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Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Oct 1, 2025 17:59 IST

MAT Reading Comprehension preparation requires long term preparation due to presence of RC passages. Read this article to know how to prepare for MAT Language Comprehension and Verbal Ability section. Get key tips to improve reading and English grammar for MAT 2025.

MAT preparation

MAT Language Comprehension and Verbal Ability preparation is mainly about having a good control over the English Language and grammar. This section aims to test English language comprehension, vocabulary and verbal ability of the candidates. It has 30 MCQs from Verbal Ability, Vocabulary, English Grammar and Reading Comprehension.

To prepare for Language Comprehension and Verbal Ability section of MAT 2025, candidates must work on English grammar and vocabulary. If your English skills are good, you may need less time to prepare for this section, but if your English is not strong, you need to start preparation early on. MAT is conducted in February, May, September and December. If your English is weak, opt for MAT session which is at least 6 months away.

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One of the best ways to prepare for MAT Language Comprehension is by developing the habit of reading. Read various kinds of English books and magazines to learn new words and idioms. Every time you come across a new word or idiom, check its meaning, etymology, antonym and synonyms. The habit of reading will be helpful in cracking Reading Comprehension (RC) passages too. Although MAT RC passages are not that tough, one still needs to have speed in reading long paragraphs without missing context or important facts.

Additionally, practice previous years’ MAT question papers and sample papers to check English proficiency. The Reading Comprehension passages of MAT exam are inference based. The questions asked in the exam test the candidate’s conceptual clarity with respect to fundamentals of English comprehension. You need to have the practice of quick reading and spotting the answer. In this article, we will discuss MAT 2025 preparation strategy for Language Comprehension and Verbal Ability.

Table of content
  • MAT Exam Preparation 2025: Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability Topics
  • MAT Language Comprehension Preparation: Best Books for Verbal Ability
  • MAT Exam Preparation for Language Comprehension
  • MAT Language Comprehension: Practice of Mock Tests

MAT Exam Preparation 2025: Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability Topics

To make a MAT preparation plan for English, know the important topics of focus. Questions in MAT Language Comprehension and Verbal Ability section are based on the following topics:

  1. Word analogies
  2. Vocabulary with questions on antonyms and synonyms
  3. Rearranging sentences
  4. Reading comprehension
  5. Sentence completion

Unlike CAT, the MAT is not dominated by RC passages. It has a good mix of both Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability. So, you will need to focus on both parts equally. 

MAT Language Comprehension Preparation: Best Books for Verbal Ability

Since the syllabus of MAT is same as CAT, you can refer to CAT books too for MAT preparation. Check below some MAT books for Language Comprehension and Verbal Ability for exam preparation:

MAT preparation books

Publishers/ Authors

How to prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT

McGraw Hill

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT

Pearson

High School English Grammar

Wren and Martin

Mastering for Verbal Ability for CAT

Arihant Publication

Also Read:

MAT Exam Preparation for Language Comprehension

MAT Exam: Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability

MAT 2025 Exam: Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability

MAT Preparation Tips for Reading Comprehension

In the Reading Comprehension section of MAT exam, there are usually five passages comprising four questions each. MAT Reading Comprehension passages are short (300-500 words approximately) and they contain direct questions based on the given passages. All the passages are more or less easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. One needs to practice passages from various areas like history, sociology, and science & technology, etc. for MAT. Focus on the following three key aspects to upgrade skills for Reading Comprehension section.

1. Content Knowledge - This is gained purely by reading informative books, articles and passages. Read on diverse topics. The more you read, the more you gain knowledge. Devote one hour to reading every day.
2. Strategic Knowledge - It is not simply about reading. You need to make inferences while reading. This is critical because the questions of Reading Comprehension topics are based on inferential data. 
3. Cognitive Knowledge - Develop the ability to grasp arguments, hidden meanings, word play, statements & conclusions, theme and structure of the passage to be able to answer Reading Comprehension questions correctly.

MAT Preparation Tips for Verbal Ability

In the Verbal Ability section of MAT 2025, most of the questions will be related to the essence of the passage or the logical flow of the passage. To crack this section of MAT exam, break the passages into three parts – conclusion, facts and assumptions. Rephrase passages into simple words to understand the essence. This will help in weeding out confusing statements and irrelevant data.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary questions are based on synonyms, antonyms, meaning of idioms and phrases, one word substitution, similar sounding word and fill in the blanks.

Sentence Rearrangement & Completion

Sentence rearrangement and completion is also about understanding the flow of the argument. It is important that candidates understand the context and meaning of the options provided as options.

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MAT Language Comprehension: Practice of Mock Tests

Practising MAT mock tests and sample questions from Language Comprehension and Verbal Ability section is critical to MAT 2025 preparation as it helps you assess your strengths and weaknesses thereby guiding you in modifying your preparation plan if required. Your hold on Vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning and Grammar will improve only by practicing sample questions. Mock test series and sample questions are a good source of improving performance in RC passages. Time-bound MAT mock tests, will provide you practice of reading 500-word passages in short time without missing out on important points.

MAT exam does not have sectional time-limit, but for a better time management, we recommend that students invest not more than 30 minutes on Language Comprehension and Verbal Ability section. In comparison to CAT, XAT and SNAP, MAT is easier to crack if you follow a strategy focused on scoring maximum marks. Practice of MAT mock test is highly recommended because then the MAT exam will be just another mock test for you.

MAT_Mock_Test_1 MAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
MAT_Mock_Test_2 MAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

Last but not the least, any exam mainly checks student's memory and ability to retain information. Thus, greater the power to recall information, better are the chances to score high in the exam. For this, we recommend playing brain teasers and memory booster games based on English vocabulary and grammar in your leisure time to help you exercise your brain muscles. These games are easily available on the internet.

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Q:   Which MAT exam phase is the easiest to crack?
A:

MAT exam of every phase is easy to moderate in terms of difficulty level. It depends upon the candidate's preparation whether they find their test form easy or tough. Meaning, candidates should register and appear for MAT in only that phase by which they are full prepared and have started scoring 90 plus in mock tests. If they are well prepared, they will find any MAT session easy.

Q:   Can I prepare for MAT in 3 months?
A:

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 should I prepare for Data Analysis and Sufficiency section of MAT?
A:
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.
Q:   What is the exam mode of MAT?
A:
MAT exam is conducted in three modes - Paper Based Test or PBT in which candidates have to report to a test centre to take the test. They have to fill an OMR answer sheet with a blue/black ball point pen in the PBT mode exam. The PBT mode is conducted only once in every MAT phase as the number of applicants is least for PBT. In the Computer Based Test or CBT, candidates have to take the test at designated exam centre on a computer system. Candidates have to fill in their answers in an online test page with the help of computer mouse. They can choose only one of the four given options as answer. In the Internet Based Test or IBT, candidates have to take the test on a computer system at home or any preferred location. The test structure is same as CBT but the candidates are monitored in remote proctored mode. Since MAT exam is conducted multiple times in a year during February, May, September and December, one can take the exam in more than one mode. Candidate can also take the test any number of times. The score of the latest MAT attempt will be taken into consideration for admission.
Q:   Is one-month preparation enough to crack MAT?
A:
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:   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.
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Vipra Shrivastava
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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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