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Aditya Jha

Updated on 08th November, 2023 , 4 min read

Is MAT Exam Tougher Than CMAT?

Exam

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) and the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) are two of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India. Both exams are designed to test a candidate's quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills. The best exam for the candidates will depend on their individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as the colleges they are interested in attending. If you are confident in your quantitative skills, the MAT may be a good option for you. If you are looking for an exam with a wider range of topics, the CMAT may be a better choice. Ultimately, the best way to decide which exam is right for you is to take a practice test of each exam and see which one you perform better on.

Interested Candidates can now apply for MAT Exam 2023 (December Session) - Direct Link

MAT and CMAT: A Brief Overview

MAT:

  • The MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) four times a year.
  • The MAT has three sections: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning.
  • The MAT is a 2-hour exam with 100 questions.
  • The MAT score is valid for three years.
  • The MAT is accepted by over 200 MBA colleges in India.

CMAT:

  • The CMAT is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) once a year.
  • The CMAT has four sections: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.
  • The CMAT is a 2.5-hour exam with 125 questions.
  • The CMAT score is valid for one year.
  • The CMAT is accepted by over 150 MBA colleges in India.

MAT And CMAT: Highlights

Exam Features

MAT

CMAT

Exam Name

Management Aptitude Test

Common Management Aptitude Test

Exam Conducting Body

All India Management Association - AIMA

National Test Agency - NTA

Frequency of Exam

Multiple times in four phases per year

Once a year

Participating Colleges

700 MBA colleges

1300 B schools in India

Eligibility

Passed or appearing in Bachelor's degree in any stream

Professional degrees in commerce and accounting are also eligible

Passed or appearing in Bachelor's degree in any stream

Professional degrees in commerce and accounting are also eligible

Application Fee

INR 1,900 for one paper

INR 3,150 for two papers

INR 2,000 for General Male candidate

INR 1,000 for General Female candidate

INR 1,000 for SC, ST, PWD candidate

How To Choose Between MAT and CMAT?

Some additional factors to consider when choosing between the MAT and CMAT are as follows:

  • The number of times a candidate wants to take the exam: If you want to take the exam multiple times to improve your score, MAT is a better option because it is offered four times a year. The CMAT is only offered once a year, so you will have to wait a full year if you want to retake the exam.
  • The colleges a candidate would prefer to attend: Not all colleges accept both the MAT and CMAT scores. Make sure to check the admission requirements of the colleges you are interested in attending to see which exam they accept.
  • Candidate’s budget: The MAT registration fee is INR 1,800, while the CMAT registration fee is INR 2,000. If you are on a budget, the MAT may be a more affordable option.

Comparison Between MAT and CMAT

The following table shows the comparison between MAT and CMAT: 

Exam Features

MAT

CMAT

Exam Mode

Paper-Based Test mode (PBT)

Computer-Based Test mode (CBT)

Internet-Based Test mode (IBT)

Computer-Based Test mode

Exam Duration

2 hours and 30 minutes

3 hours

Shifts and Timings

PBT mode – 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

CBT mode – 10:00 am to 12:30 pm 

IBT mode  – Multiple shifts

Morning shift - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Evening shift - 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Exam Difficulty level

Easy to Moderate

Moderate to Difficult

Sections

Five

Four

Sectional Time limit

No

No

Subjects

Indian and Global Environment

Language Comprehension

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

Mathematical Skills

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

Logical Reasoning

Language Comprehension

General Awareness

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Total Questions

200 questions

100 questions

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Total Marks

200 marks

400 marks

Negative Marking

0.25 marks deducted for each wrong attempt

-1 mark for each wrong attempt

Similarities between the , MAT Syllabus and CMAT Syllabus

The similarities between the MAT and CMAT syllabus are:

  • Quantitative Ability: Both exams test basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
  • Verbal Ability: Both exams test reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
  • Logical Reasoning: Both exams test problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

MAT Syllabus

CMAT Syllabus

Mathematical Skills Topics

Number System

Mixtures and Allegation

Profit and Loss

Interest & Percentage

Ratio and Proportion

Trigonometry

Algebra

Mensuration

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics

Algebra

Time, Speed, Distance & Work

Allegation and Mixtures

Geometry

Quadratic Equation

Linear Equations

Mensuration

Data Interpretation in Tables, Graphs

Data Sufficiency – Sentence and Conclusions

Venn Diagram

Charts (Column, Bar, Pie)

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Topics

Passage Conclusions

Fact Inference Judgment

Statement Argument

Blood Relations

Charts and Analogy

Logical Reasoning Topics

Analytical Reasoning

Linear Arrangements

Series

Matrix Arrangements

Blood Relations

Language Comprehension Topics

Fill in the blanks

Reading Comprehension

English proficiency

Vocabulary and grammar

Para Jumble

Language Comprehension Topics

Fill in the blanks

Reading Comprehension

English proficiency

Vocabulary and grammar

Para Jumble

Indian & Global Environment Topics

Current Affairs

World Records

Books and Authors

Top Officials of Big Companies

Space Research Missions

Awards – National, Internation,al and Different Industries

General Awareness Topics

Economic Events

Corporate Events

Current Affairs

Politics

Sports

Culture & Society

Data Analysis and Sufficiency Topics

Data Interpretation in Tables, Graphs

Data Sufficiency – Sentence and Conclusions

Venn Diagram

Charts (Column, Bar, Pie)

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Business Decision

Reading Comprehension

Types Business

Difference between MAT scores and CMAT scores

The MAT and CMAT are both standardized tests used for admissions to MBA programs in India. However, there are some key differences between the two tests, including:

  • The Number of sections: The MAT has three sections: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. The CMAT has four sections: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.
  • Total number of questions: The MAT has 100 questions, while the CMAT has 125 questions.
  • Exam duration: The MAT is a 2-hour exam, while the CMAT is a 2.5-hour exam.
  • Score validity: The MAT score is valid for three years, while the CMAT score is valid for one year.
  • Number of colleges accepting the score: The were MAT is accepted by over 200 MBA colleges in India, while the CMAT is accepted by over 150 MBA colleges in India.

Scorecard details

MAT

CMAT

Sections for final scores

Language Comprehension

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

Mathematical Skills

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

Logical Reasoning

Language Comprehension

Score Type

Section-wise scores

Overall scores

Overall Percentile

Composite scores for each section

Overall Composite scores

Section-wise scores

Overall scores

Sectional Percentile

Overall Percentile

All India Rank

Total Marks

200

400

Score calculation

Scores obtained in each section are evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100

The final scores of all sections are scaled from 199 to 800, where 199 being the lowest, and 800 being the highest score

Note: Indian and Global Environment section is not included in the percentile calculation

All India Rank is calculated on basis of sectional scores i.e. out of 400 marks

Percentile is calculated on the basis of rank, raw marks of the candidate, Internet-based test, and total number of candidates who appeared for CMAT

Note: The general  Awareness section is not included in the percentile calculation

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