MAT Exam 2026: Registration (Feb Session Open), Dates (OUT), Syllabus, Pattern, Question Papers, Preparation Tips

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.

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, the 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.

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.

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 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.

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!

The CBT or computer based mode MAT exam is conducted online in which, candidates have to punch in their answers on the computer screen with the help of the mouse-pad. In PBT mode exam, candidates have to fill an OMR sheet with a blue/black ball point pen with the suitable option as the answer. These days most of the candidates opt for CBT which is way it is conducted twice in a particular exam phase. PBT is conducted only once in MAT exam phase. There is no difference in the exam pattern or syllabus of the MAT CBT and MAT PBT. Candidates can choose the mode of exam at the time of registration as per their convenience. If a candidate is comfortable in pen and paper mode, then they can opt for MAT PBT and if the candidate is comfortable in taking tests on computer, they can opt for MAT CBT. However, the CBT and PBT exams are held in different cities so candidates must check the list of test cities before choosing their exam mode.

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.

There are 150 questions in MAT. Each section has 30 questions of easy to moderate difficulty level. It is not mandatory to solve all the questions. Candidates should aim to solve about 90-100 questions to get a good score.

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

MAT and CMAT have similar syllabus but the difficulty level is different. Both exams have Quantitative Aptitude Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, English and General Knowledge. CMAT has an additional section - Innovation and Entrepreneurship which was introduced in 2021. While MAT is an easy exam, CMAT is moderately tough but to say which is better totally depends upon the college a candidate is targeting for MBA Admission. The participating colleges for both exams are different. If a candidate's dream college accepts MAT score, then they appear for MAT but if their dream college accepts CMAT then they should appear for CMAT. The CMAT exam is conducted by the NTA only once in a year but MAT is conducted multiple times in a year. AIMA conducts MAT in February, May, September and December. So, unlike CMAT MAT gives a candidate the choice to appear for the exam when they are well prepared and improve test score in the same academic session. The benefit of CMAT or MAT is that former is accepted by all government and state universities/institutes whereas latter is accepted by mostly private institutes.

MAT scorecard is the main document which is the identity proof of a candidate qualifying the exam. Thus it is not only necessary to keep a copy of the scorecard but also necessary to have an error free scorecard. After downloading the MAT result cum scorecard the candidates must check it thoroughly for errors. Each candidate's MAT result cum scorecard will contain the following information: 1. Candidate's name 2. Candidate's roll number 3. Candidate's form number 4. Degree 5. Work experience 6. Candidate's gender 7. Candidate's category 8. Test date 9. Candidate's date of birth 10. MAT sectional scores 11. MAT overall score 12. MAT composite scores 13. MAT percentile In case there is any error in the MAT scorecard (specifically personal details of the candidate) then the test taker must reach out to the AIMA MAT admission cell to get it rectified as faulty scorecards may not be accepted by colleges.

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 and 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.

No, there is no provision of changing the MAT IBT exam slot after the admit card has been released. Each session of the MAT IBT exam is conducted in two slots: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Candidates get the option to select the MAT IBT session at the time of filling the application form. They can select their preference in the application form as per their convenience. Later on there will be no way to change the preference. Once the MAT admit card is released, candidates must check their slot and make preparation for taking the exam in remote proctored mode accordingly. They should arrange for high-speed internet connectivity, a laptop/desktop with functional webcam and download the tools/specifications as prescribed by the AIMA for MAT IBT. Candidates should also arrange for a room which is well lit and disturbance free for taking the MAT IBT exam.