Between MAT score and MAT percentile, which one is considered for admission?

Between MAT score and MAT percentile, the latter is considered for admission in most of the MAT accepting colleges. The MAT percentile is used for first round of candidate selection. In the first round, candidate's MAT percentile and academic scores are considered basis which they are selected for GD-PI. Thus, MAT aspirants must ensure that they perform optimally in all the sections of MAT to get a good percentile.

For how long is MAT score valid?

MAT score is valid for admission for the same academic year in which the candidate has taken the exam. For example, MAT 2025 score will be valid for admission for 2025-2026 MBA batch only. If a candidate wishes to drop a year after taking the MAT exam, then they will have to appear for the exam once again next year. They should however check the eligibility or selection criteria to have a clarity of MAT score of which session/phase is valid for admission in which academic year. For example, for 2025 academic session MAT September and MAT December scores will be valid for admission to some MBA colleges who have the admission cycle of January-February. Whereas, colleges who conduct admission in March-May accept MAT February exam scores for admission. To simplify, MAT test takers must not try to use their score for admission more than one year after appearing for it. They should appear for it again and use the latest score for admission.

What is the passing score in MAT exam?

There is no passing marks in MAT as the selection of candidates is based on MAT cut offs. The MAT accepting colleges fix a minimum cut off percentile for shortlisting of candidates for MBA admission. This cut off varies from college to college. In some colleges the MAT cut off can be above 90 percentile and in some colleges it can be 50 percentile too.

What is the minimum eligibility criteria for MBA through MAT?

The minimum eligibility criteria for MBA through MAT is graduation with minimum 50 percent marks. For reserved category students the minimum score required in 45 percent. All AICTE approved institutions have the minimum score criteria for full-time MBA. For MBA admission, candidate's academic scores matter a lot. One must have a good score in Class 10, 12 and graduation to stand a better chance at selection.

Which are the top colleges for MAT score 60-70 percentile?

MAT score is valid for admission to a number of private MBA colleges in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Candidates can appear for a MAT session as per the admission cycle of their preferred college. Some of the popular MBA colleges which accept MAT score in the range of 60-70 percentile are listed below. Adarsh Institute of Management and Information Technology Bangalore Fortune Institute of International Business, Delhi EMPI Business School, Delhi MIT School of Business Pune Apeejay School of Management (ASM), Delhi Institute of Engineering and Management, Kolkata IMS Ghaziabad Calcutta Business School, Kolkata SCMS Cochin School of Business Cochin IES Management College and Research Centre, Mumbai ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai International Institute of Management Studies, Pune Birla Global University, Bhubaneswar ITM Business School, Chennai International School of Business and Media Bangalore Accurate Institute of Management and Technology, Noida.

Which are the top colleges for MAT score 50-60 percentile?

MAT score is accepted by a lot of private MBA colleges in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Some of the popular MBA colleges which accept MAT score in the range of 50-60 percentile are listed below. Admission process of these colleges include group discussion and Personal Interview . School of Management Sciences Varanasi Greater Noida Institute of Management Deviprasad Goenka Management College of Media Studies Mumbai International Institute of Business Studies Kolkata St Josephs Institute of Management Trichy Development Management Institute Patna Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Harihar Rajalakshmi School of Business Chennai Gurunanak Institute of Management Studies Mumbai Madhya Pradesh Birla Institute of Management Bangalore MITCON Institute of Management Pune Vyasa Business School Bangalore GRG School of Management Studies Coimbatore Jagan Institute of Management Studies Jaipur Vanguard Business School Bangalore.

I have taken two MAT exams. Which attempt's score can I use for admission?

Most of the MAT participating colleges consider the highest score among all attempts. So, out of the two attempts, you can use the session in which you scored more to apply for MBA admission. There are some MAT accepting colleges, which accept the score of the latest attempt. So, before applying do check the admission criteria of the college and then use the MAT score accordingly.

Does AIMA conduct a counselling process for MBA Admission through MAT?

No. AIMA does not hold common counselling process for MBA Admission through MAT. The role of AIMA is to only conduct the MAT exam and prepare the results. There role in MBA process is only sharing the result/scorecard of candidates with the MAT participating institutes that they have selected in the MAT application form. The participating institutes prepare their own merit list and select candidates for admission basis the result shared by AIMA. The minimum eligibility criteria for shortlisting is passing marks in MAT. However, the selection is based on cut offs fixed by the institutes. The MBA institutes accepting MAT scores inform students about their shortlist status via e-mail when the admission window opens. Candidates who are expecting a call from the institutes they had selected in the MAT application form must keep a check on their email (spam section too) for the interview invitation.

Can I apply in more than 5 colleges with MAT score?

Yes, you can apply for more than 5 colleges with MAT score. The limit of 5 MBA colleges is only for the MAT application form. If any candidate wishes to apply for more colleges, they can do so by filling the application forms of those colleges separately. The MAT cut offs, will be different for different colleges, so candidates must check it before applying.

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.

MAT Exam Result 2026: Download MAT Score card @mat.aima.in

Q: What after MAT Result?

After the declaration of MAT result, candidates can start applying to the colleges they have shortlisted for pursuing MBA/PGDM. AIMA will send candidate's scores to the participating B-Schools that they shall have selected in their MAT application form. The MBA colleges will then shortlist candidates for the admission process and call candidates for further rounds. If candidates want to apply at colleges other than those five, then they will have to fill the application form for those other colleges individually. The admission process includes, Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Candidates can start preparing for the GD/PI round before or after the MAT result announcement. They can join online platforms or coaching institutes group discussion and PI preparation. Those who are not happy with their MAT score can attempt again in the next session and improve their score. MAT score remains valid for one year for MBA admission. Read more: What After MAT Result?

8K Students Q&A

Exam On - 8 Mar '26

Updated on Feb 10, 2026 13:07 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

MAT 2026 result for February session will be available for download through login. MAT 2026 exam is scheduled on March 1 (PBT) and March 8 (CBT). Scorecard of both exam modes will be released together on the same day about two weeks after the exam session. AIMA does not announce a particular date of MAT scorecard release. Candidates have to directly login and check its availability in student dashboard.

MAT exam score is accepted by over 800 MBA colleges in India for admission to MBA/PGDM programmes. Candidates who have appeared for multiple sessions can use best of all attempts for MBA admission. Read all about MAT exam result 2026 including schedule, download process, marking scheme, re-test, etc.

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