CAT Exam vs GMAT — Which is Tougher in 2025? Difficulty, Syllabus, Acceptance & Comparison
If you’re confused about CAT exam vs GMAT which is tough, or want a clear comparison like GMAT vs CAT which is better for MBA, this detailed guide covers difficulty level, syllabus difference, scoring system, exam pattern, and acceptance — in India and abroad.
We also answer commonly searched queries like: CAT exam vs GMAT which is tough Quora, CAT exam vs GMAT which is tough Reddit, and GMAT syllabus in a simple format.
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CAT vs GMAT — Key Differences
| Feature | CAT | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Common Admission Test | Graduate Management Admission Test |
| Difficulty Type | Hard Quant, tough LRDI | Tricky Verbal, adaptive difficulty |
| Exam Mode | Non-adaptive | Computer-adaptive |
| Score Validity | 1 year | 5 years |
| Acceptance | IIMs & Indian B-schools | Worldwide MBA + top Indian colleges |
| Math Difficulty | High | Moderate |
| Verbal Difficulty | Moderate–High | High (grammar-heavy) |
CAT Exam vs GMAT — Which is Tougher?
The answer depends on your strengths:
- CAT is tougher for most Indian students because Quant and LRDI are extremely challenging.
- GMAT is tough because the exam is adaptive — difficulty increases when you answer correctly.
- CAT is harder overall due to higher competition (3 lakh+ applicants) and lower acceptance rates.
Conclusion: CAT is tougher than GMAT for most students in India.
CAT Exam vs GMAT Which is Tough (Quora & Reddit Style Summary)
On Quora and Reddit, most users agree:
- CAT is harder if you are weak in Quant/LRDI.
- GMAT is harder if you struggle with English grammar and logic.
- GMAT feels easier to crack because the syllabus is smaller.
GMAT and CAT Syllabus Difference
| Section | CAT Syllabus | GMAT Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number System | Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency |
| Verbal | Reading Comprehension, Para-Jumbles, Odd-Sentence | Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction, RC |
| Logical Reasoning | Games, Puzzles, Arrangements, Venn diagrams | Part of Data Insights |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Graphs, Caselets | Charts, Tables (DI + DS combined) |
GMAT Syllabus (2025 Updated)
The GMAT Focus Edition includes three sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning (Problem Solving & Data Sufficiency)
- Verbal Reasoning (Critical Reasoning + RC)
- Data Insights (Tables, Graphs, Reasoning Cases)
GMAT vs CAT — Which is Better for MBA?
- Choose CAT → if you want admission in IIMs or top Indian B-schools.
- Choose GMAT → if you want global MBA options or executive MBA in India.
- GMAT score works for 5 years, so more flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: CAT exam vs GMAT which is tough in India?
CAT is tougher for most Indian students due to Quant and intense competition.
Q2: GMAT vs CAT which is better for MBA?
GMAT is better for global MBA; CAT is better for Indian IIMs.
Q3: Does GMAT have more English questions?
Yes. GMAT verbal is grammar-heavy and tougher than CAT verbal.
Q4: Can GMAT get you into IIM?
Yes, for IIM Executive MBA programs.
Conclusion
In simple terms, CAT is tougher than GMAT because of the intense competition, unpredictable LRDI questions, and limited seats in IIMs. GMAT, however, offers wider opportunities globally and has a more stable syllabus with predictable patterns.
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