CAT and XAT are two of the most popular MBA entrance exams conducted across the country. While CAT is a gateway to the 20 Indian Institutes of Management and over 1,000 other B schools, the XAT exam result is accepted by over 700 other B schools in relation to these exams.
Is XAT harder than CAT? The answer to this question cannot be “yes” or “no” as both XAT and CAT have unique properties. For example, like CAT, the XAT exam also has a section deadline, but the grading scheme is unique. On the other hand, unlike XAT, the CAT exam does not have decision-making and GK sections that require additional preparation. Both exams take place within a month. CAT Exam is conducted during the last week of November and XAT takes place in the first week of January.
Before applying and preparing for any MBA exams being conducted across the country such as CAT, XAT, CMAT, IIFT or others, candidates should know what the difference between CAT and other MBA entrance exams is. There are several similarities between CAT and other MBA exams, but there are important differences between the XAT exam and the CAT exam that every management aspirant needs to know. Search queries in connection with CAT vs. XAT by prospective examinees and the right instructions with comparison tables for these exams not only help with the CAT or XAT preparation, but also with the selection of the right exam that leads to suitable MBA colleges and thus a successful career in management.
The questions that every MBA aspirant comes across while preparing for the exam generally include A) Which is better CAT or XAT? B) How is XAT different from CAT? Previously, XAT had an essay writing section which made it more comprehensive and time consuming. The section has now been removed, which brings some relief to the candidates. it has stayed the same for the past five years. This article takes you through the various aspects of these two exams and helps your figure out which one is tougher.
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CAT Exam Vs XAT Exam - Key Differences
- CAT is carried out by IIM and is the MBA entrance test for 20 IIM, FMS, IIT MBA, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IMT and other 3000 MBA universities
- XAT Exam is carried out by XLRI Jamshedpur and is the entrance test for MBAs for XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, XIMB and 150 other MBA universities
- One of the main differences between the CAT and XAT curriculum is the different topics and sections.
- CAT has no decision-making section and no GK section, but the XAT exam has DM and GK as separate sections.
- Other The main difference is the level of difficulty XAT vs. CAT. XAT is a little more difficult than the CAT exam.
Which is better CAT or XAT? The answer to this query depends on your preferences. If you want to search for admission opportunities at XLRI, you must appear at XAT, but if you want to do MBA from IIM, you must appear at the CAT exam.
Highlights of CAT Exam and XAT Exam
Particular | CAT – IIMs | XAT – XLRI |
Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | |
Exam Mode | Online | Online |
Total No. of Questions | 66 | 100 |
Total Time Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours |
Total Marks | 198 | 100 |
Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes per section |
|
Type of Questions | MCQs and Non MCQs | MCQs |
Marking Scheme |
|
|
Difficulty Level | Moderately Difficult | Highly Difficult |
Total no. of Sections | 3 sections: | 4 sections: Part 1
Part 2
|
Facility to Choose Order of Sections | No, candidates have to follow the predefined sectional order | Yes, candidates can attempt any question from any section |
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Score | 20 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IMT, IITs, TAPMI, XIMB and many more | XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, XIMB and other MBA colleges |
CAT Exam Vs XAT Exam - A Comparative Analysis
Now that we have understood the key differences between the CAT and XAT exams, let us move on to understand both the exams in detail. In this section, we have provided a comparative analysis of both exams like the difference in the CAT and XAT exam pattern, the difference in syllabus, and the recommended books.
CAT Exam Vs XAT Exam - Exam Pattern
In order to appear in any examination, it is necessary for students to clearly understand the exam pattern and marking scheme of the exam. This helps students figure out what is important from the examination’s point of view. Below mentioned is the comparative analysis table that define the exact examination pattern and marking scheme of both the exams.
