GRE vs CAT: Which Exam Is Right for You?

Did you know that over 300,000 students worldwide take the GRE each year, while more than 200,000 Indian candidates appear for the CAT? Both exams open doors to prestigious graduate programs, but choosing the right one is crucial for your career goals. The decision between the GRE and CAT often leaves students feeling confused, especially when balancing the dream of studying abroad with the allure of top Indian B-schools.

Here’s the truth: both exams demand a different set of skills and strategies. The GRE leans towards language proficiency and reasoning, while the CAT emphasizes speed, accuracy, and quantitative ability. To choose wisely, it’s important to assess not just your strengths but also your academic and career aspirations.

What are the CAT and GRE Exams?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are both computer-based entrance exams, but they cater to different academic paths. CAT is primarily required for admission to MBA programs at top Indian Institutes and other B-schools, focusing on areas like quantitative ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. On the other hand, GRE is used for admission to thousands of graduate programs worldwide, including MBA programs, with a strong emphasis on quantitative reasoning, verbal ability, and writing skills.

While both exams test problem-solving skills and reasoning, the CAT exam is often considered more challenging in terms of its quantitative section, which requires higher precision and speed. The GRE, in contrast, includes reading comprehension, sentence correction, and an adaptive quantitative section that assesses quantitative reasoning in a slightly less intense manner. For MBA aspirants, deciding between GRE vs CAT depends on your target schools—GRE scores are more globally accepted, whereas CAT scores are essential for admissions into leading Indian B-schools.

What Are The Key Differences Between GRE and CAT?

When comparing the GRE and CAT, several key differences emerge that can influence your decision. The GRE is more widely accepted for graduate programs worldwide, including Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses, while the CAT is primarily used for admissions to Indian B-schools. One notable distinction is the difficulty of the ability section in each exam. You can seek the help of GRE math preparation material to help you here.

The quantitative ability in CAT is often considered tougher when compared to GRE, requiring speed and precision, while the GRE assesses your ability to solve problems with a more adaptive approach, meaning the difficulty of one section influences the next. GRE mnemonics also helps in the process.

Another major difference lies in how questions are structured. The GRE allows for multiple-choice and select multiple answers in its quantitative section and reading comprehension parts. The CAT, on the other hand, includes sections like data interpretation and logical reasoning, which are not part of the GRE syllabus.

Ultimately, the decision between the two exams—GRE vs CAT—depends on your target schools and career goals, with the GRE offering broader global opportunities and the CAT being essential for admissions into top Indian institutes.

What Is The GRE Test Structure?

The GRE test is a computer-based test designed to assess your readiness for graduate programs. It consists of three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The reasoning section is split into two parts—Verbal Reasoning, which includes GRE reading comprehension and vocabulary questions, and Quantitative Reasoning, which covers topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. You can use a GRE study plan for six months to help you get started.

Compared to the GMAT, the GRE is often considered less difficult when compared in terms of the math section, but the level of vocabulary and reading comprehension in the GRE can be challenging. Your GRE score is calculated on a scale of 130–170 for both verbal and quantitative sections, with the analytical writing section scored separately on a scale of 0–6. Do the GRE prep plan well to make sure you ace the exam.

What Is The CAT Test Structure?

The CAT exam is a computer-based test designed for admission to MBA programs at top Indian Institutes of Management and other Indian business schools. Unlike the GRE, which is a section adaptive test, the CAT is a linear computer-based test where the difficulty of one section does not change based on the overall performance of the candidate.

The CAT verbal reasoning section includes critical reasoning, vocabulary, and sentence completion (including questions like fill in the blanks). Candidates are usually required to select only one answer for each question, compared to the GRE, which often asks candidates to select multiple answers. Take into account the GRE preparation time as well.

When deciding between CAT or GRE, it’s important to understand the level of difficulty. The CAT also places a strong emphasis on quantitative reasoning and data interpretation, making it more challenging for some students. The GRE, in contrast, focuses more on verbal reasoning and analytical writing.

Both exams are accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide, but for MBA admissions to top Indian business schools, the CAT is essential. If you’re considering taking both these tests, understanding the distinction between GRE and CAT will help you decide which best aligns with your MBA admissions goals. GRE quantitative can be a hard nut to crack sometimes, but nothing a bit of proper preparation cant help.

What Is The GRE vs CAT Eligibility Criteria?

