What is the difference between cabinet ministers and state ministers?

I think you are asking about Indian system, the Cabinet ministers are representing entire nation with responsibilities to govern on behalf of his government about his department. State ministers are to look after state affairs under the cabinet ministers. unless mentioned independent charge, state ministers are under cabinet ministers.They will be assisting the cabinet ministers.

Technically Minister of State(except those holding independent charge) reports to the Cabinet Minister of his department. He is a second rung leader in the departments hierarchy after the Cabinet Minster.

Example: Mr Pranab Mukherjee - Minister for Externail Affairs. Mr. Anand Sharma, MOS, External Affairs. He reports to Mr. Mukherjee.

Cabinet Minister is Boss, and State Minister is his Deputy.

The cabinet minister are in the top brass and the state ministers come after them.

Cabinet is a Enterim league of Ministers as suppose our Prime Minister,

and his deputy or other ..who is not in enterim goverment can be taken as state minister.

Cabinet ministers are responsible for decision making they can help advice or imply decision to Prime minister..In certain things P.M has to take approval of cabinet ministers. On others hand sate ministers are there to help cabinet ministers in their corresponding portfolios …. .

Cabinet minister is the one who decides how much he has to retain and how much he gives to state minister

cabinet ministers are assigned for the central govt. while state ministers are assigned for the state govt.