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.

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.

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.

How can I prepare for MAT without coaching?

If you don't wish to opt for coaching to prepare for MAT then join online study groups to get recommended study material and guidance from mentors/peers. Refer to MAT specific preparation books. Watch YT videos on MAT prep, practice mock tests and sample questions in a large number. Focus on all important topics from which most of the questions are asked.

Are MAT RC passages as tough as CAT RC passages?

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.

How many RC passages are there in MAT exam?

MAT exam usually has 4 Reading Comprehension passages in MAT exam. The passages are easy to read and have questions with direct answers. They belong to Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, Culture, Society, Business & Management, Current Affairs, History, Philosophy and Abstract topics.

Can I crack MAT without Maths?

MAT has 2 sections which are completely Maths based – Mathematical Skills and Data Interpretation, so it is not possible to crack MAT without having a good control over this subject.

Is MAT exam easier than other MBA entrance exams?

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.

Is the MAT IBT mode exam pattern different from CBT and PBT exams?

No. The exam pattern of MAT IBT is not different from CBT or PBT. In fact, the MAT exam pattern of all test modes is the same. The duration of MAT exam (PBT, CBT and IBT modes) is 2 hours or 120 minutes. The marking scheme is - plus one for correct attempt and minus 0.25 for incorrect attempt. There is no sectional time limit in MAT so candidates can utilise the 2 hours as per their own strategy. They should ideally, spend 25 minutes each on the top four sections and 15 minutes on the GK section. However, there may be slight difference in difficulty level because the questions in each MAT session are unique. No question is repeated in any session across CBT, PBT or IBT. This is to prevent any candidate from getting advantage or facing disadvantage due to leaking of the questions or in case of a candidates re-attempting the exam.

What is the overall difficulty level of MAT?

The overall difficulty level of MAT is easy to moderate. Despite having 150 questions, the test paper is usually doable and candidates can easily attempt 100-120 questions.

How many times is MAT exam held in a year?

MAT exam is held multiple times in a year. There are four MAT phases- February, May, August and December. In each of these months, the exam is conducted at least twice – 1 PBT and 1 CBT.

Is MAT exam MCQ type?

Yes, MAT exam is MCQ types. There are no subjective type or TITA questions. Every question carries 4 answer options. Candidates have to select one option as correct answer.

MAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Available): Total Marks, Sections & Marking Scheme

MAT May 2026 CBT Admit Card

11 Jun '26

Updated on May 16, 2026 16:55 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

Overview

MAT exam pattern 2026 has been prescribed by AIMA. It is an MCQ based test conducted in two modes – Computer Based Test (CBT) and Paper Based Test (PBT). Candidates have the option to choose the exam mode as per their preference. Exam pattern, test structure and timings are same for both modes. Duration of MAT 2026 exam is 2 hours in which candidates have to attempt 150 questions. Read below all details of MAT exam pattern 2026.

Table of contents

MAT Pattern 2026: Key Highlights
MAT Pattern 2026: Section-wise Weightage
MAT Marking Scheme 2026
MAT Sections and Important Topics
FAQs on MAT Pattern 2026

MAT Pattern 2026: Key Highlights

MAT is one of the most student friendly MBA entrance exams in India. It is conducted in multiple sessions and two modes. Candidates can choose to appear for the exam whenever they are ready. Check below the key highlights of MAT pattern and test structure.

MAT Features	MAT Exam Details
Exam modes	Paper Based Test (PBT) Computer Based Test (CBT)
MAT sections	Language Comprehension Data Analysis & Sufficiency Mathematical Skills Intelligence & Critical Reasoning Economic and Business Environment
Total number of questions	150
Number of questions per session	30
Exam duration	120 minutes
Total marks	150
Marking scheme	+1 for each correct entry -0.25 for each incorrect entry 0 for not attempting a question

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MAT Pattern 2026: Section-wise Weightage

MAT question paper will have all questions in MCQ format. Check the table below for sectional weightage as per the MAT 2026 exam pattern:

MAT sections	Number of questions	Number of good attempts
Language Comprehension	30 questions	13-15
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning	30 questions	12-15
Data Analysis and Sufficiency	30 questions	12-14
Mathematical Skills	30 questions	11-13
Economic and Business Environment	30 questions	8-10

MAT Marking Scheme 2026

MAT is an MCQ based exam so candidates are marked per correct attempt. Given below are the key highlights of MAT marking scheme as per the latest MAT paper pattern:

The marking scheme is same for all three exam modes
Every section carries equal weightage of 30 marks
For each correct answer, 1 mark is awarded
For each wrong attempt, 0.25 marks are deducted
No marks are deducted for unanswered questions
Economic and Business Environment score is not considered for calculating MAT percentile
It is not mandatory to solve all 150 questions.

