The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardized national-level entrance examination conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA and allied programs at various business schools across India. First administered in 1988, MAT is recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, as a credible tool for screening candidates for postgraduate management programs. It is accepted by over 600+ B-schools nationwide, making it one of the most widely recognized MBA entrance exams in the country.

MAT is conducted four times a year — in February, May, September, and December — offering flexibility to candidates who may want to improve their scores across multiple attempts. It is also unique in the sense that it offers three modes of testing: Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT), allowing students to choose a format that suits their preferences and convenience.

The MAT exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 150 minutes. The questions are divided across five sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment. Each section carries equal weightage, and each correct answer awards one mark, while 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. However, the Indian & Global Environment section is not considered while calculating the composite score, though some B-schools may still use it during admissions.

MAT is considered moderately difficult and is best suited for candidates aiming to enter mid-tier management institutes. Preparation typically involves brushing up on high-school level math, improving reading comprehension and vocabulary, and practicing logical reasoning problems. Since MAT is a speed-based test with relatively easier questions than CAT or XAT, success largely depends on time management, accuracy, and consistent practice through mock tests and sample papers.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step overview of the MAT (Management Aptitude Test) application process as conducted by AIMA:

📝 1. Registration on AIMA's Official Portal

  • Visit mat.aima.in and click on Register to create your login using a valid email and mobile number (OTP verification follows).

  • After successful registration, you'll receive your user credentials for future logins.

🔧 2. Filling the Application Form

  • Log in to access the online form. Populate personal, academic, contact, and category details.

  • Choose your exam mode:

    • PBT (Paper-Based Test) – ₹2,100

    • CBT (Computer-Based Test) – ₹2,100

    • Dual mode (PBT + CBT) – ₹3,600 (includes extra fee).

  • Select up to two modes (dual allows broader access and more institute options).

📄 3. Uploading Documents

  • Upload scanned passport-size photograph (50–100 KB, JPEG) and signature (10–40 KB, JPEG).

  • Keep handy:

    • Class 10/12 and graduation mark sheets

    • Govt-issued ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)

    • If applicable, caste or PwD certificates.

💵 4. Payment of Application Fee

  • Pay online via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or wallet.

  • Fee structure:

    • ₹2,100 for a single mode (PBT or CBT)

    • ₹3,600 for dual mode (PBT + CBT).

  • The fee is non-refundable; make sure of your details and selected options before submitting .

✅ 5. Review & Submit

  • Check all details in the preview before final submission.

  • After submitting, download and print the confirmation page and save it for future reference .

🕒 6. Choice of Test Cities & Institutes

  • You can select up to four preferred exam cities.

  • Choose up to five institutes to which AIMA will send your scores. With dual-mode registration, you can select up to seven institutes .

📝 7. Admit Card Download

  • For PBT, admit cards are released ~3 days before the exam; for CBT, ~3 days prior to the exam date .

  • Keep the admit card printed— digital copies are not accepted.

📆 8. Dates & Deadlines for May 2025 Session

Event

PBT (May)

CBT (May)

Last date to register

May 25, 2025

June 2, 2025

Admit card release

May 28, 2025

June 5, 2025

Exam date

May 31, 2025

June 8, 2025

Result declaration

By 3rd week June

By 3rd week June

 

🔎 Quick Tips

  • Dual mode gives you flexibility and a wider spread of score reporting.

  • No facility for offline/physical forms—everything is strictly online.

  • No major edits are allowed post-submission, especially after fee payment—double-check before finalizing .

 

 

Here’s a detailed overview of the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) syllabus, section-wise:

📚 MAT Syllabus Overview

The MAT exam comprises 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across 5 sections, with each section containing 40 questions. The total time allotted is 150 minutes (2.5 hours). The syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s general aptitude for business and management studies.

🔹 1. Language Comprehension

This section tests English language skills: vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.

Key Topics:

  • Reading Comprehension (short and long passages)

  • Para jumbles (jumbled sentences)

  • Sentence Correction

  • Fill in the Blanks

  • Antonyms & Synonyms

  • One-word Substitution

  • Idioms & Phrases

  • Sentence Completion

  • Grammar Usage

Tip: Read editorials and articles regularly to boost comprehension and vocabulary.

🔹 2. Mathematical Skills

This section is similar to the Quant section in other MBA exams, focusing on Class 10–12 level math.

Key Topics:

  • Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Time-Speed-Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work)

  • Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)

  • Geometry and Mensuration

  • Number Systems

  • Ratio & Proportion, Mixtures & Alligations

  • Permutation & Combination

  • Probability

  • Set Theory

  • Data Sufficiency

Tip: Practice speed and accuracy—most errors happen due to time pressure.

🔹 3. Data Analysis & Sufficiency

This section involves interpreting data sets in various formats and determining sufficiency of data.

Key Topics:

  • Tables and Charts (Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts)

  • Caselets

  • Data Comparison

  • Data Sufficiency

  • Venn Diagrams

  • Quantitative Reasoning

Tip: Use mental math and estimation for faster calculations.

🔹 4. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

This section evaluates logical thinking, problem-solving ability, and pattern recognition.

Key Topics:

  • Series (Number, Letter)

  • Coding-Decoding

  • Blood Relations

  • Direction Sense

  • Analogies

  • Syllogisms

  • Logical Puzzles

  • Assumptions, Arguments, and Conclusions

  • Statement-Conclusion

  • Cause and Effect

Tip: Practice daily to build speed in visual and logical puzzles.

🔹 5. Indian & Global Environment

This is the general awareness section. Although it’s part of the exam, it does not count toward the composite score, but some B-schools may consider it separately.

Key Topics:

  • Current Affairs (National and International)

  • Business & Economics

  • Government Policies

  • Awards and Honors

  • Sports and Culture

  • International Organizations

  • Social Issues

  • Corporate News

Tip: Stay updated with current affairs via news apps, magazines (like Business Today), or monthly current affairs PDFs.

✅ MAT Exam Summary

Section

No. of Questions

Marks

Language Comprehension

40

40

Mathematical Skills

40

40

Data Analysis & Sufficiency

40

40

Intelligence & Reasoning

40

40

Indian & Global Environment

40

40*

Total

200

200

*The Indian & Global Environment section is not included in the composite score used by most institutes.

 

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