MAT Exam 2025 – PBT vs CBT: Which One to Choose?
Management Aptitude Test 2026 ( MAT )
Registration - 23 Feb '26
MAT is conducted in 2 modes – PBT and CBT. Candidates while filling up the MAT application form have to select a test mode, which cannot be changed later. So, those planning to appear for MAT 2025, must make a choice of exam mode, after determining which is better for them. MAT PBT or MAT CBT.
MAT PBT vs CBT
AIMA MAT is the only MBA entrance exam in India that offers the choice of exam mode to candidates. One can appear for MAT in either Computer Based Test (CBT) mode or Paper Based Test (PBT) mode. Candidate can choose the exam mode during the MAT application form 2025 filling process. They can either choose CBT or PBT or both. Yes, AIMA also allows candidates to appear in both modes of MAT exam if they wish to. MAT fee for PBT or CBT is INR 2200. Candidates can appear for both in the same exam phase by paying additional INR 1500. Aspirants planning to appear for MAT 2025 in September or December phase, must understand the pros and cons of both exam modes (PBT and CBT) before choosing one.
- MAT Exam 2025 – PBT vs CBT: Key Highlights
- Why choose MAT PBT?
- Why choose MAT CBT?
- Risks Involved
- MAT PBT Test Cities
- MAT CBT Test Cities
MAT Exam 2025 – PBT vs CBT: Key Highlights
MAT PBT and MAT CBT have their own advantages and disadvantages. One key aspect is that the test cities for both are different.
| Particulars |
MAT PBT |
MAT CBT |
|---|---|---|
| Full form |
Paper Based Test |
Computer Based Test |
| Test form |
OMR sheet |
Computer system |
| Venue |
Designated Test Centre |
Designated Test Centre |
| Exam duration |
120 minutes |
120 minutes |
| Chance of correction |
No |
Yes (before final submission) |
| Chance of technical error |
Low |
High |
| Chance of paper leak |
High |
Low |
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Why choose MAT PBT?
MAT PBT is ideal for candidates who are more comfortable with Pen and Paper Mode tests. There is no difference in the exam pattern or syllabus between MAT PBT and CBT, so one need not prepare any differently for it.
Also, MAT PBT is conducted in selected cities only so, one needs to keep that in mind as well. If MAT is not conducted in your city, then you will have to appear for it in PBT mode. But if you prefer CBT, then you will have to visit another city to appear for the MAT 2025 exam.
Why choose MAT CBT?
Candidates who are more comfortable with studying and giving tests online must opt for CBT in MAT 2025. The CBT mode can be quick and time saving if one is used to it. However, like PBT, CBT too is conducted in select cities, so if your city does not have a MAT test centre for CBT, then you will have to either appear for the exam in PBT mode or go to another city.
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Risks Involved
MAT PBT: In MAT PBT, one has to fill OMR sheet and once a candidate has marked an answer they cannot erase it. So, while appearing in MAT PBT one has to be very careful in marking answers. One silly mistake will mean loss of marks. In CBT, it is possible to edit the answer option until final submission of the test.
MAT CBT: In MAT CBT, one needs to be mindful of the test flow. Having a good control of the computer mouse is essential to ensure quick movement. Also, there are chances of losing marks if one forgets to press save/submit option for the given questions. So, one needs to be very attentive.
MAT PBT Test Cities
Before apply for MAT 2025, check the list of MAT PBT test centres below:
| MAT test cities (PBT) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru |
Guwahati |
Nashik |
| Bhilai |
Hyderabad |
Noida |
| Bhagalpur |
Jodhpur |
Patna |
| Bhubaneswar |
Kanpur |
Prayagraj |
| Chennai |
Kolkata |
Raipur |
| Coimbatore |
Kottayam |
Ranchi |
| Delhi |
Lucknow |
Surat |
| Durgapur |
Madurai |
Varanasi |
| Gandhinagar |
Mangaluru |
Visakhapatnam |
| Gurugram |
Mumbai |
-- |
MAT CBT Test Cities
Before apply for MAT 2025, check the list of MAT CBT test centres below:
| MAT test cities (PBT) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Agra |
Gurugram |
Mysore |
| Ahmedabad |
Guwahati |
Nagpur |
| Asansol |
Hubbali |
Noida |
| Bengaluru |
Hyderabad |
Patna |
| Bhopal |
Indore |
Pune |
| Bhubaneswar |
Jaipur |
Raipur |
| Chandigarh |
Jammu |
Ranchi |
| Chennai |
Jamshedpur |
Rourkela |
| Coimbatore |
Kolkata |
Thiruvananthapuram |
| Dehradun |
Lucknow |
Thrissur |
| Dehi |
Madurai |
Tiruchirappalli |
| Ernakulam- Kochi |
Meerut |
Vijaywada |
| Ghaziabad |
Mumbai |
-- |
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.
The CBT or computer based mode MAT exam is conducted online in which, candidates have to punch in their answers on the computer screen with the help of the mouse-pad. In PBT mode exam, candidates have to fill an OMR sheet with a blue/black ball point pen with the suitable option as the answer. These days most of the candidates opt for CBT which is way it is conducted twice in a particular exam phase. PBT is conducted only once in MAT exam phase. There is no difference in the exam pattern or syllabus of the MAT CBT and MAT PBT. Candidates can choose the mode of exam at the time of registration as per their convenience. If a candidate is comfortable in pen and paper mode, then they can opt for MAT PBT and if the candidate is comfortable in taking tests on computer, they can opt for MAT CBT. However, the CBT and PBT exams are held in different cities so candidates must check the list of test cities before choosing their exam mode.
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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
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