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Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on May 6, 2025 18:23 IST

MAT exam preparation 2025 can be done in 6 months as the syllabus is similar to top MBA entrance exams and the difficulty level is easy. Here is a 6-month MAT preparation strategy for aspirants aiming to appear for the exam in May 2025.

MAT preparation in six months

Ideally, MAT exam requires six months for preparation. It is an easy exam having same syllabus as other MBA entrance exams. It is conducted four times a year – February, May, September and December, which makes it easy for aspirants to plan their preparation.

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Candidates can decide in which MAT 2025 phase they want to appear and start preparation six months before that. Those who have appeared for MAT before or other MBA entrance exams,  may need lesser time. Freshers or first timers must keep about six months for MAT 2025 preparation. Here's a comprehensive plan for MAT six-month preparation. 

Q:   Which MAT exam phase is the easiest to crack?
A:

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.

Q:   Can I prepare for MAT in 3 months?
A:

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

Q:   How should I prepare for Data Analysis and Sufficiency section of MAT?
A:
For Data Analysis and Sufficiency of MAT test takers should constantly revise the topics and practice sample questions as this section can be cracked only by enough practice of all types of questions. It is also important to strengthen basic calculations of Maths. Candidates must memorise Tables up 20, Cubes, Cube roots, square, square roots, percentage, pie value, etc. For quick multiplication and division, Practicing adequate number of MAT mock tests and sample papers will prepare you for the main exam, so you should practice 30-35 mock tests. To improve percentile score, focus on maximizing accuracy of every question that you solve in mock tests and sample papers. Candidates must attempt questions of all types and all difficulty levels to master this section of MAT exam. They should also practice every MAT sample question 2-3 times, to gain speed and accuracy.
Table of content
  • MAT Exam 2025 Preparation in Six Months
  • MAT 6-Month Prep Plan: Know Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2025
  • MAT 6-Month Plan: Check MAT Syllabus 2025
  • Prepare for MAT in 6 Months with Previous Year Question Papers
  • MAT 6-Month Plan 2025: Revision in the Last Month
  • 6-Month MAT Preparation Plan: Section-Wise Tips

MAT Exam 2025 Preparation in Six Months

Divide 6 months into three stages - MAT syllabus coverage, MAT mock test practice and revision of important chapters. Here we have laid down a six month preparation plan for MAT 2025. To prepare for MAT exam in six months, you must apply the following strategy:

First Three Months:

  1. Understand MAT exam pattern, subjects and marking scheme
  2. Study all the topics included in the MAT syllabus in detail 

Next Two Months:

  1. Practise sample questions, MAT mock tests and MAT question papers

Last One Month:

  1. Continue practice sessions and revise important topics and formulae regularly until the last day before exam

MAT 6-Month Prep Plan: Know Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2025

The first step towards MAT preparation 2025 is to know the MAT test structure – question paper, topics, type of questions, marks per section, etc. Check the key highlights of the latest MAT exam pattern, below:

MAT exam features

Details

MAT exam modes 

Computer-Based Test (CBT), Paper-Based Test (PBT) and Internet Based Test (IBT)

MAT exam duration

2 hours

MAT subjects

  • Language Comprehension
  • Data analysis & Sufficiency
  • Mathematical Skills
  • Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
  • Economic and Business Environment

Total number of questions

150 questions

Type of questions

Multiple choices

Marks per section

1 mark per question

Negative marking

Deduction of 0.25 marks for every incorrect attempt

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MAT 6-Month Preparation Plan 2025: Know Sectional Weightage

Every section of MAT carries 30 questions. There is no sectional time-limit in MAT so candidates need to make their own time management strategy. Here we have mentioned estimated time that should be enough to complete each section of the exam. Check the section-wise break up of MAT question paper and suggested time to solve each one of them. 

MAT Sections

No. of Questions

Time in minutes

Language Comprehension

30

20

Mathematical Skills

30

30

Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

30

30

Data Analysis & Sufficiency

30

30

Indian & Global Environment

30

10

Total

150

120

Also Read: 

Q:   Which MAT exam session is the toughest?
A:

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.

