MAT 2025 Question Papers, Previous Year Papers (2024, 2023): Download PDFs

Q: Is MAT exam easier than other MBA entrance exams?

Yes, the difficulty level of MAT exam is lower than other MBA entrance exams. The question paper is usually of easy to moderate difficulty level. The exam is now held for 120 minutes. There are now 150 questions in the exam paper. There is no sectional time limit in MAT which allows the candidate to plan a strategy according to their strengths and weaknesses. The score of Indian and Global Environment section is not considered for percentile calculation thus candidates don't have the stress of fifth section. Also, solving 150 questions is not mandatory so candidates can choose to solve only those questions which they know they can solve accurately. Sectional difficulty level of MAT is also lower than other MBA exams. Candidates can attempt the exam multiple times in the same academic year to improve their score. They also have the option to choose the mode of test - CBT, IBT, PBT - which makes it the most student friendly exam. Also, the MAT cut offs for admission are much lower as compared to other entrance exams.

Q: Is the syllabus of MAT IBT, PBT and CBT mode exams common?

Yes, the syllabus MAT IBT, PBT and CBT mode exams is common. In fact the exam pattern and marking are also same for all three modes. MAT syllabus for all modes includes topics from Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Indian and Global Environment. The candidate needs to prepare all the topics mentioned above on this page to crack MAT exam. The total time required for completion of MAT syllabus is about 3 months. If a candidate has appeared for MAT before or any other MBA entrance exam then they can complete the syllabus in lesser time. The only difference between the three MAT modes is that, in IBT, candidates have to take the test from home on a computer. In PBT, candidates have to appear for the test at an exam centres and fill the OMR sheet as part of the test. In CBT, candidates have to take the test on a computer at an exam centre.

Q: What is the total number of questions in MAT exam?

MAT exam has 150 multiple-choice questions equally divided into five sections - Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Economic and Business Environment. Each section of the exam has 30 questions. The questions are in MCQ format with four options to choose the correct options from. Given below is the sectional break up of MAT question paper. All three modes of exam have the same weightage. Language Comprehension: 30 questions Intelligence and Critical Reasoning: 30 questions Data Analysis and Sufficiency: 30 questions Mathematical Skills: 30 questions Economic and Business Environment: 30 questions Since there is no sectional time limit in MAT candidates can divide time between all the five sections according to their own exam strategy and target score. The score of Economic and Business Environment section is not taken into consideration for percentile calculation, thus candidates should not spend more than 10-15 minutes on it.

Q: What is the difference between CBT and PBT modes of MAT exam?

The CBT or computer based mode MAT exam is conducted online in which, candidates have to punch in their answers on the computer screen with the help of the mouse-pad. In PBT mode exam, candidates have to fill an OMR sheet with a blue/black ball point pen with the suitable option as the answer. These days most of the candidates opt for CBT which is way it is conducted twice in a particular exam phase. PBT is conducted only once in MAT exam phase. There is no difference in the exam pattern or syllabus of the MAT CBT and MAT PBT. Candidates can choose the mode of exam at the time of registration as per their convenience. If a candidate is comfortable in pen and paper mode, then they can opt for MAT PBT and if the candidate is comfortable in taking tests on computer, they can opt for MAT CBT. However, the CBT and PBT exams are held in different cities so candidates must check the list of test cities before choosing their exam mode.

Q: What is the exam mode of MAT?

MAT exam is conducted in three modes - Paper Based Test or PBT in which candidates have to report to a test centre to take the test. They have to fill an OMR answer sheet with a blue/black ball point pen in the PBT mode exam. The PBT mode is conducted only once in every MAT phase as the number of applicants is least for PBT. In the Computer Based Test or CBT, candidates have to take the test at designated exam centre on a computer system. Candidates have to fill in their answers in an online test page with the help of computer mouse. They can choose only one of the four given options as answer. In the Internet Based Test or IBT, candidates have to take the test on a computer system at home or any preferred location. The test structure is same as CBT but the candidates are monitored in remote proctored mode. Since MAT exam is conducted multiple times in a year during February, May, September and December, one can take the exam in more than one mode. Candidate can also take the test any number of times. The score of the latest MAT attempt will be taken into consideration for admission.

Q: What is the marking scheme of MAT exam?

Total marks of MAT exam is 150. Every question carries one mark for correct attempt and there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. No marks is deducted for skipping questions. The MAT question paper has 150 questions equally divided into five sections - Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Economic and Business Environment. Language Comprehension: 30 questions 2. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: 30 questions 3. Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency: 30 questions 4. Mathematical Skills: 30 questions 5. Economic and Business Environment: 30 questions Every section therefore has 30 questions which means every section carries 30 marks. The scores of GK section is not considered for MAT percentile calculation. So candidates can keep GK section as their last priority.

