Why take MAT exam – 5 Reasons

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT), like any other national-level management entrance exam, is meant to evaluate a candidate's aptitude and ability required for management studies. Administered since 1988 by the All India Management Association (AIMA), MAT scores are used for admission by more than 600 MBA colleges across India.

About the MAT exam

MAT is conducted four times in a year – February, May, September and December – mostly on the first Sunday of the month. Candidates can choose to give the exam either in paper-pencil mode or online mode.  An objective-type test, MAT has five sections with multiple-choice questions.

MAT results are generally published in the last week of the month of exam.

Let’s take a look at the advantages of applying for MAT.

Choice of B-Schools: With more than 600 institutes across India accepting MAT scores, it is naturally beneficial for a candidate to opt for MAT. According to AIMA officials, MAT is ‘the largest test of its kind in the nation.’ “A large number of B-Schools subscribe to MAT scores,” informs Alok Bansal, director, IMS Coaching Institute. “For those attempting for admission to B-Schools other than IIMs and XLRI, MAT is a good option,” he says.

A majority of these schools also charge considerably low fees than most of the top 20 B-Schools. Refer the Top MBA colleges accepting MAT scores.

Lower Difficulty Level

“The easy quotient makes a difference,” exclaims Poulami Sarkar, SCMS School of Business-Kochin. “The difficulty level for MAT exam is quite low as compared to CAT, XAT and SNAP. After giving Mock CATs during preparation phase, I realised that Maths is my weak point. Hence, MAT was an easy way out for me to get a management education,” she further explains.
“The difficulty level is definitely lower in MAT,” says Bansal. “Candidates scoring in the 70 percentile bracket of CAT and Mock CATs can go for it.”

More attempts per year

With MAT being conducted four times a year, candidates have the flexibility to register for the exam at their own pace. Plus, candidates can choose to give it more than once in a year.

National-level exam

“MAT is a national-level test. We have a huge pool of quality students to select from,” explains, Pramod P Thevannoor, group director, SCMS Group of Institutes. “The top layer opts for IIM or XLRI. But where do the next level of students go?” he asks. “Not every candidate gets into a top league business school. They too have a right to management education,” says Alok Bansal.