Table of Content

    What is the Difference Between CAT and GMAT Syllabus?

    As an MBA aspirant, deciding between the CAT and GMAT can be a tough choice. Both tests open doors to excellent business schools, but they differ significantly in their syllabus and focus. The CAT, mainly for Indian institutions, tests your Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal skills. Meanwhile, GMAT, globally accepted, focuses on Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning and Data Insights. Understanding the difference between the two will help you identify which test aligns better with your strengths and future goals.

    Key Highlights:

    • The CAT syllabus focuses on Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability, making it specifically tailored for Indian business schools. In contrast, the GMAT syllabus emphasises Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights, appealing to a global audience.
    • The GMAT tests advanced problem-solving in data-driven contexts, while CAT assesses fundamental math skills.
    • In Verbal sections, the GMAT focuses on critical reasoning, whereas CAT emphasizes comprehension and grammar. 
    • CAT includes logical reasoning through puzzles, while GMAT interprets data from graphs and charts.
    • The exam durations differ, with CAT lasting 2 hrs and GMAT extending to 2 hrs 15 mins providing a 10 minute break option for test-takers.

    GMAT Vs CAT: Key Differences

    CAT and GMAT are two of the common entrance examinations to gain admission to MBA colleges. The key difference between the CAT and GMAT is that the GMAT is a global exam and helps you pursue your master’s abroad (some Indian schools like ISB accept GMAT scores). CAT, on the other hand, is accepted only by business schools in India like IIMs, SP Jain, XLRI, and ISB. The difference between the exam patterns of the GMAT and CAT is mentioned below:

    Basis of Difference

    GMAT

    CAT

    Sections

    Verbal Reasoning

    Quantitative Reasoning

    Data Insights

    Quantitative Aptitude

    Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

    Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

    Number of sections

    Three

    Three

    Total number of questions

    64

    66

    Exam duration

    2 hours 15 minutes (10 minutes of optional break included)

    2 hours (40 minutes for each section)

    Sectional flexibility

    Can decide the order of sections to answer

    Have to follow the chronology of the CAT question paper

    Total number of attempts

    Can take the exam five times a year

    Can take the exam only once a year

    Type of Questions

    MCQ as well as non-MCQ (different for each Section)

    MCQ as well as non-MCQ

    Total Marks

    805

    198

    Difference Between GMAT and CAT Syllabus

    The main difference between the GMAT and CAT syllabus lies in the focus of the exam. CAT syllabus includes important topics from the three sections - Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) whereas the GMAT syllabus includes topics from three sections - Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights. Here’s how they compare:

    • Quantitative Aptitude (CAT) vs Quantitative Reasoning (GMAT): Both sections test mathematical skills, but GMAT includes advanced problem-solving techniques within a data-driven context.
    • Verbal Ability (CAT) vs Verbal Reasoning (GMAT): GMAT includes a stronger emphasis on critical reasoning, while CAT focuses more on comprehension and grammar.
    • Data Interpretation (CAT) vs Data Insights (GMAT): CAT emphasises logical puzzles and number-based data interpretation, while GMAT tests your ability to draw conclusions from various data representations.
    • Exam Duration: CAT is 2 hours long, while the GMAT Focus Edition is 2 hours 15 minutes with a break option.
    • The CAT score is valid for 1 year, while the GMAT score is valid for 5 years after the test.

    Whether you need personalised GMAT guidance, Yocket Prep is your one-stop solution for everything related to study abroad preparation. 

    GMAT Syllabus

    The GMAT syllabus is structured to check your quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation skills through various sections. Understanding these components will help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement as you prepare for the exam.

    Quantitative Reasoning

    This section tests your mathematical problem-solving ability through real-world scenarios. It includes questions on number properties, algebra, and data interpretation, requiring strong analytical thinking.