When it comes to eligibility for the GRE and CAT exams, both tests have unique criteria based on the type of programs they target. For the CAT, there are no specific restrictions on age or the number of times a candidate can appear for the test. However, the exam is specifically designed for admissions to MBA programs at top Indian business schools like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

Typically, a candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. Many candidates choose between the CAT and GMAT, as both tests are common for MBA programs, but the CAT is the preferred choice for Indian B-schools. Takes the CAT if you’re targeting these institutes.

In comparison, the GRE focuses on a broader range of graduate programs and is accepted by thousands of graduate schools worldwide. There are no specific undergraduate percentage requirements for the GRE—anyone can take it as long as they are preparing for higher education. This makes the GRE more flexible in terms of eligibility criteria. Make a list of the frequently asked questions in GRE and proceed accordingly.

When choosing between the GRE or CAT, it’s important to consider which test aligns with your academic and career goals. Certain GRE preparation strategies differ from the CAT due to the nature of the exams, as the GRE or CAT can determine your chances of admission depending on the overall performance of the candidate and whether they meet the eligibility for their target programs.

What Is The GRE vs CAT Syllabus and Marking Scheme?

The GRE and CAT have distinct differences in their syllabus and marking schemes. The GRE consists of sections like Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. In each section, candidates may be required to select one answer for a question or, in some cases, multiple answers. The marking for the GRE is adaptive, where the section depends on the overall performance in the previous section. This makes the GRE more flexible, as the difficulty adjusts based on the candidate’s performance in earlier sections. Do the GRE registration process well.

In contrast, the CAT follows a fixed pattern where the difficulty of one section does not influence the next. The overall performance of the candidate across sections like Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, and Verbal Ability determines the final score. The CAT also allows candidates to attempt each section in sequence, with certain questions carrying negative marking. Compared to CAT, the GRE is less about speed and more about understanding concepts. For those aiming to hit their targets with one shot, mastering the CAT requires handling time pressure and accuracy.

What Is The GRE vs CAT Fee Structure?

The fee structure for the GRE and CAT varies based on geographic location and specific needs. The GRE typically costs around $205 globally, but this can increase depending on location and additional services like rescheduling or score reports. On the other hand, the CAT exam fee is more affordable, generally priced around INR 2,400 for General category candidates and INR 1,200 for reserved categories. Additionally, while the GRE allows flexibility with multiple test dates and centers worldwide, the CAT is conducted only once a year, which limits options for retakes and requires more careful planning. Have a clear idea of when the GRE results time is as well.

What Is The GRE vs CAT Competition And The Level of Difficulty?

The GRE and CAT differ significantly in terms of competition and level of difficulty. The GRE caters to a global audience, with its moderate difficulty spread across verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Its adaptive format and multiple yearly test dates make it less intense in terms of competition, giving students more flexibility. In contrast, the CAT is highly competitive, especially for admission to top Indian management schools like the IIMs. The CAT exam, known for its challenging quantitative ability section and strict time limits, offers just one shot per year, adding to the pressure and making it more difficult compared to the GRE.

GRE vs CAT: Which One to Choose?

Deciding between the GRE and CAT depends largely on your academic and career goals. If you’re aiming for admissions to international graduate programs, especially in fields beyond management, the GRE is the clear choice. It offers flexibility with multiple test dates, a global recognition, and is accepted for a wide range of graduate programs, including MBA. The exam is more about reasoning, language skills, and analytical writing, making it accessible for those who may not be as strong in math. Undertstand that there is a GRE rescheduling process as well.

On the other hand, if your goal is to pursue an MBA from a top Indian business school like the IIMs, the CAT is the way to go. The CAT exam is tailored for management aspirants and is known for its tough quantitative ability section and intense competition. It requires strong mathematical skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to perform under pressure, as you only get one shot per year. Ultimately, the choice between GRE vs CAT comes down to whether you’re focused on global opportunities or targeting top Indian B-schools.

Conclusion

Choosing between the GRE and CAT depends on your academic aspirations and career goals. The GRE offers broader global opportunities with flexible testing schedules and a balanced focus on reasoning and analytical skills, making it ideal for a wide range of graduate programs. The CAT, with its rigorous quantitative section and high competition, is perfect for those targeting top Indian business schools like the IIMs. Understanding your strengths, preferences, and long-term goals will help you make the right choice between these two exams.

Conquer the GRE with Ambitio’s customized preparation program. Our approach is tailored to your unique learning style and preparation needs, offering a suite of resources that includes in-depth lessons, practice questions, and personalized feedback to help you achieve exceptional results.

FAQs