Every year millions of students around the world prepare for Entrance Exams to get into a prestigious MBA program. Entrance exams were all developed to help MBA schools separate the best applicants from the worst when it came time to offer seats at their institutions. Basically, the test is an attempt to demonstrate readiness for the notoriously gruelling and  equally rewarding MBA program.

But not all entrance exams are created equally. Yes, the curriculum is somewhat similar and the MBA programs too are meant to be similar (more on that later), but there is a key difference between test takers in India – some opt for CAT while others go for a Gmat.

If you’ve decided to complete the course, you probably want to know what the options are and need some help making your mind up between the two. A lot depends on your personal and financial circumstances, but in this paper we’ll be having a look at the key differences between the two tests to figure out which one is a better option.

Let’s start with the basics – GMAT is for those looking to study abroad and CAT is for local universities. There’s a chance you’ve already made up your mind between the two and prefer either staying home or going abroad, but that doesn’t mean you stop reading right here. There’s a lot more than to these tests than simply the location.

The two tests are structured with different priorities. The GMAT emphasis verbal reasoning and analytical skills, while CAT focuses on quantitative analysis and interpreting data. This isn’t to say that any of these skills is less important than the others. You surely need to be able to calculate vast sums, read pie charts and explain what you think about them verbally, but the over emphasis on quantitative analysis is unnecessary in the modern workplace. A recent study by Bloomberg found that the most desired and least common qualities big firms were looking for in MBAs was communication skills, strategic thinking and leadership skills above all else.

GMAT is constructed for experienced professionals who have a couple of years of industry experience under their belt and may lack the flexibility to fit the test into their busy schedules. This means there are a lot more tests throughout the year and a candidate can retake a test after just a month. CAT, on the other hand, is annual and if you miss your chance you waste a whole year.

 There’s no doubt CAT is cheaper than GMAT. It may end up costing you a little more than Rs.1600 for a CAT than potentially spending Rs.17,000 for GMAT. Completing a MBA at home is also a lot cheaper than abroad. But over the long term you may want to weigh the total return on investment when you consider the fact that you could work abroad with an international MBA.

 The focus on verbal and communications skills means your English is tested more thoroughly with GMAT, which is great if you speak fluent English or need to prove to future employers that you do.

 Only 1% of CAT applicants will end up at an IIM. Less than that if you consider the top three IIMs. The seats are so limited that the government declares newer IIMs almost every year. It’s a supply and demand issue, but it doesn’t stop there. The admission process is a lot more bureaucratic and much less transparent. Many applicants are shocked to find they were declined because of their 10th or 12th marks, which have absolutely nothing to do with your recent work or educational experiences.

GMAT scores, meanwhile, are accepted by a broader range of universities around the world and the competition is far less fierce. The admission process involves one-on-one interviews which help the school understand you as a person rather than a marksheet.

All things considered you may still prefer one test over the other based on your personal circumstances, but it is worth knowing our options before you take the final plunge. Good luck!

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