Obtaining an MBA is a crucial milestone for many aspiring professionals in India. The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) and the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) are two of the most well-known entrance tests accessible. The country's management institutes accept both tests as admissions requirements, however there are some significant differences between them in terms of acceptability, scoring, and organization. The All India Management Association (AIMA) administers the MAT, which is given to candidates four times a year with a choice of computer- or paper-based examination. Language comprehension, mathematical skills, data analysis and sufficiency, intelligence and critical reasoning, and the Indian and global environment are the five areas in which candidates are evaluated on the exam.On the other hand, the CMAT comprises four components, including Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It is administered annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
More than 600 B-schools in India accept the Management Aptitude Test (MAT), which is administered by the All India Management Association (AIMA). It usually takes place in February, May, September, and December, four times a year. The two testing options available to candidates are computer-based or paper-based. Candidates are assessed on five areas of the MAT:
40 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) totaling 200 possible points are included in each section. Additionally, candidates can use their time however they see fit as there is no sectional time limit.
More than 1,000 management colleges in India accept the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), which is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). CMAT is held once a year, usually in January, in contrast to MAT. There are four components of the exam:
CMAT has a total duration of three hours and consists of 100 questions, allowing candidates more time per question compared to MAT.
Feature | MAT | CMAT |
Conducting Body | AIMA | NTA |
Frequency | Four times a year | Once a year |
Exam Mode | Paper-based & Computer-based | Computer-based only |
Duration | 150 minutes | 180 minutes |
Total Questions | 200 (5 sections) | 100 (5 sections) |
Sectional Time Limit | No | No |
If you want focused preparation, the CMAT's single annual session can be of interest. In contrast, the MAT offers flexibility with many attempts throughout the year.
Scoring of MAT
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is scored based on the performance across five sections:
MAT Percentile=(Total number of candidates/Composite Score obtained by a Candidate)×100
Scoring of CMAT
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) also employs a structured scoring system but differs in its approach:
Each section contains multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with each correct answer earning 4 marks. There is no penalty for incorrect answers or unanswered questions.
Feature | MAT | CMAT |
Maximum Raw Score | 200 | 400 |
Scoring Method | +1 for correct; -0.25 for wrong; no penalty for unanswered | +4 for correct; no penalty |
Composite Score Range | 199 - 801 | Not applicable |
Percentile Calculation | Based on composite score from first four sections | Based on total score |
Key Sections | Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning (Indian & Global Environment excluded from composite) | Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
The acceptance of scores varies significantly between the two exams:
This increased acceptability makes CMAT a more appealing option for many students looking to gain admission to top institutions.
The decision between MAT and CMAT ultimately comes down to personal preferences for target universities, exam format, and preparation methods. Both tests enable access to management programs in India, although because of its increased complexity, the CMAT is more often accepted by elite B-schools but necessitates more thorough preparation. On the other hand, MAT allows for more flexibility in terms of attempts and less competition, but it may also restrict alternatives for admission to universities with higher rankings. Knowing these differences can have a big impact on an MBA candidate's educational path and job prospects as they make decisions in this competitive setting.
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