The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level examination organized by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission into renowned MBA programs offered by various prestigious colleges in India. Read more career blogs at college49.
Preparation Tips and Tricks To Crack The Exam
MAT preparation can indeed be accomplished in a short period with a combination of hard work and smart strategies since it is a speed-based test. The MBA entrance exam typically consists of questions ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels. To excel in the MAT exam, focus on enhancing your speed and accuracy while solving the questions.
Though MAT is a preferred option for admission to Tier-2 and private MBA institutes, aspiring candidates must target a minimum score of 90-95 percentile to secure a seat in a good college. If you’re planning to appear for the MAT exam, dedicate yourself to thorough preparation and practice, as this will increase your chances of achieving your desired percentile and getting into a reputable institution.
Here are some revised tips for preparing and taking the MAT exam:
- Consider opting for the IBT MAT instead of CBT or PBT MAT, as it allows you to take the test from the comfort of your home. This saves commuting and waiting time at the test center.
- Familiarize yourself with the MAT exam pattern, including the sectional composition and syllabus. Browse through the topics and sections to understand what to expect in the exam.
- Take two mock tests per day before the exam date. After each mock test, carefully analyze your performance, identify any errors, and work on improving them.
- As the exam date approaches, avoid starting preparations on new topics. Focus on reinforcing your strong areas and improving in weaker sections. It’s better to skip topics that you haven’t prepared for at this stage.
- Download your MAT admit card in a timely manner and double-check all the details, including the test date and time slot. If you have opted for the IBT exam, get ready at least one hour before the exam at your home. If you have chosen CBT or PBT MAT, report to the test center at least one hour before the exam time.
Exam Day Tips:
- Avoid wasting time scanning the entire question paper. Begin attempting the paper as soon as the exam starts.
- In your first attempt, start with the easiest questions and try to solve all the doable questions in the first four sections within 60-70 minutes.
- In your second and third attempts, focus on solving more questions with 100% accuracy within another 60-70 minutes.
- In the remaining 20-30 minutes, attempt the slightly difficult but still manageable questions. If time allows, try to solve more questions, but avoid spending too much time on any single question. Skip the questions that are consuming too much time.
- Allocate no more than 10-15 minutes for the General Knowledge (GK) section on Indian and Global Environment, as it is not counted for the composite and percentile score calculation.
MAT Exam
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardized exam that has been in existence since 1988. Its purpose is to help Business Schools (B-Schools) evaluate candidates for admission to MBA and related programs. In 2003, the Government of India, Ministry of HRD, recognized MAT as a national-level test. Any B-School, whether national or international, can consider MAT scores as part of the admission process by referring to the Score Cards issued to the candidates. Being the largest test of its kind in the country, MAT serves as a gateway to over 600 B-Schools across India.
MAT Exam Date 2024
The NTA is expected to announce the exam date for CMAT 2024 in February 2024. Here is the tentative schedule for CMAT 2024:
| CMAT 2024 Events | CMAT 2024 Dates |
| CMAT 2024 registration starts | Second week of February 2024 |
| Registration ends | Second week of March 2024 |
| Image correction window | Second week of March 2024 |
| CMAT admit card 2024 release | Last week of April 2024 |
| CMAT 2024 exam | April-May 2024 |
| CMAT 2024 answer key release and challenge | One week after the exam |
| CMAT 2024 result declaration | Three weeks after the exam |
MAT Exam Registration
Here are some important instructions for filling out the MAT application form 2024:
- The MAT exam registration can be done only through online mode.
- The application form for MAT 2024 has been made available for the PBT mode.
- It is important for applicants to provide accurate and correct details in the application form.
- Scanned images of the photograph (10 to 50KB) and signature (5 to 20KB) will be required to upload during the application process.
- There is no offline mode available for filling out the application form.
- Applicants should keep a copy of the application form and fee receipt safe for future reference.
Registration Fee:
- For PBT mode: Rs 1900/-
- For CBT mode: Rs 1900/-
- For both PBT and CBT modes: Rs 3050/-
MAT Exam Syllabus
Here is the syllabus for MAT 2024 in the respective sections:
Data Analysis and Sufficiency:
- Data tables, data charts
- Bar diagrams and charts including simple, stacked, composite bar, and pie charts
- Graphs, Data Analysis, Data Comparison
- Caselet-based data
- Venn diagram
- Data sufficiency
Indian and Global Environment:
- Business and Economics
- Current GK (General Knowledge)
- Basics on current reading newspapers and periodicals
- Devaluation and upvaluation of the rupee
- Business, national, and international events
Mathematical Skills:
- Arithmetic
- Interest
- Speed, Time, and Distance
- Time and Work
- Averages
- Number system
- Mixture and Allegation
- Unitary Method
- Commercial math
- Permutation and Combination
- Ratio and Proportion
- Elementary mathematics, etc.
