The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and Common Admission Test (CAT) both are two of the most popular entrance exams, with scores accepted by most of the top institutions across the world including major B-schools in India. However, between the two admission exams, GRE has been accepted worldwide, but CAT scores may only be used in B-schools of India. Now the question that arises here is, CAT or GRE which is better? Many times, students get jumbled when it comes to knowing the difference between the two.
Therefore, this blog will help you to get all the insights on GRE vs CAT in terms of its scores, exam pattern, GRE vs CAT syllabus and much more.
Overview of GRE and CAT Exams
Before we head towards the difference between CAT and GRE let us have a quick look at what CAT and GRE are.
What is CAT?
Common Admission Test or CAT is an entrance exam that is required for admission to the MBA colleges in India. The CAT exam is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management Colleges.
The CAT scores are a mandatory requirement for getting into the IIMs and the affiliated business universities in India. The exam is conducted on a computer-based mode.
What is GRE?
The Graduate Record Examinations or GRE is a graduate-level general test accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools in the world. The examination is structured in a way that can effectively assess the student's quantitative and verbal skills.
This entrance test was first developed and administered by Educational Testing Agency (ETS), a US private non-profit organisation. The GRE scores are also accepted by the Top B-Schools worldwide.
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Now that you know about the two exams, let's have a quick glance over the GRE and CAT key differences.
CAT vs GRE : Key Differences
The key difference between GRE and CAT is that the latter is a graduate admissions exam that helps you to get into a master's degree programs across the world. Whereas CAT is an Indian management test which is only accepted by the B-schools in India.
The following GRE and CAT difference chart will give you a quick look at some crucial aspects related to both the exam along with highlighting the key differences between GRE and CAT:
|
Particulars |
GRE |
CAT |
|
Total Students Appeared in 2021 |
Around 2 lakhs |
1.92 Lakhs |
|
Frequency |
5 times |
1 times |
|
Scoring Range |
260-340 |
0-40 |
|
Computer-adaptive |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Total Time |
3 hours & 45 minutes |
2 hours |
|
Total no. of questions |
|
Total: 66 questions |
|
Exam Fee |
213 USD |
2,300 INR |
|
Validity |
GRE scores valid upto 5 years |
1 year |
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GRE vs CAT: Differences in Sections, Numbers and Types of Questions
The difference between CAT vs GRE lies in their question paper pattern, in terms of their sections i.e. questions types, time limit etc. Let's discuss it now.
GRE
- Each one of the sections of GRE has a time limit and it varies based on its sections.
- The GRE paper is divided into three sections i.e. analytical writing, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning section.
- The exam is conducted in two modes which are paper-based and computer-based. The paper pattern of two modes differ from each other
Let us see the exam pattern of the GRE test:
|
GRE Sections |
Paper-based GRE Pattern |
Computer-based GRE Pattern |
||
|
No. of Section |
Duration |
No. of Section |
Duration |
|
|
Analytical Writing |
2 sections- 2 tasks |
60 minutes |
1 section- two tasks |
60 minutes |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
2 sections- 50 questions |
70 minutes |
2 section- 40 questions |
60 minutes |
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
2 sections- 50 questions |
80 minutes |
2 section- 40 questions |
70 minutes |
|
Unscored |
NA |
NA |
Varies |
Varies |
|
Research |
NA |
NA |
Varies |
Varies |
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CAT
- The CAT paper too is divided into three sections i.e. verbal ability and reading comprehension, quantitative, and data interpretation & logical reasoning.
- Each of the sections has a certain time limit to solve and it varies based on the section.
- For every correct answer 3 marks are awarded and for every wrong answer, ⅓ is deducted from them.
The exam pattern is given below:
|
Section |
Total Questions |
Time Allotted |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
24 |
40 minutes |
|
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation |
20 |
40 minutes |
|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
22 |
40 minutes |
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GRE vs CAT: Eligibility Criteria
A common difference between GRE and CAT is their eligibility criteria. Let's discuss the eligibility criteria of each of these exams given below.
GRE
To be eligible for the application of GRE, you are required to meet the following criteria.
- You must have completed your 18 years of age for the GRE exam without anyone's consent.
- No specific upper age limit criteria.
- Since it is a graduate entrance, you are required to have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
- You can appear in the GRE test a maximum of five times in a year, but with a 21 days gap between each one of the reattempts.
CAT
The eligibility criteria for the application of the CAT exam is given below:
- You must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a recognised board.
- Marks relaxation is given to students based on their category i.e. for Gen and OBC students must have at least 50% marks and SC, ST may have a minimum of 45% marks in bachelor.
- Final year students are also eligible for the exam.
- There are no age limit criteria for the exam.
