GATE v/s CAT
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GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) and CAT (Common Admission Test) are two of the most popular entrance exams in India for higher education. Both exams serve different purposes, and hence, it is not fair to compare them. However, there are some similarities and differences between GATE and CAT that we can explore in this article.
| Factors | GATE | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose of the Exam | GATE is an entrance exam conducted for admission into postgraduate programs in engineering and technology. The exam is also used for the recruitment process by various PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) like BHEL, IOCL, NTPC, etc., as a criterion for job eligibility. | CAT is an entrance exam conducted for admission into various management programs offered by IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) and other top B-Schools in India. The exam is not used for any other purpose than admission into these programs. |
| Exam Structure | GATE is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted for a total of 3 hours, comprising 65 questions worth 100 marks. The exam consists of two types of questions - MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions. The MCQs carry 1 or 2 marks each, while NAT questions carry 1 or 2 marks each, and there is no negative marking for NAT questions. | CAT is also a CBT conducted for a total of 2 hours, comprising 76 questions worth 228 marks. The exam consists of three types of questions - MCQs, TITA (Type in the Answer) questions, and MCQs with negative markings. The MCQs carry 3 marks each, while TITA questions carry 3 marks each with no negative marking, and MCQs with negative markings carry 1 mark each with a penalty of -1 for each incorrect answer. |
| Difficulty Level | GATE is considered to be a highly technical exam, and the questions are designed to test the candidates' understanding of engineering concepts. The exam is highly competitive, and the difficulty level is high, making it challenging for candidates to crack the exam. | CAT is designed to test the candidates' aptitude and logical reasoning skills. The exam is highly competitive, and the difficulty level is also high, making it challenging for candidates to crack the exam. |
| Syllabus | The GATE syllabus is vast and covers all engineering subjects in-depth. The exam tests the candidates' understanding of basic engineering concepts and their ability to apply them to real-world problems. The syllabus covers topics such as engineering mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, etc. | CAT syllabus is divided into three sections - Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. The syllabus tests the candidates' ability to solve complex problems and think logically. |
| Score Validity | GATE score is valid for three years, and candidates can use it to apply for postgraduate programs and PSU jobs during this period. | CAT score is valid for one year, and candidates can use it to apply for management programs during this period. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, GATE and CAT are two of the most popular entrance exams in India for higher education. While GATE is an entrance exam conducted for admission into postgraduate programs in engineering and technology, CAT is an entrance exam conducted for admission into various management programs offered by IIMs and other top B-Schools in India. Both exams serve different purposes, and hence, it is not fair to compare them. However, if we have to compare, we can say that GATE is a highly technical exam, while CAT tests the candidates’ aptitude