MAT 2026: Sept Registration (Started), Dates, Syllabus, Pattern

No, IIMs do not accept MAT score for MBA Admission. They only accept CAT score for admission to their MBA/PGP programmes. However, MAT score is accepted by over 700 MBA colleges in India including: Amity University GL Bajaj Institute of Management & Research Christ University GITAM Institute of Management JIMS Rohini Jain University Taxila Business School, Jaipur SRM University Birla Institute of Management Technology Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Tezpur University Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India IIFM Bhopal YMCA.

There is no age limit for appearing in MAT exam. Any candidate who has a graduation degree can appear for MAT. They can be fresh graduates or working professionals with several years of work experience. A good number of MAT applicants are working professionals who are seeking to enhance their management skills by pursuing an MBA course. At the same time, a large number of fresh graduates also apply for MAT. Especially from non-technical background as the difficulty level is not as high as CAT or XAT exams. Since, MAT is accepted by MBA colleges for Executive MBA, Online MBA, Part-Time MBA and Distance MBA courses too, a good number of working professionals appear for the MAT exam. MAT is also popular among Management aspirants and working professionals as it is an easy exam and one can prepare for it while working as well. It is easier to strike work and study balance in MAT.

For MAT CBT, candidates will be allotted a test centre in the city they shall have selected as preference in the, MAT application form. Candidates can appear for MAT from home in only IBT mode.  MAT CBT is held in the followimg cities: Agra, Ahmedabad, Asansol, Bareilly, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Delhi, Ernakulam - Kochi, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Hubballi (Hubli), Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Madurai, Meerut, Mumbai, Mysuru (Mysore), Nashik, Noida, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Ranchi, Rourkela, Shillong, Shimla, Silchar, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Vellore and Vijayawada

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.

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.

The MAT application fee is same for all exam modes. The fee amount to be paid is INR 2200 for every single attempt irrespective of the exam mode. If a candidate wishes to combine two attempts (e.g. IBT+IBT, PBT+CBT, IBT+PBT, IBT+CBT), then they will have to pay INR 1500 additionally. Those who opt for additional test will get the benefit of additional 2 Management Institutes for sending their scores in addition to existing option of selecting 5 Management Institutes.

If you wish to take the MAT exam in following combination, then you will have to pay INR 3,600.

For Double Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT)
or PBT+IBT
or PBT+CBT
or CBT+IBT

For every MAT attempt in different phases you need to fill a separate form. However, if you are planning to go for more than one attempt in the same exam phase, they you can apply for a combination of two exam session.

Candidate can take MAT in the following modes and combinations:

• Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) or
• Double Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) or
• Paper Based Test (PBT) or
• Paper Based Test and Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (PBT+IBT) or
• Computer Based Test (CBT) or
• Computer Based Test and Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (CBT+IBT) or
• Paper Based Test and Computer Based Test (PBT+CBT) 

 The MAT application form will be common and candidates will have to only mention their exam modes in it.

There is no provision to edit the MAT application form after submission. Unlike other MBA entrance exams, there is not provision of form correction in MAT. Forms submitted once will be final. If a candidate has made a mistake in the form or wishes to change any information they cannot do so. They will have to fill a fresh MAT application form with a new phone number and email ID. They will also have to pay the application fee again. Aspirants must note that the MAT application fee is non refundable so they cannot request for refund if they have filled the form incorrectly. Thus, it is very important for candidates to check each and every field of the MAT application form before hitting the submit button. In case they have filled incorrect information in any field, they must edit it before final submission.

Ideal time to start MAT preparation is 6 months before the exam session. But if you have appeared for it before, you will need less time to prepare. So, plan your preparation accordingly.

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.

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.

MAT or Management Aptitude Test is a national level entrance exam conducted four times a year by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA/PGDM and other management programs. The MAT exam pattern is as follows: Mode: The exam is conducted in both paper-based and computer-based modes. Duration: The total duration of the exam is 150 minutes or 2.5 hours. Sections: The exam consists of five sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment. Number of Questions: There are a total of 200 questions, with 40 questions in each section. Marking Scheme: Each question carries 1 mark and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. To prepare for the MAT 2023 exam, you can follow the below tips: Understand the Exam Pattern: Before you start your preparation, make sure you have a clear understanding of the exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus. Create a Study Plan: Create a study plan that suits your schedule and stick to it. Allocate time to each section and prioritize the topics that you find difficult. Practice Mock Tests: Practice mock tests regularly to get an idea of the exam pattern and to improve your time management skills. Improve Your Language Skills: To do well in the Language Comprehension section, improve your reading and vocabulary skills. Read newspapers, magazines, and novels to enhance your language skills. Focus on Mathematics and Data Analysis: To do well in the Mathematical Skills and Data Analysis and Sufficiency sections, practice regularly and improve your calculation speed. Work on Your Critical Reasoning Skills: To do well in the Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section, practice puzzles, riddles, and logical reasoning questions. Stay Updated with Current Affairs To do well in the Indian and Global Environment section, stay updated with the latest news and events. Revise Regularly: Revise the topics regularly to retain what you have learned. Stay Confident and Positive: Lastly, stay confident and positive. Believe in yourself and your abilities to crack the exam. Good luck with your preparation!

