MAT Exam 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Application Form, Exam Pattern, Admit Card, Syllabus, Result, Counselling

Management Aptitude Test is a national-level examination conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA). The primary objective of the MAT Exam is to make students eligible to get admission to top B-schools in India. 

The MAT Exam is held annually in four sessions: February, May, September, and December. The exam is offered in the following modes: PBT (Paper-Based Test), IBT (Internet-Based Test or remote proctored exam), and CBT (Computer-Based Test). To be able to sit for the MAT Exam, candidates should have passed a graduation degree in their discipline. The MAT Exam can also be taken as many times as candidates wish, but it is usually considered the latest MAT score for admission. 

The MAT Exam syllabus and pattern are similar to other MBA entrance exams, i.e., 150 MCQs from English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Knowledge, to be solved in 120 minutes. To register for the MAT Exam, candidates need to complete the MAT Exam application form on the AIMA MAT portal. The MAT Exam fee is ₹2,200 for PBT or CBT, and ₹3,800 should the candidate opt for both PBT and CBT.

What is the MAT Exam?

Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardised National Level test being conducted since 1988 to facilitate Business Schools (B-Schools) in India to screen candidates for admission to MBA and allied programmes. The Government of India, Ministry of Education, approved MAT as a national-level test in 2003.

The largest test of its kind in the nation, MAT will continue to be your passport to over 800 B-Schools across India. The MAT exam pattern consists of 150 MCQs from English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and General Knowledge, to be solved in 120 minutes.

MAT Exam 2026: Quick Highlights

Check the table below to know the quick highlights of the MAT Exam.

Management Aptitude Test Application/Registration Process 2026

For the Management Aptitude Test application process 2026, candidates can register only online from the official website. Fill in your personal and academic details, upload the required documents, pay the fee, and submit the form. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you complete the application on time.

Step 1 - Visit Official Site AIMA website MAT portal. Check once, Registration is open.

Step 2 - Create Account Registration requires your name, Email ID, Mobile Number, DOB, and Gender.

Step 3 - Fill Application Form Fill in your educational details, address, preferred exam mode (paper-based/test-based/internet) as well as test centre.

Step 4 - Upload Documents (Passport size photograph, Signature and Category certificate, where applicable)

Step 5 - Payment for Application Fee

Step 6 - Submit & Confirm Review all details, submit the form, and download the confirmation.

Step 7 - Admit Card - Released 1 week before exam/test day on the same portal.

The MAT Exam Eligibility Criteria are shown in the table below.

Management Aptitude Test Admit Card 2026

The Management Aptitude Test Admit Card will be available on AIMA official website. The admit card is supposed to be out on May 2026 for MAT May Session. Let us know here some important steps for downloading MAT Admit Card 2026. 

Step 1: Visit the AIMA MAT official website - mat.aima.in.

Step 2: On the homepage, have a look at the 'Download Admit Card' link in the latest updates section. 

Step 3: Enter your registration number, date of birth and email ID as entered in registration. 

Step 4: Select the exam mode (PBT, CBT or IBT) you submitted for your application. 

Step 5: Click on the 'Submit' button for the entered details to be submitted. 

Step 6: Your MAT admit card will be displayed on the screen. You need to check all the details like name, exam date, time and date of exam. 

Step 7: Download the admit card and take a clear printout for your reference. You should have a hard copy on the exam day. 

We strictly advise our students to regularly check the AIMA MAT official website.

MAT Exam Syllabus

The MAT exam syllabus includes a total of 5 sections, i.e, Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Indian & Global Environment, and Data Analysis and Sufficiency. Understanding the syllabus will help the students to know the essential topics to target from each section. The MAT Exam detailed syllabus is shown below in the table.

MAT Exam Language Comprehension Syllabus

The MAT Exam language comprehension important topics are listed below.

MAT Exam Pattern 2026

The MAT Exam Pattern is similar to that of other management entrance exams. The exam consists of 150 MCQs from English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and General Knowledge, to be solved in 120 minutes. The table below shows the MAT Test Structure.

MAT Previous Year Question Paper

To qualify for the MAT Exam, it is important for students to analyse the MAT Exam question papers. By solving the MAT Exam previous year question paper, students can get an idea of the exam pattern and syllabus. Students may download the MAT Exam Previous Year Question papers listed below.

MAT Exam Preparation Tips 2026

Preparing for the MAT (Management Aptitude Test) requires a strategic and personalized approach. Here are essential tips to help you score well.