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning:
- Fact interference
- Passage and conclusion
- Analogy
- Statement argument
- Clocks and calendars
- Binary logic
- Premise and conclusion
- Linear and matrix arrangement
- Team formation
- Cubes, rows
- Network diagrams
- Quantitative reasoning
- Puzzles
- Logical Reasoning
- Critical reasoning
English:
- Comprehension of Passage
- Synonyms
- Proverbs
- Sentence Correction
- Antonyms
- Punctuation, etc.
MAT Exam Eligibility Criteria
Before proceeding to fill out the application form, candidates must review the following MAT eligibility criteria:
Qualification: Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline to be eligible to apply.
Number of Attempts: There is no specified limit on the number of attempts for the MAT exam.
Age Limit: There is no specific age limit prescribed to appear for the exam.
Appearing Candidates: Candidates who are currently in their final year of graduation or awaiting their final exam results are also eligible to apply for the exam.
MAT Exam Tips and Books
Candidates can follow these beneficial MAT preparation tips to achieve a better rank in the entrance exam:
- Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and structure.
- Check the complete syllabus provided on the website and study accordingly.
- Choose the best possible books and study materials for your preparations.
- Divide your time effectively and create a proper study schedule for the exam.
- Dedicate sufficient time for studying and follow your schedule diligently.
- Utilize previous years’ question papers and sample papers for practice and to understand the exam pattern.
- Regular exercise and maintaining good physical health can help improve concentration and overall well-being.
Here is a list of recommended books for MAT exam preparation:
- “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis
- “Verbal Ability & Comprehension for MBA Exams” by Disha Publications
- “Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension” by Nishit K. Sinha
- “A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal
- “Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning” by Gajendra Kumar
- “Koncept of Logical Reasoning” by Gajendra Kumar
- “Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency” by Arihant Experts
- “Data Analysis and Sufficiency” by Arun Sharma
- “How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for MAT” by Arun Sharma
MAT Exam Cuts Off
MAT Cut Off is typically announced by participating institutes after the declaration of results by AIMA. Candidates aiming for the upcoming exam should refer to the previous year’s MAT Cut Off to understand the exam’s difficulty level.
Based on trends from the previous year, MAT Cut Off percentiles for top B-schools such as PUMBA, IPE Hyderabad, and XIME Bangalore are usually set above the 95+ percentile. Additionally, there are other institutes that accept MAT Cut Off within the range of 70-85 percentiles. Candidates who meet the MAT 2022 Cut Off criteria will be eligible to participate in the counseling process. Detailed information about MAT Cut Off 2022, including factors influencing the cut-off, institute-wise cut-offs, and previous years’ cut-offs, can be obtained.
MAT Exam Admit Card
Candidates will be able to download the admit card from the official website only. Candidates need to use their credentials, including email ID, application number, and date of birth (DOB), to download the admit card. It is essential for candidates to download and print the admit card. The admit card must be carried to the test center without fail. Candidates who fail to carry the admit card will not be allowed to write the exam.
The admit card will contain the following information:
- Applicant’s Name
- Applicant’s Address
- Applicant’s Date of Birth (DOB)
- Applicant’s Contact Details
- Applicant’s Roll Number
- Exam Name & Address
- Exam Date & Time
- University Name
- Board Details.
MAT Exam Question Paper
MAT 2023 question paper consists of five sections, with each section containing 40 questions. Each question carries 1 mark. In total, there are 200 questions in the MAT exam, and candidates have 150 minutes to answer them. Here are some important points related to the MAT question paper for CBT, PBT, and IBT:
The five sections of the MAT question paper are:
- Language Comprehension
- Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
- Data Analysis and Sufficiency
- Mathematical Skills
- Indian and Global Environment
The following is the sectional breakdown and the number of recommended attempts per subject in the MAT exam:
MAT Sections Number of Questions Number of Good Attempts Language Comprehension 40 questions 23-25 Intelligence and Critical Reasoning 40 questions 22-25 Data Analysis and Sufficiency 40 questions 16-18 Mathematical Skills 40 questions 21-23 Indian and Global Environment 40 questions 10-15
MAT Exam Mock Test
The official MAT mock test is available exclusively for registered candidates. To access the mock test and benefit from its practice, follow the steps below:
- Visit the official AIMA-MAT website: https://mat.aima.in/
- Enter your registered email ID and password.
