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GMAT and CAT are tough in different ways, but CAT is generally more intense for most test-takers. CAT’s Quant includes higher-level math like number theory, logarithms, and functions—stuff that doesn’t even appear on the GMAT, which sticks to arithmetic, algebra, and word problems.
The real challenge with CAT is the competition. Over 2.5 lakh students take it each year, around 80% from engineering backgrounds, which raises the overall bar. Even scoring 99.5 percentile doesn’t guarantee IIM-A if your sectional scores fall short. Add to that the fact that the exam pattern changes almost every year, making prep unpredictable.
GMAT, by contrast, is more structured. You know the format, scoring system (out of 805), and exactly what topics to expect. It’s a global exam with about 200,000 test-takers a year, and most B-schools publish clear GMAT score ranges, which gives more clarity while targeting schools.
Detail-Oriented Financial Analyst
Is GMAT harder than CAT? It’s something every MBA aspirant thinks about while choosing their path. GMAT is usually seen as more manageable because it’s predictable and more test-taker friendly.
Verbal is reasoning-based—just Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. No para jumbles or vague summary questions like CAT has. Quant is logic-driven and doesn't include geometry or complex math topics.
CAT’s DILR is a different beast altogether. The sets are dense, sometimes taking 3–4 minutes per question, and there’s no official guide or mock to benchmark your prep. On the other hand, GMAT offers 6 official practice tests with real retired questions, so what you practice is close to what you’ll see on test day.
One more thing is that GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, and the test is available year-round. CAT happens once a year, and the score is valid for just one admission cycle. So if something goes wrong on CAT day, you’re stuck waiting another year.
For more details you can even check out this blog on "GMAT vs CAT"
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CAT feels tougher for those without a strong math background, but GMAT Focus tests different skills.
GMAT Focus has only 64 questions, but it's adaptive. One mistake can impact your score more than in CAT. CAT is longer, with more questions and fixed sections. Verbal in GMAT Focus is all about reading comprehension and reasoning. There's no sentence correction anymore. CAT verbal is more varied but focuses less on reasoning. GMAT Focus also includes a Data Insights section. It blends charts, tables, and logic. CAT doesn’t have this kind of visual reasoning.
If you prefer logic and strategy over speed and heavy math, GMAT Focus might suit you better.
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Whether GMAT Focus is harder than CAT depends on your strengths, but they test very different skills.
- Quant Section: CAT has tougher and more complex math problems, especially for non-engineers. GMAT Focus math is less calculation-heavy and focuses more on logic and data analysis.
- Verbal Section: GMAT Focus verbal relies on reasoning and reading comprehension. CAT verbal often focuses more on vocabulary and paragraph-based logic.
- Test Format: GMAT Focus has fewer questions and is section-adaptive. CAT is a fixed test with more questions and tighter time pressure.
- Question Types: GMAT Focus removes sentence correction and adds Data Insights, which is a mix of critical thinking and chart interpretation. CAT doesn’t have that kind of hybrid section.
- Global vs National Use: GMAT Focus is accepted by B-schools around the world, while CAT is for Indian MBA programs. That makes GMAT Focus a better choice if you're targeting international options.
If you’re more comfortable with logic and structured thinking than raw math speed, GMAT Focus might actually feel easier.