Is NMAT Easier than CAT?

Two common names are mentioned when it comes to MBA entrance exams in India, and these are NMAT and CAT. Both exams lead to a glamorous business school; however, they vary tremendously in terms of form, level of difficulty, and approach to training. 

CAT can be regarded as the most difficult management entrance test in the country, but NMAT is regarded as more student-friendly due to its flexible testing period and distinctive format. 

But does that really make NMAT easier than CAT? In this blog, we’ll break down the differences, compare difficulty levels, and help you understand which exam might suit your strengths better.

NMAT and CAT: Overview

Is NMAT Easier than CAT?

The most used question when students compare MBA entrance exams in India is whether NMAT is comparatively easier than CAT. It depends on the way you see it. NMAT is made easier and more student-friendly. 

It consists of 108 questions to be answered during 120 minutes, and it is not marked negatively; it gives the candidates the option of which sections to answer first. It has an intermediate level of difficulty and is, therefore, the one that is acceptable to students who are good with time management and have a good command of the basics.

On the contrary, the CAT is referred to as one of the most difficult exams in this country. Having fewer but more difficult questions, and negative marking involves a higher level of problem solving, accuracy, and uniformity in preparation.

Thus, NMAT is comparatively simpler and less tense, whereas CAT is more difficult and competitive. It is actually a matter of your strengths, objectives and the colleges of your interest.

NMAT vs CAT: Exam Pattern

NMAT and CAT examinations are of various forms, and being aware is the initial step for any candidate.

The NMAT consists of three parts: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. It is divided into 36 questions in each section, and so 108 questions. The test lasts 120 minutes, and the most positive aspect is that it does not have negative marking. Students also have the option of selecting the sequence in which the sections are placed, and are therefore more flexible.

On the other hand, CAT also has three parts: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude. It contains 66 questions that are normally to be answered in 120 minutes. The CAT has very strict sectional time, and marks are deducted for incorrect answers.

Simply put, NMAT is less competitive and flexible, whereas CAT is more rigid and competitive.

NMAT vs CAT: Difficulty Level Analysis

Comparing difficulty, both tests are examined at vastly different levels, even though they are testing similar skills.

NMAT is regarded as a medium-level test. The questions are not very complicated, and there is no negative marking, as it is less stressful. Here, students who are good at time management and basic concepts can perform well.

Although CAT is reputed to be one of the most difficult exams in India. The questions are more difficult, particularly in the DILR and Quantitative sections. There is also the presence of negative marking, which increases the risk factor. It demands acuity, speed and accuracy in problem-solving.

Therefore, unlike NMAT, which is friendlier to students, CAT requires high preparation and understanding of concepts.

NMAT and CAT: Preparation Strategy

The preparation plan also varies as the two exams have different patterns and difficulty.

In the case of NMAT: Perfect the fundamentals in the Quant and the Logical Reasoning. Speed Reading Language Skill. Time management is also important since you have only minutes to take per section. It is recommended to take several mock tests because you can do NMAT more than once within a testing period.

In the case of CAT, Preparation should be more rigorous. The students have to develop substantial conceptual clarity in every course, but particularly in the Quant and DILR. It is important to practice regularly using mock tests, section tests, and past papers. Sectional time limits of the CAT mean that students should learn to balance speed and accuracy.

College Acceptance and Career Prospects

The popularity of each exam is also determined by the type of colleges that use its scores.

NMAT: NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) is the most notable college, and there are 40 or more colleges, such as KJ Somaiya, XIMB, and TAPMI. These colleges are reputable, and they have decent placements, although the brand is slightly lower than that of IIMs.

CAT: This is the entrance into all 21 IIMs and more than 1,000 other best B-schools in India, such as FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, and IITs, which have MBA programs. The scope and fame of CAT is far broader, and IIMs are well-renowned in the world, creating tremendous career opportunities.

NMAT vs CAT: Factors to Consider for Making the Right Choice

Selection of NMAT or CAT will be based on strengths, goals, and comfort level.

• NMAT may be better suited to you if you want an examination that has multiple attempts and no negative marking and is flexible.
• In case you want to pursue the most prestigious B-schools in India and you are willing to take a more challenging course, then CAT is the way to go.
• You should think about how much time you have to prepare, what you want your career to be, and what type of college atmosphere you desire.
• Both exams open doors to good opportunities at the end of the day. The trick is to choose the one that suits you and your future ambitions.