IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) and CAT (Common Admission Test) are exams taken by students who aspire to have a career in management. The primary difference is that the IPMAT must be taken after class 12 to enter the five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) at IIM Colleges. On the other hand, the CAT is taken by students after graduation to get into the postgraduate MBA program. Since the syllabus of both exams differs, the difficulty level is also different. CAT is considered to be the toughest management exam in India.
Is IPMAT tougher than CAT? Let’s examine the key differences between the two and understand which exam is more challenging.
Difference Between IPMAT and CAT Exams
| Parameters of comparison | Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Level of exam | IPMAT is a national-level exam aimed at Class 12 students | CAT is a national-level exam aimed at graduates |
| IIMs Accepting the Test Scores | Only IIM Indore, IIM Ranchi, IIM Rohtak, IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya | CAT is accepted by all IIMs |
| Course offered after the test | After IPMAT, students join a five-year integrated program. It has a 3+2 years structure. After the first three years of graduation BBA, students continue with the MBA program | After CAT, students join the post-graduate MBA Program |
| Sections in the exam | There are three sections in an IPMAT exam: Quantitative Ability (Short Answer), Quantitative Ability (MCQ), Verbal Ability IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT have Logical Reasoning as well. | There are three sections in a CAT exam as well: Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
| Eligibility | Students who have cleared class 12 or equivalent with 60% or more, SC/ST/Pwd(55% or more) | Students who completed a graduate degree with a minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved category) can apply |
| The focus of the exam | Testing clarity in mathematical concepts, language skills and logical reasoning capabilities | Testing problem-solving on an advanced level. Also checks verbal comprehension, Quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning |
| Syllabus | It includes mathematical topics like algebra, trigonometry, probability, geometry and more. In the verbal ability section, questions are based on grammar and reading comprehension | The syllabus for CAT is more advanced in all sections |
| Exam Pressure | Students need to solve about 90 questions in 120 minutes. It is necessary to act quickly and have conceptual clarity to solve all questions | CAT exams are more time-intensive in nature. Students need to solve around 66 questions in 120 minutes |
| Competition Level | IPMAT being relatively new in the field is a little less competitive | CAT is highly competitive as graduates all over the country take the exam to get into the best business schools |
| Time Needed for Preparation | 6 to 12 months of preparation is sufficient. However, it is even better if students start preparing right from Class 11 | 8 to 12 months of preparation is necessary to clear CAT. The amount of time will considerably increase if the candidate is a working professional |
| Acceptance Rate | Since only few IIM institutes accept IPMAT scores, the acceptance rate is quite low at 1% to 1.5% | Over 100 business schools accept CAT scores, and hence the acceptance rate is higher at 2% to 2.5% |
Is IPMAT Tougher than CAT?
Considering all the differences between the two exams, the conclusion is that both exams are equally tricky as the students appearing for the exam must prepare intensively. CAT is a much more advanced exam than IPMAT. However, given that class 12 students appear for IPMAT and graduates appear for CAT, both exams are still challenging.
Wrapping It Up
IPMAT and CAT are two different exams for students at varying levels of education. Hence, both are equally challenging. IPMAT is more demanding and complex for students who have cleared Class 12. Likewise, CAT is challenging for students who are graduates, for whom IPMAT might be comparatively easier. Both exams provide similar experiences and exposure in the end. You can either choose to go for IPMAT after class 12, or you can complete your graduation and then go for CAT if you still aspire to continue your career in the management field. To clear both exams, students need to prepare and practice thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do CAT and IPMAT Indore have negative markings?
Yes, both IPMAT and CAT have negative markings for multiple-choice questions. For every incorrect answer, one mark is deducted.
Do IPMAT and CAT have the same syllabus?
Some topics in Quantitative and Verbal Ability are similar. CAT does have additional topics in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Do all IIM Institutes accept CAT?
Yes, all IIM Institutes accept CAT scores. However, it is accepted only for the MBA program, not the IPM program.
What is the eligibility for taking an IPMAT exam?
For IPMAT, you must clear Class 12 from a recognised board with 60% or more.
