MAT 2026 Exam: PBT on Sept 13, CBT on Sept 20, Registration (Ongoing), Check Complete Guide

MAT September 2026 Registration PBT

22 Jun '26 - 7 Sep '26

Updated on Sep 2, 2026 21:51 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

MAT September 2026 PBT mode exam will be held on September 13 and CBT mode exam will be held on September 20. Candidates can apply for CBT or PBT mode at the exam website by creating a login ID and paying the exam fee. Those who have an existing user ID can login and fill the MAT application form. Read on this page, all about MAT 2026 exam.
Latest updates:

MAT application fee is INR 2300 for one session and INR 4000 for 2 sessions
Application window for MAT PBT will close on September 7 and for MAT CBT, it will close on September 14
From now onwards, the score of Economic and Business Environment will be included in MAT score calculation
AIMA will be conducting a MAT PBT session on September 6 for candidates who wish to take admission in the current academic year.

Table of contents

What is MAT Exam? Full Form and Meaning
MAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
MAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
MAT 2026 Application Process
MAT 2026 Syllabus and Pattern
MAT Exam Preparation 2026
MAT Sample Papers PDF
Shiksha MAT Mock Test
MAT 2026 Admit Card
MAT 2026 Results Download
MAT 2026 Cut Offs for Top Colleges
MAT Selection Process 2026
FAQs on MAT Exam 2026

What is MAT Exam? Full Form and Meaning

MAT or Management Aptitude Test is a business aptitude test. The exam is conducted in four phases in a given academic year, and a candidate can repeat the attempt any number of times. The examination modes are Computer Based Test (CBT) and Paper Based Test (PBT). Candidates can choose any exam mode. Syllabus and pattern of both MAT exam modes are the same.

MAT score is accepted by over 800+ MBA colleges in India but there is no common counselling for it. The score accepting colleges conduct admission on the basis of candidate's MAT score and their academic performance.

Also Read: MAT PBT vs CBT - Which one to choose?

MAT 2026 Exam Highlights

MAT is considered one of the most candidate friendly MBA entrance exams. Check below MAT 2026 exam highlights.

MAT exam features	Details
Conducting body	All India Management Association (AIMA)
Exam level	National
Exam frequency	Multiple times a year (February, May, September, December)
Number of attempts	No limit
MAT exam modes	PBT and CBT. IBT has been discontinued
Exam purpose	Admission to 800+ MBA Colleges in India (approx.)
Current status of MAT 2026	September session applications ongoing
Next event	September session admit card release

What's New in MAT 2026?

This year, two important changes were brought about in MAT exam.

Increase of MAT exam fee. Now, candidates have to pay INR 2300 per session.
From this year, Economic and Business Environment scores will be included in score calculation.

MAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of MAT 2026 exam

Dates	Upcoming Exam Dates
22 Jun ' 26 - 07 Sep ' 26	MAT September 2026 Registration PBT ONGOING
22 Jun ' 26 - 14 Sep ' 26	MAT September 2026 Registration CBT ONGOING
06 Sep ' 26	MAT 2026 PBT (Special Drive)
10 Sep ' 26	MAT September 2026 PBT Admit Card Release
11 Sep ' 26	MAT 2026 PBT (Special Drive) Result
13 Sep ' 26	MAT September 2026 PBT
17 Sep ' 26	MAT September 2026 CBT Admit Card Release
View more Future Events (1)

Dates	Past Exam Dates
03 Sep ' 26	MAT 2026 PBT (Special Drive)
01 Aug ' 26	MAT 2026 PBT (Special Drive) Registration Last Date
14 Jun ' 26	MAT May 2026 CBT
View More Past Events (11)

MAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

MAT minimum eligibility criteria is in accordance with the ACTE guidelines. Check below the requirement to appear for the exam:

Graduation or an equivalent degree from a UGC recognised university.
Final year graduation students awaiting their results are also eligible to apply.
There is no minimum score requirement for MAT.
There is no age limit to appear in MAT.
Candidates with professional degree such as CA, CS or ICWA are also eligible to apply for the MAT exam.