- Click on ‘Login’ to access your dashboard.
- Select the mock test option and begin solving the questions.
- Once you complete the mock test, your scores will be displayed for reference. This will allow you to assess your level of preparation for MAT.
- By taking the mock test, you can identify the topics you have mastered and those that require further improvement.
Engaging with the MAT mock test will enable you to evaluate your readiness for the actual exam and focus your efforts on areas that need more attention.
MAT Exam Pattern 2024
The MAT pattern is designed and regulated by the All India Management Association (AIMA). Similar to other MBA entrance exams, MAT is a time-constrained test that emphasizes speed and accuracy.
The MAT question paper consists of a total of 200 questions covering the areas of Language Comprehension, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment. Each section contains 40 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The difficulty level of the MAT exam is generally considered to be easy to moderate.
MAT is conducted in three modes: Paper Based Test (PBT), Computer Based Test (CBT), and Internet Based Test (IBT). The exam pattern remains the same for all three modes. MAT is conducted multiple times in four phases, allowing candidates to take the exam as many times as they wish.
Here is the exam pattern for the MAT 2024 examination:
| Exam Mode | PBT (Paper-Based Test), CBT (Computer-Based Test), IBT (Internet-Based Test) |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Number of Questions | 200 (40 questions in each section) |
| Number of Sections | 5 sections, including Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Indian & Global Environment, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark for each correct response, -0.25 mark for each wrong response. |
MAT Exam Highlights 2024
| Exam Name | MAT 2024 |
| Full-Form | Management Aptitude Test |
| Type of Exam | Undergraduate |
| Level Level of Exam | National Level |
| Courses Offered | Management |
| Organizing Body | All India Management Association |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) & Offline (Paper-Based Test) |
| Exam Date | February 2024 for Paper-Based Test (PBT), February 2024 for Computer-Based Test 1 (CBT 1), March 2024 for Computer-Based Test 2 (CBT 2) |
| Exam Duration | 150 minutes |
| Official website | https://www.aima.in/ |
1. What is the difficulty level of MAT exam?
MAT is one of the easier MBA entrance exam. The difficulty level of the exam much easier than CAT XAT or CMAT. Candidates usually prepare for CAT XAT and CMAT and use that experience to give the MAT exam. Even though the MAT has more questions than XAT CAT CMAT. It is easier because the questions of all the five sections- Mathematical Skills, Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency and Indian and Global Environment, are easy and straightforward. There are less Reading Comprehension passages of shorter length and are easy to comprehend.
2. What is MAT Counselling ?
The process of MAT counselling will be organized by the MAT participating institutes only. The counselling will begin after the announcement of the MAT result. At the time of counselling, candidate should bring their documents along with them for the verification process. Allotment of seats will be based on the availability of seats in colleges, MAT score, and category etc.
3. Why MAT exam is organized?
The exam is conducted for admission to MBA and PGDM or PGP courses offered by more than 800 top Business Schools in India
4. What is the composite score in MAT Exam?
As per the official updates of AIMA, MAT Exam Composite Score is the marks that are estimated based on candidates’ performance in the first 4 sections of the exam: Language Comprehension, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Intelligence & Critical Reasoning. So, the candidates need to perform well in these sections to get a good MAT Result.
5. How does MAT Merit List prepare?
Merit List for all competitive exams carries the list of candidates who qualify for the selection rounds. Thereby, the MAT Merit list will also carry the candidates who have qualified for the GD-PI round conducted by the participating institutes.
6. What is MAT Cut Off?
It is the minimum marks that are needed to get shortlisted for the further selection rounds: GD-PI. So, the candidates must clear MAT Cut Off to be shortlisted for the selection round for the final admission.
7. Which are the highly recommended books for MAT preparation 2024?
Study Package for Management Aptitude Test by Arun Sharma A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by Dr. R.S. Aggarwal MAT 20 Years Topic-wise Solved Papers by Deepak Aggarwal MAT (Management Aptitude Test) Entrance Exam Guide by R. Gupta
