This question of which one if tougher - CAT or XAT is commonly pondered by MBA aspirants when they begin their preparation for admission. Both XAT and CAT are renowned MBA entrance exams in India, and they assess different skills and abilities. So, it’s very difficult to specify which is tougher.
Both XAT and CAT have sectional time limits, but they differ in their marking schemes. Additionally, XAT includes sections like decision-making and general knowledge, which demand extra preparation compared to CAT, which lacks these specific sections.
Another factor to consider is the timing of the exams, as they are conducted with a one-month gap (CAT 2023 on November 26, 2023, and XAT 2024 on January 9, 2024). This requires a well-planned approach for simultaneous exam preparation.
Aspirants can only analyze the difficulties of both exams by comparing the number of questions, pattern, syllabus, exam timing, etc. of XAT and CAT exams.
Quick Links:
| XAT Exam Pattern 2024 | CAT Exam Pattern 2023 |
Difference between XAT and CAT Exams
CAT 2023 exam date is set on November 26, 2023. XAT 2024 exam is scheduled on January 9, 2024. The highlights of XAT and CAT, both renowned MBA entrance exams in India, are given below:
| Particulars | XAT | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Xavier Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Authority | XLRI Jamshedpur | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Sections | 4 | 3 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduate in any stream from a recognized university | Graduate with 50% aggregate (45% for reserved category candidates) from a recognized university |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes | 2 hours |
| Difficulty level | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| Exam fee | INR 2,100 | INR 2,400 (INR 1,200 for Reserved category students) |
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Difference between XAT and CAT Syllabus
In CAT syllabus, Decision Making and General Knowledge sections are absent. The following table shows the differences between CAT and XAT syllabus:
| XAT Syllabus | CAT Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Decision Making | Quantitative Aptitude |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
| General Knowledge |
Also Check:
| XAT Preparation Tips | CAT Preparation Tips |
Difference between XAT and CAT Exam Pattern
Both exams assess a candidate’s aptitude and skills for management education, there are some key differences in their exam patterns:
| Particulars | XAT Exam | CAT Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 100 | 66 |
| Total Marks | 100 | 198 |
| Marking Scheme | Yes.
|
Yes.
|
| Number of choices in MCQs | 5 | 4 |
| Sectional Time limit | 167 minutes for Part 1 (VA, QA, DM) minutes for Part 2 (Mock Keyboard Testing) 30 minutes for Part 3 (GK, Essay Writing) |
40 minutes for each section |
Quick Links
| CAT Question Papers | CAT Mock Tests |
| XAT Question Papers | XAT Mock Tests |
CAT and XAT, while sharing several similarities, exhibit key differences in terms of sectional time limits, marking schemes, and the number and types of questions. As candidates gear up for these competitive exams, it's essential to engage in focused preparation by tackling sample papers and mock tests for both assessments.
Read More: Top MBA Colleges in India
FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between CAT math and XAT math?
Ans. A significant difference between CAT and XAT lies in the number of sections. CAT encompasses three sections, namely VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and Quantitative Aptitude. Conversely, XAT comprises four distinct sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
Ques. Should I prepare for CAT or XAT?
Ans. The career scope of XAT is a little less as compared to that of CAT. The exam is accepted by over 850 top B-schools in India. CAT is the most popular management entrance exam in India. The career scope of CAT is immensely wide.
Ques. Is XAT tougher than CAT?
Ans. Both XAT and CAT are considered challenging MBA entrance exams, but XAT is often perceived as slightly more difficult due to its unique structure, additional sections, and diverse question types.
Ques. Which exam has a broader syllabus?
Ans. XAT's syllabus is generally considered broader due to the inclusion of General Knowledge and Essay Writing sections, as well as a wider range of question types.
Ques. Are the questions in XAT more complex than in CAT?
Ans. XAT questions often require strong analytical and critical thinking skills. The exam may have a mix of traditional and innovative question types that can challenge candidates.
