IPMAT vs CAT contains major differences. IPMAT is an undergraduate examination conducted for a 5 years integrated course. And CAT is a postgraduate entrance examination. Students willing to pursue undergrad degrees in IIM Indore must write IPMAT. In contrast, CAT is written for a postgrad degree in IIMs or any top-tier B-school.
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IPMAT vs CAT is a perpetual search for admissions into various management courses. Integrated Program in Management, commonly known as IPMAT, is arranged by IIM Indore. In contrast, the Common Admission Test, generally known as CAT, is conducted by IIM for admissions into various management colleges.
However, both exams are national-level examinations. Nevertheless, IPMAT is an undergraduate examination conducted for a 5 years integrated course, while CAT is a postgraduate entrance examination.
IPMAT vs CAT: Highlights
To learn more about the IPMAT vs CAT exam, it is necessary to know the primary features of both exams. Therefore, we have listed the arranging committees, level of examination, and mode of application for both the exam in the table below:
| Name of the Exam | IPMAT | CAT |
| Full Form | Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute Of Management, Indore | Indian Institute Of Management |
| Level of Examination | National Level | National Level |
| Mode of Application | Online Mode | Online Mode |
| Total Time | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
IPMAT vs CAT: Exam Pattern
Understanding the in-depth IPMAT vs CAT exam pattern is quite important to know. It will help in making proper preparation for the individual exams and also enhance the techniques.
| Particulars | IPMAT | CAT |
| Medium of question paper | English | English |
| Question Type | MCQs and short answer questions | MCQs and Non-Objective type |
| Number of Questions | 100 | 66 |
| Total Marks | 1 | 150 |
| Correct Answer | +4 | +3 |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 | -1 for MCQ questions |
| - | No negative marking for non-MCQ questions |
| IPMAT Exam Pattern | CAT Exam Pattern |
IPMAT vs CAT: Syllabus
The brief syllabus analysis of IPMAT vs CAT is mentioned in the table below. Candidates can visit the respective pages to acquire detailed knowledge of the individual exams.
| Subjects | IPMAT | CAT |
| Quantitative Ability | Number System | Algebra |
| Time and Work | Arithmetic | |
| Percentage | Percentages | |
| Ratio, Proportion, and Variation | Trigonometry | |
| Simple Interest and Compound Interest | Mensuration | |
| Profit, Loss, and Distance | Calculus | |
| Average | Geometry | |
| Matrices and Determinants | Ratio and Proportion | |
| Geometry | Probability | |
| Permutations and Combinations | - | |
| Time, Speed, and Distance | ||
| Mensuration | ||
| Sequence and Series | ||
| Probability | ||
| Equations | ||
| Logarithm | ||
| Data Interpretation | Basics of Data Interpretation | Pie Charts |
| Practice Exercise on Data Interpretation | Tables | |
| Data Sufficiency | Bar graphs | |
| - | Clock/ Cubes | |
| Venn Diagram | ||
| The combination of Graphs | ||
| Number and Letter Series | ||
| Binary Logic | ||
| Data Sufficiency | ||
| Seating Arrangement | ||
| Line graphs | ||
| Logical Reasoning | Sequencing and Arrangement | Data Structures |
| Blood Relations | Coding-Decoding | |
| Clocks and Calendars | Direction Sense | |
| Direction Sense | Puzzles | |
| Coding-Decoding | Series | |
| Data Structures | Arrangements | |
| Arrangements | Clocks and Calendars | |
| - | Logical Connectivity | |
| Syllogy | ||
| Blood Relations | ||
| Verbal Ability | Reading Comprehension | Synonyms and Antonyms |
| Para-jumble | Reading Comprehension | |
| Idioms and Phrases | Idioms & Phrases | |
| Fill in the Blanks | Analogies | |
| Para Completion | Sentence Correction | |
| Antonym, Synonym, Confusing Words | Summary Questions | |
| Correction of Errors in sentences | Solving Jumbled Paragraph | |
| - | Error corrections |
| IPMAT Syllabus | CAT Syllabus |
IPMAT vs CAT: Analysis
So now, let us dive deep into the detailed analysis of both the IPMAT and CAT exam to understand better why candidates appear for either of the ones.
Level of Difficulty
It is generalised that the CAT exam is tougher than IPMAT. The sectional division of syllabus and topics covered in the CAT exam are comparatively higher than that of IPMAT. Further, a CAT exam is attempted by a larger section of candidates than an IPMAT.
The CAT exam pattern has been altered due to the ongoing situation in the past years. However, the level of difficulty remains the same. Only candidates who are well versed with the syllabus can crack the CAT exam on the first attempt.
Time and Weightage
Both exams are held for two hours. The time granted for both exams remains the same. Nevertheless, the sectional division and the weightage of each section differ largely. Candidates need to focus on high weightage; along with that, they also need to pay attention to negative marking schemes. Both exams carry negative marks for incorrect answers.
Important Topics
The CAT syllabus is vast, and the areas that have been covered in the syllabus are elaborate. In contrast, the IPMAT is composite. The areas covered under each of these exam syllabi are quite similar.
The main reason the IPMAT syllabus is easier than the CAT exam is that it is for undergraduate admissions, and CAT is for postgraduate admissions.
Question Pattern
There is a difference between the IPMAT vs CAT questions pattern as the exams are conducted for two levels. However, the preparation of both exams needs to be done accordingly to get admission.
Furthermore, candidates are advised to follow the marking scheme before appearing for the individual exams.
Competitive Level
The examination conduction level may vary, but the competition is still high. Both the exams are conducted for various levels of exams, and the candidates applying is swarming each year. Thus, it can be concluded that each exam needs particular focus and dedication.
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