Difference Between CAT and MAT Exam: A Complete Comparison 

For MBA aspirants in India, the two most popular entrance examinations remain the Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Management Aptitude Test (MAT). Both the examinations open doors to hundreds of institutes, but the journey, competition, MAT and CAT selection process and outcomes they lead to are very different.

While CAT, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management, is the gateway to the top-tier business schools in the country, MAT, conducted by AIMA, is a flexible and accessible exam accepted by more than 600 B-schools across the country.

Both tests have credibility. Both can build careers. Yet, the experience of preparing for CAT vs MAT Exam – and the kind of career trajectory they enable – differ significantly.

What is CAT Exam 2026?

The Common Admission Test, or CAT, is the most competitive management entrance test in India. Conducted once a year by the IIMs, CAT aims at testing:

• Quantitative Ability (QA)
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

What makes CAT unique is its:

• high difficulty level
• tight 40-min sectional time limits
• percentile-based filtering
• use by all IIMs + top private B-schools

If you are going to attempt the CAT, then you must sdrbe aware of the full CAT eligibility criteria including graduation criteria, reservation relaxations, CAT selection process and provisions for final year students.

 👉 Read here: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

What is MAT Exam 2026?

AIMA conducts the Management Aptitude Test (MAT). The MAT is recognized for its adaptiveness, moderate level of difficulty, and user-friendliness to students. The exam is held found times a year, February, May, September and December and can be taken in

• CBT (Computer-Based Test)
• PBT (Paper-Based Test)
• IBT (Remote Internet-Based Test)

During the test, MAT assessments will assess your abilities in 5 areas:

• Language Comprehension
• Mathematical Skills
• Data Analysis & Sufficiency
• Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
• Indian & Global Environment

The MAT is recommended for those who are planning to attend B-Schools that are considered mid-tier and/or growth and have a somewhat easier and less competitive admission process than other top-tier schools.

CAT vs MAT Exam 2026: Side-by-Side Comparison 

Want to understand how CAT exam pattern and CAT marking scheme/scoring works like TITA questions, negative marking, and percentile calculation?

 👉 Explore: CAT Marking Scheme Explained 

Which Exam Should You Choose: CAT or MAT?

When choosing between the CAT and MAT, it is important to note that this decision can affect your career, not just your education. To make this decision easier, consider the following: 

Choose CAT if you want:

• Admission in IIMs or a top private B-School
• A analytical and competitive type of assessment
• Roles in consulting, high-end finance, business strategy, product management
• Good salary packages and strong brand equity

Choose MAT if you want:

• Flexibility (multiple attempts for one exam)
• Ezam with Moderate level of difficulty
• Access to 600+ B Schools in India
• Interested in growing mid-tier and specialized MBA programs

Conclusion: Major Difference Between CAT and MAT Exam

Overall, the major differences between the CAT and the MAT exams include:

• The difficulty level of the exam
• The types of schools that accept their scores
• The formats of the two exams
• How often and how flexible the exams are
• The career after CAT and MAT 

The CAT exam pattern is designed for those who want to attend the top 1% of B-Schools and pursue successful career after CAT, while the MAT is for students who are looking for a diverse range of reputable mid-tier institutions and flexibility. While it cannot be said that one exam is better than another, it is important to choose the exam that best matches your needs, study habits, educational history and long-term career goals.