Confused between MAH CET and CAT? Compare exam patterns, difficulty levels, eligibility, syllabus, and top MBA colleges accepting both to choose the right management entrance test for your goals.
MAH CET vs CAT helps the candidates to know the exact difference between both the entrance test. Both the entrance exams are conducted for postgraduate admissions. MAH CET is Maharastra Common Entrance Test is a state-level entrance exam majorly conducted for MBA, MMS, PGDBM, and PGDM courses for getting admitted into colleges in Maharashtra. CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIMs for admissions into management courses into IIMs and any top tier B-schools.
MAH CET vs CAT Overview
To understand the MAH CET vs CAT exam better, we have provided the following differences. It includes a brief overview of both exams. Candidates can look up to the table for the enhanced idea.
| Particulars | MAH CET | CAT |
| Full-Form | Maharashtra Common Entrance Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Authority | Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra | Indian Institute of Management |
| Level of Examination | State Level | National Level |
| Application Mode | Online | Online |
| Total Duration | 150 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Medium of Answering | English | English |
| Applicants Per Year (Approx.) | 75 Thousand to 1 Lakh | Over 2 Lakhs |
| Exam Centres | 48 | 156 |
| Frequency | Annually | Annually |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT Mode) | Online (CBT Mode) |
| Official Website | cetcell.mahacet.org | iimcat.ac.in |
MAH CET vs CAT Syllabus
The major difference between CAT vs MAH CET syllabus is that the CAT syllabus comprises 3 sections whereas MAH CET is divided into 4 sections. Candidates need to focus on the marks division of each section and prepare accordingly.
| MAH CET | CAT |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
| Analytical Reasoning (AR) | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Also Read: MICAT vs CAT 2025: Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Marking Scheme
MAH CET vs CAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
For scoring good marks and cracking the exam in the first go, candidates must know the marks distribution of the exam. There is an evident division between MAH CET and CAT sections. Thus, the marks for both exam varies. The table displays the exam pattern and marking scheme.
| MAH CET | CAT | ||
| Exam Pattern | |||
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | 75 questions | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 questions |
| Analytical Reasoning (AR) | 25 questions | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 questions |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 50 questions | Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 questions |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 50 questions | ||
| Marking Scheme | |||
| 1 mark awarded for each correct answer | +3 marks for correct answer & -1 mark for the incorrect answer (MCQ) | ||
| No negative marking | +3 marks for the correct answer. No negative marking. (TITA Questions) | ||
| Total Marks | |||
| 200 | 228 | ||
Also Read: CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-wise Syllabus, Marking Scheme, Negative Marking
MAH CET vs CAT Duration of Exam
MAH CET exam is held for 150 minutes straight, without any break in between. Further, there is no time restriction for attempting any section.
However, for CAT the time limit is 120 minutes but there is a sectional time limit. 40 minutes is allotted for each section and candidates need to complete attempting the exam within the stipulated time.
MAH CET vs CAT Exam Fees
There is a variation in the exam fees for MAH CET vs CAT exam. MAH CET is comparatively on the lower side than CAT.
- MAH CET
- INR 1,000 for the General category.
- INR 800 for Reserved category students.
- CAT
- INR 2,200 for the General category.
- INR 1,100 for Reserved category students.
MAH CET vs CAT Counselling Process
The counselling process is quite aloof. CAT selection process is conducted at a national level for the candidates who have scored the ranking marks. The IIMs conduct Written Ability tests (WAT) and Personal Interviews (PI) to select candidates for MBA admission to the participating colleges.
In contrast, MAH CET counselling is conducted for admissions into MBA programmes offered by the universities and colleges in Maharashtra.
Also Read: CAT vs NMAT 2025: Which Exam is Better and Easier?
Conclusion
The difficulty level of CAT is measured to be tougher compared to MAH CET. CAT is exam is conducted at a national level hence the competition for admission is higher than MAH CET. The cutoff of CAT is on the higher side and cracking the exam is tough. Each year around 2 lakh candidates appear for CAT.
In contradiction, around 75 thousand to 1 lakh candidates appear for MAH CET and the exam is conducted at the state level. Hence, the cutoff is lower than CAT and it is easier to crack.
