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Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on May 6, 2025 17:52 IST

MAT 2025 exam will be held in February, May, September and December. MAT is a low difficulty level exam so one can crack it with a short-term preparation. If you plan to appear for MAT 2025 start preparing for it from at least three months ahead. Get the best three month MAT preparation strategy. 

MAT preparation in three months

MAT exam preparation in three months is possible but one needs to have a focussed plan in which you can cover more in less time. Even though the exam is of low difficulty level, one needs to practice a lot as it is a speed based test in which 150 questions have to be addressed in 120 minutes. You may not want to attempt all 150 questions, but should aim for 70-100 questions. Solving these many questions accurately in 150 minutes can be challenging if you haven't prepared well. 

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We say it is possible to prepare for MAT in three months because, MAT syllabus is same as that of other MBA entrance exams and most of the candidates appear for multiple entrance tests. MBA aspirants who have prepared for CAT exam, XAT exam and other MBA entrance exams for admissions to top B-schools in India, need to only brush up the basics and practice MAT mock tests. Therefore, a three-month preparation strategy for MAT is perfect.

Q:   Which section of MAT exam has maximum weightage?
A:

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:   Is MAT syllabus more difficult than other MBA entrance exams?
A:

The MAT syllabus is same as other MBA entrance exams, which is Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude English Comprehension and General Awareness, only their nomenclature is different. So, candidates preparing for MAT has to study the same subject, topics and sub-topics that they have to study in CAT or CMAT.

In fact, candidates can use the same books for studying for MAT as well as other MBA entrance exams. In terms of difficulty level of the exam, MAT is easier in comparison to other MBA entrance exams. The difficulty level of MAT question paper is usually easy and there is no sectional time limit.

Moreover, MAT is conducted multiple times a year so candidates can choose an exam date or session whenever they are fully prepared for the exam, unlike in other MBA entrances, where candidates have to cover the syllabus, etc. Before a particular exam date. In MAT candidates have the choice of multiple attempts to improve score. A lot of candidates opt for the MAT for the reason that it is easy and they can get a good MBA college through it.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of MAT exam?
A:

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.

Table of content
  • How to Crack MAT 2025 in Three Months?
  • MAT Syllabus 2025
  • Sample Paper and MAT Mock Test Practice

How to Crack MAT 2025 in Three Months?

The key to MAT preparation 2025 in limited time period is enough practice of sample questions from important topics. MAT exam is easy. Also, the score of Economic and Business Environment (GK) section is not included in calculation of final MAT percentile. Thus, you needs to actually prepare for only four main sections. So focus majorly on Language Comprehension, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Intelligence & Critical Reasoning in these three months. You can prepare for Economic and Business Environment section in the last few days before exam, if time permits. If you have no prior knowledge of MAT or any MBA entrance exam, the first thing to do is, check the MAT syllabus and pattern. Let's take you through that below:

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Understand MAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025

MAT exam pattern 2025 is prescribed by AIMA, the exam conducting body. There are 150 questions in MCQ format to be answered in two hours. The MAT 2025 syllabus includes five subjects –

  1. Language Comprehension
  2. Data Analysis and Sufficiency
  3. Mathematical Skills
  4. Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
  5. Economic and Business Environment

Check below some key highlights of MAT exam 2025:

MAT is an an MCQ based exam. Candidates can choose to appear for it in CBT, PBT or IBT mode. Check the table below for highlights of MAT exam pattern 2025.

