CAT vs XAT: Is XAT Tougher than CAT?

Mahima Gupta

Updated On: January 03, 2024 11:07 am IST | CAT

CAT and XAT are the two most popular management entrance exams. Let us examine both exams in detail and draw a comparison between CAT vs XAT in this article.

CAT Vs XAT: Is XAT tougher than CAT?

CAT Vs XAT: Is XAT tougher than CAT? A question that is asked by several management aspirants, especially ones who plan on appearing for multiple MBA entrance exams in an academic year to increase their chances of securing MBA admissions. CAT and XAT both are important management exams and hold equal importance as far as MBA admissions are concerned. Analytical ability, logical reasoning, and English communication abilities are some common areas examined in both the CAT and XAT exams.

Both are aptitude exams, and the exam patterns for both these exams are similar. For many aspirants, the question that arises is if 'XAT is tougher than CAT?'  Well, the answer to this question cannot be a clear-cut yes or no. There are unique features in both XAT and CAT. For instance, the XAT exam has a sectional time limit that is similar to the CAT exam, but it has a different marking scheme. However, the CAT exam does not have the Decision Making and GK sections that are included in the XAT exam, which call for additional preparation. The CAT is conducted a month before the XAT exam. The difficulty level of the CAT exam usually ranges from moderate to difficult. The XAT exam becomes easy to manage for individuals who appear for the CAT exam. 

However, this article will take a look at the similarities and differences between both examinations and will also examine the exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus for both exams. This will help you understand the nature of both CAT and XAT, and help you make an informed decision about which exam you would like to appear for, and which exam tends to be the superior one between CAT vs XAT.

Also Read:

CAT Syllabus

XAT Syllabus

CAT Exam Pattern

XAT Exam Pattern

XAT vs CAT 

Although the two management exams are relatively similar, it is important for applicants to comprehend certain minute variations between the two in order to develop an effective study plan.
  • The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) administer the CAT (Common Admission Test) as a criterion for admission to their different management programs.
  • For admission to their MBA programs, a number of other non-IIM member institutions also accept the CAT score.
  • To choose the best candidates for management education, XLRI (Xavier School of Management) administers the XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) at the national level.
  • More than 160 colleges utilize XAT scores to admit students to their MBA programs.

Students aspiring for careers in the management domain often appear for various entrance exams such as CAT, IIFT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, etc. The candidate's ultimate aim is to get admission into the top B-schools and for that, a good percentile in the entrance exams is required. Is XAT tougher than CAT? To answer this, we will look at the similarities and differences between both.

XAT and CAT are both immensely popular but the key difference is that CAT is accepted by the 20 IIMs and over 1220+ B-schools while XAT is accepted by 850+ B-schools. XAT 2024 will be held on January 7, 2024, while the CAT 2023 will be conducted on November 26, 2023. Unlike CAT, XAT has General knowledge and a Decision-Making section that needs extra effort and preparation. Aspirants must note that both entrance exams require a good strategy and preparation plan. 

Also Read: CAT vs CMAT, NMAT, XAT, SNAP, IIFT & Other MBA Entrance Exams

XAT vs CAT: Key Differences and Similarities

Both CAT (Common Admission Test) and XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) share a similar syllabus, excluding the Decision Making and General Knowledge (GK) sections. However, their distinctions become apparent in question types and difficulty levels. In terms of difficulty, CAT and XAT both stand out as more challenging than many other MBA entrance exams. When compared to each other, CAT's Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section is typically considered tougher than its other sections, while XAT's Quantitative Aptitude section tends to be more challenging than its counterparts.

XAT reintroduced the Essay Writing section in 2022, making the exam somewhat longer. In contrast, CAT does not feature subjective or essay-writing questions. CAT's exam pattern has remained consistent over the past five years, with a significant change occurring in the total number of questions, reducing from 76 to 66 two years ago. For some candidates, this modification makes CAT appear easier than XAT.

To assess which exam is more demanding, it's essential to understand the distinctions between the two. Check out the major differences and similarities between the two most popular management entrance exams prescribed in the tabular format below.

Particulars

CAT

XAT

Full Form

Common Admission Test

Xavier Aptitude Test

Conducting Body

IIM

XLRI, Jamshedpur

Eligibility Criteria

Graduate with 50% aggregate (45% for reserved category candidates) from a recognized university

Graduate (any stream from a recognized university)

Sections

3

4

Exam Mode

Online

Online

Exam Duration

120 minutes

210 minutes

Difficulty Level

Moderate to Difficult

Moderate to Difficult

Exam Fee

INR 2,400 (General Category) 

INR 1,200 (Reserved Category) 

INR 2,100

Registration Process

Online

Online

This table offers a clear overview of the key differences and similarities between CAT and XAT, aiding prospective MBA candidates in making informed decisions.

