Yes. At GIBS Bangalore, your MAT score can help you get a scholarship, especially if it's a good one. Higher scores can make you eligible for merit-based scholarships, which can reduce your course fees. Along with your academics and overall profile, this makes it easier for students to get some fina
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 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.
Table of contents
- 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 |
Explore colleges based on MAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Confused about which college or exam to opt for?
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
View allCollections
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.
Also Read:
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 |
-- |
Q: How is MAT different from CAT?
Q: Is MAT exam easier than other MBA entrance exams?
A:
Yes, the 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: What is the difference between CBT and PBT modes of MAT exam?
A:
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.
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
XGMT registration
30 Sep '25 - 30 Dec '25
JAGMAT admit card issuance
30 Dec '25
IBSAT
LIVE
XAT 2026 Exam
4 Jan '26
SNAP 2025 result announcement
9 Jan '26
NMAT 2025 Registration (Additi...
5 Jan '26 - 10 Jan '26
MU BAAT 2026 Round 3 Registration
29 Nov '25 - 11 Jan '26
BET 2026 Round 2 Submission De...
13 Jan '26
SP JAT 2026 Registration
22 Jan '26
JET 2026 exam
23 Jan '26
MAT 2025 Application Process: Watch Video
Read More:
- MAT Exam Preparation 2025: Key Tips to Score 99 Percentile
- MAT 2025 Preparation for Mathematical Skills
- MAT 2025 Preparation for Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency
- MAT 2025 Preparation for Language Comprehension
- MAT 2025 Preparation for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
- MAT 2025 Preparation for Economic and Business Environment
- How to prepare for MAT 2025 in six months
- How to prepare for MAT exam 2025 in three months
- How to prepare for MAT 2025 exam in one month
Q: Which is better MAT or CMAT?
A:
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: Are MAT RC passages as tough as CAT RC passages?
A:
MAT RC passages are easier than CAT RC passages. They are shorter in length and easy to understand. Candidates preparing for MAT, must practice MAT RC passages in good number as even though the passages are short, one will still need speed to read them in a limited time and note down the important points for answering the related questions.
Videos you may like
About the Author
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
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 BioDownload Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams
News & Updates
Latest NewsPopular News
Explore Other Exams
4 Jan '26 | XAT 2026 Exam |
Jan '26 | XAT 2026 answer key out |
5 Jan '26 - 10 Jan '26 | NMAT 2025 Scheduling (Addition... |
5 Jan '26 - 10 Jan '26 | NMAT 2025 Registration (Additi... |
24 Dec '25 | CAT 2025 result announcement |
8 Dec '25 - 10 Dec '25 | CAT 2025 answer key challenge |
Dec '25 | IBSAT 2025 Result |
14 Feb '26 - 22 Feb '26 | IBSAT 2025 Selection Process |
25 Jan '26 | CMAT 2026 exam |
26 Nov '25 - 28 Nov '25 | CMAT 2026 form correction |
9 Jan '26 | SNAP 2025 result announcement |
20 Dec '25 | SNAP 2025 session 3 |
16 Apr '26 - 18 Apr '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 exam |
9 May '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 exam 2 |
25 Nov '25 - 29 Jan '26 | MICAT (II) registration proces... |
10 Feb '26 - 13 Feb '26 | MICAT (II) admit card download |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
Jan '26 | Publication of TANCET notifica... |
Jan '26 | TANCET registration window |
The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
The CCSU MBA Cutoff 2025 has been released for admission to the MBA programme via the XAT, MAT and CAT entrance examinations. The CCSU XAT Cutoff 2025 was 50 for the Gender-Neutral Candidates under the All India quota. In the case of CCSU MAT Cutoff 2025, the qualfying cutoff percentile was 75 for t
N
Neerja Rohatgi
Contributor-Level 10
A
Ahmedbasha
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 days ago
GIBS accepts scores from all major management entrance exams, including:
CAT
XAT
MAT
CMAT
GMAT
ATMA
State CET
This gives students multiple options to apply. Along with entrance exam scores, GIBS also looks at the overall profile, communication skills, and interest in management, which makes the admission pr
A
Ahmedbasha
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 days ago
At GIBS Bangalore, the admission process for CAT and MAT candidates is kept simple and transparent.
GIBS follows a general merit-based admission approach. This means selections are mainly based on:
Entrance exam scores (CAT/MAT)
Academic background
Personal interaction and overall profile
There is no rig
A
Ahmedbasha
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 5 days ago
Karunya MAT exam is conducted in english medium. All questions in Karunya MAT exam will be in English language.
S
Shruti Shukla
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 5 days ago
Karunya MAT exam duration is 2 hours. Candidates need to answer all questions within the exam duration.
R
Rohini Bisht
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 5 days ago
Karunya MAT exam is conducted online as remote proctored exam. Candidates can appear for Karunya MAT exam from home.
J
Jaya Katariya
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 5 days ago
Karunya MAT exam is abbreviation for Karunya Management Aptitude Test. Karunya Institute of Technology and Science conducts Karunya MAT exam.
V
Vikram Tyagi
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 5 days ago
Karunya MAT results are declared on the official website. Candidates will have to login to their dashboard to check the Karunya MAT results.
D
Dhanya Shekhar
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 5 days ago
KITS does not notify the Karunya MAT result date before hand. Candidates will find Karunya MAT result inside their login dashboard on the official admission website.
N
Nikita Saxena
Beginner-Level 5
MAT is much easier than CAT. Despite having more number of questions and more sections, than CAT, MAT is easy to crack. CAT is held annually but one can appear for MAT multiple times in the same academic session. CAT has three sections only – VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. MAT has five sections – Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Sufficiency and Business & Economic Environment. CAT has sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section. MAT does not have sectional time limit.