Q:   What is the exam mode of MAT?
A:
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 exam pattern for MAT and how can I prepare for it?
A:
MAT or Management Aptitude Test is a national level entrance exam conducted four times a year by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA/PGDM and other management programs. The MAT exam pattern is as follows: Mode: The exam is conducted in both paper-based and computer-based modes. Duration: The total duration of the exam is 150 minutes or 2.5 hours. Sections: The exam consists of five sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment. Number of Questions: There are a total of 200 questions, with 40 questions in each section. Marking Scheme: Each question carries 1 mark and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. To prepare for the MAT 2023 exam, you can follow the below tips: Understand the Exam Pattern: Before you start your preparation, make sure you have a clear understanding of the exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus. Create a Study Plan: Create a study plan that suits your schedule and stick to it. Allocate time to each section and prioritize the topics that you find difficult. Practice Mock Tests: Practice mock tests regularly to get an idea of the exam pattern and to improve your time management skills. Improve Your Language Skills: To do well in the Language Comprehension section, improve your reading and vocabulary skills. Read newspapers, magazines, and novels to enhance your language skills. Focus on Mathematics and Data Analysis: To do well in the Mathematical Skills and Data Analysis and Sufficiency sections, practice regularly and improve your calculation speed. Work on Your Critical Reasoning Skills: To do well in the Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section, practice puzzles, riddles, and logical reasoning questions. Stay Updated with Current Affairs To do well in the Indian and Global Environment section, stay updated with the latest news and events. Revise Regularly: Revise the topics regularly to retain what you have learned. Stay Confident and Positive: Lastly, stay confident and positive. Believe in yourself and your abilities to crack the exam. Good luck with your preparation!

MAT 6-Month Plan: Check MAT Syllabus 2025

The MAT question paper has questions from topics mentioned in the MAT syllabus. Take a look at the MAT syllabus 2025 and topics included in each subject. Begin MAT six month preparation with prime focus on topics that are your weak areas. Devote first three months for covering the MAT syllabus topic-wise.

MAT Syllabus 2025

MAT Important Topics

Language Comprehension

Parajumbles, Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Grammar, Vocabulary, Clauses, Idioms, Active & Passive Voice, Verbs, Sentences, Errors and Punctuation

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

Statements, Table, Graphs, Data Sufficiency, Venn Diagram, Charts (Column, Bar, Pie)

Mathematical Skills

Profit & Loss, Mean, Median, Number System, Mensuration, Time-Distance-Speed, Percentage, Vectors, Differential Equation, Trigonometry, Arithmetic Progression, Geometric Progression, Algebra

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning, Statements & Conclusion, Judgment, Argument, Pie Chart, Blood Relations, Analogies

Economic and Business Environment

Current Affairs, Politics, World Records, Books and Authors, Corporate Affairs

Also Read: Best Books for MAT Preparation 2025

Prepare for MAT in 6 Months with Previous Year Question Papers

After covering the MAT syllabus, move to the next phase of MAT six-month preparation 2025. Start practicing MAT mock tests and sample papers. Many mock test series are available online for MAT preparation. Practicing mock test will help you to develop speed and accuracy in solving questions, which is the core of a good performance in a time-bound test.

Cracking MAT exam is all about speed and accuracy. The more you practice mock tests and sample questions, higher the chances are of solving questions accurately in the MAT 2025 exam. You should also practice sectional mock tests so that you don’t over step the time-limit in the main exam.

In comparison to many other MBA entrance tests, MAT is an easy exam. Having said that, this fact should not influence the overall MAT preparation strategy. MAT is essentially a speed-based test and candidates will have to calibrate their skills to improve speed and accuracy to answer easy questions within a set time-period. For this, attempt as many MAT mock tests as well as sample papers without any slippage.

Check out: MAT questions with solutions free PDFs for download and practice

MAT 6-Month Plan 2025: Revision in the Last Month

In the last 15 days before the MAT exam, your plan should be to revise all the topics of MAT syllabus section wise. All the notes that you have prepared in the past five months will be handy now. Go through previous years' question papers for MAT and note the topics from which maximum questions are asked. Also, take note of the types of date sufficiency tables and pie charts feature in the MAT exam.

6-Month MAT Preparation Plan: Section-Wise Tips

It is important to master each section of the MAT exam so that the overall score is good. The score of Indian and Global Environment section is not taken into consideration for MAT percentile calculation so your main focus areas should be – Language Comprehension, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Intelligence and Critical Reasoning. Check a few tips for section-wise MAT preparation 2025 below:

Language Comprehension: Start early for this MAT section. To score well in this section, candidates should invest two to three hours of the day in reading. Apart from this, they need to improve English vocabulary and grammar as grammar-based questions make up for 50 per cent of this section.