1. Understanding the Exam Pattern: MAT exam consists of five sections, i.e Language Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Indian & Global Environment, and Data Analysis and Sufficiency.  Each section has 30 questions, making a total of 150 questions. The duration is 120 minutes.

2. Create a Study Plan: Allocate time for each section based on strengths and weaknesses. Try setting daily and weekly study goals.

3. Focus on Concept Clarity: Strengthen your basics in mathematics, reasoning, and English. You may use standard books and study materials to practice formulas, shortcuts, and tricks for quick problem-solving.

4. Solve Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year question papers will help you to:

• Understand question trends and difficulty levels.
• Identify frequently asked topics and important areas.
• Improve speed and accuracy by practicing under timed conditions.

5. Attempt Mock Tests Regularly: Solving MAT Exam Mock Tests helps you to:

• Simulate real exam conditions while solving mocks.
• Analyze mistakes and work on weak areas.
• Track progress to improve performance.

6. Time Management: The MAT Exam is divided into 5 sections. To complete the exam, candidates must divide time wisely among different sections.

7. Strengthen Vocabulary and Reading Skills: To score high in the language section, candidates must focus on strengthening their vocabulary. Some of the effective ways are: 

• Read newspapers, magazines, and business articles daily.
• Learn new words, synonyms, and antonyms.
• Practice comprehension passages for better reading speed.

8. Stay Updated with General Knowledge: To get a decent score in MAT exam 2025 keeping yourself updated with the current affairs is very important.

9. Maintain a Positive Mindset: Students should avoid last-minute stress by following a structured study plan and must stay confident on their preparation.

MAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026

Use these main instructions to ensure your testing event is an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Arrive early, have the required documentation, and do not bring anything that is not allowed so that these do not affect your test. See the table below for further information.

MAT Exam Dress Code 2026

To be ready for the MAT exam, you should wear uncomplicated clothing that allows for quick security checks and comfort during the exam. Avoid multiple layers, accessories, and clothing items that may hinder frisking or identification.  See the table below for more details.

MAT Answer Key 2026

The MAT Answer Key 2026 will be released by several coaching institutes. The MAT Exam Unofficial Answer Key is generally released just after the examination. However, students may get the MAT Exam official answer key on the AIMA MAT official website in some time. Students are requested to keep a regular eye on the official website for MAT 2026 answer key.

MAT Exam Result 2026

The MAT 2026 results for the February session (PBT and CBT) are expected to be released in the last week of March 2026 or First week of April 2026, and candidates can check their scores online at the official website, mat.aima.in. 

MAT Exam Counselling Process

MAT (Management Aptitude Test) counselling is the admission process for selecting MBA/PGDM candidates. It involves shortlisting, interviews, and final selection based on MAT scores. The key steps in the MAT Counselling Process are listed below.

1. Check MAT Results: Candidates can access their MAT scorecard on the official website. The MAT score determines eligibility for the participating institutes.

2. Shortlisting by colleges: B-schools shortlist candidates based on MAT cut-off scores. Each of the college has set its cut-off requirements as per their individual minimum requirements.

3. Application to preferred institutes: Candidates who are shortlisted will apply to colleges of their choice. Some colleges charge an additional application fee.

4. Group Discussion (GD) round: Candidates that have been selected will be asked to participate in a GD round.

5. Personal Interview (PI) round: Candidates will be required to have a PI round where their personality, subject knowledge and career goals will be evaluated.

6. Written Ability Test (WAT) (if applicable): Institutes may ask candidates to take a WAT in order to evaluate their writing skills and critical analysis.

7. Final Selection and merit list: Colleges will also maintain a merit list of students based on MAT Scores, GD, PI and WAT. If selected, candidates will get admission offers.

8. Fee payment and admission confirmation: Candidates must pay the admission fee in order to secure their seat. The institutions will provide students with information related to enrollment.

Management Aptitude Test: Documents Needed During Counselling

• MAT 2025 Admit Card
• MAT 2025 Scorecard / Rank Card
• Class 10th and 12th Mark Sheet & Certificate
• Graduation Mark Sheets
• Birth Certificate
• Domicile Certificate
• Character Certificate
• Migration Certificate
• Medical Fitness Certificate
• Passport (for NRI candidates)
• Self-attested Copies
• Recent Passport-size Photographs

Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Score

The top B-schools accepting the MAT Exam are listed below.

MAT Mock Test

A MAT mock test is a simulated Management Aptitude Test (MAT). It replicates the real exam pattern. It includes sections like Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis, Intelligence, and General Knowledge. The difficulty level matches the actual MAT.  Some of the key reasons to solve practice mock tests are listed below.