Read In Detail: CAT Exam Pattern | XAT Exam Pattern
Exam Pattern Particulars | CAT | XAT |
Subjects Covered |
| Part 1
Part 2
|
Marks Allotted to each section |
|
|
Total Marks | 198 | 100 |
Time Allotted | 120 minutes (2 hours) | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
CAT Syllabus Vs XAT syllabus
Although, the syllabus of CAT Exam is same as that of XAT Exam, the difference mainly lies between the number of subjects, types of questions, marks allotted and negative marking, and the time limit of the examination. Check the syllabus, sections, and the topics covered in each of these exams presented below.
Read More:
Subjects | CAT | XAT |
Data Interpretation | Data Sufficiency, Combination of Graphs, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Case let, and Tables etc. | Geometry, Tables, Graphs, Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Statistics, Profit & Loss, Speed and Distance, Clocks |
Quantitative Aptitude | Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, Number System, Time & Work, Mensuration, Simple Interest, Modern Mathematics and Trigonometry etc | |
Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement, Statements, Matching Puzzles, Binary Logic, Blood Relations, Family Tree, Clocks and Calendars, Proposition, Sets, Venn Diagram, Syllogism, etc. | Para Jumbles, Para Completion, Vocabulary, Analogy, Critical Reasoning, Statements and Assumptions |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Passages, Fact Inference Judgment, Fill in the blanks, Vocab based questions, Para Completion, Para Jumble etc. | |
English Grammar (Part of VARC) | Grammar and verbal reasoning like Sentence Correction, Fill in the blanks, Direct-Indirect, Active Voice Passive Voice, Verbal Reasoning, Antonyms, Synonyms, and jumbled sentences etc. | - |
Decision Making | - | Short Caselets, Analytical Reasoning, Situational Sets, Data Arrangement Sets |
General Knowledge | - | Politics, History, Sports, Nation and States, Business, Literature, Economics, International Relations, Society |
Recommended Books - CAT Vs XAT Exam
This section aims to provide the candidates with some useful books that the candidates can refer to while preparing for these exams. While most of the sections and books are almost similar, it is upto the candidates to decide what they want to do and which book they wish to refer to. Presented below is an analysis of the CAT and XAT recommended books separately.
Recommended Books for CAT exam
Section | Book Name | Author Name/Published by |
Quantitative Ability | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into IIMs | Sarvesh K. Verma | |
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay/Arihant |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback | Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/ Simon & Schuster | |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Sharma and Upadhyay | |
PSC for VA for CAT Exam | Nishit Sinha | |
Data Interpretation and logical reasoning | CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha | |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
Recommended Books for XAT Exam
Section | Book Name | Author Name/Published by |
Quantitative Ability | Quantitative Aptitude Simplified for XAT | Deepak Agarwal |
Concepts of Numbers for XAT and Other Aptitude exams (Old Edition) | Gajendra Kumar | |
Quantum CAT | S.K. Verma | |
Verbal Ability | Verbal Ability and Comprehension for XAT | Bharat Patodi |
MBA (XAT, IIFT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT) | Gautam Puri | |
Logical Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
Concepts of LR – Logical Reasoning for CAT, XAT, CMAT, Bank PO & Other Aptitude Tests | Gajendra Kumar | |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT/XAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT (Box Set) | Gajendra Kumar | |
General Knowledge | General Knowledge 2024 | Arihant |
IIFT & XAT (GK Compendium) | Career launcher | |
Target XAT 2024 (Past Papers 2005 - 2020 + 5 Mock Tests) | Disha Publications | |
XAT Solved Papers 2008-2023 | Career Launcher | |
Jabbing XAT | R.K. Jha |
CAT Vs XAT - Preparation Sources
While it is difficult to say which exam out of the two is more tough, it can be said that both exams are equally difficult. To prepare for these exams, candidates require some dedication and hard work. Below listed are a few preparation resources for each of these exams. Check out these sources below.
CAT Preparation Resources
CAT Preparation - Quick Links | |
| Preparation Tips for Verbal Ability for CAT | CAT Question Papers |
| CAT Coaching | CAT Mock Tests |