover, if you are targeting entering top management institutes such as XLRI including other XAMI affiliates, then the XAT exam must be put into consideration. Furthermore, before facing it successfully one must understand what it stands for and who can be considered eligible.
4. CMAT: Common Management Admission Test
On the other hand, the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is made available through the National Testing Agency (NTA) or this test that can be accepted by all those AICTE-approved institutions within the country.
Key details about CMAT:
- CMAT full form: Common Management Admission Test
- Mode of exam: Computer-based
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Sections: Quantitative techniques & data interpretation, logical reasoning, language comprehension, general awareness
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Why choose CMAT
Compared to CAT and XAT, CMAT poses fewer challenges but provides more options for students planning to study in MBA programs accredited by AICTE. It is well-suited for those who want to join second-tier business schools across India.
You May Also Like: MBA without CAT: Top CAT exam alternatives
Differences among CAT, MAT, XAT, and CMAT
- Difficulty level: CAT and XAT are harder than MAT or CMAT.
- Frequency: While there are four sessions per year for MAT offering such freedom, CAT, XAT, and CMAT take place once each year.
- Institutions accepted: Unlike other exams that have broader acceptance across several AICTE-approved institutions, CAT is mainly meant for admission into IIMs, XAT is specifically intended for XLRI and XAMI while MAT as well as CMAT are both AICTE-approved ad hence accepted in several universities.
CAT or MAT: Which one is better for MBA?
Deciding whether or not to go for an MBA through CAT or MAT depends on your career goals as well as the type of business school you want to enroll in. Selecting CAT would ensure entry into high-ranked institutions like IIMs while a candidate may opt for MAT (Management Aptitude Test) which has more test date options as well as flexibility.
Online Manipal: Your path to a flexible MBA
Online Manipal provides Different online MBA courses that have been accredited by the UGC and are affiliated with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) – 2 very prestigious universities. These MBA programs serve different purposes suited to varied needs.
If you want to do an MBA program but live very far from where it is being offered, the best option would be through an online university system like Online Manipal. Pursuing an MBA through Online Manipal enables you to receive quality education from recognized institutions. Because of their busy schedules, today’s professional workers find online MBAs very helpful due to their convenience and flexibility.
The bottom line
When planning for an MBA, it is important not to confuse one with the other – CAT, MAT, XAT, and CMAT have different features and purposes. No matter what type of person you are or what advantages you need, these tests have something for everyone. Before making any decisions about your preferred business school always consider if an online MBA would suit your needs better than a regular MBA. Remember that an appropriate MBA would bring a plethora of opportunities into your life. If you are looking for part-time MBA programs, give Online Manipal a try and you won’t be disappointed!
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