MAT Books and Study Material 2026: Check out Best Books for MAT Exam Preparation

MAT December 2026 PBT Registration Last

14 Dec '26

Updated on Oct 1, 2026 15:23 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

MAT books for preparation - Candidates preparing for the MAT exam 2026 must not rely on common books for MBA entrance exam preparation. They should study from the books and study material that are MAT focussed. But before buying MAT exam books, they must check their content and reviews. The books should have detailed discussion of topics and a large pool of MAT practice questions for each topic. Read on this page, section wise list of best books for MAT 2026 exam preparation.

Importance of choosing the right MAT exam books:

To understand each and every topic of MAT syllabus thoroughly
To learn how to apply fomulae and concepts learn on various types of questions
To get the most popular MAT questions sets for practice
To understand the nuances of MAT questions which no other resource can provide

Table of contents

MAT Books and Preparation 2026: Exam Highlights
Best Books for MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency
MAT Books for Language Comprehension
MAT Books for Mathematical Skills
MAT Books for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
MAT Books for Economic & Business Environment
MAT Preparation Books: Additional Study Material
MAT Preparation 2026: Tips and Strategy
FAQs on MAT Books and Preparation

MAT Books and Preparation 2026: Exam Highlights

MAT exam preparation will require studying not only the recommended books but also additional study material. While MAT books will help you in covering the theory part, support material such as sample papers and mock tests will help in gaining control on the topics. Here are some key points related to MAT exam that you must keep in mind while selection MAT books and study material.

MAT syllabus includes Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Language Comprehension and Economic & Business Environment. Choose books that comprehensively cover these topics and have a good number of practice questions.
MAT is an MCQ based exam with limited time duration, so practice is the key. Buy books that have ample number of practice questions.
The books must have a good mix of easy, medium and tough practice questions with step by step soluton, so that you can understand both theory and application
Most importantly, the MAT exam books must have latest syllabus

⚡ MAT Exam Syllabus Section Wise

Know the MAT syllabus prescribed by AIMA to evaluate management aspirants.

📄 Download PDF

Best Books for MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency

MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency preparation will require consistent practice of sample questions. You should select books that offer a good range of easy, medium and tough questions. Refer to MAT exam books for Data Analysis and Sufficiency mentioned in the table below:

MAT Books	Authors/Publishers
Data Analysis and Sufficiency	Arun Sharma
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for MAT	Arun Sharma
Data Interpretation: Practice Book for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations	Nishit K Sinha
The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation	Nishit K Sinha
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency for CAT/XAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT/Bank PO/SSC	Disha Experts
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha
Data Analysis & Interpretation Data Sufficiency	Think Tank of Kiran Prakashan
Accredited Guide to Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency	Arihant Experts

Also Read: Data Analysis & Sufficiency Tips for MAT

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 Books for Language Comprehension

For the preparation of MAT Language Comprehension section candidates need to study grammar and vocabulary along with reading comprehension and verbal ability. Refer to the following MAT books for preparation of Language Comprehension section:

MAT Books	Authors/ Publishers
Verbal Ability & Comprehension for MBA Exams	Disha Publications
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension	Nishit K Sinha
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis
Verbal Ability & Comprehension	Disha Publication
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension	Gautam Puri
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT	Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
Verbal Ability & Comprehension for CAT/XAT/GMAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT/Bank PO/SSC	Bharat Patodi and Aditya Choudhary
English Comprehension for MAT	Disha Experts
English Reading Comprehension	RPH Editorial Board
Proficiency in Reading Comprehension Simplifying the “Passage” for You	Ajay Singh
Reading Comprehension Ordering of Words Ordering of Sentences	Dilip Kushwaha

Also Read: MAT Language Comprehension Preparation Tips

🎯 Check MAT Pattern and Question Papers!

Make a MAT prep strategy keeping in mind exam requirements. What to study and how much to practice.

👉 MAT Exam Pattern 2026 👉 MAT Question Papers PDFs

Get key insights of MAT exam with the help of previous years' question papers and latest ezam pattern prescribed by AIMA.

MAT Books for Mathematical Skills

MAT Mathematical Skills preparation requires mastering the basics. If you don't have conceptual clarity, practicing questions will also be of no help. For best coverage of MAT quants topics, refer the following books.

