Are the CAT and GRE similar in difficulty?

The difficulty level can vary depending on your strengths. The GRE quant section might be easier, but it uses multiple answer formats. The CAT quant section is known for its depth and has only one correct answer choice.

When are the GRE and CAT administered?

The GRE is offered year-round on computer-based testing dates at Prometric testing centres. The CAT is administered once a year in a computer-based format.

Between the CAT and GRE, which test should I take?

The choice between the CAT and GRE depends on your goals. If you target graduate programs across disciplines, the GRE is more versatile. If an MBA in India is your aim, then focus on the CAT.

GRE vs CAT: Which is Better for an MBA/MS Abroad?

International students with dreams of studying at prestigious universities and business schools abroad often find themselves facing a crucial decision: GRE or CAT? Both exams play a vital role in the admissions process, but which one is right for you?

This blog aims to clear up any confusion by getting into the key differences between the GRE and CAT. In a nutshell, the GRE serves as a broader assessment for a wide range of master’s programs worldwide, including some Indian institutions. On the other hand, the CAT is specifically designed for MBA programs offered by top business schools in India.

While both exams hold significant weight in the eyes of admissions committees, they differ in their approach. We’ll explore the similarities and variations in their syllabuses, difficulty levels, and test formats. By understanding these distinctive features, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed decision about the exam that best aligns with your academic aspirations.

What are the CAT and GRE Exams?

The CAT and GRE are both standardised tests used for graduate school admissions, but they cater to different goals.

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a computer-based exam held annually to assess a candidate’s eligibility for MBA programs for aspiring business professionals in India. At top Indian business schools, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT scores are used for admissions purposes. Scoring well on the CAT is important for securing a seat in these coveted programs.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) has a broader reach. This standardised test is widely accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide. It’s a more general assessment test used by universities to gauge a student’s preparedness for various master’s programs, including those in business, humanities, and social sciences.

CAT (Common Admission Test)	GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based entrance exam required for admission to MBA programs at many Indian institutions, including all Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The IIMs conduct the CAT exam on a rotational basis each year.	The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test widely accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide. It assesses a student’s quantitative and verbal reasoning skills to gauge their preparedness for graduate-level work.
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many affiliated business universities in India require a high score on the computer-based CAT for admission.	The GRE is developed and administered by the Educational Testing Agency (ETS). It is a US private non-profit organisation. The GRE is widely accepted for admission by top business schools around the world.

GRE vs CAT: Top Universities

While some universities abroad and in India may accept CAT or GRE scores, these exams serve different purposes. Before applying to master’s or MBA programs, research the specific entrance exams required by your target universities.

To help you decide between CAT and GRE, we’ve listed some well-regarded universities accepting each exam for master’s programs.

GRE Accepting Universities Abroad	CAT Accepting Universities Abroad
University of California, Berkeley	HEC Paris
Stanford University	Singapore Management University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Asian Institute of Management
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill	SKEMA Business School
University of Washington	SP Jain School of Global Management
Pennsylvania State University	Norwegian School of Economics

GRE vs CAT: Key Differences

While both the GRE and CAT are graduate admissions exams, the GRE exam is accepted for a wider range of master’s programs worldwide, including those in business. On the other hand, the CAT is specifically designed for applicants seeking admission to Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs at Indian institutions.

Factor	CAT	GRE
Number of students who appeared in 2023 (approximate)	2.2 lakhs*	Not available (global test)
Frequency	Once a year (usually November)	Offered year-round (multiple test dates)
Scoring Range	0 to 100 percentile	130 to 170 per section, 260 to 340 total
Computer Adaptive	No	Yes (section-wise)
Total Duration	120 minutes	1 hour, 58 minutes
Total No. of Questions	100 (3 sections of 33–34 questions each)	Varies depending on the section (usually around 50 questions in total)
Exam Fee (as of 2024)	INR 2,300	INR 22,550
Validity	1 year	5 years

*The number of students who appeared for CAT is an approximate figure.

GRE vs CAT: Differences in Sections, Numbers, and Types of Questions

The key differences between the CAT and GRE lie in the format of their question papers. This includes the breakdown of sections, the types of questions asked, and the time limits for each section. Let’s get into these differences now.

