As students wrap up 12th grade two continuing brands appear in career options: IIT and CAT. One is a path to engineering, while the other is a gateway to elite management schools such as the IIMs. However, the common question that several students have is which is tougher, CAT or IIT? Both these very competitive exams grant admission to credible institutes, but they differ in intent, eligibility, preparation approach and difficulty.
In this blog, we are going to examine everything from the CAT exam syllabus for MBA, differences in the exams, to criteria for admission into each. We will also consider what mindsets and skill sets are needed for each category. If you are standing there wondering which one to take, this blog will clarify several major questions for you. Whether it is an IIM dream or an IIT tag, we hope you can make a more informed decision by reading about it.
So let’s break it down in simple terms and help you figure out which exam fits you best. Your career path begins with the right knowledge and it starts here.
Getting to Know the Basics
Before we compare, however, we need to understand what each essay question is looking for.
What is IIT?
IIT: Indian Institutes of Technology. Students have to clear the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) to gain entry into IITs which comes in two phases JEE Main and JEE Advanced. It is specifically for students who want to go for undergraduate engineering programs such as B.Tech or B.E.
What is CAT?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance test. CAT Entrance Exam is necessary to be enrolled in premier B-schools such as the IIMs. The CAT paper is a postgraduate entrance exam that is conducted for students looking to enrol themselves in an MBA or other postgraduate management courses.
Differences Between CAT and IIT
1. Eligibility and Stage of Career
- IIT- A student can take JEE after 12th grade.
- CAT- Appeared after graduation. CAT eligibility requires a baccalaureate with at least 50% marks.
Learn more about career planning after graduation with an expert through Infigon Futures counseling.
2. Exam Syllabus and Subjects
- JEE- The subjects were based on Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics based on 11th and 12th standard.
- CAT- CAT subjects are based on Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Here is a CAT subject detail:
- (VARC) Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- (DILR) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- (QA) Quantitative Aptitude
The CAT exam syllabus for MBA is not as required as deep academic knowledge as JEE. But it will test the logical and analytical skills quickly.
Do you want to find out how hard some of the government exams are? View this blog to see easy govt exams.
3. Difficulty Level: How tough Is CAT Exam Vs IIT?
This would depend on a student’s past and their strengths.
- For science students, JEE can be harder due to heavy theory and numerical.
- For non-engineering graduates, how tough the CAT exam is depends on the strength of their logic, math, and language skills.
Both need practice, discipline, and strategy. But CAT is more about speed and decision-making, while JEE requires a strong foundational academic background.
4. Admission Process
CAT Admission - Based on CAT test scores followed by Writing Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) in IIM and various other reputed colleges.
IIT Admission - Based on JEE scores and candidates’ choice in the counselling process.
If confused about choosing between CAT or IIT, just do a psychometric test online to know what you feel you can prove yourself in.
Advantages of CAT Exam
There are a lot of advantages to undertaking the CAT:
- Admission into India's top IIM colleges and other reputed B-schools.
- Access to managerial positions within leading companies.
- Great if you are looking to change your career or want a managerial position.
- No age limit, and you do not need a defined academic background.
For all these advantages the CAT exam provides makes it an excellent opportunity for many.
Considering what your plans might be? Speak to Infigon expert counsellors to help you generate a clear roadmap.
Which Path to Choose?
Choose IIT if:
- Maths and physics are your aim.
- You want a job in core engineering, research, or technical sectors.
- You are in school (class 10 or 12) and settled on an engineering path.
Choose CAT if:
- You want to end up in strategic management roles.
- Do you like business strategy, business marketing, finance, or HR?
- You are in graduation or just graduated and want to capitalize on your degree.
Are you still unsure about how to prepare for IIT? Here is a step-by-step guide to preparation for IIT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.Is CAT tougher than IIT?
Ans. Not necessarily. They are tough in their way. CAT is about speed, logic, and comprehension, while IIT requires a better understanding of science subjects.
Q2.Can a non-engineer crack CAT?
Ans. Sure! Many non-engineer candidates clear the CAT every year. All one needs to do is focus on the material for CAT, such as reasoning, aptitude, and English.
Q3.What is eligibility for CAT?
Ans, As per CAT eligibility, the candidate must be a graduate with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
Q4.Which exam has wider career potential- CAT or IIT?
Ans. They are different. IIT provides technical career scope whereas CAT allows entry to a management and business leadership role.
Q5.Where can I read about career opportunities?
Ans. Visit Infigon Futures Blogs to read about career advice, college overviews, and motivational success stories.