CAT vs XAT: Exam Syllabus

In comparing CAT and XAT, it's important to note that XAT includes sections for Decision Making and General Knowledge that are not part of the CAT syllabus. Below is a section-wise breakdown of the subjects covered in both the CAT and XAT exams:

CAT Syllabus

XAT Syllabus

- Quantitative Aptitude

- Decision Making

- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

- Verbal and Logical Ability

- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

- -

- General Knowledge

Also Read:  Colleges in India Accepting XAT Scores

XAT vs CAT: Sectional Weightage 

Exam patterns are different for the XAT and CAT exams. Candidates should be aware of the sectional weightage of these exams. The sectional weightage for both the XAT and CAT exams is highlighted in the table below.

XAT Exam Pattern

Below mentioned is XAT Exam Pattern for your reference -

Part

Sections

No.of Questions

Time

Part 1

Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning

26

175 mins

Decision Making

21

Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

28

Par 2

Mock Keyboard Testing

-5 mins

Part 3

General Knowledge

25

30 mins

Essay

1

Total

101

210 mins

CAT Exam Pattern

According to the CAT exam pattern, the sectional weightage for the CAT exam is as follows:

Sections

No.of Questions

Time

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

24

40 mins

Quantitative Ability

22

40 mins

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

20

40 mins

Total

66

120 mins

XAT vs CAT: Scope after the Exam

Aspirants must also compare both XAT and CAT in terms of the scope. Here is the tabular comparison of the career scope between both the entrance exams. 

Particulars

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

CAT (Common Admission Test)

Career Scope

XAT is the prestigious entrance exam taken by aspirants to get admission to the top MBA institutions. The career scope of XAT is a little less as compared to that of CAT. The exam is accepted by over 850 top B-schools in India. 

CAT is the most popular management entrance exam in India. The career scope of CAT is immensely wide. The exam is accepted by the prominent IIMs and B-Schools in our country.

Institutes Accepting the Test

Is XAT Tougher than CAT?

The XAT exam has a sectional time limit, just like the CAT exam, however, the marking scheme is different. On the other side, unlike the XAT, the CAT exam lacks the Decision Making and GK components, which call for additional preparation. Although both exams have the same syllabus (apart from Decision Making and GK), the variation is in the types of questions asked and the degree of difficulty. Both the XAT and the CAT are significantly more difficult than other MBA entrance examinations. Both of them are challenging when compared to one another, although in CAT, the DILR section is typically more challenging than other sections, and in XAT, the Quantitative Aptitude component is usually more difficult than other sections. However, the level of difficulty for both exams is considered to be moderate to difficult.

Due to two components on the question paper—the Decision-Making section and the Verbal section—many students feel the XAT to be more challenging than the CAT. The passages in the XAT's Verbal section are longer than those in the CAT. The Decision-Making component of the XAT is essentially the deciding factor of the exam. The following are some preparation strategies for the XAT's Decision Making section:

  • Instead of using an emotional approach to respond to the questions in this section, candidates will be required to follow a logical approach.
  • Due to the similarity of the majority of the answer choices, the applicant will frequently be perplexed about the right answer. The elimination process can be applied to these questions to determine the best answer.
  • Solving last year's question papers and mock tests might help you prepare effectively for the XAT exam because it will give you an idea of the types of questions that will be asked. Candidates will have a solid understanding of the Decision-Making component of the XAT exam if they are able to successfully answer the questions in the mock exams.

As per past trends, it has been observed that aspirants appear for various competitive exams simultaneously. One question which is frequently asked by applicants is whether preparation for CAT will be sufficient to crack XAT as well. So mentioned below is the answer to your question. 

  • Aspirant's key concepts and foundation must be strong in both cases.

  • As mentioned above, there are certain differences in terms of the sections and exam pattern. Therefore, XAT requires a different approach and strategy in terms of preparation. 

While some parts of the XAT may be seen to be trickier than those in the CAT, the degree of competition in the CAT makes it more difficult. Thus, everything comes down to the preparation plan that must be carefully developed in accordance with the exam's requirements. Ultimately, it depends on the applicant's choices and preferences. The CAT is a far better choice if you wish to seek admission to the IIMs. However, XAT is a fantastic choice if you wish to apply for admission to other top B-schools.

Related Articles:

Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score and Cut-Off

XAT Predicted Question Paper

CAT 2023 Expected Cut Off

CAT Preparation Tips for Beginners

For admission-related details, aspirants can fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) and avail free counselling from our experts. For any queries, students can write to us through the Q&A Zone or call on the toll-free student helpline number 1800-5729877.

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

news_cta

FAQs

Is XAT tougher than CAT?

The CAT and XAT exams are considered two of India's toughest MBA entrance exams due to their different test formats and scoring methods. While it is challenging to determine which exam is more difficult, there are key differences between them. XAT includes additional components like Decision Making and GK, not present in CAT. Many aspirants and experts perceive XAT to be slightly more difficult than CAT.