    Number Systems & Number Theory

    Probability

    Multiples and Factors

    Permutation & Combination

    Fractions

    Monomials, Polynomials

    Decimals

    Algebraic Expressions and Equations

    Percentages

    Functions

    Averages

    Exponents

    Powers and Roots

    Arithmetic & Geometric Progression

    Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest

    Quadratic Equations

    Speed, Time & Distance

    Inequalities and Basic Statistics

    Pipes, Cisterns & Work Time

    Lines and Angles

    Ratio and Proportion

    Triangles &  Quadrilaterals

    Mixtures & Alligations

    Rectangular Solids and Cylinders

    Descriptive statistics

    Coordinate Geometry

    Sets

    Circles

    Verbal Reasoning

    Verbal reasoning evaluates your ability to understand and analyse written material. It includes sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension to assess grammar and logical thought processes.

    Subject-Verb Agreement

    Inference

    Critical Reasoning

    Idioms

    Verb Tense

    Resolve/Explain

    Identify the Reasoning

    Misplaced Modifiers

    Pronouns

    Reading Comprehension

    Sentence Correction

    Assumption

    Parallelism/Comparison

    Strengthen/Weaken

    Data Insights

    In this section, you’ll be required to interpret data from tables, graphs, and charts. It focuses on problem-solving using both verbal and quantitative data to draw conclusions from various data sources.

    • Analysing data from tables, texts, and graphics
    • Making inferences and recognising discrepancies
    • Determining the provided data is enough to solve the provided question
    • Sorting, analysing, and extracting data from tables or spreadsheets
    • Extracting information from scatter plots, bar charts, pie charts, and other graphical representations
    • Solving problems involving quantitative and verbal skills, simultaneous equations, and relationships

    CAT Syllabus

    The CAT syllabus encompasses a wide range of topics. Familiarising yourself with these sections is essential for effective preparation and achieving a high score on the exam.

    Quantitative Aptitude

    The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT requires strong mathematical foundations. It assesses your ability to solve problems related to geometry, algebra, and number systems.

    Geometry

    Ratios and Proportion

    HCF & LCM

    In-equations Quadratic and linear equations

    Averages

    Surds and Indices

    Trigonometry

    Number System

    Algebra

    Geometric Progression

    Partnership (Accounts)

    Inequalities

    Mensuration

    Work and Time

    Profit & Loss

    Percentages

    Time-Speed-Distance

    Logarithms

    Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

    This section is designed to test your command over the language. It includes jumbled paragraphs and comprehension passages that assess your reading and verbal reasoning skills.

    Fill in the Blanks

    Reading Comprehension

    Verbal Reasoning

    Analogies

    Sentence Completion

    Sentence Correction

    Grammar

    Verbal Logic

    Syllogisms

    Different Usage of the Same Word

    Jumbled Paragraphs

    Idioms

    Para Completion and Inference

    Para jumbles

    Contextual Usage

    Antonyms

    Foreign Words

    One Word Substitution

    Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

    Logical reasoning and data interpretation focus on your ability to solve puzzles and understand data presented in various formats. This section evaluates your logical thinking and analytical skills.

    Blood Relations

    Binary Logic

    Series

    Seating Arrangement

    Proposition

    Venn Diagram

    Direction Sense

    Sets

    Coding-Decoding

    Data Structures

    Assumptions

    Syllogism

    Puzzles

    Tables

    Clocks and Calendars

    Pie Charts

    Statements

    Caselets

    Data Arrangement

    Bars

    Family Tree

    Line Graphs

    Data Sufficiency

    -

    From the Desk of Yocket

    Choosing between the CAT and GMAT ultimately hinges on understanding their distinct syllabus. While the CAT focuses on Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, the GMAT emphasises Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning along with Data Insights. 

    This makes CAT more aligned with the rigorous analytical demands of Indian business schools, while GMAT offers a broader, globally recognised framework. Identifying which syllabus plays to your strengths and career aspirations is crucial. For a stress-free experience, consider Yocket Prep. Book a consultation call with our expert counselors for strategic guidance on the detailed syllabus for both exams.

    Frequently Asked Questions on CAT vs GMAT Syllabus

    What is difference in syllabus between GMAT and CAT?

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    Is GMAT easier than CAT?

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    Can I attempt both GMAT and CAT?

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