Is MAT syllabus difficult?

MAT syllabus is not very difficult but it is not easy either. The topics included in MAT syllabus are same as that of other MBA entrance exams like English, Quants, Reasoning, DI and GK. So, if you find these subjects tough MAT syllabus will be difficult for you and if you find the easy, the exam syllabus will be easy.

What are the dos and don'ts for MAT CBT and PBT?

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.

How should I prepare for Data Analysis and Sufficiency section of MAT?

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.

MAT Preparation 2026: Tips for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

8.1K Students Q&A

Registration - 1 Apr '26 - 25 May '26

ISBR MBA/PGDM 2026 Application Closing on 21st Apr 2026| Highest CTC 16.42 LPA

Vipra Shrivastava

Senior Manager - Content

Updated on Feb 8, 2026 15:46 IST

If you want to score high in MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section you need to follow these easy tips. MAT, is a speed based test and keeping a note of time management is essential for solving questions. Check out MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning tips and strategy to score high in the exam.

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning can be challenging if you don't know what to prepare and how to prepare. If you are preparing for MAT 2026, find here key tips for MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning section.

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning is the test of candidate's reasoning ability in various types of situations. It has questions on coding-decoding, series, blood relation and verbal reasoning, etc. Solving puzzles and choosing a correct option in a few seconds is not easy, especially as some of the answer options can be confusing. Thus, preparation strategy for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning has to be holistic.

Your MAT 2026 preparation plan for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning should be focused on observation and practice. MAT 2026 exam’s Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section covers 1/5th part of the question paper with 30 questions. Each question carries 1 mark and there is negative marking of -0.25. So, it is critical to attain accuracy in this section. An ideal MAT preparation plan for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning should include practice questions of all variety and difficulty levels.

Table of contents

How to Prepare for MAT Exam 2026: Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
MAT Mock Test Practice
Best Books for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

How to Prepare for MAT Exam 2026: Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

As per the official MAT syllabus, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning topics include the following:

Family Tree
Course of Action
Arrangement
Pie Chart
Calendars
Statement-Conclusion
Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments
Puzzles
Series
Blood Relations
Coding and Decoding
Column Graphs
Multi-Dimensional Arrangements
Visual Reasoning
Numeric Grid
Critical Reasoning
Syllogisms and Graphs

Check MAT previous year's questions papers to understand the pattern of questions related to these topics. Practice questions multiple times to gain accuracy and speed.

MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: How to Practice Sample Questions

If you are attempting MAT exam for the first time, you will need to practice a good number of sample questions to gain familiarity will all types. If you have appeared for the MAT exam before, you may not need to practice too many sample papers. Whatever be the case, have a plan of practicing Reasoning questions daily. Your aim should be to be able to solve questions swiftly and improve your score day by day.

If you find Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section of MAT exam challenging, don't worry. Change the way you look at it. Consider questions as riddles and fun activity rather than a subject. If you develop interest in this section, you will be able to crack any type of reasoning question.

While solving MAT sample questions, time yourself to see how many minutes you take for solving what type of questions. With practice, the time duration should come down.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is one-month preparation enough to crack MAT?

Yes, it is possible to crack MAT with 1-month preparation, but only if you have studied the topics included in the MAT syllabus before or have prepared for MAT or any other MBA entrance exam. If you are a fresher and have no prior knowledge of MAT do not attempt in with one-month preparation. Give yourself at least 6 months for MAT preparation. Those who have an experience of MAT or any other MBA entrance exam, need to focus on mock tests and sample papers in the given one month. Since they are well acquainted with the topics, sums, theorems, formulae, concepts, types, etc. All they need to do is practice them more. To prepare for MAT in one month get hold of a series of MAT mock tests and solve them every alternate day. Analyse your performance, the hits and the misses, and work on them. Keep at least last seven-eight days for revision of all the important topics. The best way to prepare for MAT in a short time is focus on only the important topics from which maximum questions are asked.

Q: Can I prepare for MAT in 3 months?

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 much time do I need to cover MAT syllabus for Economic and Business Environment section?

To cover the Economic and Business Environment section of MAT syllabus will not take much time if you keep yourself abreast with current happenings of the business world. This section is basically a GK section but the emphasis is more on the knowledge of business and economy. So, candidates must follow these fields for major events of the past and present. They must also study from GK year books at least a month before the MAT exam.

MAT Mock Test Practice

MAT mock tests for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning are available with varied difficulty levels. Start with easy mock tests. After you've started scoring well, move to moderate and then to high difficulty level MAT mock tests. At first, you might find it challenging to solve tough questions however, once you get clarity on structure, flow, logic and the connection, you would be able to solve the problems quickly.

In the Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section of MAT exam, following a systematic approach plays a decisive role in building skills and improving analytical and reasoning aptitude. It also helps to inspect the series strategically and understand concepts faster.

Check out free Shiksha Mock Test-

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Best Books for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Check below recommended books for preparation of Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section of MAT 2026 exam:

MAT Books	Publication/ Authors
The Hand on Guide to Analytical Reasoning & Logical Reasoning	Arihant publication
Logical Reasoning Ability and General Mental Ability	Sanjeev Joon, RA Sharma

Also read: Best Books for MAT Exam Preparation

MAT, like any other MBA entrance exam, is a speed based test so focus on speed and accuracy. There is negative marking too. Relax and give your best with focused preparation. All the best!

Check MAT cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting MAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all MAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

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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

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