If you are planning to appear for MAT 2026 or MAT 2027 but not sure of joining a coaching institute, don't worry we have some self study recommendations for you that will help you to crack MAT exam without coaching. Read on.
How to crack MAT exam without coaching
MAT is easier than other MBA entrance exams so a lot of candidates prefer to prepare for it by self study. Option for MAT coaching is a wise option as it ensures experts in the right direction guide you. Preparing for MAT by self-study can be challenging if you’re not disciplined enough to self motivate yourself for long hours of daily study.
MAT is a 2-hour long test having 150 MCQs. To crack MAT 2026 without coaching, you will need to mainly focus on speed. Those who have appeared for other MBA entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, SNAP or CMAT, will find MAT syllabus familiar, but those who have not, will need to start from scratch. So, start at least 6 months before the MAT exam session of your choice. MAT is conducted in February, May, September and December. Choose the exam session wisely.
- How to Crack MAT Exam Without Coaching: Key Tips
- Know the MAT Syllabus Thoroughly
- Get Most Recommended MAT Books
- Practice Online MAT Mock Tests and Sample Papers
- Follow a Daily Routine of Revision
How to Crack MAT Exam Without Coaching: Key Tips
- Learn basic concepts and formulae of Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Economic and Business Environment.
- Analyse previous years’ MAT question papers to understand the requirement. Make a list of familiar and unfamiliar topics.
- Start with familiar MAT topics to gain confidence and speed and then move to unfamiliar ones. Practicing sample questions after completing each chapter to know how much have you grasped.
- Take Maths, Reasoning and Vocabulary quizzes in your free time to improve recall ability.
- Take full length and sectional mock tests to gain speed and accuracy as well as to learn time management. Analyse each mock test result to evaluate your progress or pain points so that you can improve further.
Know the MAT Syllabus Thoroughly
Sectional weightage of all 5 sections of MAT is same so you cannot skip any section or be less prepared for any. Check the below table for the most important topics included in the MAT exam syllabus 2026. Study these topics thoroughly to crack MAT exam.
| MAT sections |
Important topics |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension |
Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Antonym-Synonym, Parajumbles, Odd sentence, word meaning |
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning |
Syllogism, Family Tree, Seating Arrangement, Coding-Decoding, Statement-Arguments |
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency |
Tables, Charts, Graphs |
| Mathematical Skills |
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System |
| Economic and Business Environment |
Business Affairs, Static GK |
⚡ MAT Exam Syllabus Section Wise
Know the MAT syllabus prescribed by AIMA to evaluate management aspirants.
Get Most Recommended MAT Books
We have provided below the most recommended MAT books. You must refer these books for conceptual clarity of each topic included in MAT syllabus.
| MAT Books |
Authors/Publishers |
|---|---|
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency |
Arun Sharma |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for MAT |
Arun Sharma |
| Data Interpretation: Practice Book for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations |
Nishit K Sinha |
| The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation |
Nishit K Sinha |
| Verbal Ability & Comprehension for MBA Exams |
Disha Publications |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
Nishit K Sinha |
| Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
| Verbal Ability & Comprehension |
Disha Publication |
| English Comprehension for MAT |
Disha Experts |
| English Reading Comprehension |
RPH Editorial Board |
| Mathematics for MBA |
RS Aggarwal |
| Magical Book on Quicker Maths |
M Tyra |
| Arithmetic and Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams |
R Gopal |
| Speed Mathematics: Do it quick, Do it right |
Rajesh Kumar Thakur C |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams |
RS Aggarwal |
| Vedic Mathematics: Secrets Skills for Quick, Accurate Mental Calculations |
Sumita Bose |
| The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude |
Dinesh Khattar |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude |
Arun Sharma |
| A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning |
RS Aggarwal |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
Gajendra Kumar |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT |
Nishit K Sinha |
| How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT |
Arun Sharma |
| Critical Reasoning Guide |
Crackverbal |
Practice Online MAT Mock Tests and Sample Papers
You will need to practice a large number of MAT mock test and MAT sample papers so that you stay focused and disciplined to develop time management skill. MAT mock test and MAT sample papers practice will also help you in figuring out methods and ways to solve questions of different types and difficulty levels. Regular practice will help you in discovering your strengths and weakness, knowledge that you can use to optimize your performance in the actual exam. Check Shiksha’s MAT mock tests and sample papers.
Shiksha MAT Mock Test
| MAT Mock Test by Shiksha | |
|---|---|
| MAT Mock Test 1 | Click to Start Test |
| MAT Mock Test 2 | Click to Start Test |
Check Out:
Make a MAT prep strategy keeping in mind exam requirements. What to study and how much to practice.
Get key insights of MAT exam with the help of previous years' question papers and latest ezam pattern prescribed by AIMA.
Follow a Daily Routine of Revision
Since you’ve chosen self study, you will need to be thoroughly dedicated to preparation. Even minor deviation can lead to loss of precious time. Make sure to keep aside 1-2 hours for daily revision of every topic you have covered so far. Keep revising important Quant formulas, theorems, English grammar rules, LR short cuts and tricks.
Read More:
- Is MAT exam tougher than CMAT?
- How to prepare for MAT in 3 months
- How to prepare for MAT in 6 months
- MAT Preparation Tips for Language Comprehension
- MAT Preparation Tips for Mathematical Skills
- MAT Preparation Tips for Data Analysis & Sufficiency
- MAT Preparation Tips for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
- MAT Preparation Tips for Economic and Business Enviroment
News & Updates
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
Top management institutes accepting the MAT Exam generally expect a cutoff percentile between 75 and 90, while top-tier colleges may require 90+ percentile.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Students interested in MBA at any of the Symbiosis Institutes need to take the Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Computer Based Test which will be conducted at designated test centres.
However, the institute does offer special pathways to Indian students allowing them to register for classes even i
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
GIBS Business School differentiates itself from other colleges because it is focused on creating professionals and not just giving degrees. It combines education with practical knowledge, interactions with industries, and personal development.
Why is GIBS different from other colleges?
- The curriculu
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
To be eligible for the MBA scholarship provided by the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology via MAT, candidates must have secured 95 Percentile and above (applicable for December 2025 MAT & February 2026 MAT) (centre based/offline examination).
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
You can still apply for an MBA at Chanakya University by taking the university's internal entrance exam, the Chanakya University Pravesha Pareeksha (CUPP). The university's Chanakya University Admissions portal allows applicants who missed CAT or MAT to use CUPP and a personal interview to fulfill t
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates who want to apply for Sharda University, Greater Noida MBA course must secure a CAT/ XAT percentile of 65% to skip SUAT. For MAT applicants, this score stands at 75% for MBA admissions at Sharda, Greater Noida.
S
Contributor-Level 10
How are the placements in MBA curriculum and what is the expected cut off and eligibility criteria for MAT entrance exam here?