Should I Step on the MAT or Chase the CAT?

You want to bell the CAT. Why, because everyone is doing that? Yes, CAT is the most popular examination in India for students aspiring to pursue MBA. Every year lakhs of students appear for CAT examination but only few make it to their desired colleges while others prepare for next year’s examination. But what about those who fail to clear the CAT examination again and again? Is that the end of the world? No, CAT is not the only examination that will get you admission to a premier MBA institute. Contrary to popular belief, Management Aptitude Test or MAT is a universally accepted exam for MBA/ PGDM courses in India and abroad (Dubai, Singapore etc.)

CAT or the Common Admission Test is mainly conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA programmes they offer, but various other institutes in India also give admission on the basis of CAT scores. MAT, on the other hand is accepted by more than 500 reputed B-schools in India alone. A leader is created not only through a through a name (brand), but by his/her own talent.

MAT or the Management Aptitude Test is conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to various B schools in India. The test is being administered since 1988 and can be considered by any national or international B schools. Through MAT test you will have option of applying to more than 300 institutes all over India.

But, why should you opt for MAT over CAT?

Well, why not? It would be unfair to compare the two exams or as each stands strong individually. But, yes, students who were not aware about the significance of MAT or other Management entrance examinations like Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) should also explore other options.

MAT will test your various skills like Language Comprehension, Mathematics, Data Analysis & Sufficiency and Intelligence & Global Environment. The test is conducted in both computer based and paper based format. So, you can choose the one which best fits you!

Not just that, you can also choose the center, the day and time of your convenience to take the test! So, there is no pressure on your head and you don’t even have to be tensed about anything do it whenever you are prepared!

Unlike any other examination you can appear for MAT test 4 times a year! Yes, MAT is conducted every year in the month of February, May, September and December.

But, won’t that exclude me from the race of getting in to IIMs or IITs?

Don’t limit your options. Yes, IIMs and IITs are a brand but if you have the talent then nothing can stop you. And if you are so determined to get in to these institutions then you can appear for both CAT and MAT and augment the number of options. You would be surprised to know that MAT can offer admission to around approx. 1800 colleges compared to CAT exam, which offers admission to approx. 155 institutes.
 

Difference between CAT & MAT

Both examinations help you getting admission to a good B school. A comparison on which one is better than the other is endless. What you need to do is figure out where your priority and interest lies and go ahead with the same. While CAT may take you to IIMs, MAT will not let you down when it comes to quality of education and subsequently better job opportunities.