WHAT IS CAT GMAT MBA EXAM PATTERN AND SCORE CUT OFF ?

CAT GMAT MBA

Admission to B-schools all over India happens through entrance exams. The exams, which are based on the multiple choice pattern are followed by Group Discussions (GD’s) and personal interviews on the basis of which the final selection is done.

CAT

Common Admission Test or CAT as it is called in common parlance is an all India test conducted by the IIM’s for admission to all of their centres. Other institutes like MDI, NITIE, S.P Jain, IMT and many others accept the CAT score for admissions. Some B-schools like FMS, XLRI have their own independent entrance exams.


CAT began with being a pen paper test but has now evolved to be an online examination that stretches over a 21 day testing period usually in the months of October and November. An American firm Prometric has been roped in to manage and conduct CAT, now a computer based examination. Any student appearing for the exam, can do so only once in the testing window period. The scores of the candidate will be valid for admission to the following academic year only.

Exam Pattern

CAT comes in with a new flavour each year. Going by the trend, the online exam which is for 140 minutes has 60 questions. (There is no fixed number of questions). The exam has three sections, namely Quantitative Aptitude (arithmetic, algebra, geometry), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability (reading comprehension, verbal logic, vocabulary, grammar based questions).



Scores and cut-offs

For every right answer, you score +3 and for every wrong answer -1(Again to mention, the marking system is also subject to change)

Sectional cut offs are calculated based on the performance of that very year. Percentile rankings are provided for each individual section as well as for the overall exam. Students scoring highest are called for group discussions and then for interviews in order of merit.

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or commonly called GMAT is conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), for admissions to various management programmes outside India. So in simple words, if you wish to pursue an MBA from an international B-school, you need to appear for GMAT.


GMAT exam

GMAT is a computer adaptive test, which tests a candidates analytical, writing, verbal, reading and quantitative skills with English language as the medium. The exam duration is three and a half hours, and includes four sections, namely Quantitative Section, Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Section and analytical writing. The structure is more or less similar to the CAT exam, except for the writing section. AWA, or analytical writing assessment, is a thirty minute exam wherein the candidate is supposed to write an essay or analyse an argument with reasonable justifications. It is an important section and cannot be ignored.


Scores

GMAT scores are usually given in increments of 10: 420, 430, 440 etc. An average GMAT score would be around 520 to 540, whereas a good score would be 760- 800. Also, there is no cut off as such for a final convert. Based on your GMAT score, you get admission to GMAT colleges.



CAT and GMAT are based on subjective performances. There is nothing like a predefined good score. You simply need to concentrate on your studies and prepare well. There are many options of classroom coaching, study material, correspondence coaching available in the market. Take your pick and start the journey!