CAT or CMAT: Which One Should You Go For?
Choosing the right entrance exam for a business school can be a crucial decision for your career. Among the many options available in India, the CAT and the CMAT are two prominent exams that aspirants often consider. Both exams have their unique features, and advantages, and are gateways to prestigious management institutes. Endeavor brings you a detailed comparison between CAT and CMAT to help you decide which one suits your career goals better. Overview of CAT and CMAT Common Admission Test (CAT) CAT is one of the most sought-after management entrance exams in India, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. It is a gateway to the IIMs and several other top B-schools in the country. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) CMAT is another significant entrance exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is widely accepted by many AICTE-approved institutions and universities. Detailed Comparison Exam Structure and Content CAT: CMAT: Difficulty Level CAT: Known for its high difficulty level, especially in the QA and DILR sections. The competition is intense due to the exam’s popularity and the prestige of the IIMs. CMAT: Generally considered easier than CAT. The questions are more straightforward, and the inclusion of a General Awareness section can be a scoring opportunity for well-prepared candidates. Acceptance and Scope CAT: Accepted by the IIMs and over 1,000 B-schools across India, including prestigious institutes like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon. A high CAT score can open doors to the most reputed management programs in the country. CMAT: Accepted by over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutes. While not as prestigious as CAT, CMAT still offers a pathway to several well-regarded B-schools like JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, and KJ Somaiya Institute of Management. Preparation Strategy CAT: CMAT: Career Impact CAT: Securing admission to an IIM or other top B-schools through CAT can significantly boost your career prospects. The IIMs are renowned for their rigorous curriculum, exceptional faculty, and strong industry connections. Graduates often secure high-paying jobs with leading companies globally. CMAT Colleges: While not as prestigious as CAT, CMAT can still lead to excellent career opportunities. Many CMAT-accepting institutes have good placement records and industry connections. Graduates from these institutes often find well-paying jobs in various sectors. Decision Factors When deciding between CAT and CMAT, consider the following factors: Conclusion Choosing between CAT and CMAT depends on your individual career aspirations, preparation levels, and strengths. Both exams offer unique advantages and can lead to rewarding management careers. By carefully evaluating your goals and capabilities, you can make an informed decision and take a significant step toward achieving your professional dreams. Additional Tips for Success Regardless of whether you choose CAT or CMAT, here are some general tips to enhance your preparation and performance: In summary, both CAT and CMAT have their own merits and can lead to successful management careers. By understanding the differences, assessing your own capabilities, and preparing effectively, you can make the right choice and achieve your career goals.
All You Need To Know About CAT 2024
Aspiring management professionals across India eagerly await the Common Admission Test(CAT) each year, as it serves as a gateway to some of the most prestigious business schools inthe country. CAT is not just an exam; it’s a journey that tests not only a candidate’s aptitudebut also their perseverance, analytical skills, and time management abilities. Let’s delve deepinto all aspects of CAT 2024, providing aspiring candidates with the information they need toembark on this transformative journey. Understanding CATCAT, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is one of the mostcompetitive management entrance exams in India. It serves as the primary criterion foradmission to the prestigious IIMs and other premier management institutes across thecountry. CAT evaluates candidates on three major parameters: Quantitative Ability (QA),Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and LogicalReasoning (DILR). CAT 2024: Important DatesTo kickstart your CAT preparation journey, it’s crucial to stay updated on the important datesassociated with the exam. While the official notification for CAT 2024 is yet to be released,based on past trends, here’s an approximate timeline:● Commencement of CAT Registration: Likely Aug 2024● CAT Admit Card: Likely Oct 2024● CAT Exam Date: Likely Nov 2024● Declaration of CAT Results: Likely Dec 2024 Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2024Before registering for CAT 2024, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria setby the conducting authority. While the specific eligibility criteria may vary slightly from yearto year, here are the general requirements:● Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from arecognized university or institute.● Minimum Percentage: Most institutes require candidates to have a minimumaggregate percentage in their bachelor’s degree, usually ranging from 50% to 60%.● Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degreeor awaiting results are also eligible to apply.CAT 2024: Registration ProcessThe registration process for CAT typically involves the following steps:● Online Registration: Candidates need to visit the official CAT website and completethe online registration process by providing basic details such as name, date of birth,email address, and mobile number.