If you’re preparing for higher education, you may have come across two major exams: the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the CAT (Common Admission Test). While the GRE is globally recognized for admission to graduate programs and business schools, the CAT is a popular exam in India for entry into top management schools like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Understanding the key differences and similarities between these tests can help you decide which one suits your goals better. Let’s break it down for you.
What is the GRE?
The GRE is a globally accepted standardized test for admissions to graduate programs and some business schools. It tests your reasoning, analytical, and quantitative skills, providing flexibility to students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Key Features of the GRE
- Accepted By: Universities worldwide for graduate programs, including STEM, humanities, and MBAs.
- Sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Analytical Writing
- Score Range: 260–340 (Verbal + Quantitative).
- Test Duration: Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes.
What is the CAT?
The CAT is an India-specific entrance exam primarily for MBA programs, with a focus on admissions to prestigious management schools like the IIMs. It evaluates a candidate’s aptitude in verbal ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative skills.
Key Features of the CAT
- Accepted By: Indian B-schools, including IIMs and other top management institutes.
- Sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Score Range: 0–100 percentile.
- Test Duration: 2 hours.
GRE vs CAT: Key Differences
Let’s compare the two tests to better understand their unique features:
| Aspect | GRE | CAT |
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose |
Admission to global graduate programs
|
Admission to Indian MBA programs
|
|
Accepted By
|
Universities worldwide
|
Indian B-schools (IIMs, others)
|
|
Sections
|
Verbal, Quantitative, Writing
|
VARC, DILR, QA
|
|
Test Format
|
Computer-based, section-adaptive
|
Computer-based, fixed structure
|
|
Difficulty Level
|
Moderate (depending on vocabulary)
|
High, with tough QA and DILR sections
|
|
Scoring
|
Score out of 340
|
Percentile-based
|
|
Exam Duration
|
3 hours 45 minutes
|
2 hours
|
|
Cost
|
$220 (~₹18,000)
|
₹2,400–₹2,800
|
|
Retakes
|
Available every 21 days (up to 5 times/year)
|
Conducted once a year
|
How are the GRE and CAT Similar?
While the GRE and CAT have distinct purposes, they share some similarities:
- Quantitative Focus: Both tests assess your quantitative ability, though the CAT's level of difficulty is generally higher.
- Verbal Sections: Both include sections that test English language skills, including vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning.
- Time Management: Success in both exams requires strategic time management, as the questions are timed.
- Computer-Based Format: Both tests are conducted online, and your performance is based on how well you answer under timed conditions.
GRE vs CAT: Who Should Take Which?
Your choice between the GRE and CAT depends on your career goals, target programs, and comfort with the exam format. Here’s how to decide:
1. Your Career Goals
- Choose GRE if you are looking to pursue:
– International graduate programs (e.g., Master’s in STEM, humanities, or social sciences).
– Business programs globally (many international B-schools accept GRE scores). - Choose CAT if you are targeting:
– MBA programs in India, especially IIMs and other top-tier Indian management schools.
2. Strength in Quantitative Ability
- If you excel in advanced math and logical reasoning, the CAT might suit you better, as it has a higher difficulty level in quantitative sections.
- If your math skills are moderate, you may find the GRE less challenging.
3. Flexibility and Retakes
- The GRE allows retakes every 21 days (up to 5 times a year), providing flexibility if you don’t perform well initially.
- The CAT is conducted once a year, so you have only one attempt per year to achieve your target score.
4. Time Commitment
- The GRE requires around 3 hours 45 minutes to complete, offering a more detailed test.
- The CAT is shorter (2 hours) but demands intense focus and quick thinking.
Which Test is Harder?
The difficulty of each test depends on your strengths. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Verbal Section: The GRE’s verbal section is more vocabulary-heavy, while the CAT focuses on reading comprehension and verbal logic.
- Quantitative Section: The CAT’s quantitative section is more challenging, with advanced-level math and tricky logical reasoning.
- Time Pressure: The CAT requires faster problem-solving due to its shorter duration, while the GRE provides more time per question.
Tips to Choose Between GRE and CAT
- Understand Your Goals: If you aim for a global career or degree, take the GRE. If you want to stay in India and pursue an MBA, go for the CAT.
- Assess Your Strengths: Take mock tests for both exams to identify which one plays to your strengths.
- Consider Retake Policies: If you want the flexibility to improve your score, the GRE is a better option.
- Focus on Long-Term Plans: If you’re unsure about your future plans, the GRE is more versatile, as it’s accepted by both graduate and business programs.
Conclusion
Choosing between the GRE and CAT boils down to your academic and professional aspirations. The GRE is ideal for those seeking flexibility and opportunities abroad, while the CAT is tailored for students targeting top Indian business schools. Assess your strengths, research your target programs, and make an informed decision to set yourself up for success.