MAT Sections and Important Topics

The MAT question paper is usually of easy difficulty level. Dominant topics are Arithmetic, Algebra, Syllogism. Coding-Decoding and Vocabulary. Given below are the important topics included in each section of MAT.

MAT section	Important Topics
Language Comprehension	Grammar, Antonyms & Synonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms/Phrases, Vocabulary, Fill in the blanks, Sentence Correction, Para Jumble and Reading Comprehension.
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning	Family Tree, Course of Action, Arrangement, Pie Chart, Calendars, Statement Conclusions, Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments, Puzzles, Series, Blood Relations, Coding & Decoding, Visual Reasoning, Syllogisms and Graphs. P
Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency	Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency. Questions are based on Line Graph, Bar Graph, Caselet, Pie Chart, Data Comparison, Quantitative Comparison and Data Sufficiency
Mathematical Skills	Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration and Modern Maths.
Economic and Business Environment	Current Affairs and Static GK.

MAT Mock Tests by Shiksha

Shiksha has created free MAT mock tests for candidates. These mocks are based on latest MAT exam pattern and difficulty level. Practice these MAT mock tests and check your preparation level. It will help in analysing your strength and weakness.

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

FAQs on MAT Pattern 2026

Check here Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on MAT exam pattern:

Q: What is a good score in MAT exam?

MAT scoring is done between 200 to 800, so a nearly 650 or 700 will get you 90 to 95 percentile. A score of 600 is also good as it converts into percentile between 80 to 85.

Q: How to crack MAT in first attempt?

To crack MAT exam in first attempt, start preparation early; at least a month six months in advance. Cover each topic of the MAT syllabus thoroughly and attempt 40+ mock tests to have complete control on all possible types of questions asked. In the exam, avoid negative marking by skipping questions you are not sure of. Try to maintain average scoring by solving 17-20 questions in each section.

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 is the duration of MAT exam?

MAT exam duration is 120 minutes or 2 hours. Candidates have to solve 150 questions in the given time limit. There is no sectional time limit in MAT.

Q: 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.

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: Is MAT easier than CMAT?

MAT and CMAT both are moderately difficulty exam, but have their own challenges. While, CMAT has one extra section Innovation and Entrepreneurship, MAT has a separate section for Data Interpretation having 30 questions. With focused preparation, you can crack either of the two that you choose.

Q: Which is the best session for appearing in MAT?

MAT is conducted in February, May, September and December. You can appear for it whenever ready and confident of scoring high. However, it is seen that maximum applications are done for December and February sessions as that's the main season of all other national level MBA entrance exams and admission.

Q: Can I make another attempt at MAT exam, if I score low in first attempt?

Yes, you can attempt MAT exam as many times as you want. MAT is conducted multiple times in a year, in February, May, September and December. If a candidate is not satisfied with their score of first attempt, they can choose any upcoming session to appear for it again.

Q: Are CAT books enough to cover MAT syllabus?

Candidates can refer to CAT books for MAT preparation but they should also study from books and study material specifically designed for MAT. The Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation and English topics are same for CAT and MAT. But to prepare for Economic and Business Environment section of MAT, one will need books and study material specific to it.

Q: What is the marking scheme of MAT exam?

Total marks of MAT exam is 150. Every question carries one mark for correct attempt and there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. No marks is deducted for skipping questions. The MAT question paper has 150 questions equally divided into five sections - Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Economic and Business Environment.

Language Comprehension: 30 questions

2. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: 30 questions

3. Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency: 30 questions

4. Mathematical Skills: 30 questions

5. Economic and Business Environment: 30 questions

Every section therefore has 30 questions which means every section carries 30 marks. The scores of GK section is not considered for MAT percentile calculation. So candidates can keep GK section as their last priority.

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