MAT Reservation Criteria

There is no reservation criteria for MAT exam. The score accepting colleges apply the reservation criteria determined by the Government of India for PG programmes. Check below:

SC Candidates: 15% of seats of the total intake
ST Candidates: 7.5% of seats of the total intake
PwD Candidates: 3% of seats of the total intake

Also Read: Eligibility Criteria for MAT Exam 2026

MAT 2026 Application Process

DeskCalendar Registration: 22 Jun ' 26 - 07 Sep ' 26

MAT application process 2026 is online, Candidates can apply for MAT PBT and CBT at AIMA MAT website. Check below the steps to follow:

Go to https://mat.aima.in/
Click on register option on home page
Enter name, date of birth, email ID, mobile phone number, state, city, test mode and a password
A unique ID will be shared in email and phone for validation
Validate it and go to MAT application form
Select preferred test mode, cities and five B-Schools
Make fee payment via debit/credit card, net banking or e-wallet
Enter class 10, 12, graduation marks and other details in MAT 2026 application form
Upload a recent passport size photo and scanned signature and submit the form

Note: Candidates will have to select two cities for centre allotment. The test cities may not be the same for both exam modes, thus candidates must select mode and test city according to their preference.

Documents Required for MAT Registration

Candidates are required to upload the following documents along with the MAT application form. These documents are mandatory.

A recent passport size photo (colour), preferably with white background
Scanned copy of signature on a white paper with black ink

MAT Application Fee 2026

Candidates have to pay the MAT fee at the time of exam registration. The payment mode is online.

Exam mode	MAT fees
CBT or PBT	INR 2300
CBT+ PBT	INR 4000

MAT 2026 Syllabus and Pattern

MAT 2026 Syllabus

MAT syllabus is prescribed by the AIMA. Topics included in the exam syllabus are same as other MBA entrance exams. To score well, candidates need to study all the topics thoroughly. Take a look at the table below for the topics that are included in MAT exam syllabus 2026:

MAT Syllabus for Language Comprehension

Reading Comprehension
Parajumbles
Fill in the blanks
One Word Substitution
Sentence Correction
Verbal Ability
Antonym & Synonyms
Idioms & Phrases

MAT Syllabus for Data Analysis & Sufficiency

Tables
Charts
Pie Charts
Bar Diagrams
Caselet-based Data
Venn Diagram
Graphs
Data Comparison
Data Sufficiency

MAT Syllabus for Mathematical Skills

Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
Mensuration
Number System
Percentage
LCM & HCF
Inequalities
Set Theory

MAT Syllabus for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

Blood Relation
Family Tree
Coding & Decoding
Numeric Grid
Syllogism
Clocks
Calendars
Visual Reasoning

MAT Syllabus for Economic and Business Environment

Static GK
Science & Technology
Business
World News
Events
Politics
Awards & Recognition

MAT Exam Pattern 2026

MAT pattern has been defined keeping in mind the nature of MBA entrance exams; only that the structure is simpler than others. Given below is the table highlighting MAT 2026 exam pattern.

MAT Exam Features	Details
Exam duration	120 minutes or 2 hours (no sectional time limit)
Number of sections	5
Question type	MCQs
Number of annswer options	4 per question
Number of questions	150
Number of questions section-wise	30
Total marks	150
Marking scheme	+1 for each correct entry -0.25 for each incorrect entry 0 for not attempting a question

MAT Marking Scheme

MAT total marks is 150. Each MCQ carries same marks.
For every correct option, 1 mark is awarded
For every incorrect option 0.25 marks are deducted
There is no marks deduction for skipping questions

🚀 Plan Your Studies with MAT 2026 Preparation Guides

📋 MAT Complete Syllabus Download PDF Important Guide 📄 MAT Exam Structure Analyse Pattern 🔢 MAT Quant Formula Sheet Download PDF

MAT Exam Preparation 2026

MAT is easier than other MBA entrance exam but requires separate preparation due to its nature. Below are some tips to prepare for MAT exam 2026:

