MICAT vs CAT 2025: Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Marking Scheme

MICAT vs CAT, both of them are top MBA entrance examinations conducted to give admission into difference MBA courses. However, Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad, accepts MICAT scores. At the same time, IIMs and various other business schools in India admit you based on your CAT scores. You can find the detailed differences and similarities between the two exams in the sections below.

CAT is conducted yearly by IIMs, and more than 3 lakh students apply for this exam every year. Several B-schools around India accept CAT scores and percentiles for MBA admissions. On the other hand, The Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad organises MICAT. Around 4,000-5,000 students appear for MICAT each year.

MICAT vs CAT Exam Pattern 

The table below shows a detailed comparison of the MICAT Exam Pattern vs CAT exam pattern. The comparison is made on the basis of the number of sections, questions, and more.

MICAT vs CAT - Exam Pattern 

Particulars	MICAT Exam Pattern	CAT Exam Pattern
No. of Sections	Section A- Psychometric Test.	VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
	Section B- Descriptive Test.	DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
	Section C- (includes four sub-sections):  Divergent and Convergent Thinking Verbal Ability Quantitative Ability  Data Interpretation and General awareness.	QA (Quantitative Ability)
Sectional Time Limit	Psychometric Test: 30 minutes	VARC - 40 minutes
	Descriptive Test: 25 minutes	DILR - 40 minutes
	Divergent and Convergent Thinking,  Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation and General awareness- 80 minutes	QA - 40 minutes
No. of questions	234	66
Section-Wise Break-Up	Psychometric Test: 150 Qs	VARC- 24
	Descriptive Test: 4 Qs
	Verbal Ability: 20 Qs	QA- 22
	Quantitative Ability: 20 Qs
	General Awareness: 20 Qs	DILR- 20
	Divergent & Convergent Thinking: 20 Qs
Duration of Exam	2 hours 15 minutes	2 hours
Type of Questions	MCQs & Descriptive	MCQs  and Non-MCQs (TITA)
Negative Marking	-0.25 for every incorrect attempt in VA, QA, GA, & DCT sections	-1 for every incorrect MCQ-type question0 for TITA questions
Overall Level of Difficulty	Easy-Moderate	Moderate-Difficult

MICAT vs CAT Eligibility Criteria

The difference between the eligibility criteria of MICAT vs CAT are as follows.

MICAT Exam Eligibility

CAT Exam Eligibility

A bachelor’s degree/equivalent in any stream recognised by AIU. Those appearing for their final exams in graduation may also apply. You must have a valid score of at least one of these exams: CAT, XAT, or GMAT in order to take MICAT. There is no age limit to appear for MICAT. However, the student should be above 18 years of age in order to apply.

You must hold a bachelor’s degree/equivalent in any stream from an accredited institution. Those who have received at least 50% aggregate marks in graduation. In the case of reserved categories, the score requirement is 45% No age limit applies to candidates who wish to apply for the CAT. It is possible for the final year graduation students to apply for the exam.  There is no limit on the maximum number of attempts to appear for the CAT exam.

MICAT vs CAT Which is Difficult?

In terms of the difficulty level, the CAT exam is tougher when compared to the MICAT. It implies that those who study well for CAT will easily be able to ace the MICAT exam. However, those who are specifically focusing on MICAT might not be well-prepared for the CAT. 

MICAT basically tests how quickly and accurately you can solve problems. At the same time, CAT places more emphasis on your problem-solving technique. Therefore, one needs to prepare accordingly for both these exams.

Types of Questions Asked in CAT vs MICAT

The MICAT exam involves both MCQs and descriptive-type questions. In contrast, the CAT question paper consists of MCQ and Non-MCQs (TITA) questions. TITA means the test-takers need to type in the answers. However, the majority of the questions in CAT are based on MCQs. 

MICAT vs CAT Marking Scheme

The table below shows a comparison of the MICAT vs CAT marking scheme. Both exams include the aspect of negative marking.

MICAT vs CAT - Marking Scheme

Particulars	MICAT	CAT
Marking Scheme	+1 for every correct response	+3 for each correct attempt
Negative Marking	-1 for each incorrect attempt	No negative marking in sections A and B. -0.25 or every wrong attempt in the VA, GA, QA, and DCT sections

Conclusion

Thus, after going through the details mentioned above, you can find the differences and similarities between CAT and MICAT exams. You must apply for the exams only after checking the eligibility, paper pattern and syllabus.