GMAT Vs CAT 2025: Key Differences & Which One to Choose?

If you are an MBA aspirant, choosing between CAT & GMAT test is crucial. If you are an MBA aspirant, choosing between the GMAT and CAT tests is crucial. Although both are important, the difference lies in their syllabus, acceptance, and scope. The main difference between GMAT & CAT is that while GMAT is a globally recognized exam accepted by over 7,000 MBA programs across 110 countries, CAT is primarily accepted by business schools in India only. In this blog, we've covered everuthing related to GMAT Vs CAT to help you make an informed decision. 

Key Highlights:

• GMAT is accepted globally; CAT is mainly for Indian business schools.
• The GMAT is 2 hours 15 minutes long, including a 10-minute optional break. The CAT lasts 2 hours, with 40 minutes assigned to each section.
• Both GMAT and CAT have 3 sections each. GMAT includes Quant, VR, and DI, while CAT features VARC, DILR, and QA.
• GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, whereas CAT scores are only valid for 1 year.
• You can take the GMAT up to 8 times in your lifetime, while there is no limit on the number of CAT attempts.
• The difficulty level of GMAT varies as it is a computer adaptive test with varying difficulty based on your answers, while the CAT is not.

What is the Difference Between GMAT and CAT Exam?

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

If you’re wondering, “Should I take GMAT or CAT?”, follow along as we explain the key differences below:

GMAT vs CAT: Eligibility Criteria

A common difference between GMAT and CAT is the eligibility criteria. Let us understand the eligibility criteria for each of these exams below: 

GMAT Eligibility 

• Any candidate with a bachelor's degree from a recognized institute is qualified to apply for the exam. There is no minimum or maximum academic qualification limit for the test taker to take GMAT.
• A candidate can sit for the GMAT exam a maximum of five times in 12 months but with 16 16-day gap between each re-attempt. A candidate cannot take more than eight attempts in a lifetime.
• If you score a perfect 800 on the GMAT, you need to wait for five years before retaking the test

CAT Eligibility 

• Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute.
• General and OBC-NC category candidates should obtain at least 50% marks in aggregate or equivalent CGPA. For reserved category candidates, the minimum percentage to secure is 45.
• The duration of the graduation program should be a minimum of 3 years.

Suggested: GMAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

GMAT vs CAT: Syllabus & Exam Pattern

The GMAT and the CAT exams have different syllabus. On the GMAT, you’ll answer 64 questions in 135 minutes (2 hours 15 minutes), while the CAT consists of 66 questions to be completed in 120 minutes (2 hours).

GMAT Syllabus & Exam Pattern

CAT Syllabus & Exam Pattern

GMAT vs CAT: Fee Structure

Coming to the next most important GMAT or CAT parameter is the fee structure.
Below mentioned are the fee structures for both the GMAT and CAT exams.

GMAT Fees

• Offline: USD 275 (INR 22,980)
• Online: USD 300 (INR 25,070)

CAT Fees

• General category: Rs 2,400
• SC, ST and PwD category: Rs 1,200

GMAT vs CAT: Score Validity

The next important point of difference between GMAT & CAT is score validity and acceptability. The details of the same are mentioned below:

• CAT scores are accepted by approximately 200 Indian and 20 international B-schools, on the other hand, GMAT scores are accepted by over 2,300 B-schools worldwide.
• CAT scores remain valid for 1 year, whereas GMAT scores are valid for five years.
• More than 100 B-schools in India like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta accept GMAT scores for admission to postgraduate programs.
• GMAT scores are also valid for top MIM (Master in Management) programs in Europe and other continents. CAT scores are not valid for the same.

GMAT vs CAT: Average Salary

Top 10 IIM graduates earn an average salary of INR 25–30 lakh, with the highest international offer reaching INR 1.32 crore. Graduates from the top 25 global MBA programs receive significantly higher average salaries of around INR 1.05 crore.

When comparing average salaries, GMAT and CAT offer distinct opportunities:

Average Salary After GMAT

Candidates securing admissions through GMAT, especially in global business schools like Harvard, INSEAD, or London Business School, can expect average salaries ranging between INR 80 lakh to INR 1.2 crore annually. 
In India, GMAT admits to premier institutes like ISB report average salaries of INR 25-30 lakh per annum.

Average Salary After CAT

Candidates admitted through CAT to top Indian B-schools like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta have average starting salaries ranging between INR 25-35 lakh per annum, with some premier recruiters offering packages above INR 50 lakh for international roles.

While CAT focuses on domestic placements, GMAT often provides access to global job markets with higher salary potential. The final earnings largely depend on the institute, industry, and role.

GMAT Vs CAT: Which One to Take? 

The final answer for deciding to appear for a CAT or GMAT exam depends on your requirements. Below mentioned are some of the key aspects you should consider before making the decision

• GMAT is the best choice if you are planning to study abroad as it is accepted on a wider global scale
• CAT is the best option if you intend to join an IIM or any other top university in India
• GMAT score is valid for 5 years thus it will allow you time to find your institution and  the best program
• GMAT test can be taken multiple times within one year whereas the CAT can only be taken once a year

GMAT is widely accepted as a prerequisite for most of the global programs in the USA, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Australia. Apart from IIMs, CAT Scores are accepted in over 160+ non-IIM Management Institutes. Along with location, you must consider the investment and opportunity cost you might incur before making your Selection of CAT or GMAT. Don’t go through GMAT preparation alone. Join Yocket Prep for the support and guidance you need to succeed!