Is CAT More Difficult Than XAT ?

When it comes to pursuing MBA in India, undoubtedly CAT and XAT are the two names that come up in our minds. CAT is the most sought after entrance exam, being the gateway to all the top IIMs and other MBA colleges. XAT is the only way to get into the oldest B-School of our country, i.e., XLRI Jamshedpur, known for its best HR program in the entire Asia-Pacific region. The exams share both similarities as well as differences and aspirants should be well aware of these facts. Now comes the main point of discussion, which exam is tougher and what needs to be done to be fully prepared for. This article will focus on debunking the facts on the most debated question in the management field, “Is CAT more difficult than XAT?”. Read the article carefully to understand their pattern and syllabus to stay ahead in the preparation.

Understanding the Basics of CAT and XAT

Before jumping directly into the difficulty level, it is important to understand the exam structures of both exams.

Common Admission Test (CAT)

The CAT is conducted every year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into their MBA programs and also for other colleges. It is the most popular exam for MBA aspirants and have the highest test taker every year. Now the number is around 3 lac candidates. CAT is a computer-based test with competitive marking scheme. The exam has three core sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): As the name suggests, it tests your verbal ability, grammar logic and comprehension skills from a variety of genres.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): It is all about testing your problem-solving ability and logical thinking in their LR sets. Furthermore, it tests your visualization abilities where you need to interpret various graphs.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA): Tests basic mathematical skills, typically up to the Class 10 level. However, the mix of various topics in a single question makes it challenging coupled with the time pressure.

Xavier’s Aptitude Test (XAT)

The XAT, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur and XAMI, is the second most prominent entrance exam accepted by top B-schools in India. It is also a computer-based test and is conducted annually, usually on the first Sunday of January. Unlike CAT, XAT includes some unique elements which are discussed, which set them apart:

1. Decision Making: A section which is very exclusive to XAT, this evaluates every aspirant’s ability to make ethical and logical decisions, administering the moral dilemmas, especially in the corporate world.
2. General Knowledge (GK): Though not counted in the percentile scores of XAT, it is important element in the further processes conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur during the admission process.
3. Other Sections: Here Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning forms a section. The other section is QA and Data Interpretation. QADI is mostly calculation intensive.
4. Essay Writing: Earlier, XAT also used to have essay writing which was again used for later processes and not for percentile calculations. However, from last year onwards, it is removed.

CAT vs XAT Exam Pattern: A Comparative View

While both exams test every candidate’s aptitude, the exam patterns significantly influence their assumed difficulty levels.

The extremely longer duration of XAT and the existence of an additional section i.e., GK make it appear more preparation, but does that necessarily mean it’s harder? Let us dig deeper about “Is CAT more difficult than XAT?”

CAT vs XAT Section-Wise Comparison

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

In both exams, this section evaluates the candidate’s command over the English language. However, the approach of these exams to do varies:

• CAT: Usually RCs that come in the CAT are much difficult due to its vague nature and use of varied genres. The questions further are never direct and needs layer of interpretation to finally reach the conclusion. The VA part gets more challenging due to the TITA type questions where you cannot use elimination techniques.
• XAT: Compared to CAT, XAT has easier RC passages, at least better to read. XAT has no TITA questions, making it better for all the candidates. However, the very nature of XAT having 5 options instead of 4, like in CAT, adds an additional layer of difficulty in term of eliminating the incorrect options.

Verdict: Is CAT more difficult than XAT? CAT is slightly tougher due to the ambiguity in its verbal questions and the usage of high vocab in RC passages.

2. Quantitative Ability

The quantitative section in both the exams demands solid foundation mathematics, but the difficulty varies due to certain differences in these two exams:

• CAT: CAT has very standard syllabus which let the candidates cover it easily. Further, the questions are common to identify which gets repeated every year. The only layer of difficulty which unfolds here is the time bound pressure due to only having less than 2 minutes per question.
• XAT: While XAT’s QA questions have similar topics, they tend to be lengthier, more time taking and more calculation intensive. Especially, the questions from DI involving charts and graphs makes it more time consuming. However, XAT at least provides you with the flexibility of devoting as much time you want in any section. If you are not so confident in QA, you can take your time and work accordingly.

Verdict: Is CAT more difficult than XAT? XAT may feel tougher to aspirants due to the complexity and length of its quants questions.

3. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation

DILR can be very tricky to a lot of candidates, making it a make-or-break sort of situation for many:

• CAT: CAT’s DILR section is difficult and known for its unpredictability. The sets are often elaborate, with the use multiple parameters required to arrive at the final correct answer. The sets are usually surprise many times, however, one set is always on the easier side.
• XAT: In XAT, LR is with the VA section i.e. VALR and DI is with QA, making it QADI. What unique to XAT is their decision-making section. The DM section is often regarded as the dealmaker or dealbreaker section due to its unpredictability. Ideally, there are no best resources other than previous year XAT papers to know the actual level of difficulty and type of questions that come.

Verdict: Is CAT more difficult than XAT? Both are equally tough in their respective exams. However, if you are good with logical reasoning, CAT might be an easier bet for you. Similarly, XAT can be easy for students having better comprehension skills.

4. General Knowledge

One of the biggest differences between CAT and XAT is the inclusion of GK section in XAT. As we discussed above, it does not influence the overall percentile but it is important for certain colleges’ selection processes, including XLRI Jamshedpur and NCR campuses. GK questions are a good mix of static GK as well as current affairs from a variety of fields.

Verdict: CAT does not have a GK section, which simplifies its overall structure. However, XAT’s GK section might demand additional preparation.

Psychological Pressure and Test-Taking Experience

Exam difficulty is not just governed by the questions but also by the overall test-taking experience.

• CAT: CAT is not only about accuracy. It is about speed and accuracy both. It does not consider your weaknesses as every section is timed equally and you need to perform well in every section to secure an admission in the top MBA colleges.
• XAT: The longer duration of XAT can be physically and mentally daunting. However, if you are well practiced sitting for long time and have clear focus, it might end up as your advantage. It allows you to move across sections as per convenience and strengths.

Verdict: CAT is all about more time pressure, while XAT tests your endurance to sit through 3 hours without losing your focus.

Aspirants’ Perspective – CAT vs XAT

What candidates usually think about CAT and XAT:

• For Quant Enthusiasts: XAT might seem more difficult due to its calculation-heavy questions. From this year onwards, XAT has allowed scientific calculators on their screen. That should help the candidates.
• For Verbal Enthusiasts: CAT’s ambiguous verbal section can be more intimidating and can make scores fluctuate a lot throughout.
• For LRDI and DM sections: XAT’s DM section has its own challenges and can prove to be fatal if not practised well.

Conclusion: So, Which Is Harder, CAT or XAT?

The plain and simple to this question is “none” yet “both”. The difficulty of exams is a perceived feeling that we always try to derive from them. Students are advised to not focus on these things but to focus on their preparation. At the end, both the exams provide you with the opportunity to secure seats at top B-schools in India and will surely lift your career trajectory. Prepare for both CAT and XAT to increase your chances drastically.