If you are planning to pursue a full-time MBA then you must have heard about two popular entrance exams CMAT and MAT, along with exams like CAT and XAT, these exams are also popular and comparatively easier than others.
For many students, CMAT and MAT are safer and more accessible options, but which one is better? At first glance, they might look similar, but the truth is, each has its own format, difficulty level, and the type of colleges that accept its scores.
In this blog we are going to compare CMAT vs MAT and help you to decide which is better, by analysing examination pattern, the syllabus and eligibility criteria of both the exams.
What is CMAT?
CMAT stands for Common Management Admission Test. It is a national-level exam conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) every year. The main goal of the CMAT examination is to fill the MBA seats in 1000+ AICTE approved management colleges all over the country.
CMAT examination will test your skills in areas like Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness. It’s known for being quite simple exam and is usually considered a good option if you want to apply to a wide range of colleges in India including many government and private universities.
What is MAT?
The MAT stands for Management Aptitude Test. It is a national level exam is conducted by All India Management Association also known as (AIMA). This exam helps students to get admissions into MBA and other management programs. This popular MBA entrance is accepted by over 700 business schools in India.
The MAT exam held four times a year and offers multiple modes to take the exam, like computer-based, paper-based or even in online proctored mode. many students often find it easier as compared to other exams which makes it a good option for those who want to get into an MBA college without taking much pressure in preparation.
MAT vs CMAT: Key Differences
Aspect | CMAT | MAT |
Full Form | Common Management Admission Test | Management Aptitude Test |
Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) | All India Management Association |
Official Website | ||
Accepted By | 1300 AICTE-approved management institutes | 700 approved management institutes |
Types of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
Mode of Exam | Computer-based | CBT, PBT and IBT |
Exam Frequency | Once a year | Four times a year |
Exam Fee | Unreserved Category: INR 2,500 Reserved Category: INR 1,250 | Single Mode: INR 2,100 Dual Mode: INR 3,600 |
Syllabus |
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|
Duration of Exam | 3 hours | 2 hours |
The Exam Pattern of CMAT and MAT
CMAT Exam Pattern
Particulars | Description | |
Sections |
| |
Section Wise Weightage | Language Comprehension | 20 |
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 | |
Logical Reasoning | 20 | |
General Awareness | 20 | |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | |
Total Marks | 400 | |
Time Allotted | 3 Hours | |
Number of Questions | 100 | |
Negative Marking | There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer | |
MAT Exam Pattern
Particulars | Description | |
Sections |
| |
Section Wise Weightage | Language Comprehension | 30 |
Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 30 | |
Mathematical Skills | 30 | |
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 30 | |
Economic and Business Environment | 30 | |
Total Marks | 150 | |
Time Allotted | 2 Hours | |
Number of Questions | 150 | |
Negative Marking | There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer | |
CMAT vs MAT: Exam Syllabus Comparison
CMAT Syllabus
Section | Important Topics |
Language Comprehension |
|
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation |
|
Logical Reasoning |
|
General Awareness |
|
Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
|
MAT Syllabus
Section | Topics Covered |
Language Comprehension |
|
Mathematical Skills |
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Data Analysis and Sufficiency |
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning |
|
Economic and Business Environment |
|
Eligibility Criteria for CMAT and MAT
Eligibility Criteria for CMAT
- Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any stream from any recognized university in India.
- There is no minimum marks required by NTA, however, individual colleges may have their own eligibility criteria.
- Candidates who are in their final year can also apply for the exam
- There is no age limit.
Eligibility Criteria for MAT
- Candidates must have completed their bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.
- Candidates who are in their final year or waiting for results can also apply.
- There’s no minimum percentage required candidates just need to pass the graduation.
- There’s no upper age limit, but candidates should be at least 20 years old to take the exam.
- There is no need of any work experience to apply, but having some experience can an advantage during the selection process.
Preparation Tips for CMAT and MAT: How to Prepare Effectively
- First you need to understand the syllabus and the exam pattern so that you can make an effective study plan.
- Now create an effective study plan, and, while making timetable, make sure you give more time to your weak sections.