Q: Which section of MAT exam has maximum weightage?

Each section of MAT exam has equal weightage. All the five sections - Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Indian & Global Environment have 30 questions. Each question carries one mark thus the section wise weightage of marks is 30 per section. There is negative marking of 0.25 in MAT. Since, every section has equal weightage, you need to prepare well for each one of them for a good overall score. Even in the exam, spend a good amount of time on each section and solve a minimum number of questions to meet the sectional cut off. Since, there is no sectional time-limit in MAT exam. Candidates can decide themselves how much time they should spend on which section as one needs to score well in all sections because of equal weightage. Out of 2 hours or 120 minutes, candidates should allot maximum time to the section they find tough or are calculation intensive. It is advisable to attempt the easier sections first and then move to tougher sections.

Q: What are the important topics of MAT exam?

MAT exam has five important sections - Mathematical Skills, Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Economic and Business Environment. Each section carries 40 questions each. Given below are the important topics from which questions are asked in MAT. Language Comprehension - Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb, Antonyms and Synonyms, Reading Comprehension, Parts of Speech, One Word Substitution, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction, Idioms/Phrases, Grammar, Fill the Blanks, Para Jumbles and Verbal Ability. Intelligence and Critical Reasoning - Family Tree, Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments, Multi-Dimensional Arrangements, Course of Action, Puzzles, Visual Reasoning, Arrangement, Series, Numeric Grid, Pie Chart, Blood Relations, Critical Reasoning, Calendars, Coding and Decoding, Syllogisms, Statement Conclusions, Column Graphs and Graphs Representing Area. Data Analysis and Sufficiency - Tables, Pie Charts, Caselet-based Data Charts, Graphs - Line X-Y Graphs, Venn Diagram, Bar Diagrams, Data Analysis and Data Comparison and Data Sufficiency Mathematical Skills- LCM and HCF, Commercial Maths Complex Numbers, Percentages, Permutation and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, and more.

Q: Is the MAT IBT mode exam pattern different from CBT and PBT exams?

No. The exam pattern of MAT IBT is not different from CBT or PBT. In fact, the MAT exam pattern of all test modes is the same. The duration of MAT exam (PBT, CBT and IBT modes) is 2 hours or 120 minutes. The marking scheme is - plus one for correct attempt and minus 0.25 for incorrect attempt. There is no sectional time limit in MAT so candidates can utilise the 2 hours as per their own strategy. They should ideally, spend 25 minutes each on the top four sections and 15 minutes on the GK section. However, there may be slight difference in difficulty level because the questions in each MAT session are unique. No question is repeated in any session across CBT, PBT or IBT. This is to prevent any candidate from getting advantage or facing disadvantage due to leaking of the questions or in case of a candidates re-attempting the exam.

Q: What is the difficulty level of MAT exam?

MAT is one of the easier MBA entrance exam. The difficulty level of the exam much easier than CAT XAT or CMAT. Candidates usually prepare for CAT XAT and CMAT and use that experience to give the MAT exam. Even though the MAT has more questions than XAT CAT CMAT. It is easier because the questions of all the five sections include: Mathematical Skills Language Comprehension Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Data Analysis and Sufficiency Economic and Business Environment These are easy and straightforward. There are less Reading Comprehension passages of shorter length and are easy to comprehend. Since, the Economy and Business Environment scores are not taken into consideration for MAT percentile calculation, candidates find it easier to crack MAT in 2 hours with high scores.

8.4K Students Q&A

Updated on Sep 14, 2025 12:52 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

MAT question papers 2025 are easy to moderate in terms of difficulty level. Candidates who are preparing for MAT 2025 September and December exams, must take a look a the MAT 2025 question papers of previous sessions to know what to expect. In February and May 2025 sessions, the MAT question paper was easy and there were mostly straightforward questions.

MAT question papers and sample papers practice is the most important component of exam preparation. Solving MAT previous year question papers help candidates in understanding the test structure, sectional weightage and difficulty level. The types of questions asked previously help in predicting the MAT question paper of upcoming session. This can be very beneficial in strategic preparation. Shiksha has shared below some previous years's MAT question paper PDFs and MAT 2025 sample papers along with other study material for aspirants to use for MAT 2025 exam preparation.

