How to Prepare for MAT Exam 2026: Tips to Crack Mathematical Skills
Management Aptitude Test 2026 ( MAT )
Registration - 23 Feb '26
MAT preparation for Mathematical Skills section requires strategic planning and focused effort. This section is very scoring if you have enough practice. Check out top tips to prepare for Mathematical Skills section of MAT exam 2026.
Mathematical Skills is the only calculation intensive section of MAT exam. So, one has work on Mathematics from both theory and practice aspects. One can't be ignored for another. Start studying Mathematical Ability, at least six months in advance. Questions of MAT Mathematical Skills are of easy to moderate difficulty. With the right kind of MAT preparation strategy, test takers can easily master this section. The requirement here would be thorough understanding of the concepts and formulae.
The Mathematical Ability Section of MAT exam contains 30 questions of MCQ format. For each right attempt one mark is awarded and for each wrong attempt 0.25 marks is deducted. So, in the exam, pay attention to selection of questions. Check below some key tips to prepare for Mathematical Skills (Quantitative Aptitude) section of MAT 2026 exam and score perfect 30/30.
Best Books for MAT Preparation 2026: Mathematical Skills
To understand basic and advance level of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry concepts, refer the following MAT books. These books also have practice tests which will help you in understanding theory better.
| MAT Books 2026 |
Authors/Publishers |
|---|---|
| Mathematics for MBA |
RS Aggarwal |
| Magical Book on Quicker Maths |
M Tyra |
| Arithmetic and Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams |
RGopal |
| 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 |
Also Read: Best books for MAT preparation 2025
Preparation Tips for MAT 2026: Mathematical Skills
Study Mathematical Skills Topics Thoroughly
Mathematical Skills section of MAT 2026 exam will include Quantitative Aptitude topics ─ LCM and HCF, Speed, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Average, Number System, Unitary Method, Triangles, Circles, Geometry, Venn Diagrams, Trigonometry, etc. Candidates preparing for the MAT exam this year, must keep their main focus on these topics. Give yourself about three months to cover the MAT Mathematical Skills syllabus.
Also Read:
Memorise Formulas, Theorems and Shortcuts
In order to be proficient in every topic included in the Mathematical Skills syllabus of MAT exam, knowing the formulae and theorems by heart. Study each topic one by one. Get conceptual clarity and understand the application of each theorem before moving ahead. Unless you understand the theorems, you can't solve the MAT Mathematical Skills questions accurately. After completing a topic, solve a few questions for understanding the correct application of the theorem.
- Memorise all the formulas and theorems of Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Mensuration.
- Also, memorise Tables up to 20, Square, Square Root and Cubes.
- Join online study forums for guidance and problem solving sessions.
- Learn universal tricks and shortcuts for generic Mathematical calculations.
Learn Time Management
MAT, like any other MBA exam is a speed-based test. Mastering time management skills is important as Mathematical Skills section has calculation intensive questions which take time. The sums can be tricky if you are not adept with the application of the right formula or theorem. Also, there is pressure of attempting at least 15-20 questions accurately for a high score. Therefore, practice MAT mock tests and sample questions in a time-bound manner. Attempt the same questions multiple times and try to solve it in lesser time in every next attempt. This will help in gaining speed and accuracy. Try out the MAT Mock Test by Shiksha for practice of time bound questions. below:
| MAT_Mock_Test_1 | MAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| MAT_Mock_Test_2 | MAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Explore colleges based on MAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
Focus on Accuracy
Everybody puts a lot of emphasis on practice for cracking an MBA entrance exam as they are speed based. In MAT too, you barely get enough time to solve a question and revise it too. Morevover, there is negative marking. Thus, accuracy is the prime requirement. With mock test practice and sample papers, you should aim for accuracy too.
Avoid Guesswork in MAT Exam
Mathematical questions are to be solved through application of formulae and theorems as that is the only way to arrive at the correct answer. Don't resort to guess work in Mathematical Skills section of MAT exam. This can lead to negative marking.
Also Read:
Lastly, start early with the preparation of Mathematical Skills section of MAT. Take time to learn the fundamentals of topics such as Vectors, Differential Equation, Trigonometry, etc. and a large number of practice sample questions. Devote not less than one to two hours per day on solving and learning formulas and theorems to prepare for Mathematical Skills.
Make notes of formulae, theorems learnt and shortcuts discovered during preparation. These notes will be immensely useful for revision in the final phase of MAT 2026 preparation.