MAT Books	Authors/Publishers
Mathematics for MBA	RS Aggarwal
Magical Book on Quicker Maths	M Tyra
Arithmetic and Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams	R Gopal
Speed Mathematics: Do it quick, Do it right	Rajesh Kumar Thakur C
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams	RS Aggarwal
Vedic Mathematics: Secrets Skills for Quick, Accurate Mental Calculations	Sumita Bose
The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude	Dinesh Khattar
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude	Arun Sharma

Also Read: MAT Mathematical Skills Preparation Tips

MAT Books for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning is all about practice, but having a clear understanding of question type is necessary. Refer to the list of MAT books for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning mentioned in the table below:

MAT Books	Authors/Publishers
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning	RS Aggarwal
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning	Gajendra Kumar
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT	Nishit K Sinha
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT	Arun Sharma
Critical Reasoning Guide	Crackverbal
General Intelligence and Critical Reasoning for MAT	Disha Experts
Koncept of Logical Reasoning	Gajendra Kumar
Analytical & Logical Reasoning for CAT & Other Management Entrance Tests	Peeyush Bhardwaj

Also Read: MAT Preparation Tips for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

Commonly asked questions

Q: What are the best books for MAT Mathematical Skills?

The Mathematical Skills section of MAT carries 40 questions and which belong to Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration Algebra and Number System. To crack this section of MAT one needs study all the topics included five Mathematical sub sections. To prepare for these topics, CAT Quantitative Aptitude books are useful. Candidates can also refer to MAT specific books. Mathematics for MBA by RS Aggarwal Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M Tyra Arithmetic and Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R Goal Speed Mathematics: Do it quick, Do it right by Rajesh Kumar Thakur Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal Vedic Mathematics: Secrets Skills for Quick, Accurate Mental Calculations by Sumita Bose The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude by Dinesh Khattar How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma.

Q: Is the question paper of MAT IBT different from MAT CBT or PBT?

No, the question paper of MAT IBT is not different from MAT CBT or PBT. The test pattern, time duration, question type and marking scheme are the same for all three modes. Candidates can choose to appear for any exam mode with the worry of doing exam specific preparation. The only difference between MAT IBT and MAT CBT or PBT is that MAT IBT is a remote proctored exam and can be taken from any location unlike MAT CBT or PBT which are held at designated exam centres. The MAT question paper of every session however is different. All the 200 questions of each question paper is unique. The difficulty level is the same- easy to moderate but since the questions are different from each other candidates can feel slight difference in the difficulty level. The questions for every session are chosen randomly so in one session the paper can be overall easy while in another session the exam can be slightly difficult.

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.

MAT Books for Economic & Business Environment

MAT Economic & Business Environment section includes GK and Current Affairs. The questions are majorly asked from the field of business and economy. Check the below table for recommended prep materail for this section.

MAT Books	Authors/Publishers
Manorama Year Book	Mammen Mathew
The Mega Yearbook	Disha Experts
Objective General Knowledge	Lucents Publications
General Knowledge	Arihant Publications

Also Read: MAT Preparation Tips for Economic & Business Environment

MAT Preparation Books: Additional Study Material

Apart from the books mentioned in the tables above, MAT 2026 aspirants should also refer to the following books for sample questions and practice tests. Additional MAT study material will be helpful in gaining better insights of the MAT exam syllabus.

MAT Books	Authors/Publishers
Face to Face MAT 22 years Solved Papers	Arihant Publications
Complete Guide for MAT & Other MBA Entrance Exams with GK	Disha Experts
Mission MBA MAT Mock Tests & Solved Papers	BS Sijwali
Study Package for Management Aptitude Test	Arun Sharma
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning	Dr RS Aggarwal
MAT Score Accelerator	Disha Publication
MAT (Management Aptitude Test) Entrance Exam Guide	R Gupta
MAT 20 Years Topic-Wise Solved Papers	Deepak Aggarwal

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:

MAT College Predictor

Commonly asked questions

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

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: It is compulsory to attempt MAT GK section?

It is not compulsory to attempt MAT GK section as the score in not considered for percentile calculation but it is not recommended to skip it all together as it may dent your chances in colleges that look at candidates' sectional scores too.

Q: What is the benefit of secondary reading in MAT preparation?

To prepare for a competitive exam like MAT, it is never enough to study from the course books only. Given that, the nature of questions is vastly varied across Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude, English and Logical Reasoning, it is but necessary to refer to secondary reading and extra study material. Referring to extra question banks and practicing additional MAT sample questions is always beneficial.