Start MAT exam preparation at least 3-4 months before the exam session. They will need to divide the time into three main stages.
In the first stage, spend 2 months on covering the MAT syllabus. Study every topic as each of the five sections has equal weightage in MAT
In the next two months practice MAT mock tests, sample papers, previous years' question papers and do revision
For MAT Language Comprehension section, you will need to be well read and well practiced. Work on English grammar and vocabulary. Practice MAT RC passages from previous years' question papers and sample papers
Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency section of MAT can be prepared by practice. Master Mathematical calculation and practice a good number of sample questions to identify question type for DI in MAT. Solve DI questions by studying the pattern, graph, table, chart carefully. Use the least time on reading the chart.
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section of MAT has no concepts to understand or theory to memorise. This section can be conquered by practice. Solve a wide range of reasoning questions from previous years' question papers.
Mathematical Skills will require candidates to be thorough with all important concepts and formulae of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Number System. Practice a lot of questions of various difficulty levels to become as strong as him.
Economic and Business Environment section is memory-based so candidates can prepare for it before the last month of MAT session. They can also study current affairs on a daily basis. Read the newspaper to know the latest events around the world.

Best Books for MAT Preparation 2026

Candidates can refer the following books for MAT preparation 2026. These books contain detailed topic wise discussion and practice sets that will help you in mastering all the aspects of MAT.

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for MAT by Arun Sharma
Data Interpretation: Practice Book for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations by Nishit K Sinha
The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
Data Analysis & Interpretation Data Sufficiency by Kiran Prakashan
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Arihant Experts
Verbal Ability & Comprehension for MBA Exams by Disha Publications
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Nishit K Sinha
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal
Arithmetic and Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R Gopal
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT

Check the below table for articles by Shiksha on MAT preparation.

MAT preparation Tips
MAT Preparation for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning	MAT Preparation in Six Months
MAT Preparation for Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability	MAT Preparation in Three Months
MAT Preparation for Data Analysis & Sufficiency	How to Prepare for MAT in One Month?
MAT Preparation for Mathematical Skills	Is MAT Exam Tougher Than CMAT?
MAT Preparation Tips for Economic and Business Environment	Last Week Preparation Tips for MAT

MAT Sample Papers PDF

Candidates preparing for MAT 2026 must practice sample papers to understand the nature of questions and their difficulty level. Check in the below table MAT sample papers with solutions PDFs:

MAT Sample Paper PDFs
MAT Sample Paper 1	Download Questions	Download Solutions
MAT Sample Paper 2	Download Questions	Download Solutions

Benchmark Prep Against the Real MAT Exam

MAT is a game of time management. The most direct way to handle prep gaps and prevent surprise pattern shifts is by practising real slot-wise papers.

⬇️ Download MAT Exam Previous Year Papers

Shiksha MAT Mock Test

MAT mock tests are an important aspect of preparation. Candidates must ensure they practice about 20-30 mock tests to master all the aspects of MAT - concepts, theory, application, speed, accuracy and time management. Take free Shiksha mock test to analyse your preparation level.

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

MAT 2026 Admit Card

DeskCalendar Admit Card: 10 Sep ' 26

MAT admit card 2026 can be downloaded through login only. PBT and CBT admit cards will be released separately. Check below how to download the MAT admit card 2026:

Visit the MAT 2026 website
Go to 'login' option
Enter email ID, password and date of birth
Go to admit card option
Download the MAT hall ticket

MAT 2026 Results Download

DeskCalendar Result: 11 Sep ' 26

MAT scorecard is released about 15-20 days after the test session. The scorecards of all sessions and modes are released together on the same day. Given below is the process to download MAT result cum scorecard.

Visit the official website of MAT exam: https://mat.aima.in/
Click on 'Login for MAT'
Enter Roll Number and Registration Number
Click on the 'Submit' tab
Select Exam Month
Go to the scorecard download option
MAT scorecard will appear on the screen
Download it and save on desktop

Note: AIMA sends candidate's scores to those 5 institutes that they mention in the MAT application form. AIMA sends the latest score to the chosen colleges. If a candidate wishes to apply for more colleges, then they have to fill the college application forms separately. When applying separately, they can use the best score of all their MAT attempts.

