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CAT vs NMAT 2026
NMAT and CAT are the major MBA entrance exams accepted by prominent colleges and institutes. When comparing NMAT and CAT, the exam patterns and syllabuses appear similar. The majority of India's MBA programmes accept the CAT entrance exam scores.
The Graduate Management Admission Council conducts the NMAT, a national-level entrance exam that is approved by NMIMS and many other institutions. However, the CAT is a national-level entrance exam that is accepted by all IIMs and other business schools in India.
Difference between CAT and NMAT Exam
Both NMAT and CAT are important gateways for MBA aspirants in India; however, both attract various types of applicants based on their difficulty levels, exam structure, scoring methods, and flexibility during multiple attempts. Below are the key differences that can help the candidate to better understand the exam:
Difference between CAT and NMAT Exam | ||
Aspect | NMAT | CAT |
Full Form | NMIMS Management Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
Conducting Authority | GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) | IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) |
Number of Attempts | Up to 3 attempts per testing window | Once a year |
Exam Mode | Online | Online |
Sections Orders | Flexible | Fixed |
Negative Marking | No | Yes |
Total Questions | 108 | 68 |
Total Marks | 360 | 204 |
Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
Exam Fee | INR 3000 + Taxes | INR 2400 (approx) |
READ ALSO : NMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
CAT vs NMAT Exam Pattern 2026
Students can go through the table below to learn about the key differences in the CAT and NMAT exam patterns.
CAT vs NMAT Exam Pattern 2026 | ||
Particulars | ||
Exam sections |
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Mode of exam | CBT | CBT |
Type of Exam | Adaptive | Non - Adaptive |
Duration of exam | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
Total number of questions expected | 108 | 68 |
Total marks | 360 | 204 |
Type of questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | MCQs and TITA (Non-MCQ) |
Marking Scheme |
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Top Colleges Accepting CAT vs NMAT Scores 2026
Top colleges accepting CAT 2026 include IIMs and famous B-schools, but NMAT 2026 scores are accepted by NMIMS, XIMB, and other colleges, providing a wide range of MBA admission options around the country.
NMAT Accepting Colleges | CAT Accepting Colleges |
SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) | IIM Ahmedabad |
K J Somaiya Institute of Management | IIM Bangalore |
XIM University | IIM Calcutta |
Great Lakes Institute of Management (PGPM) | FMS Delhi |
TAPMI, Manipal | IIM Lucknow |
S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (GMP program) | IIM Kozhikode |
SDA Bocconi Asia Center | SPJIMR Mumbai |
ICFAI Business School (IBS) | IIM Indore |
IFMR Graduate School of Business | IIM Mumbai |
Alliance University | JBIMS Mumbai |
READ ALSO ,NMAT Colleges List 2026
CAT vs NMAT Exam Difficulty level
CAT is India's toughest MBA entrance exam, with consistently high difficulty levels across all sections. On the contrary, the NMAT uses flexible assessment, which means that the exam's question difficulty varies depending on your performance. If you answer the initial questions successfully, you'll come across more difficult ones later.
The CAT's difficulty increases with its annual format, which attracts lakhs of candidates, including high-scoring repeat applicants, fighting for a few IIMs seats. While both exams have a similar topic, the CAT's competitive nature and fixed difficulty make them tougher. Notably, difficult CAT exam preparation in 2026 can often result in good results in the NMAT.
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CAT vs NMAT 2026 :Conclusion
CAT vs NMAT 2026 ultimately depends on your career goals and preparation level. CAT is ideal for aspirants aiming for prestigious institutions like IIMs and is known for its high difficulty and competitive nature. On the other hand, NMAT offers flexibility with multiple attempts and no negative marking, making it a more approachable exam for many candidates.
A smart strategy is to prepare for both exams simultaneously, as their syllabus overlaps significantly. By doing so, you can maximize your chances of securing admission into top MBA colleges and keep multiple options open for your management career journey.
