Does a 720 GMAT equivalent matter for CAT prep strategy?

A 720+ GMAT score is useful for parallel ISB applications but doesn't directly translate to CAT success; CAT requires its own strategy and preparation. GMAT and CAT test different skills: GMAT emphasizes verbal logic and problem-solving under time pressure; CAT emphasizes raw speed, trap-avoidance, and sectional strategy. The OP of this IIM Mumbai thread said past GMAT papers are useful for VARC practice specifically, not for CAT overall.

1. For candidates with 720 GMAT debating whether to invest more time in CAT: (
2. secure ISB PGP-YL application (Rs 43L fees, Rs 34 LPA avg, 710+ cutoff), (
3. take CAT seriously because IIM C (Rs 27L, Rs 34.23 LPA) and L (Rs 22L, Rs 32.3 LPA) are better ROI than ISB for many candidates.

GMAT score helps for: ISB, US top 10 MBAs, MIM programs in Europe and Canada. CAT score opens all Indian IIMs plus new IIMs, with no overlap with ISB/foreign MBA. For GMAT-primary candidates, switching to CAT requires 3-6 months of dedicated sectional practice plus mock series.

CAT VARC is more literary and tests RC reading speed; GMAT VARC is more logical and tests critical reasoning. For QA, both are similar at intermediate level but CAT emphasizes calculation speed. For DILR, CAT has set-based logic; GMAT has pure critical reasoning.

Don't bank on GMAT preparation covering CAT; do dedicated CAT prep with past papers. Check your eligibility at collvera.