CAT vs GATE? Many students find themselves at this crossroads after graduation, thinking of their next career move. Two popular options that often come into consideration are CAT vs GATE. These exams provide pathways to different careers, offering distinct opportunities and challenges.
In this blog, we will discuss in detail the CAT vs GATE debate, comparing their eligibility criteria, exam patterns, career prospects, and salary potentials. We will also compare the difficulty levels of both the exams analyzing which among CAT vs GATE is tougher.
What Is the CAT Exam?
CAT stands for Common Admission Test. It is a computer-based entrance examination conducted annually in India. The primary purpose of CAT is to select candidates for admission to various management programs, especially MBA programs, offered by top business schools across the country.
The CAT score is considered an important factor in determining admission to prestigious B-schools like IIMs. A high CAT score can significantly enhance your chances of securing a seat in a top-tier MBA program. Thus, begin your preparation by starting CAT online coaching well in advance and aim to achieve a good score.
Why Is the Gate Exam Conducted?
GATE stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. It is a national-level examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB-GATE) on behalf of the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
The primary objectives of conducting the GATE exam are:
- GATE scores are used for admissions to various postgraduate engineering and technology programs, including M.Tech, M.E., and Ph.D. programs, offered by Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Science (IISc), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other reputed institutions.
- Many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) use GATE scores for recruitment to various technical positions.
- GATE qualified candidates may be eligible for scholarships and financial assistance provided by the government or other organizations.
- GATE scores can also be beneficial for those pursuing research careers in engineering and technology.
CAT vs GATE Exam Highlights
| Feature | GATE | CAT |
| Purpose | Admission to M.Tech, M.E., Ph.D. programs and recruitment in PSUs | Admission to MBA programs |
| Eligibility | Graduates in engineering and technology | Graduates from any discipline |
| Exam Pattern | Multiple-choice questions and numerical answer type questions | Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude MCQs with 5-6 TITA Questions |
| Career Prospects | M.Tech, Ph.D., PSUs, Research | Management, Consulting, Finance, Marketing |
| Salary Potential | Varies depending on the chosen career path | High-paying jobs in the private sector |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year | Once a year |
| Exam Difficulty | Generally considered tougher due to its technical focus | Can be challenging, but often less technical |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Negative Marking | Yes | Yes |
CAT vs GATE: Eligibility Criteria
CAT is open to graduates from any discipline. This means that students from diverse backgrounds can pursue MBA programs through CAT.
The eligibility criteria for the CAT exam is as follows:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institute in any discipline is required.
- Candidates must have at least 50% in aggregate or an equivalent CGPA. Candidates from the SC, ST, and PWD categories must have a minimum of 45%.
- There should be a minimum three-year duration for the bachelor’s program.
- Students in their last year of graduation are eligible to apply as long as they complete their coursework within the allotted time.
- There is no upper age limit for applying or appearing in CAT.
- Working experience is not required.
- The CAT is mostly for Indian individuals, however some abroad candidates may apply as well.
- No restriction to the no. of attempts.
The GATE is specifically designed for engineering and technology graduates. It checks a candidate’s understanding of their undergraduate subjects. The GATE eligibility criteria is:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or science OR a master’s degree in any discipline of science/mathematics/statistics/computer applications OR an equivalent is required.
- There is no specific minimum % required.
- Final-year students are eligible to apply.
- No specific duration for the bachelor’s program.
- GATE is available to both Indian and international applicants.
Exam Pattern for CAT vs GATE
- CAT: The CAT exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. It tests a candidate’s language skills, analytical abilities, and problem-solving skills. Further, review the CAT syllabus precisely in order to start practicing all topics beforehand.
- GATE: The GATE exam is focused on engineering and technology subjects. It comprises multiple-choice questions and numerical answer type questions. The specific topics covered vary depending on the engineering stream.
| Feature | GATE | CAT |
| Sections | Engineering and technology subjects (vary depending on the stream) | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude |
| Question Type | Multiple-choice questions and numerical answer type questions | Multiple-choice questions & TITA |
| Marking Scheme | +1 Marks awarded for correct answers, -1/3 negative marking for incorrect answers | +3 Marks awarded for correct answers, -1 negative marking for incorrect answers |
| Total Questions | 65General Aptitude – 10 QuestionsCore subject – 55 Questions | 66VARC – 24 QuestionsDILR – 20 QuestionsQA – 22 Questions |
| Total Marks | 100 | 198 |
CAT vs MBA Career Prospects
- CAT: A high score in CAT can open doors to prestigious MBA programs, leading to careers in management, consulting, finance, marketing, and human resources. Top-tier B-schools offer excellent placement opportunities and lucrative salary packages.
- GATE: A good GATE score can lead to admissions into top-tier M.Tech programs, Ph.D. programs, or government jobs in public sector undertakings (PSUs). GATE is also used for recruitment into research organizations and educational institutions.
Difficulty Level: CAT vs GATE Which Is Tougher?
Both CAT and Gate require significant preparation, including thorough study, consistent practice, and unwavering commitment. The level of difficulty can vary greatly depending on individual strengths and weaknesses.
Candidates who struggle with fundamental engineering concepts may find GATE particularly challenging. Similarly, those who are weak in English comprehension or data analysis might face difficulties in CAT.
On the other hand, individuals with strong analytical skills, a solid grasp of their subjects, and the ability to quickly process information can excel in CAT. Students with a strong foundation in their undergraduate courses and a proficiency in mathematics may find GATE relatively easier.
In conclusion, GATE and CAT are two highly competitive entrance exams in India. GATE focuses on engineering and technology, while CAT is designed for management programs. Comparing these exams directly is not entirely fair due to their distinct objectives. However, if forced to compare, GATE is more technical, while CAT checks a broader range of skills.
CAT vs GATE Salary Potential
- CAT: Graduates from top-tier B-schools can expect high-paying jobs with starting salaries ranging from 15-20 lakhs per annum. The salary potential increases with experience and specialization.
- GATE: The salary potential for GATE qualifiers depends on the chosen career path. M.Tech graduates from top institutions can secure well-paying jobs in the private sector or government organizations. Ph.D. candidates can pursue research careers or academic positions.
Conclusion
The choice between CAT and GATE largely depends on your career aspirations and academic background. If you are interested in pursuing a career in management, CAT is the ideal path. However, if you have a strong engineering background and are inclined towards technical fields, GATE is the better option.
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FAQs
- Can I take both CAT and GATE in the same year?
- Yes, you can take both CAT and GATE in the same year. However, it requires careful planning and time management to prepare for both exams effectively.
- Which exam is tougher, CAT or GATE?
- The perceived difficulty of CAT and GATE can vary depending on individual strengths and weaknesses. GATE is generally considered more technical, while CAT requires a broader range of skills.
- Can I switch from CAT to GATE or vice versa after taking the exam?
- Yes, you can switch your focus from CAT to GATE or vice versa after taking the exam. However, it’s important to consider the deadlines and requirements for the programs you’re interested in.
- What is the average salary package for CAT and GATE qualifiers?
- The average salary package for CAT and GATE qualifiers can vary depending on factors such as the college or university, specialization, and job role. However, both exams offer the potential for high-paying jobs.
- Which exam is better for a non-engineering graduate?
- If you’re a non-engineering graduate, CAT is generally a better option. It offers a wider range of career opportunities in management and business. However, if you have a strong interest in a particular engineering field, GATE might be worth considering.
