Understanding the Similarities and Differences Between CAT and GMAT (for Indian Applicants)

Before I founded ANA PREP, I worked extensively as a CAT as well as a GMAT instructor over the course of my career. Here I will discuss key similarities and differences between the two tests.

CAT (Common Admission Test) is a gateway to prestigious Indian B-schools such as IIMs.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a globally recognized test for admissions to MBA programs worldwide, including Indian schools such as ISB.

If you’ve been preparing for CAT and are now considering GMAT, understanding the differences in content, question types, and preparation strategies is essential. This article will guide you through the key differences between these two exams and what you need to do to excel on the GMAT after preparing for CAT.

GMAT Quantitative Ability

CAT:

Focuses heavily on Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, Statistics, Combinatorics and Geometry. It requires deep conceptual knowledge and an ability to handle trickier problem statements. The solution could require multiple steps and complex calculations (though it wouldn’t be very time consuming)

GMAT:

Tests logic and reasoning in the context of Arithmetic, Algebra, Number Properties Statistics and Combinatorics. Geometry is not tested. The emphasis is on both – pure and real context. We do not need depth of knowledge; we need depth of understanding to apply limited knowledge.

Key Points: GMAT Quant is less about advanced problem-solving and more about logical reasoning and efficiency. For the most part, your CAT Quant skills will be useful in this section but GMAT questions have traps. You must make yourself aware of those such as you may not be given that x is an integer but you may end up assuming it on an exponents question.
The number of steps required to solve a question in GMAT are far fewer but that may give us a false sense of complacency and we may fall for the traps. In the early days, you might be surprised to see that the answer is different from what you thought it should be.

Think of the following when you think of GMAT Quant – holistic, visual, logical, minimal calculations, estimations

Verbal Ability

CAT:

Tests Reading Comprehension (RC) and Verbal Ability using different question formats. Grammar and vocabulary are tested but to a limited extent.

GMAT:

Tests Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning (CR). CR is not tested on CAT so this is completely new. Grammar and vocabulary are not tested except what is needed to comprehend the given data in RC and CR.

Key Points: The RC skills obtained in CAT would be useful for GMAT too. CR is completely new and you would be at par with other GMAT test takers there. CR requires a different thought process and quite a bit of work. Do not underestimate it. It requires reasoning in the real world context so we must visualize the given argument.

Data Insights

CAT:

The DILR section of CAT combines logic and data interpretation with questions on bar graphs, arrangement, puzzles etc. The questions are often puzzle-like and require innovative thinking. The sets can be quite complicated and need a lot of time to sort through, even up to 15 mins for a set.

GMAT:

The Data Insights section of GMAT includes some innovative question formats such as Data Sufficiency, Multi Source Reasoning and Two Part Analysis and the usual Graphs and Tables too. The section tests your reasoning, puzzle solving and pattern recognition skills using Quant and Verbal fundamentals.

Key Points: CAT’s DILR and GMAT’s DI are completely different monsters. In GMAT, most questions can be solved within 2 mins. The point is to figure out how. There are certain unique skills this section requires but it incorporates all the skills required in Quant and Verbal sections too. Most questions are expected to take 2 – 2.5 mins here even if they look formidable. The point is to identify the pattern – e.g. look for a 0 in the numeric fields of a table, look for the trend being followed in a graph, know what data to analyze in the tabs and what to ignore etc.
And yes, don’t forget those ubiquitous traps!

Preparing for GMAT After CAT

If you’ve already prepared for CAT, you have a strong foundation, but transitioning to the GMAT requires adjustments to your strategy and focus. Critical Reasoning will require work from scratch. Other than that, focus on conceptual, visual approaches to save time. Keep in mind that actual calculations required are minimal in Quant as well as Data Insights. Also, estimation is expected at many places. All easy and medium questions must be dealt with timely and appropriately while penalty for getting hard questions wrong would not be much so do not spend too much time on them. Time management is a key skill especially with the ‘Mark for Review’ option coming into the picture so practice pacing.

With strategic adjustments, you can leverage your CAT preparation and excel on the GMAT!

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