NMAT vs CAT: NMAT and CAT are two popular management entrance tests in the country. NMAT is conducted by GMAC for admission into NMIMS and other top B-schools in India.
The CAT exam is conducted by IIMs for MBA admission into IIMs and leading MBA colleges. Talking about the difficulty level, NMAT is slightly less difficult than the CAT exam due to low competition and flexibility in attempts.
It means that the CAT exam is conducted once a year, while the NMAT allows 3 attempts to improve one’s score. CAT focuses more on concepts and accuracy.
While NMAT tests speed, consistency, and smart time management. Read ahead to know the detailed NMAT vs CAT differences in terms of pattern, syllabus, difficulty level, and more.
NMAT vs CAT: Which is Better?
NMAT and CAT exams are a gateway for MBA/PGDM admissions in top MBA colleges in India. Many students ask which is better: NMAT vs CAT? The answer is not very simple.
It purely depends on your understanding of concepts, learning style, and preparation level. But the CAT exam is generally considered tougher than the NMAT exam.
Here is the quick snapshot of NMAT vs CAT for reference purposes.
| Particulars | NMAT | CAT |
| Exam Name | NMAT | Common Admission Test |
| Exam Conducting Body | GMAC | IIM |
| Eligibility | Graduation | Graduation |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based Test |
| Sections | Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning, | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Sections | 3 | 3 |
| Total Questions | 108 | 68 |
| Negative Marking Scheme | No negative marking | -1 for incorrect answer (MCQs) |
NMAT vs CAT: Exam Pattern
Candidates should carefully understand the pattern of these MBA entrance exams. It gives a clear idea of the question format, marking scheme, and other parameters.
The NMAT exam comprises a total of 108 questions. The exam duration is 120 minutes with a sectional time limit. There is no negative marking in NMAT. CAT is a computer-based test that comprises 68 questions, and the exam duration is 120 minutes (2 hours).
The CAT exam has negative marking of 1 mark for every wrong answer in MCQs. You can check the NMAT vs CAT comparison for exam pattern below:
NMAT Exam Pattern
| Subject | Number of Questions | Exam Duration | Score Range |
| Language Skills | 36 questions | 28 minutes | Score range 12-120 |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 questions | 52 minutes | Score range 12-120 |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 questions | 40 minutes | Score range 12-120 |
| Total | 108 questions | 120 minutes | Score range 36-360 |
CAT Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Exam Duration |
| Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes |
| Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Section III: Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 120 minutes |
NMAT vs CAT: Syllabus
Understanding the syllabus is crucial before starting your MBA entrance exam preparation. The NMAT syllabus covers 3 sections, namely Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.
The CAT exam syllabus is divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Ability (QA). You can check the NMAT vs CAT comparison for syllabus below:
Language Skills Syllabus for NMAT
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Identification
- Para Forming
- Sentence Completion
- Prepositions
- Analogies, etc
Quantitative Skills Syllabus for NMAT
| Topic | Syllabus |
| Number Properties | Basics of Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, Divisibility of Numbers and finding Unit Digit, Factors, Multiples, Least Common Multiples (LCM) and Highest Common Factors (HCF)Logarithm |
| Number Properties | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Discount, Simple and Compound Interest, Time and Work, Ratio & Proportion, Averages Partnership |
| Algebra and Probability | Equations and Inequalities, Permutations and Combinations, Probability, Sequences and Series |
| DI-Caselets and Tables | – |
| DI-Graphs and Charts | – |
| Data Sufficiency | Number Properties, Arithmetic, Algebra Probability |
Logical Reasoning Syllabus for NMAT
| Topic | Syllabus |
| Critical Reasoning | Conclusion-based questions, Assumption-based questions, Inference-based questions, Strengthening/Weakening |
| Deductions | Statement-Conclusion, Statement-Course of Action, Statement-Assumption, Statement-Argument, Fact analysis |
| Analytical Puzzles | Analytical Puzzles, Input-Output |
| Other Reasoning | Missing value in figures, Decision Making, Syllogism, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams, Ranking Test |
CAT Exam Syllabus for VARC
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approximate) | Approximate Weightage |
| Reading Comprehension | 16 questions | 67-68% |
| Para Jumble | 3-4 questions | 12-13% |
| Summary | 3-4 questions | 12-13% |
| Odd Questions | 2-3 questions | 7-8% |
CAT Exam Syllabus for DILR
| DI & LR Topics | No. of Questions (Approximate) | Approximate Weightage (%) |
| Tables and Charts | 3-6 | 45–50% |
| Puzzle and Seating Arrangements | 2-4 | 55-60% |
| Scheduling and Blood Relations | 2-4 | 5-10% |
| Games and Tournaments | 4-5 | 10-20% |
| Scheduling and Blood Relations | 4-5 | 5-10% |
| Venn Diagrams & Hybrid Sets | 2-3 | 5-10% |
CAT Syllabus for Quantitative Ability (QA)
| Topic Name | No. of Questions (Approximate) |
| Number System | 2-3 |
| Averages, Ratios and Proportion | 4-5 |
| Progressions and Series | 1-2 |
| Time, Work and Distance | 2-3 |
| Logarithms, Surds and Indices | 2-3 |
| Profit, Loss and Interest | 2-3 |
| Geometry | 2-3 |
| Inequalities and linear equations | 1-2 |
| Functions and Graphs | 1-2 |
| PnC and Probability | 1-2 |
| Quadratic Equations | 2-3 |
NMAT vs CAT: Difficulty Level
Candidates should understand the difficulty level of both exams to refine their strategy accordingly. Both the entrance exams are moderately difficult overall.
