CAT vs XAT: The Complete MBA Entrance Examination Selection Guide

Major differences between CAT and XAT. This is the two biggest entrance exams in India for doing an MBA. This report simplifies the different features and exam patterns of both and marking schemes of the questions and the target institutes and which of them would fit you to enter the leading business schools of the nation.

CAT vs XAT: Understand the Difference Between Two Major MBA Entrance Exams

The two most popular entrance exams are the Xavier Aptitude Test, simply referred to as XAT, and the Common Admission Test, commonly referred to as CAT. Both are the most sought and competitive exam held for purposes of MBA admission. Here's a short tour of the major differences, the main points, and the special characteristics of each one of the examinations, which will help you in deciding on which one of them would be better, according to your career dreams.
 

Introduction to CAT and XAT

CAT and XAT are two national-level aptitude tests designed for MBA applicants, in which reasoning ability along with quantitative prowess is checked. Study the difference between CAT and XAT In this article and choose wisely.

Common Admission Test (CAT)

• Organised by IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management)
• Admissions to over 1,200 Indian B-schools, notably the premier ones of IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, etc., are already the holders of it.
• It examines the candidate on the three core sections: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.

Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT):

• The exam is conducted by Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur.
• More than 150 B-schools utilise the XAT. XLRI, XIMB, and SPJIMR and many more Indian management institutions are a part of this.
• The candidate is tested in four areas, which are Quantitative Ability, Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, and General Knowledge.

CAT vs XAT Difference

• Pattern and Pattern Type:

CAT has been divided into three sections. The first part contains arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Solving data interpretation included in the basic category.  It deals with the graph illustrations and some quite simple or even nonsensical logic puzzles. In the case of CAT this type of practice would seem to make sense as CAT deals with a lot of students in its effort to place candidates across colleges and a huge amount of data at any point of time. 

In XAT:

1. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): This section comprises arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation much like CAT.
2. Verbal & Logical Ability (VALA): This section involve reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and critical analysis.
3. Decision Making (DM): Available only in XAT. The test-taker's problem-solving and ethical decision-making capabilities are tested against real-life scenarios.
4. General Knowledge: Tests awareness about affairs around the world, business awareness, and general topics, though not all of it is covered for XAT percentile.

In CAT:

1. Quantitative Ability (QA) : This includes Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and the ability to solve and analyze complicated data. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension.
2. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): VARC is about grammar, comprehension of texts, vocabulary, and critical thinking.
3. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): interpreting data and logical reasoning also are included in this part, and the candidates are tested in pattern recognition, critical thinking (logical), and visual data interpretation.

• Time Distribution:

CAT provides 180 minutes to complete the exam with a separate time for each section (40 minutes per section).  XAT generally takes more time; that is, around 3.5 hours. Individual time for each section does not apply except to General Knowledge that has its individual time, which is 15 minutes.

• Difficulty Level and Question Type:.

The Decision Making section of XAT can be viewed as relatively more diverse in the context of question types, because here a lot of case studies and scenario-based questions are there for logical reasoning and ethical judgments. These are sometimes pretty tricky and challenging as no other examination has such a section.

• Marking Scheme:

CAT awards three marks for each correct answer and deducts one mark for every wrong answer except for non-MCQ where no negative marking is done. XAT has a similar marking scheme but adds the rule that the marks are lost due to not attempting a particular number of questions greater than 8–12. This keeps a check on blank answers rather than random guesses.

• Variations in Syllabus

Scope-wise, CAT is equal to XAT. It emphasises mathematical reasoning and data analysis and reading skills. XAT has incorporated General Knowledge and Decision Making. Therefore, it has a broader scope. XAT general knowledge covers current events, history, economics, and sports. CAT does not have a specific section known as GK.

You can study the difference by this table:

Strategy for preparation of CAT and XAT

Since you would be sitting for both CAT as well as XAT, preparing yourself with a sound quantitative base in reading comprehension and logical reasoning skills would be ideal. However since both tests are somewhat different one needs to prepare for both in a different strategy:

1. Quantitative Ability: The quant ability tested in both the exams is essentially the same. So the arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation must be good. However, the quant section of CAT has a reputation of being taxing. So doing high difficulty questions may put you a little ahead in CAT than XAT.
2. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: Both exams require reading comprehension and verbal reasoning but XAT puts more emphasis on reading comprehension passage-type questions. For XAT, in addition to reading comprehension passage practice, a student has to practise critical reasoning and logical deductions-related questions as well.
3. Decision making: For decision-making, there is one part specific to XAT, which consists of business scenarios, ethical dilemmas, and hypothetical situations that are a part of questions asked in this section. Sample papers and XAT prep books best portray the question patterns in this section.
4. General Awareness for XAT: This is not a percentile component. Some institutes do consider this while finalising the selection list. To prepare for this section, one must read newspapers, current affairs, and business news.

CAT vs XAT-Advantages and Disadvantages

Both exams have their strengths and weaknesses. Here are some advantages and disadvantages that may help you decide better:

• Advantages of CAT:

• Widely Accepted: Over 1,200 B-schools, including elite IIMs, accept CAT scores.
• Higher Chances of Selection: CAT provides a higher chance of securing admission to top B-schools with multiple slots and thousands of seats.

• CAT Disadvantages:

• Competition is Highly High: CAT's popularity has earned it a large number of candidates making it highly competitive.
• Difficulty in Quant: The CAT's Quantitative Ability part can be tricky, how much trouble most maths-background-lacking candidates face.

• Advantages of XAT

• Diversity of the questions: The Decision Making part of XAT seems to be quite different in testing ethical as well as analytical abilities of students. Some of the students see this as fun and not much from memory.
• More Institutes: It also gives access to some of the best institutions - such as XLRI, XIMB, and other Xavier Institutions.

• Disadvantages of XAT

• Lesser Options for B-Schools: Even though most of the top B-schools accept the XAT scores, it has lesser acceptance than CAT.
• Burden of Time: The extra sections and the unique method of marking in XAT causes pressure.

Between CAT and XAT:

Your decision to pick CAT or XAT highly depends on your academic talent, career goals, or your preferred institutions.

 Following are a few considerations to help you decide between both.

• Target Schools: If you want to get into an IIM, then CAT is unavoidable. However, if you're targeting XLRI, XIMB, or the other best schools under XAT, then you're bound to take the XAT.
• Strength in Decision Making and Ethics: In case you are a problem solver who likes applying their ethical reasoning, then Decision Making is rewarding in XAT. This is the strongest area for the analytical thinkers, and the ones who are interested in case study problem solving.
• Flexibility and Attempts: CAT takes place in multiple slots, so it might have a slightly more flexible test environment than XAT, which is a one-session exam.
• General Knowledge Enthusiast: If you are good with current affairs and general knowledge, then the GK section of XAT would be to your advantage.

Conclusion

CAT and XAT are the leading examinations that lead to top level MBA programs. CAT focuses more on the quant; it is well accepted by mostly everyone, whereas XAT has its own attraction owing to the decision-making along with general knowledge sections that are included. Success in any of these exams is assured only after preparation, persistent practice, and an idea about the nature of the requirements of each test. Thus, be it CAT, XAT, or both, following a proper schedule will get you placed in one of the best business schools and get you one step closer to your MBA. Preparations for both if permitted can really open up lots of scope. However, do focus on one which best relates to your strengths and  prospects.