NAT — National Aptitude Test
- Who takes it: students seeking admission to universities and colleges (undergraduate programs).
- What it tests: English, analytical reasoning, quantitative ability, and subject knowledge depending on the NAT category (e.g. NAT-IE for engineering, NAT-IM for medical, NAT-IA for arts).
GAT — Graduate Assessment Test
- Who takes it: graduates applying for MS/MPhil admissions, scholarships, or jobs requiring a graduate-level screening.
- What it tests: English (vocabulary, grammar, comprehension), analytical reasoning, and quantitative ability at a higher level than NAT.
How the pattern compares
Both tests are MCQ-based with sections on English, analytical/quantitative reasoning. The key difference is the level: GAT assumes a graduate’s maturity in reasoning and quantitative problems, while NAT is pitched at intermediate (FA/FSc) level with added subject sections.
How to prepare
- Know which test you are taking. Check the admission notice or job ad — it always names the test and category.
- Master English first. The English section is the most coachable part of both tests: vocabulary, grammar rules, and comprehension practice pay off fast.
- Practice reasoning daily. Analytical and quantitative questions reward pattern recognition, which only comes from volume.
- Take timed full-length tests. Both tests punish slow starters.
Free practice quizzes
Our free course includes English and General Knowledge practice tests plus a 300-question bank — ideal for the English sections of both NAT and GAT:
Note: the course covers the English and General Knowledge portions. The quantitative and analytical sections of NAT and GAT need dedicated maths and reasoning practice.