Read More:
- MAT exam preparation for Data Analysis & Sufficiency
- MAT exam preparation for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
- MAT exam preparation Tips for Economic and Business Environment
- MAT exam preparation for Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability
- How to prepare for MAT in six months
- How to prepare for MAT in three months
- How to prepare for MAT in one month
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
18 Feb '26
28 Feb '26
3 Mar '26
18 Feb '26
10 Jan '26 - 20 Feb '26
20 Feb '26
25 Feb '26 - 28 Feb '26
Yes, you can prepare for MAT exam in three months, but you will have to work on it in a very focused manner and dedicate quality time. You should follow a three-month MAT preparation plan that should include syllabus coverage and practice sessions. Since you have less time, you can’t wait to finish the MAT syllabus first and then start practicing sample questions and mock tests. You will need to do both side by side. So, make a list of topics from which maximum questions are asked in the MAT exam. Focus on them first. Study the topics and solve some sample questions the same day to ensure that you have understood theory and application both. This way, you will have enough practice as well. In the last one month focus on MAT mock tests, to gain speed and accuracy in solving the paper. Read more: MAT 3-month preparation plan
There is no single MAT session or phase that can be considered the toughest. Overall difficulty level of MAT is easy to moderate and every session has a test form which is the same – easy to moderate. There can be slight variation in the difficulty level of the test form, due to difference in questions. No two MAT sessions have the same set of questions.
Yes, you can attempt MAT exam as many times as you want. MAT is conducted multiple times in a year, in February, May, September and December. If a candidate is not satisfied with their score of first attempt, they can choose any upcoming session to appear for it again.
MAT exam of every phase is easy to moderate in terms of difficulty level. It depends upon the candidate's preparation whether they find their test form easy or tough. Meaning, candidates should register and appear for MAT in only that phase by which they are full prepared and have started scoring 90 plus in mock tests. If they are well prepared, they will find any MAT session easy.
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
Read Full BioNews & Updates
Explore Other Exams
29 Jan '26 | XAT 2026 Cut Offs Release |
16 Jan '26 | XAT 2026 result |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Registration Window |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window |
5 Aug '26 - 23 Sep '26 | CAT 2026 application |
29 Nov '26 | CAT 2026 exam |
Jul '26 | IBSAT 2026 Registration |
27 Dec '26 - 28 Dec '26 | IBSAT 2026 Exam Date |
17 Feb '26 | CMAT 2026 result |
31 Jan '26 - 2 Feb '26 | CMAT 2026 exam answer key obje... |
9 Jan '26 | SNAP 2025 result announcement |
20 Dec '25 | SNAP 2025 session 3 |
10 Jan '26 - 20 Feb '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 registration |
7 Apr '26 - 8 Apr '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 exam |
28 Feb '26 | GE & PI Shortlist Declaration |
28 Feb '26 | MICAT 2 result declaration |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
Feb '26 | TANCET registration window |
Mar '26 | TANCET admit card download |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
At GIBS Business School, students usually get practical internships and live projects.
Mostly, internships are in areas like:
Marketing and Sales
HR (recruitment and employee support)
Finance and banking roles
Business Development
Operations
Live projects are real tasks given by companies — like working on
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
MAT mock test practice is essential but not enough. You will need to go through the MAT syllabus and understand the fundamentals of all topics, only then you'll be able to crack questions in mock test.
P
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
It is not compulsory to attempt MAT GK section as the score in not considered for percentile calculation but it is not recommended to skip it all together as it may dent your chances in colleges that look at candidates' sectional scores too.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
MAT is conducted in February, May, September and December. You can appear for it whenever ready and confident of scoring high. However, it is seen that maximum applications are done for December and February sessions as that's the main season of all other national level MBA entrance exams and admiss
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
MAT and CMAT both are moderately difficulty exam, but have their own challenges. While, CMAT has one extra section Innovation and Entrepreneurship, MAT has a separate section for Data Interpretation having 30 questions. With focused preparation, you can crack either of the two that you choose.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
To crack MAT exam in first attempt, start preparation early; at least a month six months in advance. Cover each topic of the MAT syllabus thoroughly and attempt 40+ mock tests to have complete control on all possible types of questions asked. In the exam, avoid negative marking by skipping questions
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
MAT scoring is done between 200 to 800, so a nearly 650 or 700 will get you 90 to 95 percentile. A score of 600 is also good as it converts into percentile between 80 to 85.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
If you don't wish to opt for coaching to prepare for MAT then join online study groups to get recommended study material and guidance from mentors/peers. Refer to MAT specific preparation books. Watch YT videos on MAT prep, practice mock tests and sample questions in a large number. Focus on all imp
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
Ideal time to start MAT preparation is 6 months before the exam session. But if you have appeared for it before, you will need less time to prepare. So, plan your preparation accordingly.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
MAT has 2 sections which are completely Maths based – Mathematical Skills and Data Interpretation, so it is not possible to crack MAT without having a good control over this subject.
E
Contributor-Level 6