Among the most important choices that more than three lakh MBA candidates must make on an annual basis is whether they should take NMAT Test or Common Admission Test (CAT). To learn more about it, let us compare the exams schedules, the curriculum, and the eligibility and the level of difficulty.
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NMAT vs CAT: Quick Comparison
|
Particulars |
NMAT 2025 |
CAT 2025 |
|
Conducting Body |
Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
|
Exam Frequency |
3 attempts within a 70-day window |
Once a year |
|
Exam Duration |
120 minutes |
120 minutes |
|
No. of Questions |
108 |
66 |
|
Sections |
Language, Quantitative, Logical Reasoning |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
Sectional Timing |
28-52 minutes (varies per section) |
40 minutes each |
|
Negative Marking |
No |
-1 for MCQs |
|
Application Fee |
₹3000 + taxes |
₹2500 (Gen), ₹1250 (SC/ST/PwD) |
|
Difficulty Level |
Easy to Moderate |
Moderate to Difficult |
Exam Conducting Bodies
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The CAT is conducted on a yearly basis by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is a nationally-based test. NMAT is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) that is a highly trusted testing authority in the world. Top B-schools in India accept the scores and the test is also well known outside of India with colleges in South Africa, the Philippines, Nigeria, Morocco and Hungary taking the test. NMAT is more globally spread but CAT is well competitive and India oriented.
Exam Difficulty Level
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|
Aspect |
NMAT |
CAT |
|
Question Complexity |
Straightforward, speed-focused |
Concept-heavy, analytical |
|
Time Management |
Strict sectional timings with higher number of questions |
Fewer questions, but more complex |
|
Negative Marking |
None, encourages risk-taking |
Present, requires cautious attempts |
Eligibility Criteria
The qualifying criteria of NMAT and CAT are easy and due to this fact, the tests are accessible to various applicants. The primary focus of both tests is academic credentials rather than age restrictions.
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|
Criteria |
NMAT 2025 |
CAT 2025 |
|
Final Year Students |
Eligible |
Eligible |
|
Professional Degrees (CA/CS/ICWA) |
Eligible |
Eligible |
|
Age Limit |
None |
None |
Syllabus Comparison
In spite of some similarities between NMAT and CAT curriculum, the two are different in their depth and complexity. The NMAT tests the mere aptitude whereas the CAT is geared towards higher order problem solving and analysis.
|
Section |
NMAT |
CAT |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Coding, decoding, blood relations, arrangements |
Puzzles, critical reasoning, arrangements |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
Numbers, ratio, percentages, PnC, geometry, algebra |
Number system, equations, arithmetic progression, profit & loss |
|
Verbal Ability |
Synonyms, antonyms, fill in the blanks, grammar |
RC passages, para-jumbles, contextual usage, sentence correction |
Exam Pattern
Among the key differences between the NMAT and CAT, the exam pattern influences the test-taking technique and the ways of how the test is prepared. NMAT emphasizes speed and flexibility over depth and complexity that CAT emphasizes.
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|
Particulars |
NMAT |
CAT |
|
Question Type |
MCQs only |
MCQs + TITA (non-MCQs) |
|
Total Questions |
108 |
66 |
|
Scoring |
12–120 per section |
+3 for correct, -1 for wrong MCQs |
|
Attempts Allowed |
3 in one cycle |
Once a year |
Sectional Timings
|
Exam |
Sections |
Questions |
Time per Section |
|
CAT 2025 |
VARC |
24 |
40 min |
|
DILR |
20 |
40 min |
|
|
QA |
22 |
40 min |
|
|
NMAT 2025 |
Language Skills |
36 |
28 min |
|
Quantitative Skills |
36 |
52 min |
|
|
Logical Reasoning |
36 |
40 min |
Similarities Between CAT and NMAT
|
Similarity |
Details |
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer-Based Test |
|
Medium |
English |
|
Sectional Time Limits |
Yes |
|
Exam Level |
National/International |
NMAT 2025 Registration Open
Conclusion
Your preparation methods and career objectives will determine if NMAT is simpler than CAT. NMAT is perfect for speed-based exam takers and those looking for international prospects because it is more flexible, permits numerous attempts, and has no negative marking. But the CAT is more challenging, competitive and taken by candidates who wish to enter IIMs and other Indian B-schools. Finally, the choice should be made in accordance with your objectives and strengths.
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