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

Updated on Feb 15, 2026 16:25 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

MAT books for preparation are many but the challenge is to know which ones are the best. Aspirants planning to appear for MAT exam this year, must refer only those preparation books and study material that provide exhaustive coverage of the MAT syllabus and have huge questions banks.

Before buying MAT books check their content and reviews. The books must have detailed explanation of concepts, application of concepts, examples to help in understanding and sample questions for practice. Shiksha has listed down some highly recommended books for MAT preparation 2026 for candidates. Refer to these MAT books and study material to build conceptual knowledge on the topics and practice sample questions of various difficulty levels. MAT exam is a speed based test so only studying from books will not suffice. Also practice mock tests in a large number.

Table of contents

MAT Books and Preparation 2026: Exam Highlights
Best Books for MAT Preparation 2026
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

Check here some of the key details related to MAT 2026 exam preparation:

MAT is a speed-based aptitude test, which aims to assess candidate’s general knowledge and analytical, reasoning and comprehension skills.
MAT syllabus includes Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Language Comprehension and Economic & Business Environment.
MAT is conducted in Paper Based Test (PBT), Computer Based Test (CBT) and Internet Based Test (IBT) modes.
MAT exam pattern of all the three modes are same. So the MAT preparation strategy can be the same.
The MAT exam pattern is similar to other MBA entrance exams, having MCQs with four options to choose the right answer from.
The MAT question paper carries 150 questions and each of the five sections carry 30 questions.
MAT exam duration is 2 hours in which candidates have to complete the test. Attempting all questions is not mandatory.
Candidates can take multiple attempts in MAT in the same academic year as it is held multiple times.
The total marks of MAT exam is 150. Every question carries one mark for correct attempt and -0.25 for incorrect attempt.
The score of Economic & Business Environment section is not taken into consideration for calculation of MAT score and percentile.

Commonly asked questions

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.

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.

Best Books for MAT Preparation 2026

MAT Books for Data Analysis and Sufficiency

MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency preparation requires conceptual understanding and practice. You should select books that offer both. Refer to MAT 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: MAT Preparation Tips for Data Analysis & Sufficiency

MAT Books for Language Comprehension

English section of MAT is mainly vocabulary and grammar based so you need to refer to books that provide easy yet comprehensive understanding. 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 Preparation Tips for Language Comprehension

MAT Books for Mathematical Skills

One needs to have complete clarity of the concepts of these topics to be able to crack any type of question in this section of MAT. Refer to the MAT books for Mathematical Skills.

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 Preparation Tips for Mathematical Skills

MAT Books for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning is all about practice and memory. 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

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. Thus, while stuyding GK, focus on business current affairs for MAT.

MAT Books	Authors/Publishers
Manorama Year Book	Mammen Mathew
The Mega Yearbook	Disha Experts
Objective General Knowledge	Lucents Publications
General Knowledge 2020	Arihant Publications
The Mega Yearbook 2016: Current Affairs & General Knowledge for Competitive Exams	Disha Experts

Also Read: MAT Preparation Tips for Economic & Business Environment

Commonly asked questions

Q: What are the best books for MAT Language Comprehension?

MAT Language Comprehension section has equal weightage of verbal ability and reading comprehension. Candidates need to work on their English grammar and comprehension to crack this section Given below is the list of books for MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency: Verbal Ability and Comprehension for MBA Exams by Odisha Publications Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Nishit K Sinha Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis Verbal Ability and Comprehension by Odisha Publication Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Gautam Puri How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay Verbal Ability & Comprehension for CAT/XAT/GMAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT/Bank PO/SSC by Bharat Patodi and Aditya Choudhary English Comprehension for MAT by Odisha Experts English Reading Comprehension by RPH Editorial Board Proficiency in Reading Comprehension Simplifying the Passage for You by Ajay Singh Reading Comprehension Ordering of Words Ordering of Sentences by Dilip Kushwaha.

Q: What is MAT Syllabus?

Since, MAT exam is conducted only for admission to MBA and PGDM/PGP courses. It is a post graduate level business aptitude test comprising Quantitative Aptitude critical reasoning, data interpretation, data sufficiency, language comprehension and general awareness.

Given below are the topics included in the MAT syllabus:

MAT Syllabus for Language: Comprehension Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb, Parts of Speech, Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Antonyms and Synonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms/Phrases, Para Jumbles, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Verbal Ability, etc.
MAT Syllabus for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: Family Tree, Course of Action, Arrangement, Pie Chart, Calendars, Statement Conclusions, Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments, Puzzles, Series, Blood Relations, Coding and Decoding, Column Graphs, Multi-Dimensional Arrangements, Visual Reasoning, Numeric Grid, Critical Reasoning, Syllogisms, Graphs Representing Areas MAT Syllabus for Data Analysis and Sufficiency: Tables, Charts, Pie Charts, Caselet-based Data, Graphs - Line X-Y Graphs, Venn Diagram, Bar Diagrams, Data Analysis and Data Comparison, Data Sufficiency
MAT Syllabus for Mathematical Skills: LCM and HCF, Commercial Maths Complex Numbers, Percentages, Permutation and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Profit and Loss, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Heights and Distance, Inequalities, Speed, Time and Distance, Triangles Set Theory, Number System Circles, Mixtures and Alligations, Elementary Mathematics, Geometry, Venn Diagrams, Trigonometry Equations, Linear Programming
MAT Syllabus for Economic and Business Environment Section: Current Affairs World Records, Business and Economy, Companies and CEOs, Awards and Winners, Books and Authors, Company Punchlines, History, International Organisation, Quotes and Personalities, Social Issues, Geography, Sports, Arts, Entertainment, Technology.

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.

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:

Predict MAT Admission Calls

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: 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.

Q: It is compulsory to attempt MAT GK section?

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the MAT syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning?

The important topics included in the MAT syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning include Family Tree, Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments, Multi-Dimensional Arrangements, Course of Action, Puzzles, Visual Reasoning, Arrangement, Series, Numeric Grid, Pie Chart, Blood Relations, Critical Reasoning, Calendars, Coding & Decoding, Syllogisms, Statement Conclusions, Column Graphs, Graphs Representing Area. Candidates must note that covering MAT syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning is tough because it is not Mathematics. There is no concept to be understood, there is no formula to be memorized. It is also not like General Knowledge, where facts are to be memorized. This section of MAT requires developing intelligence and reasoning skills. Most of the questions in this section are based on puzzles and patterns so one needs to develop the skill of identifying key details. Practice of several types of questions from all the topics is one of the best ways to cover the syllabus of this section of MAT.

Q: What is the MAT syllabus for Mathematical Skills?

Some of the main topics included in the MAT syllabus for Mathematical Skills are LCM and HCF, Percentages, Commercial Maths Complex Numbers, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Permutation and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequence and Series Surds and Indices, Interest (Simple and Compound), Heights and Distance, Inequalities, Speed, Time and Distance, Triangles Set Theory, Number System Circles, Mixtures and Alligations, Elementary Mathematics, Geometry, Venn Diagrams, Trigonometry Equations and Linear Programming. Candidates need to study all these topic thoroughly this section of MAT carries 40 questions and in every session there can be more questions from any topic. So, start preparing for Mathematical Skills section of the MAT exam at least six months before you intend to appear for it. To cover the entire syllabus of this section thoroughly, you will need at least six months.

Q: What are the important topics of MAT exam?

Questions in MAT are asked from verbal ability, reading comprehension, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, arrangement, coding decoding, graphs and tables, family tree, blood relation, clocks and calendars, time, speed and distance, statements, etc.

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.