MAT Score vs Percentile 2026

Some of the MAT accepting colleges shortlist canddiates on the basis of MAT composite score, while some of them shortlist candidates on the basis of MAT percentile. Given below is the table indicating how much composite score converts into how much percentile.

MAT Composite Score	MAT Expected Percentile
750 to 800	98 to 99
700 to 750	95
650 to 700	90
550 to 600	80
500 to 550	70

MAT 2026 Cut Offs for Top Colleges

MAT cut offs are determined by the institutes individually for admission to their MBA/PGDM programmes. AIMA has no role in any process related to admission through MAT. The cut offs for MAT usually remain static as there is no variation in the difficulty level of the sessions. Given below is the table indicating expected MAT exam cut offs:

MAT Accepting Colleges	MAT cut off (percentile)
Amity Business School, Noida	90+
SOIL Institute of Management	90
Christ University Bengaluru	80-90
BIMTECH Greater Noida	80-90
SIESCOMS Navi Mumbai	80-90
Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini Delhi	80-90
Indus Business Academy	80-90
Institute of Management Studies (IMS)	80-90
IPE Hyderabad, Institute of Public Enterprise	80-90
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow	80-90
New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM)	80-85
Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management	80-85
IES Management College and Research Centre	80-85
ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai	80-85

Also read: Top MBA colleges in India accepting MAT - Zone wise

Check the list of Top MAT Colleges in India and choose the one that matches your score and requirement. Compare fees, placements, shortlist criteria, admission process, and eligibility in one place.

Top MAT College in India

MAT Selection Process 2026

MAT selection process and admission criteria includes Written Ability Test (WAT) or Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). These selection rounds are conducted by MAT score accepting institutes individually.

After getting the MAT result, candidates have to apply to their preferred college. If they meet the MAT cut off criteria, they can be invited by the institute for the selection round. Some colleges conduct WAT whereas some conduct GD. PI is common to all MBA colleges accepting MAT score.

Written Ability Test (WAT)

It is an essay-writing test. Candidates are given a topic on the spot to write a short essay. The topic can be from a current scenario or event from any field. It is essentially conducted to evaluate the candidate’s written communication skills. Whether they can put their point of view in linear and convincing manner or not.

Group Discussion (GD)

In a GD, a group of 8-10 candidates are given a topic to discuss and form opinions. The main parameter that is evaluated in a GD is leadership skills. That whether the aspirant can lead a group on a common path or not. It is also the test of communication skills and convincing ability.

Also Read: Top 200 GD topics for MBA admission 2026

Personal Interview (PI)

The PI round is conducted to judge the candidate on his/her skills, experience, academics and future goals. A panel of experts asks the candidate questions regarding their academics and goals. Sometimes, unexpected questions are asked to see whether the candidate can handle pressure situations or not.

Also Read: MAT Selection Process and Admission Criteria

Documents Required for MAT Counselling 2026

Copy of MAT 2026 admit card
Rank/score card of MAT
Original and photocopy of Class 10 and 12 certificates
Original and photocopy of graduation marksheets
Passport size coloured photographs

FAQs on MAT Exam 2026

Check out frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to MAT 2026 exam:

Q: What is the age limit for MAT 2026?

There is no age limit for MAT. Candidates who are fresh graduates or working professionals in any phase of their career are eligible for it. So, essentially they must be at least 20 years old.

Q: How much marks is required in graduation for MAT 2026?

There is no minimum marks requirement in graduation for MAT, but B Schools have minimum academic criteria of 50% in graduation (45% for Reserved categories) for full time MBA programmes.

Q: I did graduation from Open university. Can I apply for MAT 2026?

Yes, you are eligible to apply for MAT. The main eligibility criteria is graduation from a recognised university. Education mode can be regular or correspondence.

Q: Which is better MAT or CMAT?