MAT Exam Pattern 2025

Exam modes

CBT, PBT, IBT

Exam duration

2 hours

Total sections

5

Type of questions

Objective type questions

Total questions

150 questions

Total marks

150 marks

Sectional weightage

30 questions per section

Marking scheme

1 mark per correct attempt

-0.25 marks per incorrect attempt

GK scores not taken into consideration for percentile calculation

MAT Syllabus 2025

To score well in MAT 2025 exam, candidates need to be thorough with all the below mentioned topics. Check the table below for section-wise topics included in MAT syllabus 2025:

MAT Syllabus 2025

MAT Topics

Language Comprehension

Grammar, vocabulary, clauses, idioms & phrases, active & passive voice, verbs, tenses, pronoun, sentences, punctuation, parajumble, prepositions, articles

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

Tables & graphs, data sufficiency, venn diagram, charts (column, bar, pie)

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Statements & conclusion, judgment, argument, pie chart, blood relations, family tree, analogies, statements

Mathematical Skills

Profit & loss, mean & median, number system, mensuration, time, distance & speed, percentage, vectors, differential equation, trignometry, algebra, geometry, modern math

Ecomomic and Business Environment

Current affairs, political news & events, world records, books and authors, corporate affairs, personalities, history, business & economy, science & technology

Also Read:

Q:   How can I prepare for MAT in six months?
A:

For MAT preparation in six months candidates need to have a focused plan. They must gather the best books for MAT preparation and start with covering the syllabus. MAT syllabus should be completed in three months. You can make a monthly/weekly or daily plan to cover the syllabus which should include studying one topic each from the main four sections - Mathematical Skills, Data Interpretation, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning as well as Language Comprehension. Keep the Indian and Global Environment section for the last. In the next two months, practice MAT sample papers and MAT mock tests to gain control over the topics you studied in the first three months. For a speed based test like MAT mock test and sample paper practice is a must because only with the help of these you can gain speed and accuracy in solving questions. The MAT question paper can have tough, tricky or easy question so you should be prepared for all types. In the last one month, study for the Indian and Global Environment section and do daily revision of all other topics. Solve a few previous year MAT question paper or solve a couple of mock tests to stay in touch with your abilities. Read More: MAT 6 months preparation plan

Q:   Can I prepare for MAT in 1 month?
A:

It is unlikely that any one can prepare successfully for MAT in one month from scratch. However, if a you have appeared for the MAT or any other MBA entrance exam recently, then you can crack it with one-month preparation. We say this, because if you’ve recently appeared for MAT or any other MBA entrance exam, you will only need to practice more questions and mock tests or revise important topics in the give one month to be able to crack it. The syllabus of MAT is same as that of other MBA entrance exams, and the difficulty level is easy. So, you will not really have to practice too many mock tests. Read More: MAT 1-month preparation plan

Q:   What are the dos and don'ts for MAT CBT and PBT?
A:
MAT exam is conducted in strict vigilance and a lot of care is taken to prevent impersonation, cheating, etc. Candidates are expected to follow guidelines set by the examination authorities for smooth and orderly conduct of the exam. Given below are certain dos and don'ts that candidates need to follow at the time of giving MAT. MAT exam dos 1. Reach the test centre as per the reporting time mentioned on the MAT admit card 2. Incase of IBT mode, log on to the test system as per the time mentioned on the admit card 3. Present all the relevant documents asked for identification 4. Cooperate in frisking and identification process 5. Divide your time in such way that you are able to solve a good enough number of questions in each session 6. MAT has negative marking so choose the questions carefully. Leave those whose answers you don't know. MAT exam don'ts 1. Don't be late to the test centre. The entry gates will be closed 15 minutes before the commencement of the exam and no entry will be allowed thereafter 2. In case of IBT mode, do not log in late 3. Do not carry prohibited items like notes, books, phone, calculator, watch, ipad, etc. 4. Do not wear metal items and accessories to the exam centre 5. Do not wear outfits with caps/headgears/hoodies, pockets etc. 6. Do not cheat or look into other candidate's system 7. Do not ask of exit before the announcement by exam invigilator.

Make a Section-wise Three-Month Preparation Strategy for MAT 2025

Many B-schools consider sectional scores of MAT while selecting a candidate for admission, thus it is important to prepare well for all the sections even if time is less. Check section-wise tips for MAT preparation in three months below:

MAT Language Comprehension Preparation

  • First Month: Practice reading with the help of magazines, newspapers and online blogs.
  • Second Month: Practice English grammar, vocabulary and verbal ability.
  • Third Month: Practice sample questions and exercises every day.