Hence, candidates should analyse the section-wise difficulty to understand the exam levels better. You can check the NMAT vs CAT comparison for difficulty level below:
NMAT Exam Difficulty Level
| Section | Difficulty Level |
| Quantitative Skills | Difficult |
| Language Skills | Easy to Moderate |
| Logical Reasoning | Moderate |
CAT Exam Difficulty Level
| Subject | Difficulty Level |
| VARC | Moderate to Difficult |
| DILR | Moderate |
| QA | Moderate |
| Overall Difficulty Level | Moderate |
NMAT vs CAT: Top MBA Colleges in India
NMAT scores are accepted by NMIMS and other top business schools in India. While IIMs and other MBA colleges like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR accept CAT scores.
We have shared below the list of top MBA colleges accepting scores of these two entrance exams.
Top Colleges through NMAT
| SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies | SDA Bocconi Asia Center | SRM University |
| K J Somaiya Institute of Management | University of Southampton, Delhi | School of Petroleum Management (PDPU) |
| Indian School of Business (ISB) – Advance Management Programme in Business Analytics (AMPBA) | ICFAI Business School | School of Business, Woxsen University |
| S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) – Global Management Programme (GMP) | SOIL Institute of Management | Thapar School of Management |
| XIM University | FLAME University | Hyderabad Business School, GITAM University |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management – (PGPM) | ISBR Business School | Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore |
| T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), A Constituent Unit of MAHE, Manipal | Alliance University | Bennett University |
| SDA Bocconi Asia Center | BML Munjal University | SRM University, Delhi – NCR, Sonepat |
| University of Southampton, Delhi | S P Jain School of Global Management | University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES) |
| ICFAI Business School | IFMR Graduate School of Business | Mody University |
| SOIL Institute of Management | Jindal Global Business School | Lovely Professional University |
| FLAME University | ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai | IILM University |
| ISBR Business School | Amity University | IFIM College |
| Alliance University | VIT University | Amrut Modi School of Management |
| BML Munjal University | Shiv Nadar Institute of Management Studies | Jagdish Sheth School of Management |
| S P Jain School of Global Management | MIT World Peace University | GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam |
| IFMR Graduate School of Business | Universal AI University | IIHMR University |
| Jindal Global Business School | ATLAS – ISME School of Management and Entrepreneurship | BSE Institute Limited |
| ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai | SRM University | Chitkara University |
| Amity University | School of Petroleum Management (PDPU) | Sir Padampat Singhania University, Udaipur (SPSU) |
| VIT University | School of Business, Woxsen University | Myra School of Business |
| Shiv Nadar Institute of Management Studies | Thapar School of Management | Rishihood University |
| MIT World Peace University | Hyderabad Business School, GITAM University | Ansal University, Gurgaon |
| Universal AI University | Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore | International School of Management Excellence, Bangalore |
| ATLAS – ISME School of Management and Entrepreneurship | Bennett University | Sparsh Global Business School |
| SRM University | SRM University, Delhi – NCR, Sonepat | Altera Institute – PGPM |
| School of Petroleum Management (PDPU) | University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES) | NICMAR University |
| School of Business, Woxsen University | Mody University | Adani University – MBA (Infrastructure Management) |
| Thapar School of Management | Lovely Professional University | HSB – Hari Shankar Singhania School of Business |
| Hyderabad Business School, GITAM University | IILM University | PES University |
| Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore | IFIM College | Acharya Bangalore B-School (ABBS, Autonomous) |
Top Colleges Through CAT
| College | CAT Cutoffs (Approx, Expected) | Fees | Average Package |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 95+ | INR 27 Lakhs+ | INR 35.22 LPA |
| IIM Bangalore | 85+ | INR 26 Lakhs+ | INR 34.88 LPA |
| IIM Calcutta | ≥85 | INR 27 Lakhs+ | – |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85+ | INR 23 Lakhs+ | INR 28.18 LPA |
| IIM Lucknow | 90+ | INR 20 Lakhs+ | INR 32.3 LPA |
| SPJIMR, Mumbai | 85+ | INR 25 Lakhs+ | INR 32 LPA |
| FMS Delhi | 98+ | INR 2.32 Lakhs+ | INR 30.1 LPA |
| MDI Gurgaon | 95+ | INR 25 Lakhs+ | INR 25.6 LPA |
NMAT vs CAT: How to Prepare for Both
Preparing for NMAT and CAT together is possible because both exams have a similar syllabus. The main difference is in the exam style. CAT focuses more on concepts and accuracy, and NMAT is more speed-based.
Focus on Common Topics First
Start with Quant basics like Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. You can prepare for VARC by inculcating a reading habit and practising RCs regularly. Focus on puzzles, arrangements, and LR questions.
Prepare at the CAT Level First
CAT questions are usually tougher. If students prepare at the CAT level first, they can easily manage NMAT preparations. This can solidify their concepts and improve their accuracy skills.
Practice Speed for NMAT
NMAT gives less time per question, so speed is crucial. Practice timed sectional tests regularly and learn faster calculation tricks. You can attempt maximum questions because there is no negative marking.
Give Separate Mocks
CAT mocks can improve your accuracy and question selection. NMAT mocks improve your speed and time management. Students should practice both mocks to advance their preparation.
NMAT vs CAT: Final Verdict on Which is Harder?
CAT is tougher because of its application-based questions and unpredictable pattern. NMAT is easier in terms of difficulty level, but it is more speed-focused.
Students who have strong concepts may find CAT manageable. But those who are weak in time management may find NMAT difficult.
The MBA KARO CAT course helps students prepare for both exams with structured methods, mock tests, strategy sessions, and time-management practice. This helps them build strong concepts for CAT while also improving the speed required for NMAT.