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.

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. 

 

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

If you have appeared for MAT before and are thoroughly familiar with the exam syllabus and topics then you can prepare for it with the help of MAT mock tests only. However, if you are appearing for it for the first time, you will need to cover the MAT syllabus first and then practice mock tests. Mock tests are useful for increasing speed and accuracy. With conceptual clarity, mock tests won't help much in preparation.

MAT test centre is allotted on the basis of the following factors:

·       Candidate's preference mentioned in the application form

·       Availability of seat in the centre in that city (first come, first served basis)

No. The digital copy will not be accepted under any circumstances. Only the original print out of MAT admit card in A4 size sheet is accepted as valid proof at the exam centre. It is so because the MAT admit card is to be signed by the candidate and invigilator and stamped by the authorities as a proof of candidate's appearance in the exam on the given date and session. One of the signed copy of the MAT admit card is also to be submitted at the test centre. It is not possible to sign and stamp a digital copy of the admit card thus it is not accepted at the MAT exam centre. The candidate must carry two copies of the original print out of the MAT admit card. Both copies must be in color. Candidates should also carry their recent passport size photo for MAT CBT and PBT both. The photo should preferably be same as uploaded in the MAT application form.

No, the candidate cannot change MAT exam mode after the admit card has been released. The exam mode, test centre and timings mentioned on the MAT admit card will be final and the candidate will have to appear for the test accordingly. Thus, candidates must choose their MAT exam mode in the application form after much deliberation.

Yes, for every MAT IBT session the admit card is issued to candidates. Candidates have to download the MAT IBT admit card for their session from the AIMA MAT admit card. The process to download the MAT IBT admit card is the same as CBT or PBT. One needs to login with their application number and password and download the MAT IBT admit card from the AIMA MAT website. The MAT IBT admit card will be checked before the exam session is started in remote proctored mode. Candidates will have to present their admit cards for verification online to the AI and human proctor who will be invigilating the exam session. Once the admit card and photo ID have been validated, candidates will get the approval of taking the exam. If they do not present their admit card, they won't be allowed to appear in the exam.

There are over 800 MBA colleges in India that accept MAT score for admission. MAT is a national level exam and it is accepted in all states of the country. A large number of private management institutes accept MAT score. Some of the popular colleges include, Amity University, Dr DY Patil B School, Pune, ITM University,   GL Bajaj Institute of Management & Research, OP Jindal Global University,   Christ University,   GITAM Institute of Management, JIMS Rohini, JK Business School Gurgaon,   ABBS School of Management, SRM University, IILM University. Check here top MBA colleges accepting MAT score: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/top-mba-colleges-accepting-mat-score-blogId-6056

MAT score is accepted by lot of MBA colleges across India. Candidates can find a college of their percentile range among the 800 MBA colleges that accept MAT score. If you have scored in the MAT percentile range of 70-80 percentile, you can seek admission in the following colleges. These are some of the popular MBA college that accept MAT score of 70-80 percentile. Institute of Business Management and Technology Jaypee Business School EMPI Business School Delhi School of Business FIIB Delhi Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Usha and Lakshmi Mittal Institute of Management SCMS Cochin School of Business IES Management Colleges and Research Centre Mumbai Globsyn Business School, Kolkata Calcutta Business School, Kolkata GITAM School of International Business Visakhapatnam GITMA Hyderabad Business School Hyderabad Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies Mumbai Rajalakshami School of Business Chennai ABBS Bangalore.

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?

AIMA MAT releases the results phase wise. The exam is held in multiple sessions in February, May, September and December phases. So the results are released for all the sessions of a particular phase on the same day. The MAT February result of all sessions are released in March. The MAT May results are released in June and the MAT September result is released in October and MAT December results are released in January. Candidates who appear for the exam, can download their scorecard for their exam session from the AIMA MAT website. AIMA does not release cut offs for admission through MAT. It has no role in the MAT cut off determination. The participating institutes determine MAT cut offs on their own and as per their selection parameters and criteria.

There is no passing marks in MAT. Anybody with above 0 score is eligible for admission. However, colleges select candidates on the basis of MAT cut offs. No MAT score accepting college has less than 60 percentile as cut off.

MAT scaled score is between 200 to 800. It is arrived at using scores of all the five sections of the exam. Raw scores are coverted into scaled score by applying a standardised formula after with MAT percentile is calculated.

MAT cut off is the minimum score required for admission to any college. Every MAT accepting college has a minimum percentile basis which they select candidates for admission.

If you are targeting any of the top tier MBA colleges, then it is required to have a score of 600 score in MAT, which will convert into 90 percentile and above.