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Preparation

  • First Month: Understand the basic patterns and types of reasoning questions in MAT. Learn the basic concepts.
  • Second Month: Learn tricks to solve questions quickly and accurately. Practice a large number of questions of various ranges and various difficulty levels.
  • Third Month: Take online MAT mock test to develop the speed of solving Critical Reasoning questions specific to the exam.

MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency Preparation

  • First Month: Understand types of charts, tables and graphs to interpret data accurately.
  • Second Month: Practice sample questions, learn shortcuts and tricks to solve questions without using a calculator.
  • Third Month: Spend maximum time in revision and practice of sample questions, mock tests, etc. to master each type of data interpretation questions.

MAT Mathematical Skills Preparation

  • First Month: List out topics from the MAT syllabus that you feel are difficult and work on them first. If you are weak in Mathematics, learn the fundamentals and formulas first.
  • Second Month: Learn shortcuts to solve Mathematics problems without using a calculator or doing rough work on paper. Practice mental calculation.
  • Third Month: Solve MAT mock tests to gain control over all types of questions from across the sections and gain speed.

MAT Economic and Business Environment Preparation

Once you've completed the syllabus of the four main MAT sections, move to Economic and Business Environment. This section is all about General Knowledge and Current Affairs. Thus, you can prepare this section in the last few days before the MAT exam. Dedicate about two hours daily to revise static GK and current affairs from Manorama Year Book. You can also refer to other current affairs publications.

Sample Paper and MAT Mock Test Practice

Get hold if MAT sample papers to practice a variety of questions. This will help you in learNing the application of formula and concepts to various types of questions. For every section of MAT, practice ample number of questions topic wise. Also analyse your performance in each so that you know your strengths and weaknesses. Having a clarity of what are your strong and weak areas will help you in choosing questions to attempt in the MAT exam. Practice a good number of MAT mock tests. Since you have only three months to prepare, do not wait to complete the syllabus, start practicing MAT mock test side by side. Mock test practice is essential for improving accuracy and time management so that you make the best of 120 minutes of the MAT exam. 

Free Shiksha Mock Test for Practice:

MAT_Mock_Test_1 MAT_Mock_Test_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 17 hours ago

Yes, candidates can apply to GIBS Bangalore using MAT scores alone. GIBS accepts MAT scores as a valid entry for PGDM admissions. Along with your MAT score, you need to submit your application form, academic documents, and follow the selection process, which may include a short interview or discussi

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Deepthi

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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

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No, MAT scores are not compulsory for admissions to the PGDM course at ICBM-SBE, because the college also considers several other entrance exam scores for admissions to the PGDM course. The names of the accepted entrance exams are-  CAT/ XAT/ CMAT/ ATMA/ MAT/ GMAT/ State level entrance test. Thus, a

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Piyush Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, it is possible to get an MBA seat at AURO University with a valid MAT score. The university accepts various national and state-level entrance tests for admission to the MBA programme. These exams are GCET, GMAT, CAT, CMAT and XAT. Apart from entrance test scores, students are required to submi

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Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The admission deadline for candidates interested in GITAM MBA admissions through the MAT exam is 15 - 22 September 2025. These dates are the last registration dates for the MAT PBT/CBT entrance exams. These dates are very close at this point of time. Hence, candidates who wish to apply for MBA admis

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Saurabh Khanduri

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The admission process for both the MBA (General) and MBA (Dual-Specialisation) courses is the same. Admission to the MIT-WPU MBA course is entrance-based. Candidates need to appear in either CAT/XAT/NMAT/MAT/GMAT/MAH CET/PERA CET entrance exam and qualify for any one exam with a valid score. The fin

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Jiya Bisht

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month 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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Answered a month ago

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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Yes, candidates who are unable to gain admissions through one of the accepted entrance exams at PBS can apply for admissions through the result of a different entrance exam. However, candidates are advised to track the timeline of each accepted entrance exam for PBS PGDM admissions as the timeline f

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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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