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Table of content

MAT Question Paper 2025: Sectional Breakup
MAT Questions Papers
Question Banks for MAT Preparation
MAT Preparation Guides
Why Practice Previous Years' MAT Question Papers?
MAT Mock Test
FAQs on MAT Question Papers

MAT Question Paper 2025: Sectional Breakup

MAT 2025 question paper has 5 sections. Each section carries 30 questions of MCQ format. Marks allotted to every question is 1. There is negative marking of -0.25 for incorrect attempt. In total, there are 150 questions in MAT exam to be answered in 120 minutes. Given below is the sectional break up of MAT question paper. Also suggested in the number of good attempts to get 95+ percentile.

MAT sections	Number of questions	Number of good attempts
Language Comprehension	30 questions	13-15
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning	30 questions	12-15
Data Analysis and Sufficiency	30 questions	12-14
Mathematical Skills	30 questions	11-13
Economic and Business Environment	30 questions	8-10

Section-wise difficulty level of MAT Question Paper 2025

MAT difficulty level remains the same across sessions. The trend in 2025 so far has been that of moderate questions with a few time consuming questions in LR. Check below sectional composition and difficulty level of MAT 2025 difficulty level.

MAT Sections	Topics	Level of difficulty
Data Analysis and Sufficiency	Tables, charts, and graphs based on mathematical calculations	Easy to moderate
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning	Series, analogies, clocks and calendars, blood relations, family tree, syllogism, coding-decoding, critical reasoning, abstract reasoning and direction sense.	Easy to moderate
Language Comprehension	English grammar, vocabulary, anytonyms and synonyms, one word substitution, word meaning, fill in the blanks, reading comprehension and sentence correction	Easy to moderate
Mathematical Skills	LCM/HCF, Profit and Loss, Permutation and Combination, Percentages, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Inequalities, Surds and Indices, Set Theory, Speed, Time and Distance, Triangles, Circles, Cubes and Cuboids, Number System, Trigonometry, Linear Equations, Binomial Theorem	Moderate
Economic and Business Environment	Business affairs, current affairs, global events, static GK	Moderate

Commonly asked questions

Q: Which section of MAT exam has maximum weightage?

Q: What are the important topics of MAT exam?

Q: Is the MAT IBT mode exam pattern different from CBT and PBT exams?

Download previous year MAT question papers and sample papers. Use them for practice and improve your speed and accuracy. You can download MAT previous year question papers and the preparation guides for free.

MAT Questions Papers

Previous Year MAT Question Papers

MAT sample question paper 2025

MAT 2012 Question Paper

MAT 2010 Question Paper

MAT 2009 Question Paper

MAT 2008 Question Paper

MAT Sample Papers by Shiksha

MAT Sample Paper with Solutions-1

MAT Sample Paper with Solutions - 2

Question Banks for MAT Preparation

DILR Questions with Answers for Practice

Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice

VARC Questions with Answers for Practice

MAT Preparation Guides

How To Prepare for Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

MBA Entrance Exams- All about Time Management

Important books and topics for all MBA Entrance Exams

Important MBA Entrance Exams You Should Not Miss

How To Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams

Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exam - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exams- Quantitative Aptitude

Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exams- Verbal Ability

Why Practice Previous Years' MAT Question Papers?

By solving previous years' MAT question papers and sample papers candidates will get enough practice of solving 150 questions of various types and difficulty levels within 120 minutes. Here are a few benefits of solving MAT previous years question papers:

By referring to MAT question papers of various sessions you will get an idea of what type of questions are asked and sectional difficulty level.
You will also get to know the trend of difficulty level of MAT over the years and sessions. Knowledge of topic wise weightage across sessions will help you to prepare in a focused manner.
Solving previous years' MAT question papers will help you to identify important topics. Focus more on those topics to score better.
MAT has negative marking so it is crucial to know which type of questions are your strength. You will be able to choose the right questions in the actual exam only if you know which type of questions are your strong areas.
Solving previous years' MAT question papers will help you in developing time management skills. You will know which type of question requires how much time for solving.
Solving MAT question papers is just like solving sample papers. They will help you in increasing the speed of reading RC passages and help you in improving your accuracy in choosing the correct options.

Check Out:

MAT Questions and Answers for Practice- free PDF

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the difficulty level of MAT exam?

Q: Can I make another attempt at MAT exam, if I score low in first attempt?

Q: What is the difference between CBT and PBT modes of MAT exam?

MAT Mock Test

Along with official MAT question papers, you should practice MAT mock tests too. Shiksha offers MAT mock tests based on official question papers of previous years for candidates to practice. The MAT mock test by Shiksha is free and downloadable. MAT 2025 exam aspirants, must practice these free mock tests for better result.