Every Indian MBA candidate faces the same conundrum: Should I study for the MAT, CAT, or XAT? The most popular test for IIMs is still the Common Admission Test (CAT), although other tests that lead to prominent B-schools include the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) and the Management Aptitude Test (MAT). Exam patterns, preparation methods, universities that accept scores, and degree of difficulty vary from one exam to the next.
Every Indian MBA candidate faces the same conundrum: Should I study for the MAT, CAT, or XAT? The most popular test for IIMs is still the Common Admission Test (CAT), although other tests that lead to prominent B-schools include the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) and the Management Aptitude Test (MAT). Exam patterns, preparation methods, universities that accept scores, and degree of difficulty vary from one exam to the next.
|
Exam |
Conducting Body |
Frequency |
Mode of Exam |
No. of Test-Takers (2024) |
Accepting Colleges |
|
CAT |
IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) |
1 time every year (Nov) |
Computer-Based Test |
3.3 lakh |
1,200+ |
|
XAT |
XLRI Jamshedpur |
1 time every year (Jan) |
Computer-Based Test |
1.35 lakh |
1,000+ |
|
MAT |
AIMA (All India Management Association) |
4 times a year (Feb, May, Sept, Dec) |
PBT, CBT, IBT |
70,000 (per session) |
600+ |
CAT is the most competitive since it draws the largest application pool. While MAT offers candidates flexibility through numerous attempts throughout the year, XAT is renowned for its distinctive Decision-Making part.
Exam Structure & Pattern for CAT, XAT, and MAT Since it directly affects preparation method, it is essential to comprehend the exam pattern. MAT comprises five areas with comparatively easier difficulty, XAT introduces Decision-Making and GK, while CAT concentrates on VARC, DILR, and QA.
|
Exam |
Sections |
No. of Questions |
Duration |
Marking Scheme |
Difficulty Level |
|
CAT |
VARC, DILR, QA |
~66 |
120 mins |
+3, -1 |
High |
|
XAT |
VARC & LR, Decision-Making, QA & DI, GK, Essay |
~100 + 1 Essay |
190 mins |
+1, -0.25 |
High (esp. Decision-Making) |
|
MAT |
Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, GK |
200 |
150 mins |
+1, -0.25 |
Moderate |
The MAT is comparatively simpler and appropriate for students aiming for mid-tier B-schools, but the CAT and XAT are regarded as extremely difficult. Here is a breakdown of difficulty:
|
Exam |
Key Challenges |
Level |
|
CAT |
High competition, tricky DILR, time pressure |
Very High |
|
XAT |
Decision-Making, longer exam duration, essay writing |
Very High |
|
MAT |
Straightforward questions, time management |
Moderate |
MAT, CAT, and XAT: Application Schedule:
Aspirants' decisions are frequently influenced by the application timeline. While MAT permits several attempts annually, CAT and XAT are administered in November and January, respectively.
|
Exam |
Application Window |
Exam Date 2025 |
Result Declaration |
|
CAT |
Aug–Sept 2025 |
Nov 30, 2025 |
Dec 2025 |
|
XAT |
Aug–Nov 2025 |
Jan 5, 2026 |
Jan 2026 |
|
MAT |
Multiple windows (Feb, May, Sept, Dec) |
Multiple |
3 weeks after exam |
Colleges Accepting MAT, CAT, and XAT Scores:
The B-schools that accept these scores are the primary determining criteria. While MAT serves mid-level institutions, XAT is accepted by XLRI and other prestigious private B-schools, while CAT is required for IIMs.
|
Exam |
Top Colleges Accepting |
|
CAT |
All 21 IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI Delhi |
|
XAT |
XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB, Great Lakes, TAPMI, IMI Delhi, IMT Ghaziabad |
|
MAT |
Christ University, BIMTECH Greater Noida, JIMS Rohini, VIT Business School |