CAT vs Non CAT Exams: Syllabus, Strategy & Which Exams to Target

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India. It is the gateway to prestigious institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other top business schools.

However, CAT is not the only option available for MBA aspirants. Many other entrance exams offer opportunities to secure admission into well-known management institutes.

These exams are often referred to as Non CAT MBA exams and include exams such as XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, IIFT and MICAT.

Understanding the differences between CAT and other MBA exams can help aspirants plan their preparation strategy and maximize their chances of admission.

Common Admission Test is a computer-based exam to get admission into management programs. The difficulty level of CAT exam is difficult to moderate. IIMs are considered India’s premier national institutes providing quality management education and research. 

IIMs primarily offer post graduate, doctoral, and executive education programs. The flagship program of IIMs is the two-year post-graduate program.

The test consists of three sections:- 

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

CAT VARC section will have 24 questions and a weightage of 72 marks 

CAT DILR section will have 20 questions and a weightage of 60 marks 

The CAT Quantitative Aptitude section will have 22 questions and a weightage of 66 marks 

It was advised by our mentors to prepare for CAT as every exam has the same syllabus and the candidate automatically prepares for other exams. 

Check Out: CAT 2024 Daily Preparation plan | Tips By CAT Topper | Daily Study Plan

SNAP Exam

A candidate aspiring to join an Symbiosis MBA programme offered by any Institute of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) [SIU] has to appear for the common, mandatory Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP 2024) Computer Based Test (CBT) which will be conducted at Test Centres.

The candidate needs to:

• Register for SNAP Test,
• Pay the registration fee for SNAP entrance exam,
• Register for her/his choice of PG programme(s) offered by various Institutes of SIU,
• Pay the registration fee, separately for each programme.

Eligibility:

• Graduation in any stream with minimum 50 per cent aggregate (45 per cent for SC/ST/PWD candidates) or equivalent from a recognised university or institute can apply for SNAP 2024.
  

• Final year graduation candidates can also appear in SNAP. 
• There is no age limit on appearing for SNAP, but since the minimum qualification is graduation, candidates have to be atleast 18 years and above.
• International students have to obtain a certificate of equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to be able to apply for SNAP 2024.

Pattern:

The difficulty level of the SNAP exam is easy to moderate. The best part about the snap exam is that the candidate is allowed to take 2 attempts and the best one will get considered for the final percentile calculation. SNAP is an easy exam compared to CAT and one can score good marks and get into top B-schools. 

Check Out: SNAP Exam Preparation Strategy | Exam Pattern | Best Colleges | Easiest MBA Exam

NMAT EXAM

The NMAT by GMAC exam has been a symbol of quality since it was first introduced – enabling test takers to access graduate management education and a career of choice, while providing schools access to top talent.

Exam Structure:

The NMAT by GMAC exam is comprised of three sections – Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.

• The exam sections are individually timed and candidates must answer the questions in each section within the allotted time.
• Questions are delivered one at a time and are randomly selected from a pool of questions.
• The number of questions, difficulty levels, and time limit for each of the sections is predetermined and, under normal administration conditions, are the same regardless of when and where the test is administered.
• Candidates can choose the order/sequence of the test sections at the beginning of the exam.

Tips to Prepare for Multiple MBA Exams

Preparing for several exams can feel overwhelming, but a structured approach can help.

Useful preparation tips include:

1. Build strong fundamentals in quant and reasoning.

2. Develop reading habits for verbal sections.

3. Practice mock tests regularly.

4. Study GK topics for exams that require them.

5. Understand the pattern of each exam.

Consistent practice helps improve performance across multiple exams.

Section Topics:

Language Skills: Reading Comprehension, Para Forming, Error Identification, Prepositions, Sentence Completion, Analogies

Logical Reasoning: Critical Reasoning, Analytical Puzzles, Deductions, and Other Reasoning

Quantitative Skills: Number Properties, Arithmetic, Algebra and Probability, Data Integration Caselets and Tables, Data Integration Graphs and Charts, Data Sufficiency

CAT is one of the toughest exams that’s true but that doesn’t mean you cannot apply for the CAT exam. If you took our courses and talk to mentors you will realize one thing that they will guide you to prepare for CAT because once you start preparing for CAT you automatically start preparing for other exams like NMAT, XAT, SNAP, CMAT, MAH CET, etc. CAT preparation can help you to crack any of these exams. Hope this dilemma of choosing the right exam ends here. So go and start preparing.  

Preparation Strategy for CAT and Non CAT Exams

Preparing for multiple MBA exams does not necessarily require separate study plans.

Candidates can follow an integrated preparation strategy.

Step 1: Focus on CAT Preparation First

CAT is generally considered the most challenging MBA entrance exam.

Preparing thoroughly for CAT helps build strong foundations in:

• Quantitative aptitude

• Logical reasoning

• Reading comprehension

These skills are also useful for other exams.

Step 2: Add GK Preparation

Some exams such as XAT, CMAT and IIFT include General Knowledge sections.

Candidates should stay updated with:

• Business news

• Current affairs

• International events

• Awards and achievements

Regular reading of news sources can help improve GK knowledge.

Step 3: Practice Exam-Specific Sections

Certain exams have unique sections that require special preparation.

Examples include:

Understanding these differences can improve exam performance.

Related Article: 

CAT or Non CAT Exams | Which Exam to Target | XAT | NMAT | SNAP | CMAT | CET

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which exams should I take apart from CAT?
Common options include XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT and MICAT depending on your target colleges.

2. Is CAT preparation enough for other MBA exams?
Most of the syllabus overlaps, but some exams require additional preparation for GK or decision making sections.

3. How many MBA entrance exams should I attempt?
Many aspirants attempt three to five exams to increase their chances of admission.

4. Which exam is easier than CAT?
Exams such as CMAT and SNAP are generally considered slightly easier compared to CAT.

5. Is XAT more difficult than CAT?
XAT is considered challenging due to its decision making and GK sections.

6. Can I prepare for CAT and other exams together?
Yes, with a proper strategy candidates can prepare for multiple MBA exams simultaneously.

7. Which MBA exam should beginners target?
Beginners usually start with CAT preparation and then attempt other exams such as NMAT and SNAP.

8. Do top colleges accept non CAT exams?
Yes, many reputed institutions accept exams such as XAT, NMAT, SNAP, and CMAT.