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GRE vs CAT: Syllabus and Marking Scheme
The next aspect we are going to explore is the difference between CAT and GRE syllabus. Let us now understand how CAT vs GRE syllabus differs from each other.
GRE Section Wise Exam Pattern
|
Section |
Topic |
Score Range |
|
Analytical Writing |
Analyses an Issue task and an argument task |
0-6 with 0.5 point increment |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
Text Completion, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Equivalence |
130-170 with 1 point increment |
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
Quantitative Comparison Questions, Multiple Choice Questions, and a Numeric Entry Questions |
130-170 with 1 point increment |
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CAT Section Wise Exam Pattern
|
Section |
Topic |
Score Range |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
Algebra, Arithmetic, Number System, Trigonometry, Surds and Indices, Time Speed Distance, Geometry, coordinate Geometry, Mensuration, Percentages, Logarithms, Probability, Ratios & Proportions |
|
|
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation |
Case lets and Tables, Bar Graph, Blood Relations, Missing information, Games and Tournaments, Venn Diagrams, Calendars, cubes, clocks, Logical Sequences, Routes and Networks, Seating Arrangement |
|
|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
Reading Comprehension, Para summary, grammar, Syllogisms, Verbal reasoning, Critical reasoning, Para jumble Jumbles, Fill in the blanks, Vocabulary |
|
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After discussing the GRE vs CAT syllabus, let's have a look at the costs of both tests:
GRE vs CAT: Fee Structure
Coming to the fees structure of both the GRE and CAT tests. The application fees for CAT is 2,300 INR for General students and 1,100 for SC, ST and PWD students. No extra costs are required for the CAT exam as it doesn't give you the facilities to reschedule, cancel, or refund options.
GRE fees, on the other hand, differ from one country to another:
- 230 USD for Australia
- 213 USD for India
- 231 USD for China
- 205 USD for other parts of the world.
Apart from the application fees, an extra cost is required for changing or rescheduling, time change, slot, venue, and cancellation of the exam.
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GRE vs CAT: Competition and Level of Difficulty
When we discuss CAT or GRE which is better in terms of difficulty level, the CAT is more popular as compared to the GRE. This is due to its less expensive and more readily available features for various Indian B-schools. CAT is also somewhat more competitive which makes it the most difficult to achieve.
Whereas, the number of students appearing in the GRE exam is 3 lakhs out of which 20% are Indian applicants. However, the total number of students who take the CAT exam is around 2 lakhs every year from across the world.
Hence, we can say that the CAT is more difficult than the GRE.
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GRE vs CAT: Which One to Consider?
Since the GRE test has a well-defined type of questions and a structured curriculum than the CAT, it is easier to prepare for it. With a good timetable and two months of diligent preparation, it is feasible for you to get a great GRE score on the exam.
On the other hand, if we discuss the GRE vs CAT syllabus, the CAT has more than the GRE test, and so it requires you to spend more time preparing.
Coming to the CAT vs GRE sections, the verbal reasoning part of the GRE is highly difficult for students who are non-native English students. The quantitative section of the CAT exam is more challenging than the GRE.
Overall choosing the best among the two, will surely be up to you. If you're looking to study graduate programs including MBA at study abroad institutions then submitting the GRE scores is preferred more than your CAT. Whereas if you are preparing for an MBA in India you can get it by doing a strong preparation in the CAT test.
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Pursuing a master's degree from a good study institution is a dream of many students, but a dilemma occurs which one is the best: CAT vs GRE. Choosing one between the two is difficult but with strong clarity and research about the differences between GRE and CAT, it will be easier for you. The difference between the GRE and CAT exam lies in the evaluation process of both in the aptitude level of a student.
For further guidance and assistance, do join our Yocket Premium to ease your study abroad journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About CAT vs GRE
Ques. Which is better CAT or GRE?
Ans. Both the GRE and CAT assess the potential of a student when applying to the leading universities and Business Schools of India. While the CAT is acceptable for the top-ranking business schools of India, GRE has been used by many study abroad institutions for admission to their several graduate programs.
Ques. Is GRE preparation enough for CAT?
Ans. The verbal section of the GRE requires you for targeted practice although CAT preparation will certainly help you as well. One must have to work on their vocabulary part to prepare for both the exam.
Ques. Are GRE and CAT Quant the same?
Ans. The CAT quantitative section is more difficult as compared to the GRE test. The format of the questions is also different. While the CAT puts up multiple-choice questions with one correct answer, GRE often requires multiple solutions or even needs students to type in the right answer.
Ques. How many times can I apply for the GRE and CAT in a year?
Ans. You can appear in the GRE test 5 times a year whereas the application form for CAT is available only once time a year.
Ques. What is the validity of GRE and CAT scores?
Ans. The GRE test scores are valid for 5 years and CAT test scores are only available for one time in a year.