What is the acceptance of XAT?

Since XAT is a national-level MBA entrance exam in India, XAT results can be used to gain admission to the 11 member institutions of XLRI, Jamshedpur as well as the hundreds of colleges across the country that will accept XAT scores in 2024. The results of the XAT 2024 exam will be accepted by more than 160 MBA universities, including many of the top MBA colleges, for admission in 2023.

Is CAT the toughest MBA entrance exam?

One of the most difficult exams in India, the CAT has three main sections. These three sections of the CAT exam are the verbal aptitude, data interpretation and reasoning, and quantitative aptitude sections. While the Verbal Aptitude section is typically moderate in terms of difficulty, the Data Interpretation and Reasoning section and the Quantitative Aptitude section can be challenging for candidates, especially those students who do not have a background in Mathematics. This makes the CAT exam one of toughest entrance exams in India, if not the toughest.

Is securing a 99+ percentile in CAT tough?

Securing a 99+ percentile score on the CAT exam is one of the toughest tasks for management aspirants. It takes a good preparation strategy, a strong work ethic, and resolve to achieve a 99+ percentile score on the CAT exam. Candidates need to pay more attention to time management during their final phase of preparation because they will only have 120 minutes to complete the CAT exam. 

What are the similarities between the XAT and CAT syllabi?

With the exception of Decision Making and GK, both tests have the same syllabus; the difference is in the types of questions and level of difficulty. The XAT and the CAT are both more challenging than other MBA entrance exams in terms of difficulty.

Does XLRI Jamshedpur consider CAT score?

No, XLRI does not accept CAT scores as a requirement for admission. To be admitted to XLRI, applicants must take the XAT exam rather than the CAT. CAT scores are used by IIMs and other B-Schools.

Which are the best XAT-accepting colleges in India?

In India, many esteemed institutions accept the XAT cut off 2024. Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneshwar, International Management Institute, Institute of Management Technology, Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Institute of Rural Management Anand, Gujarat, Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad, TAPMI, Great Lakes, FORE, LIBA, and BIMTECH are some other well-known MBA schools accepting XAT scores 2024 in addition to XLRI, Jamshedpur. 

How many colleges in India accept CAT scores?

For admission to any of the 21 IIMs in India, a Tier 1 chain of management institutes, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) conducts the CAT exam. More than 1000 reputable B-schools across the nation, including some of the top management institutions like FMS Delhi, IMT Ghaziabad, MDI Gurgaon, and IITs, accept the CAT in addition to the IIMs.
 

What is the CAT score required for admission to IIMs?

To gain admission to top IIMs in India, candidates must achieve CAT cutoff scores. The 90th percentile is generally the minimum requirement, while some prestigious IIMs like IIM-A, IIM-B, and IIM-C set their final cutoff significantly higher, often above the 95th percentile.

Is work experience considered during admissions through XAT?

Work experience requirements for MBA admissions through the XAT exam vary depending on the course and institution. Candidates must provide their work experience details during the XAT registration process. For example, XLRI's Executive PGDM program requires a minimum of five years of post-graduation work experience.

View More
/articles/cat-vs-xat/
View All Questions

Related Questions

What is the fee structure of mba..how much we have to submit in 1st year? And can we pay in installments

-Teesha NagdevUpdated on March 17, 2024 06:18 PM
  • 4 Answers
Ankita Sarkar, Student / Alumni

Hello Teesha,

The MBA course fee at Bhai Gurdas Group of Institutions adheres to the regulations set forth by the Punjab Technical University in Jalandhar and the Punjabi government. The fees are Rs 83,150 per annum. The fees had to be paid on an annual basis.

Hope this was helpful. Feel free to ask for any more queries.

READ MORE...

Can i take MBA in finance and marketing at a time?

-Manohar Reddy K OUpdated on February 29, 2024 01:15 PM
  • 5 Answers
Shikha Kumari, Student / Alumni

Dear student, Yes, you can take MBA in finance and marketing at the same time in Presidency University. The university offers a dual specialization MBA program in which students can choose two major specializations from finance, marketing, human resource management, operations and supply chain management, business analytics, and digital transformation. The curriculum for the dual specialization MBA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both finance and marketing. Students will learn the fundamentals of finance, such as financial accounting, corporate finance, and investment analysis, as well as the fundamentals of marketing, such as market research, …

READ MORE...

Provide placement details

-DarshanaUpdated on February 29, 2024 12:33 PM
  • 4 Answers
Isha Chauhan, Student / Alumni

Dear kartik, K C College of Management Studies placement are good.. 81 students got placed with the median salary package of Rs 5,25,000 in various sectors, as the the NIRF Report 2021.

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent Articles

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Top 10 Management Colleges in India

View All
Top
Planning to take admission in 2024? Connect with our college expert NOW!