Data Analysis & Sufficiency: To crack this section of MAT, candidates need to have good problem solving skills. To acquire that, watch YouTube video tutorials by coaching experts. Also learn, easy methods and shortcuts to analyse data. If one has prepared well for Data Analysis & Sufficiency in the past four-five months, it will hardly take a week to master tricks to solve the questions.

Mathematical Skills: With right implementation of formulae and theorems, it is a lot easier to solve MAT Mathematical Skills questions quickly. Therefore, the candidate's entire focus should be on understanding  and memorising formulae and theorems of the topics included in this section of MAT syllabus. Strengthen your memory and calculation skills. Also develop the skill of mental calculation to save time in the actual exam.

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning: In this section of MAT, focus on revising Analytical Skills topics such as Coding-Decoding, Ranking, Series, Arrangements, Sequencing, Directions, Puzzles, etc. Solve as many sample questions as you can so that you are well prepared for any type of reasoning question. Practising brain teasers and puzzles in free time can be a good help. 

Economic and Business Environment: Get year-books for General Awareness and Current Affairs to revise the events of national and international importance. Also, focus on topics like Economics, Politics, Telecom Industry, Sports and National & International Awards, etc. 

Free Shiksha MAT Mock Tests for Practice

MAT_Mock_Test_1 MAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
MAT_Mock_Test_2 MAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

Read More:

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Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. Read Full Bio
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Answered a week ago

The admission deadline for GITAM MBA through the MAT entrance exam is February 21, 2025, based on information from their admissions notice.

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Amrita D jaiswal

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can get admission to the MBA programme at AURO University with a valid MAT score. The university accepts MAT besides other recognised entrance examinations such as CAT, CMAT, XAT, and GMAT for admissions to its MBA programs. This is because AURO University aims to provide an opportunity to

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Amrita D jaiswal

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No, MAT is not compulsory for the admission process in MBA or PGDM courses offered at ICBM-SBE. The institute uses a number of national-level entrance examinations such as CAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, GMAT, and MAT for multiple qualifying opportunities. This flexibility gives students with diverse academic

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Amrita D jaiswal

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Yes, candidates can apply to GIBS Business School, Bangalore, using only MAT scores for admission to the PGDM or MBA course. GIBS accepts MAT as one of the approved national-level entrance examinations for the purpose of shortlisting students. Students who have a valid MAT score, as per the eligibil

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Amrita D jaiswal

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GIBS Business School, Bangalore, has a strong and dynamic Placement Cell that helps in securing excellent career opportunities for the students. Every year, more than 260 reputed companies have visited the campus for recruitment, offering versatile jobs in sectors like BFSI, IT, consulting, manufact

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Amrita D jaiswal

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Answered a month ago

If you make an error in the educational qualifications section of the MAT form, you can typically make amends during the official correction period offered by AIMA. The correction period is open for a short time after the submission of the application. You can log in with your MAT account and edit t

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ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, the MAT-PBT exam is still open for registrations for candidates looking to take admissions into the PGDM courses at DSGS. The MAT-PBT exam registrations started at the end of July and will end at the end of September. The MAT-PBT exam will be conducted near the end of September only. Candidates

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Saurabh Khanduri

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Yes, the MAT entrance exam is still open in 2025 for the SOIM PGDM admissions. The MAT PBT and CBT registrations for the year 2025 are still open till 15 September and 22 September respectively. There are also other exams that canidates can clear to gain admissions into SOIM PGDM courses. Candidates

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Saurabh Khanduri

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The MAT 2025 exam has been concluded with registrations being closed on the 14th July 2025. However, the MAT CBT exam is still open for registrations and is acceptable for admissions in the PBS PGDM course. The MAT CBT exam was opened for registrations recently on 22nd August 2025 and will remain op

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Saurabh Khanduri

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Yes, all candidates who manage to clear the MAT entrance exam are eligible to apply for PGDM courses at PBS. Admissions into PBS PGDM courses are entrance based where a candidate's performance in the appropriate entrance exam is used to decide their admissions. Candidates interested in PGDM courses

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Saurabh Khanduri

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