Choosing the right entrance exam is a critical step for anyone aspiring to pursue higher education in management or other advanced fields. Among the most popular standardized tests for business and graduate school admissions are the Common Admission Test (CAT), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Each of these exams serves a unique purpose, and selecting the right one depends on your academic and career goals.
With increasing competition for seats in top B-schools, understanding the differences between these exams is crucial. The CAT is widely regarded as the gateway to prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other renowned B-schools in India. On the other hand, GMAT is the preferred test for candidates targeting elite global business schools like Harvard, Stanford, and INSEAD. Meanwhile, GRE is a versatile test that opens doors to a broader range of graduate programs, including MBA, MS, and PhD courses worldwide.
Each of these exams is unique in structure, content, and difficulty level. Whether you aim for an MBA from an Indian B-school, an Ivy League institution, or a specialized master’s program, knowing which exam suits your goals is essential.
In this blog, we provide are in-depth comparison of CAT, GMAT, and GRE to help you make an informed decision based on your ambitions, strengths, and preferred study destinations.
Overview of CAT, GMAT, and GRE
Common Admission Test (CAT)
- Conducting Body: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- Purpose: Admission to MBA/PGDM programs in India
- Exam Mode: Computer-based
- Validity: 1 year
- Test Sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Scoring Range: 0-100 percentile
- Accepted By: IIMs, IITs, NITs, and over 1000 business schools in India
- Competition Level: Extremely high, with over 2.5 lakh applicants annually
- Unique Features: Heavy emphasis on logical reasoning, problem-solving, and fast-paced question-solving skills
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- Conducting Body: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
- Purpose: Admission to global business schools for MBA, Executive MBA, and specialized master’s programs
- Exam Mode: Computer-adaptive
- Validity: 5 years
- Test Sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- Integrated Reasoning (IR)
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Scoring Range: 200-800
- Accepted By: 2300+ business schools worldwide, including ISB, IIMs (for executive programs), and top universities in the US, Europe, and Asia
- Flexibility: GMAT can be taken multiple times a year, allowing for retakes
- Unique Features: Adaptive difficulty level that adjusts to test-taker’s ability level
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
- Conducting Body: Educational Testing Service (ETS)
- Purpose: Admission to master’s, MBA, law, and PhD programs worldwide
- Exam Mode: Computer-based or paper-based
- Validity: 5 years
- Test Sections:
- Analytical Writing
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Scoring Range:
- Verbal and Quantitative: 130-170 (each)
- Analytical Writing: 0-6
- Accepted By: Business schools, graduate programs, and universities worldwide
- Versatility: GRE is accepted not only for MBA admissions but also for other graduate programs, making it a great option for students considering multiple career paths
- Unique Features: More vocabulary-intensive verbal section compared to GMAT
Key Differences Between CAT, GMAT, and GRE
1. Difficulty Level & Exam Pattern
| Factor | CAT | GMAT | GRE |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours 7 minutes | 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Adaptiveness | No | Yes (adaptive per question) | Yes (adaptive per section) |
| Mathematical Focus | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Verbal Difficulty | High | Moderate | High |
| Essay Writing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Negative Marking | Yes | No | No |
2. Acceptability & Scope
- CAT: Primarily for Indian B-schools
- GMAT: Accepted worldwide, including top international and Indian business schools
- GRE: Used for both MBA and non-MBA programs, making it versatile
3. Cost of the Exam
| Exam | Cost in INR (Approx.) | Cost in USD (Approx.) |
| CAT | ₹2400 | $29 |
| GMAT | ₹22,500 | $275 |
| GRE | ₹22,550 | $205 |
The decision between CAT, GMAT, and GRE ultimately depends on your career goals, target institutions, and personal strengths. Each exam has its own advantages and caters to different academic and professional aspirations.
- If you are focused on Indian B-schools, particularly IIMs, then CAT is the right choice for you.
- If you want to pursue an MBA from a global business school, then GMAT is your best option.
- If you want more flexibility to apply to both MBA and other graduate programs, then GRE is ideal.
Before making a decision, research your target schools, check their admission requirements, and evaluate your strengths in quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills. Consider the syllabus of each exam and identify which test aligns with your strengths. If your math skills are exceptionally strong, CAT might be your best bet. If you prefer a balance of quantitative and verbal challenges with an adaptive test format, GMAT is a great fit. If you are unsure and want flexibility across different disciplines, GRE is the most versatile option.
Preparation and strategy are key to excelling in these exams. No matter which test you take, thorough preparation and a well-planned study approach will significantly enhance your chances of success. Take mock tests, analyze your performance, and refine your approach accordingly.
At the end of the day, choosing the right test is just one part of the journey—what truly matters is how well you prepare and how effectively you leverage your score to secure admission to your dream institution. Best of luck on your journey to higher education!