MAT Preparation 2026: Tips and Strategy

To prepare for MAT exam, a minimum of 6 months are required. If you have appeared for it before then you will need 2 to 3 months. Here are a few tips for MAT preparation 2026:

Check the MAT syllabus and list down topics that you are unfamiliar with.
Chances are candidates from Arts background will find a lot of Quants topics unfamiliar.
Make a daily, weekly and monthly plan.
Start with a four-hour time table (daily) and gradually increase it to eight.
Start your preparation with tough topics. Read MAT books and study material in a focussed manner.
Take guidance from teachers/mentors and solve MAT practice questions strengthen your hold
Once you’ve cracked the tough topics of the MAT, move to easier ones.
Do not ignore any topic. Give importance to each one of them as questions can be asked from any.
Keep solving MAT sample questions alongside to be able to know the correct application of formulae and theorem
MAT is a speed based test, thus include MAT mock test practice in your routine.
Practice a good number of mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Practice MAT mock tests in the last month of exam preparation with the aim to increase speed and accuracy.
Practice MAT mcok tests of various difficulty levels. Start with easy, the move to moderate and then to tough ones.
The Economic and Business Environment section is memory based so you may need only 15 days in the end to prepare for it.
Economic and Business Environment scores are not considered for MAT percentile calculation purpose so you can deprioritize it in case of time crunch.
Understand the MAT exam pattern well. It might look fairly simple but the key is time management.

Free MAT Mock Tests by Shiksha

Check below free MAT mock tests created by Shiksha for practice purpose. Also get solutions for thee questions to know your preparation level:

MAT Mock Test 1	MAT Mock Test 1 - Solution
MAT Mock Test 2	MAT Mock Test 2 - Solution

FAQs on MAT Books and Preparation

Check below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on MAT Books and Syllabus:

Commonly asked questions

Q: If I have appeared for MAT February, can I appear for MAT May session?

Yes, you can. There is no cap on the number of attempts in MAT. Infact, MAT aims to cater to MBA aspirants in such a way that they do not have to waste a year to improve their entrance exam score. MAT is conducted in multiple sessions in four phases – February, May, August and December. An aspirant can appear for the MAT any number of times in a year. They can use the best exam score for MBA admission.

Q: What are the best books for MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency?

MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency section is of moderate difficulty level. Candidates can prepare for this section in about 2-3 months. Given below is the list of books for MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency: Data Analysis and Sufficiency by Arun Sharma 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 by Nishit K Sinha Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency for CAT/XAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT/Bank PO/SSC by Odisha Experts Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha Data Analysis and Interpretation Data Sufficiency by Think Tank of Kiran Prakashan Accredited Guide to Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Arihant Experts.

Q: Is the syllabus of MAT IBT, PBT and CBT mode exams common?

Yes, the syllabus MAT IBT, PBT and CBT mode exams is common. In fact the exam pattern and marking are also same for all three modes. MAT syllabus for all modes includes topics from Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Indian and Global Environment. The candidate needs to prepare all the topics mentioned above on this page to crack MAT exam. The total time required for completion of MAT syllabus is about 3 months. If a candidate has appeared for MAT before or any other MBA entrance exam then they can complete the syllabus in lesser time. The only difference between the three MAT modes is that, in IBT, candidates have to take the test from home on a computer. In PBT, candidates have to appear for the test at an exam centres and fill the OMR sheet as part of the test. In CBT, candidates have to take the test on a computer at an exam centre.

Q: 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.

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Does Bahra University, Shimla provide scholarships based on entrance exam scores like JEE, NEET, CAT, MAT, or CLAT?

Answered 22 hours ago

Yep, Bahra University gives tuition fee waivers based on entrance exam scores. The commonly listed slabs look like this:

JEE Main (rank): below 16,999 gets 40%, 17,000 to 29,999 gets 30%, 30,000 to 50,000 gets 20%, and above 50,000 gets 10%.
NEET (score): 500 and above gets 40%, 400 to 499 gets 30%

Aditya Dhiman

Contributor-Level 6

How are the placements in MBA curriculum and what is the expected cut off and eligibility criteria for MAT entrance exam here?

Answered a month ago

Top management institutes accepting the MAT Exam generally expect a cutoff percentile between 75 and 90, while top-tier colleges may require 90+ percentile.

Swati Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Are entrance exams like CAT, SNAP, or MAT mandatory for the MBA programme at Symbiosis Dubai?

Answered a month ago

Students interested in MBA at any of the Symbiosis Institutes need to take the Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Computer Based Test which will be conducted at designated test centres.

However, the institute does offer special pathways to Indian students allowing them to register for classes even i

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

What is the eligibility criteria for KIIT MBA scholarship based on MAT?

Answered 2 months ago

To be eligible for the MBA scholarship provided by the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology via MAT, candidates must have secured 95 Percentile and above (applicable for December 2025 MAT & February 2026 MAT) (centre based/offline examination).

Rashmi Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

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