GATE vs CAT: Which is Better? When it comes to higher education and career opportunities in India, two of the most popular competitive exams are GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) and CAT (Common Admission Test). While GATE opens doors to M.Tech, PSU jobs, and research opportunities, CAT is the gateway to MBA programs at IIMs and top business schools.
Aspirants often get confused about which exam is better in terms of difficulty, salary, syllabus, and career growth. This article will help you understand the differences between GATE and CAT in detail.
GATE vs CAT – Overview
| Particulars | GATE | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | IITs / IISc | IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) |
| Purpose | M.Tech admissions, PSU jobs, higher studies, research | MBA admissions in IIMs and top B-schools |
| Eligibility | Engineering graduates, Science stream | Any graduate with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) |
| Exam Level | Postgraduate | Postgraduate |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-based) | Online (Computer-based) |
| Difficulty Level | High (technical concepts) | High (aptitude, reasoning, English) |
| Career Options | M.Tech, PhD, PSU jobs | MBA, corporate sector, entrepreneurship |
Difficulty Level: Which Exam is Tougher?
- GATE:
- Tests in-depth engineering and technical knowledge.
- Requires strong fundamentals in core subjects.
- Competition is high due to limited PSU seats.
- CAT:
- Focuses on aptitude, logical reasoning, and English comprehension.
- Tests speed, accuracy, and problem-solving under time pressure.
- Extremely competitive due to the popularity of IIMs.
👉 Both exams are tough, but GATE is more technical, while CAT is aptitude-based.
Syllabus Comparison: GATE vs CAT
GATE Syllabus
- Engineering Mathematics
- Core Engineering Subjects (based on stream: Mechanical, Electrical, CS, Civil, etc.)
- General Aptitude (Quant + English)
CAT Syllabus
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
👉 GATE syllabus is vast and technical, while CAT syllabus is conceptual and aptitude-based.
Career Opportunities & Salary Packages
After GATE:
- PSU Jobs (Public Sector Undertakings):
- Average salary: ₹10 – ₹18 LPA (varies by company).
- Example: ONGC, IOCL, BHEL, NTPC, HPCL.
- Higher Studies (M.Tech/PhD):
- Stipend: ₹12,400/month for M.Tech.
- Leads to academic/research careers.
- Foreign Universities:
- GATE score is accepted in Singapore (NUS, NTU) & Germany (TU Munich, RWTH Aachen).
After CAT:
- Top IIMs & B-Schools MBA Graduates:
- Average salary: ₹20 – ₹30 LPA (top IIMs).
- Placement in consulting, finance, marketing, operations, IT, etc.
- Other B-Schools:
- Average salary: ₹6 – ₹15 LPA (depends on tier of college).
- Entrepreneurship & Startups:
- Many MBA graduates launch their own ventures.
Which is Better – GATE or CAT?
It depends on your career goals:
- Choose GATE if you:
✅ Want to build a career in engineering, research, or PSU jobs.
✅ Are technically strong and enjoy solving core subject problems.
✅ Want to pursue M.Tech/PhD in India or abroad. - Choose CAT if you:
✅ Aim for a career in management, corporate sector, or entrepreneurship.
✅ Have strong aptitude, reasoning, and communication skills.
✅ Want high-paying jobs in consulting, finance, or marketing.
GATE vs CAT – Salary Comparison
| Career Path | Average Salary (per annum) |
|---|---|
| PSU Job via GATE | ₹10 – ₹18 LPA |
| M.Tech/PhD (Research) | ₹6 – ₹12 LPA (after course) |
| MBA (Top IIMs) | ₹20 – ₹30 LPA |
| MBA (Tier-2 Colleges) | ₹6 – ₹15 LPA |
FAQs – GATE vs CAT 2025
Which exam is tougher – GATE or CAT?
Both are tough, but GATE is technical-heavy, while CAT is aptitude-heavy.
Who earns more – GATE or CAT aspirants?
CAT (MBA graduates from IIMs) generally earn higher packages than PSU jobs via GATE.
Can I prepare for both GATE and CAT together?
It’s challenging as both have different syllabi, but with good time management, it’s possible.
Which has better job security – GATE or CAT?
GATE (PSU jobs) offers high job security, while CAT (MBA) offers high salary but performance-driven jobs.
Is GATE accepted abroad?
Yes, GATE scores are accepted in some universities in Singapore and Germany.
Conclusion
The choice between GATE vs CAT depends entirely on your interests and career goals. If you’re passionate about engineering, research, or public sector jobs, GATE is the right option. However, if you aim to lead businesses, work in the corporate world, or pursue entrepreneurship, CAT is the better choice.
👉 Both exams demand dedication, preparation, and strategy, but the rewards are highly rewarding in terms of salary, recognition, and career growth.
