CUET PG vs CAT vs MAT – Which Exam to Choose for MBA in 2025

Ever felt like every MBA entrance exam in India is out to get you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. With over 20* entrance tests across the country and every B-school advertising their own "unique" process, it can feel overwhelming. CAT, MAT, or CUET PG – which one should you pick for your MBA dream in 2025?

Choosing the right entrance exam isn’t just about surviving another test. It’s about unlocking the right B-schools, scholarships, and career doors for your future. This choice will affect your career and what you will have as your future. The ideal exam will help you get the right job offers after your graduation.

Now you understand why you need to spend time choosing your ideal MBA entrance exam.

So let's answer the real question, CAT, MAT or CUET PG, which exam you should prepare for in 2026.

CUET PG 2026

Lets begin with CUET PG first, its a Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate that is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for entry to many postgraduate programmes which includes MBA/PGDM programs. After qualifying this MBA entrance exam you will be able to get into central and some major state universities. It’s attracting a lot of attention after last year’s participation surge.

Who should consider? If you’re dreaming of BHU, TISS, IIIT Lucknow, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, dr br ambedkar university Delhi, or other public universities, this is your way in. Also many students consider CUET PG easier than other exams such as CAT, MAT, CMAT etc.

Exam pattern CUET PG 2026

1. Mode: Computer-Based (online)
2. Questions: 75 MCQs (MBA section: General Paper)
3. Duration: 105 minutes
4. Marking: +4 (correct), -1 (incorrect)
5. Medium: Hindi & English

CUET PG syllabus:

1. English/comprehension: English Grammar, English Usage Errors, Jumbled Para, Sentence Correction, Sentence Improvement, Reading Comprehension, Paragraph Completion, One-word Substitution, Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases.

OR

हिन्दी पाठ बोधन Comprehension): हिन्दी व्याकरण, अशुद्ध प्रयोग, परिच्छेद का उचित क्रम, वाक्य शुद्धि, वाक्य परिष्कार, पाठ बोधन, वाक्य की पूर्णता, अनेक शब्द के लिये एक शब्द, समानार्थी एवं विलोम, मुहावरे एवं कहावतें

2. Maths/Quantitative Ability: Partnership, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Profit & Loss

Percentages, Pipes and Cisterns, Time-Speed-Distance, Problems on Train, Work and Wages, Time and Work.

3. Logical Reasoning: Ranking Tests, Linear, Arrangements, Matrix Arrangements, Sequencing, Statements Arguments, Cause and Effects, Statements Assumptions, Statements and Conclusion, Number Series, Blood Relationship Tests, Coding and Decoding, Inferences, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Analogy Test, Symbol Based Problems, Direction and Distance Test.

4. Data Interpretation: Pie Charts, Line Charts, Bar Graphs, Tabular Charts, Mixed Graphs, Data Sufficiency, Graph Number Systems, Tabulation, Sets and Venn Diagrams.

This above syllabus focuses on skill-based questions, and timing was reduced to 90 minutes in previous years – so you’ll need to answer each question quickly! This exam has huge reach, with over 40+ central and state universities using CUET-PG, including top names like BHU and TISS and this exam is more affordable for many middle and lower middle class students. But there is one problem with this exam, it’s score is not accepted by IIMs and top private B-schools. In recent years it came to light and because of that some recruiters still prefer CAT/MAT scores.

CAT 2025: The gateway to the IIMs

This MBA exam is one of the major exams to get into any MBA college in India. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is specially made for MBA entrance exams. It opens the door to all 21 IIMs plus scores of other top institutions, both government and private.

Who should consider? If an IIM, FMS, MDI, or top 20 B-school is your goal, you can’t skip CAT. This exam is considered to be one of the toughest exams in all MBA exams. So you need to prepare very carefully to qualify for it.

Exam Pattern and syllabus (CAT 2025):

1. Mode: Computer-Based (online)
2. Questions: 66 (VARC, DILR, QA)
3. Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes/section)
4. Marking: +3 (correct), -1 (incorrect for MCQ)

CAT syllabus consists of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). This exam is difficult because of its tricky questions and seat-vacancy ratios. Before qualifying this exam, you will need a bachelor's degree with minimum 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) and this exam has no age limit so you can give this exam at any age. But only students who have passed their graduation and are in final-year of their graduation are eligible.

After qualifying this exam you don’t have to worry about MBA admission because this exam enables you to get into all IIMs and top B-schools across India. This exam score also boosts your resume and helps companies to shortlist candidates. But here is a problem, that is its high competition. Only 2-3% of all appearing candidates are able to make it to top IIMs.

MAT 2025: Good for all

This Management Aptitude Test (MAT) by AIMA is the most accessible among MBA entrances. It’s accepted by 600+ B-schools and runs four times a year – so you get multiple chances to crack it. This exam is great for candidates who want a wider pool of MBA/PGDM options at Tier 2/3 colleges, or as a backup plan. You can also take this exam at any time of year and this exam also gives multiple attempts because of that there is no minimum aggregate cutoff as high as CAT.

You can take the exam, if you graduate in any discipline (Final year students are eligible) with no minimum percentage required. But after qualifying many colleges set their own cutoffs, so you need to keep that in mind and prepare accordingly.

This entrance exam enables you to get into 600+ private institutes. which cover great tier- 2/3 cities. One of the major reasons students prefer this exam is because of its easier syllabus and less competition then CAT.

But just like CUET PG, this exam is not accepted by IIMs, FMS, XLRI and a few top B-schools. So if you're preparing for some specific college then you need to check if that college accepts the MAT exam score card. Also average salaries and placements are lower than CAT college.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus (MAT 2025)

1. Mode: Choose Paper-Based (PBT), Computer-Based (CBT), or Internet-Based (IBT)
2. Questions: 150 MCQs
3. Syllabus: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Indian & Global Environment
4. Duration: 2 hours
5. Marking: +1 (correct), -0.25 (incorrect)

CAT vs MAT vs CUET PG comparison table:

Career scope: Where will these exams take you?

CAT qualification takes you to big brands, campus placements, global recruiters, consulting, finance, entrepreneurship etc. The exam as MAT will give mid-range firms, roles in marketing, sales and operations.

In the End CUET PG exam qualification will take you to government/PSU posts, academic roles, research careers common for public universities.

FAQs

Q1. Can I take more than one exam?

Absolutely! Many MBA aspirants take all three exams as a strategy. It maximizes choices and increases your odds of making it to a good B-school.

Q2. Is CAT tougher than MAT and CUET PG?

Yes, CAT is the most competitive and analytical. MAT and CUET PG have a more approachable pattern but may have lower campus placement offers compared to CAT colleges.

Q3. Will CUET PG get me into IIMs?

No. Only CAT is accepted by IIMs. CUET PG is for public universities like DU, BHU, JNU, state univs, etc.

Q4. Which is more affordable?

In terms of fees, CUET PG exam costs less to register than CAT and MAT.

Q5. Which exam has the highest number of college options?

For sheer number and flexibility, MAT wins (600+ B-schools, multiple attempts).

In conclusion, if you are dreaming big then go for CAT. It’s tough, but rewards are the best.

if you want more flexibility & backup options then go with the MAT entrance exam, it gives multiple tries and covers a huge range of colleges.

Do you want affordable MBAs at renowned public universities? then CUET PG is your best option. Whatever you decide, remember: Consistency, strategy, and self-awareness beat random luck and last-minute cramming. Pick your exam based on your aspirations, not just hype.