● Fill Application Form: After registration, candidates must fill out the CAT applicationform, providing detailed information about their educational background, workexperience (if any), and preferred exam centers.● Upload Documents: Candidates are required to upload scanned images of theirphotograph, signature, and other relevant documents as per the specificationsprovided.● Payment of Application Fee: The final step involves the payment of the CATapplication fee through online modes such as debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.CAT 2024: Exam Pattern and SyllabusUnderstanding the exam pattern and syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. While theofficial CAT syllabus document is not released by the IIMs, candidates can analyze previousyears’ question papers to decipher the major topics of the CAT syllabus. The CAT syllabus for2024 is expected to cover the following main topics:● Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Para jumbles,Sentence-Completion, Reading Comprehension, Para-Summary, Inferences● Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Tables, Graphs, Data Caselets,Blood Relation, Venn Diagram, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism● Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple Interest-CompoundInterest, Time & Distance, Averages-Mixtures-Alligations, Numbers, Mensuration,Logarithms, Functions & Graphs, Indices & Surds, Quadratic Equations, SpecialEquations, Statistics CAT 2024: Marking SchemeUnderstanding the CAT marking scheme is crucial for optimizing performance andmaximizing scores. The CAT 2024 marking scheme includes:● Total Marks: CAT 2024 will have a total of 198 marks, with each question carrying 3marks.● Number of Questions: CAT 2024 will consist of a total of 66 questions dividedsection-wise as VARC – 24, DILR – 20, and QA -22.● Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of -1 for every wrong answer inMCQs.● Skipping Questions: It is not mandatory to attempt all the questions, and there will beno deduction of marks for skipping questions.● Non-MCQ Questions: Some questions in the QA section will be non-MCQ, and therewill be no negative marking for these questions. CAT 2024: Exam Pattern – Overall and Sectional Time LimitThe CAT exam imposes a time limit for each section, requiring candidates to solve the paperin a predefined sequence and within the allocated time frame. They are not permitted tochoose any section to begin with or switch between sections. The sequence of sections isfixed. It will be:● Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)● Section 2: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)● Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)The time limit for each section is as follows:● Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 40 minutes● Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): 40 minutes● Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 40 minutesFor PwD (Persons with Disabilities) students, the time limit for each section is extended to 53minutes and 20 seconds. CAT 2024: Preparation StrategyPreparing for CAT requires a structured and disciplined approach. Here are some tips to helpyou prepare effectively:● Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the CAT syllabus and focus onstrengthening your weaknesses while consolidating your strengths.● Time Management: Practice time management techniques to ensure you can completeeach section within the allotted time frame.● Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identifyareas that need improvement.● Revision: Allocate sufficient time for revision, especially in the weeks leading up tothe exam, to reinforce concepts and formulas. CAT 2024: Admit Card and Exam DayOnce the CAT admit card is released, candidates can download it from the official websiteusing their login credentials. On the day of the exam, candidates must carry a printed copy ofthe admit card along with a valid photo ID proof for verification purposes. It’s advisable toreach the exam center well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush. CAT 2024: Results and Further ProcessAfter the successful completion of the exam, candidates can expect the CAT results to bedeclared within a few weeks. The results are usually published on the official CAT website,and candidates can check their scores using their login credentials. Based on theirperformance in CAT, candidates will be shortlisted for further rounds of selection, which mayinclude a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI).Is Online Coaching Good for CAT?With the rise of digital learning platforms, many aspiring CAT candidates find themselvespondering over whether online coaching is
CAT Cut-offs in Recent Years:
CAT cut-offs vary across different institutes and are subject to change each year based on various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of test-takers, and the overall performance of candidates. Generally, cut-offs are expressed in terms of percentile scores. Here are approximate percentile cut-offs for some of the top IIMs and other premier B-schools in recent years: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs):
CAT Exam Format (Updated Pattern) and Cut offs:
Sections: Number of Questions and Duration (as per recent years):
Celebrating CAT Success: A Guide for 90 Percentile Achievers by Endeavor