GRE test structure

Section	Number of Questions	Time
Analytical Writing (One section)	One “Analyse an Issue” task	30 minutes
Verbal Reasoning (Two sections)	Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions	Section 1: 18 minutes Section 2: 23 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections)	Section 1: 12 questions Section 2: 15 questions	Section 1: 21 minutes Section 2: 26 minutes

Section

Number of Questions

Time

Analytical Writing (One section)

One “Analyse an Issue” task

30 minutes

Verbal Reasoning (Two sections)

Section 1: 12 questions

Section 2: 15 questions

Section 1: 18 minutes

Section 2: 23 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections)

Section 1: 12 questions

Section 2: 15 questions

Section 1: 21 minutes

Section 2: 26 minutes

Suggested: GRE Exam Pattern 2024

CAT test structure

Section	Description	Number of Questions	Time Limit (minutes)
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	Reading Comprehension passages, Verbal Ability (Para Jumbles, Odd one out, etc.)	26 (18 RC MCQs, 8 VA Non-MCQs)	40
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	Data Interpretation sets, Logical Reasoning sets	24 (14 DI, 10 LR)	40
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, etc.	16	40

GRE vs CAT: Eligibility Criteria

One key difference between the GRE and CAT lies in their eligibility requirements. Let’s break down the criteria for each exam:

GRE eligibility criteria

Must be 18 years of age or older (no parental consent required).
Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university (no specific major is required).
There is no upper age limit to take the exam.
Can appear for the GRE up to five times a year with a minimum of 21 days between attempts.

Also read: GRE Exam Eligibility 2024

CAT eligibility criteria

Possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
Minimum marks required vary by category: 50% for General and OBC candidates, 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Final-year students in their bachelor’s program are eligible to apply.
There are no age restrictions for taking the CAT exam.

GRE vs CAT: Syllabus and Marking Scheme

While both CAT and GRE assess a candidate’s academic abilities, let’s have a look into the specific differences between their syllabuses.

GRE (September 2023 onwards) syllabus and marking scheme

Section	Syllabus	Scores	Marking Scheme
Analytical Writing	Analyse an issue and argue a position	0–6 (in half-point increments)	No penalty for wrong answers
Verbal Reasoning	Reading comprehension, text analysis, and GRE vocabulary in context	130–170	No penalty for wrong answers
Quantitative Reasoning	Problem-solving using basic math concepts (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis)	130–170	No penalty for wrong answers

CAT syllabus and marking scheme

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Topics Covered	Marking Scheme
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	72	Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability (Para Jumbles, Odd Sentence Out, Para Summary)	+3 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer (MCQs only)
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20	60	Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning	+3 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer (MCQs only)
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	66	Arithmetic (Number Properties, Percentages, Averages etc.), Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Probability	+3 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer (MCQs only)

GRE vs CAT: Fee Structure

The GRE and CAT exams in India have different fee structures. The GRE General Test has a base fee of ₹22,550. There are additional charges for rescheduling, late enrollment, and score cancellation. You can report your scores to four universities for free during registration, but additional reports cost around ₹2,009 each.

The CAT exam is significantly cheaper. The registration fee is ₹2,300 for general category students and ₹1,100 for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Persons With Disabilities (SC/ST/PWD) candidates. Unlike the GRE, the CAT fee does not cover rescheduling or score reporting. These options are simply not offered for the CAT.

Also read: GRE Exam Fees 2024

GRE vs CAT: Competition and the Level of Difficulty

Competition-wise, the CAT is arguably tougher. While a smaller pool takes the CAT compared to the GRE, a significant portion aspires for a limited number of seats in top B-schools. The GRE, with its wider application scope, sees a larger but more dispersed pool of test-takers.

Difficulty levels also vary. The CAT’s quantitative section is generally considered tougher, demanding strong problem-solving skills under time pressure. The verbal reasoning section might be more challenging for some due to its emphasis on advanced vocabulary and GRE reading comprehension. Overall, both exams are demanding, but the specific challenges depend on your strengths and weaknesses.

GRE vs CAT: Which One to Choose?

Choosing between the GRE and CAT depends on your academic goals. If you’re aiming for graduate studies abroad, particularly in the US, the GRE is the preferred exam. It’s a standardised test widely required for admission to many graduate programs. The GRE assesses your verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills. It provides a well-rounded picture of your academic abilities.

On the other hand, if you seek admission to MBA programs in India, the CAT is the ideal choice. It’s a national-level entrance exam that evaluates a candidate’s verbal and quantitative abilities, along with logical reasoning and data interpretation skills—all essential qualities for a successful career in business.

So, the right exam for you depends on where you see yourself going academically. Consider your target programs and research their entrance exam requirements carefully.

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From the Desk of Yocket

Both the GRE and CAT are standardised tests but they serve different purposes. The GRE is a much wider net. Scoring well on the GRE opens doors to various graduate programs, both in the US and abroad. Master’s degrees in science, the humanities, and even some business programs consider GRE scores as part of the application process. The GRE assesses your verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing abilities, ensuring you have the foundational skills to succeed in a rigorous academic environment.

The CAT has a much narrower focus. It’s designed specifically for students seeking admission to MBA programs in India. If your heart is set on an MBA at a prestigious Indian business school, then acing the CAT is essential. The CAT also tests verbal and quantitative abilities but with a greater emphasis on data interpretation and logical reasoning.