1. Familiarizes You with Exam Pattern: It helps you understand the structure of MAT. You get used to question types and format.

2. Improves Time Management: It enhances your speed and accuracy. You learn to complete the test within time limits.

3. Identifies Strengths and Weaknesses: Mock tests help analyze your performance. You can focus on weak areas for improvement.

4. Boosts Confidence: Regular practice reduces exam anxiety. You become comfortable with the actual test environment.

5. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: It sharpens your analytical and logical thinking. You develop effective strategies for solving questions.

Where to Find MAT Mock Tests?

MAT mock tests are available online. Many websites offer free and paid test series. Coaching institutes also provide MAT mock tests for practice. Furthermore, there are a number of books available in the market featuring MAT Exam mock tests.

MAT Response Sheet

The MAT exam response sheet for the 2025 exam, you can visit AIMA-MAT website. To get access to your response sheet first log in with your registration number and email ID, then navigate to the scorecard section. The detailed steps for the same are listed below.

1. Visit the official AIMA-MAT website.
2. Log in with your registration number and email ID.
3. Select the exam month (February/May/September/December).
4. Click on the "scorecard" option.
5. Your MAT scorecard will appear on the screen.
6. Download and save your MAT scorecard.

MAT Exam Cutoff 2025

The MAT Exam cutoff for each paper will be released after the commencement of MAT Examination by various B-schools. The cutoff generally varies with the total number of test takers, the difficulty level of the question paper, and applicant categories. Below in the table is the MAT Cutoff 2025 (Expected) of various colleges.

MAT Exam Centres

All applicants have to select their preferred MAT Exam Centres while filling out the application form. The MAT Exam cities are shown in the table below.

Check the table below for the MAT Exam Dates 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions on MAT

Ques. How is the MAT Result declared?

Ans. Results can be found in the AIMA MAT portal. Students can log in with their registration number & password and download their scorecard. The results will have sectional scores, composite scores, and percentile, valid for one year.

Ques. When will the MAT 2026 Admit Card be released?

Ans. The admit card will be available on the official website one week before the exam date.

Ques. How do I apply for MAT 2026?

Ans. You can apply online only via the official MAT website (mat.aima.in). The process includes:

1. Register on the AIMA MAT portal.
2. Fill in personal & academic details.
3. Upload documents.
4. Pay the application fee online.
5. Download the confirmation page.

Ques. What is the MAT 2026 application fee?

Ans. 

• PBT: ₹2,200
• CBT: ₹2,200
• PBT + CBT (both): ₹3,800
  

Ques. What is the eligibility for MAT 2026?

Ans. 

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Final year students are also eligible.
• No minimum percentage is required by AIMA, but many B-schools prefer 50% (General) and 45% (SC/ST/PwD).
  

Ques. What is the MAT Exam?

Ans. The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA and allied programs. It has been conducted since 1988 and is approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Ques. How many times is MAT conducted in a year?

Ans. MAT is conducted four times a year – in February, May, September, and December.

Ques. What should I carry on the MAT exam day?

Ans. 

• 2 colored printouts of Admit Card
• Original Government-issued Photo ID
• Black/Blue ballpoint pens (for PBT only)
• Water bottle, sanitizer, face mask (if required)

Ques. What is the validity of MAT score?

Ans. MAT scores are valid for 1 academic year for MBA/PGDM admissions. For example, MAT 2026 scores will be valid till March 2027.

Ques. Is MAT easier than CAT, XAT, or CMAT?

Ans. Yes, MAT is generally considered easier than CAT, XAT, and CMAT. The difficulty level is moderate, with less focus on higher-level mathematics.

Ques11 . How many colleges accept MAT score?

Ans. Over 800+ B-Schools in India accept MAT scores, including private universities, autonomous colleges, and some government-approved institutions.

Ques12. What are MAT exam centers?

Ans. MAT exam is conducted across 50+ cities in India for PBT and CBT modes. IBT mode can be taken from home with proper internet and system requirements.

Ques13. Can I switch from PBT to CBT after registration?

Ans. Yes, AIMA provides an option to choose an additional mode (PBT/CBT) by paying an extra fee.

Ques14. Is there a negative marking in MAT?

Ans. Yes. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted.

Ques15. Can foreign/NRI students apply for MAT?
Ans. Yes, NRI and foreign students can apply. They need to submit a valid passport and may have slightly different eligibility in terms of documents.