MAT 2025 Vs CMAT 2025: Which Exam is Better for MBA Admissions?

More than 5,000 B-schools in India offer the MBA (Master of Business Administration) course. If you are planning to pursue an MBA, you must have come across two important entrance exams – the MAT (Management Aptitude Test) and the CMAT (Common Management Admission Test). Both these exams are accepted by many MBA colleges across India. But the big question is – which exam is better for you?

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In this blog, you will learn the key differences, similarities, and pros of MAT 2025 vs CMAT 2025. This will help you decide which exam is right for your MBA journey.

What is MAT?

The MAT, or the Management Aptitude Test, is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). It is held four times a year: February, May, September, and December.

600+ B-schools across India accept MAT scores. The exam is considered easier than many other MBA entrance tests, making it a good option if you are looking to gain admission into decent MBA colleges without too much pressure.

Key Points about MAT:

• Mode of Exam: Paper-based test (PBT), Computer-based test (CBT), and Internet-based test (IBT)
• Number of Questions: 150
• Time Duration: 2 hours
• Sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Economic and Business Environment
• Marking: +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong answers

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What is CMAT?

CMAT or Common Management Admission Test, is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) once in a year, usually in March or April.

CMAT is a national-level exam accepted by more than 1,300 MBA colleges in India. It is known to test your general knowledge, logical reasoning, quantitative skills, and language skills.

Key Points about the CMAT:

• Mode of Exam: Computer-based test (CBT)
• Number of Questions: 100
• Time Duration: 180 minutes
• Sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Marking: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong answers

MAT vs CMAT – Major Differences You Should Know

Before you choose between MAT and CMAT, it’s important to understand how they compare. Below are the major MAT CMAT differences.

1. Level of Difficulty

If you are worried about difficulty, MAT is usually easier than CMAT. The questions in MAT are simpler, especially in maths and reasoning. CMAT is also not very tough compared to exams like CAT or XAT, but it is slightly harder than MAT.

2. Number of Attempts

MAT gives you four chances in a year to improve your score. You can always try again if you do not perform well in one attempt. CMAT, on the other hand, is held only once a year. If you miss or don’t score well, you must wait a year.

3. Exam Pattern

The MAT has 150 questions in 120 minutes, while the CMAT has 100 questions in 180 minutes. CMAT gives you more time per question so that you can think calmly. In MAT, you need to be faster because of less time and more questions.

4. Colleges Accepting the Scores

More top-tier colleges accept CMAT compared to MAT. While both exams are good for Tier 2 and Tier 3 B-schools, CMAT has a slight advantage because AICTE-approved colleges prefer CMAT scores. Many private colleges accept MAT, but most top B-schools do not.

5. General Awareness Section

Both exams have a GK section, but it plays a different role. In MAT, the GK section is not counted in the final percentile but is used during selection in some colleges. In CMAT, the GK section is important as it affects your overall score and percentile.

7. Cost of the Exam

The exam fee for MAT is around ₹2,100 for one mode (PBT/CBT/IBT). If you choose two modes, the fee increases. For CMAT, the fee is around ₹2,500 for general category male students and ₹1,250 for female students, students with disability, and reserved category students.

Also Read:- Understanding the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern: What's New This Year?

Which Exam Should You Choose?

Now that you know the MAT vs CMAT comparison, deciding which exam suits you best becomes easier. Many MBA aspirants choose to appear for both MAT and CMAT to keep more college options open and improve their chances of admission.

Here are some simple points to help you decide:

Choose MAT if:

• You are looking for private colleges and not targeting top government B-schools.
• You want multiple chances in a year to improve your score.
• You feel less confident about tough exams like CAT, XAT, or CMAT.
• You are weak in maths and want an easier test.

Choose CMAT if:

• You want to apply to top AICTE-approved colleges.
• You are confident in your general knowledge and maths.
• You are aiming for good placements and better packages.
• You want to explore Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
• You don’t mind waiting a year if you don’t perform well.

Plan Your Next Step After MAT and CMAT: Amity University Online’s MBA

After appearing for MBA entrance exams 2025, such as MAT and CMAT, the next important step is choosing the right MBA program. While many colleges accept these scores, it is worth exploring flexible options offering strong industry recognition and global exposure.

One such option is the Online MBA from Amity University Online—India’s only online MBA ranked by QS in the Top 10 in Asia Pacific (2024). Designed for fresh graduates and working professionals, this two-year programme offers a blend of academic knowledge, real-world projects, and dedicated career support.

With specialisations in various areas like Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, Data Science, and International Finance, the programme is designed to meet the demands of the business sector. Students also benefit from:

• UGC-entitled degree
• Industry projects and case studies
• AI-powered learning tools (AMI – AI Professor)
• Career services, including resume building, interview preparation, and placement assistance
• Zero-Cost EMI options starting at ₹8,292 per month
• Physical books delivered to your doorstep
• Access to Amity’s metaverse campus for an immersive learning experience

More than 1,12,000 learners have chosen Amity Online for its quality, flexibility, and global recognition. If you want to enhance your career with an MBA that fits your schedule, Amity’s Online MBA is a smart option after MAT or CMAT.

Conclusion

There is no simple answer to which exam is better between CMAT vs MAT 2025. It depends on your goals, preparation level, and the kind of college you want. If you are aiming for good private colleges and want flexibility, MAT 2025 is a safer option. You get more attempts, and the exam is easier.

If you want to get into top colleges with better placements, CMAT 2025 is considered better. It allows you to enter some of the best B-schools in India. You can also attempt both exams if you have the time and budget. This will increase your chances of getting into a good UGC approved online MBA courses in India.

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