MAT and CMAT have similar syllabus but the difficulty level is different. Both exams have Quantitative Aptitude Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, English and General Knowledge. CMAT has an additional section - Innovation and Entrepreneurship which was introduced in 2021. While MAT is an easy exam, CMAT is moderately tough but to say which is better totally depends upon the college a candidate is targeting for MBA Admission. The participating colleges for both exams are different. If a candidate's dream college accepts MAT score, then they appear for MAT but if their dream college accepts CMAT then they should appear for CMAT. The CMAT exam is conducted by the NTA only once in a year but MAT is conducted multiple times in a year. AIMA conducts MAT in February, May, September and December. So, unlike CMAT MAT gives a candidate the choice to appear for the exam when they are well prepared and improve test score in the same academic session. The benefit of CMAT or MAT is that former is accepted by all government and state universities/institutes whereas latter is accepted by mostly private institutes.

Q: Can I appear for MAT 2026 exam at any test centre?

No, candidates have to appear for MAT exam at the test centre mentioned in their admit card. They will not be allowed to enter any other test centre.

Q: What are the details mentioned on MAT result cum scorecard?

MAT scorecard is the main document which is the identity proof of a candidate qualifying the exam. Thus it is not only necessary to keep a copy of the scorecard but also necessary to have an error free scorecard. After downloading the MAT result cum scorecard the candidates must check it thoroughly for errors. Each candidate's MAT result cum scorecard will contain the following information: 1. Candidate's name 2. Candidate's roll number 3. Candidate's form number 4. Degree 5. Work experience 6. Candidate's gender 7. Candidate's category 8. Test date 9. Candidate's date of birth 10. MAT sectional scores 11. MAT overall score 12. MAT composite scores 13. MAT percentile In case there is any error in the MAT scorecard (specifically personal details of the candidate) then the test taker must reach out to the AIMA MAT admission cell to get it rectified as faulty scorecards may not be accepted by colleges.

Q: Is MAT mock test practice enough for preparation?

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.

Q: What is MAT Syllabus 2026?

Since, MAT exam is conducted only for admission to MBA and PGDM/PGP courses. It is a post graduate level business aptitude test comprising Quantitative Aptitude critical reasoning, data interpretation, data sufficiency, language comprehension and general awareness.

Given below are the topics included in the MAT syllabus:

MAT Syllabus for Language: Comprehension Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb, Parts of Speech, Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Antonyms and Synonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms/Phrases, Para Jumbles, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Verbal Ability, etc.
MAT Syllabus for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: Family Tree, Course of Action, Arrangement, Pie Chart, Calendars, Statement Conclusions, Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments, Puzzles, Series, Blood Relations, Coding and Decoding, Column Graphs, Multi-Dimensional Arrangements, Visual Reasoning, Numeric Grid, Critical Reasoning, Syllogisms, Graphs Representing Areas MAT Syllabus for Data Analysis and Sufficiency: Tables, Charts, Pie Charts, Caselet-based Data, Graphs - Line X-Y Graphs, Venn Diagram, Bar Diagrams, Data Analysis and Data Comparison, Data Sufficiency
MAT Syllabus for Mathematical Skills: LCM and HCF, Commercial Maths Complex Numbers, Percentages, Permutation and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Profit and Loss, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Heights and Distance, Inequalities, Speed, Time and Distance, Triangles Set Theory, Number System Circles, Mixtures and Alligations, Elementary Mathematics, Geometry, Venn Diagrams, Trigonometry Equations, Linear Programming
MAT Syllabus for Economic and Business Environment Section: Current Affairs World Records, Business and Economy, Companies and CEOs, Awards and Winners, Books and Authors, Company Punchlines, History, International Organisation, Quotes and Personalities, Social Issues, Geography, Sports, Arts, Entertainment, Technology.

Q: Are MAT CBT and PBT admit cards same?

MAT CBT and PBT admit cards are neither same nor can be used interchangeably for verification. Candidates have to carry MAT exam session and mode specific admit card to the test centre.

Q: Is MAT eligibility criteria different for PBT and CBT?

No, MAT eligibility is not different for PBT and CBT. Whether the candidate chooses PBT or CBT, they must have completed graduation or be in the final year of Bachelor's degree programme.

Q: Can I crack MAT without Maths?

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.

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

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

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.