The major difference between CMAT vs CAT is that CAT scores are accepted by IIMs while other top management colleges accept CMAT scores and some more differences such as the number of sections, exam duration and syllabus in CMAT and CAT.
CMAT full form is Common Management Admission Test and it is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA), whereas CAT is Commission Admission Test and it is organized and conducted by Institute of Management (IIM).
CMAT vs CAT is a common thought among students who want to take admission into MBA or PGDM. The CAT exam is accepted by non-IIM institutes, and other tier-1 B-schools. Some of the business colleges that accept CAT are FMS New Delhi, IMI New Delhi, IMT Ghaziabad, DMS IIT Delhi.
CMAT vs CAT
While comparing CMAT vs CAT, many students get confused about which entrance exam they should take, and it is because both CMAT and CAT examinations are for MBA/PGDM admissions.
But when it comes to CMAT vs CAT difference, major differences between the two examinations help a candidate set their priorities for which entrance exam to choose. The students can refer to the table below to know the differences between CAT and CMAT.
Also Read: When is the Best Time for CAT 2025 Preparation?
Difference between CAT and CMAT: Highlights
| Particular | CAT | CMAT |
| Exam Level | National Level | National Level |
| Conducting Body | The IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Difficulty Level | High | Moderate |
Also Read: Main Reasons Why Aspirants Fail CAT Exam? Things to Note and Follow
CAT vs CMAT 2026: Exam Pattern and Syllabus Difference
Many students ask this question that is CAT easier than CMAT? The answer to this depends as the difficulty level varies from person to person based on their exam preparation. But in general, CMAT is known to be easier than the CAT examination.
There are 3 Sections in the CAT exam pattern and 5 Sections in the CMAT exam pattern. For a complete CAT vs CMAT Exam Pattern analysis, candidates can refer to the tables below-
CAT Exam Pattern 2026
The students can check the CAT exam pattern 2026 from the table mentioned below.
| Name of Examination | Common Admission Test |
| Negative Marking Scheme | 33% - 1/3 negative marking for MCQsNo negative marking for TITA-type questions |
| No. of Sections | 3 |
| No. of Questions | 66 |
| Duration of Examination | 120 minutes |
| Type of Question | MCQ and TITA (Type in the Answer) |
| Mode of Examination | Online (Computer-based test) |
| Sectional Time | 40 minutes per Section |
| Total Marks | 198 |
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026
The students can check the CMAT exam pattern 2026 from the table mentioned below.
| Name of Examination | Common Management Admission Test |
| Negative Marking Scheme | 25% - 1/4 negative marking |
| No. of Sections | 5 |
| No. of Questions | 100 |
| Duration of Examination | 180 minutes |
| Mode of Examination | Online (Computer-based test) |
| Type of Question | MCQs |
| Sectional Time | N/A |
| Total Marks | 400 |
CMAT and CAT Syllabus Difference
The students can check the CMAT Syllabus and CAT Syllabus differences from the table mentioned below.
| CMAT | CAT | ||
| Section | No. of Questions | Section | No. of Questions |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 24 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | Quantitative Ability | 22 |
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 20 |
| General Awareness | 20 | - | - |
List of Colleges Accepting CAT and CMAT Scores
There are many colleges accepting CAT and CMAT scores nationwide. Some of the top colleges accepting CAT scores are;
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Kozhikode
- BITS Pilani
- MICA Ahmedabad
- Department of Management Studies (DMS)
- IIT Delhi
Some of the top colleges accepting CMAT Scores are;
- Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE) Hyderabad
- VIT Business School (VIT) Vellore
- Delhi School of Business (DSB) Delhi.
The candidates can check out the complete list of colleges accepting CAT and CMAT Scores.
List of Colleges Accepting CAT Score 2026
The CAT exam score is accepted by IIM institutes nationwide. The list below contains all the IIMs accepting CAT Score 2026.
- IIM Indore
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Lucknow
- SJMSOM
- IMI Delhi
- TAPMI
- MICA
- SPJIMR
- IMT Ghaziabad
List of Colleges Accepting CMAT Score 2026
Refer to the list below to know what colleges accept CMAT #year Score.
- IPE Hyderabad
- BIMTECH
- Delhi School of Business
- IES MCRC
- Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida
- IFMR Graduate School of Business
- Amrita School of Business Coimbatore
- Woxsen University
- Indus Business Academy - IBA Bangalore
- Rajagiri Business School
- VIT Vellore
- Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow
You are advised to go through the differences carefully and then prepare for the targeted exam.
Also Read: How to Start Preparing For CAT 2025? Best Books, Preparation Tips
-
CMAT is conducted by NTA for MBA/PGDM. -
CAT is organized by IIMs for management courses. -
Both exams target MBA/PGDM admissions. -
CAT is accepted by top non-IIMs including FMS, IMI.