- To test your preparation you can attempt mock tests and solve previous year question papers, and work on improving your speed and accuracy.
- While preparing for the exam you need to work on your reading skills, you can read newspapers and articles daily to improve your vocabulary and reading speed.
- Learn how to solve questions quickly by timing your practice sessions.
- Always read current affairs regularly, especially for the General Awareness section.
- Make
- Stay calm, Take short breaks, stay positive, and avoid last-minute stress.
CMAT vs MAT: Which is Better for Your Career?
To make career in management, both CMAT and MAT can help you get there but which one is better it completely depends on your goals.
CMAT is usually preferred by top AICTE-approved institutes and some well-reputed government colleges. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which gives it a bit more weight in terms of reliability. If you want to get admission in colleges like JBIMS, KJ Somaiya, or Great Lakes (Chennai), a good CMAT score can open those doors.
On the other hand, MAT is accepted by many private B-schools across India and is held four times a year, which gives you multiple chances to improve your score. It is a great option if you want flexibility and don’t want to wait for one specific exam date.
So, if you’re aiming for more recognized or government-approved MBA colleges, then go for CMAT it will provide better career opportunities. But if you want multiple attempts and more options in private colleges, then MAT is also a great choice. Always choose based on your target institutes, comfort level with the syllabus, and how much time you can give to your preparation.
CMAT and MAT: Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
- Many students start studying without understanding how the exam is structured. Always check the format first.
- Many students usually not practice in the right mode for MAT, we advise you to practice in the mode you are going to take the exam, it will help you to be comfortable while taking the exam.
- Many students usually prepare for the exam but don’t practice mock tests and solve the PYQs, these will help you to build speed, accuracy and confidence.
- Many students don’t have a proper study plan and studying without a clear timetable leads to confusion. Even 2–3 hours daily with consistency works well.
- Students often attempt the questions without reading it properly, take a few seconds to read each question carefully.
Top Universities Accepting CMAT Scores
University | Location |
K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research | Mumbai |
NL Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research | Mumbai |
ITM | Navi Mumbai |
Christ University Institute of Management | Bangalore |
Institute for Financial Management and Research | Chennai |
JBIMS | Mumbai |
SIMSREE | Mumbai |
PUMBA | Pune |
MNIT Jaipur | Jaipur |
Jaipuria Institute of Management | Lucknow |
Top Universities Accepting MAT Scores
University | Location |
Noida, Uttar Pradesh | |
Alliance University | Bangalore, Karnataka |
UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies) | Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMT) | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh |
ITM Business School | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) | Pune, Maharashtra |
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM) | Delhi |
Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool) | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) | Anand, Gujarat |
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh |
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Conclusion
So, now hope you have made up your mind about CMAT vs MAT Which Is Better? Yes, both exams are ideal for taking admission in management courses like MBA, but they both have some differences, as we have discussed in this blog.
Where CMAT is for taking admission in some of the reputed colleges including few government colleges, a MAT scorecard will help you to take admission in any private management college in India. Where CMAT exam happens once in a year, AIMA conducts MAT exam four times a year and that too in multiple modes, which can be suitable for those who are already working.
Before taking any of the exam we advise you to check its syllabus and exam pattern, also consider its exam frequency, so that you can choose the best exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 Which exam is better, CMAT or MAT?
Ans. The choice between CMAT and MAT depends on individual preferences and goals. Consider factors like exam pattern, difficulty level, and participating colleges.
Q.2 Can I prepare for both CMAT and MAT simultaneously?
Q.3 What is the frequency of CMAT and MAT exams?
Ans. CMAT is conducted once a year by NTA, while MAT is conducted 4 times a year by AIMA.
Q.4 Does any IIM accept CMAT?
Ans. No, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) does not accept CMAT score. IIM only takes admission based on CAT score.
Q.5 Which exam, MAT or CMAT, is more challenging?
Ans. MAT is not as difficult as CMAT. Its marking scheme is simple, and candidates can enhance their scores by retaking the exam in the same academic year.