Heartiest congratulations on achieving a significant milestone in your CAT journey! With your impressive scores in the 90-95 percentile bracket, the path to your dream college is clearer than ever. At Endeavor, we’re excited to infuse our strategic magic into guiding you through the next crucial steps – focusing on targeted college applications and kick-starting your GDPI preparations. You’re not just prepared; you’re Endeavor-prepared, ready to take on the challenges ahead with confidence and precision. For those in the 97-99 percentile range, your prospects at old and new IIMs, as well as baby IIMs, are promising, especially if you have a strong overall academic profile and notable past achievements. Don’t forget to apply to FMS, Delhi – the “little red building of dreams,” where opportunities abound even at a 97 percentile for GEM profiles. MDI Gurgaon, IIFT Delhi, and SPJIMR in Mumbai are top choices for high-scoring MBA aspirants, with cut-offs typically above 95 percentile. IISc Bangalore is ideal for those interested in Business Analytics and Technology Management, typically requiring upwards of 97 percentile due to limited seats. For a range of opportunities, the IITs – Bombay, Delhi, Kharagpur, Madras, Kanpur, Roorkee, Dhanbad, and Jodhpur – offer MBA degrees with high RoI and are open to both engineers and non-engineers. Endeavor suggests that students in the early 90 percentile range also consider options like IMT Ghaziabad, GIM Goa, Great Lakes Chennai, TAPMI Manipal, and the Delhi School of Economics MBA program as safety nets. This approach, woven with Endeavor’s magical and insightful guidance, ensures a comprehensive array of choices while maintaining focus on top-tier B-schools. It’s important to remember that CAT 2023 cut-offs for IIM admissions differ across categories. For example, IIM Bangalore requires an 85 percentile for General but 75 for OBC and slightly lower for SC/ST candidates. This variance is seen across all IIMs, and aspirants belonging to categories like OBC, SC, ST should review these specific cut-offs. Understanding these variations is vital for effective planning and application strategy, ensuring you target the right institutes as per your category-specific cut-offs. In CAT 2023, to reach the 95th percentile, aspirants achieved scores of 28-32 in VARC, 18-22 in DILR, and 18-24 in QA. For the elite 99th percentile, the scores were 37-43 in VARC, 25-30 in DILR, and 26-28 in QA. At Endeavor, we use these insights to refine our coaching methodologies, guiding students to target and achieve these top-percentile scores. Endeavor – Guiding You to Your Dream B-School with Expertise and Insight.
Navigating the 80th Percentile in CAT with Endeavor Magic’s Guidance
Navigating the competitive landscape of the CAT exam is a challenge that Endeavor embraces with its students. Achieving an 80th percentile is a significant milestone, opening doors to numerous esteemed MBA colleges in India. While options for IIMs might be limited at this percentile, there are excellent opportunities in non-IIM colleges. For students driven by Return on Investment (RoI), newer IIT MBA programs in Jodhpur and Dhanbad are viable choices, particularly for candidates around the 89-90 percentile mark. Additionally, institutions like IMT Ghaziabad and GIM Goa are accessible for aspirants expecting scores around 88-90 percentiles. These institutes value strong profiles and effective GDPI performances. Great Lakes Chennai emerges as a formidable option for those with 2+ years of work experience, particularly in their PGPM program. Known for their Business Analytics programs, these institutes offer promising career prospects. For candidates scoring around 87-88 percentiles, these programs become increasingly accessible. Similarly, IMI New Delhi and FORE School of Management welcome students within the 85-88 percentile range. TAPMI Manipal stands out for those scoring above 85 percentiles, with its flagship PGDM program requiring a slightly higher percentile. Endeavor’s expert guidance, infused with a touch of magic, is pivotal for students aspiring to specialized programs like NIBM Pune’s PGDM in Banking and Financial Services and high RoI courses at Institute of Management Studies BHU, Varanasi. This strategic approach is especially beneficial for those achieving over 85 percentiles, enabling them to unlock new educational avenues. For those in the 80-85 percentile range, KJ Somaiya and Welingkar Mumbai offer the advantage of their Mumbai location and robust job prospects. NIRMA University Ahmedabad is also a target for students around this range, with opportunities even for those scoring between 75-80 percentiles. At Endeavor, we advocate for a balanced mix of optimism and realism in choosing your ideal colleges. For those navigating the mid-80 percentile range, it’s wise to explore a variety of institutions, including GIM and NIRMA. This approach not only broadens your options but also sprinkles a bit of Endeavor’s strategic magic into your decision-making process, ensuring a wider range of choices for your academic and career aspirations. Please note, the CAT 2023 cutoffs for IIMs vary by category. For instance, IIM Ahmedabad’s cutoff for General is 80, but for OBC, it’s 75, and for SC and ST, it’s 70 and 60, respectively. Other IIMs have similar variations. Aspirants from OBC, SC, ST, and other categories should consider these specific cutoffs when targeting IIMs. This distinction is crucial for a more tailored and realistic approach in your B-school applications and call expectations. Lastly, reflecting on CAT 2023, for an 85th percentile, candidates scored between 19 and 22 in VARC, 13 and 16 in DILR, and around 14 to 15 in QA. Endeavor’s training focuses on surpassing these benchmarks, equipping aspirants with targeted strategies for each section to excel in future CAT exams. Endeavor – Empowering Your CAT Journey with Expert Guidance and Strategic Insights.