MAT 2026 Overview
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA and PGDM programmes.
AIMA states that MAT is conducted multiple times a year and offers candidates flexibility in choosing Paper Based Test (PBT) or Computer Based Test (CBT) modes.
MAT gives management aspirants multiple opportunities during the year and allows candidates to choose between PBT and CBT modes.
AIMA currently states that MAT scores are accepted by 600+ B-Schools across India.
MAT 2026 Important Dates
| Test Mode | Registration Closes | Admit Card | Test Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Based Test (PBT) | September 7, 2026 | September 10, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) | September 14, 2026 | September 17, 2026 | September 20, 2026 |
Dates are based on the current official MAT portal and may be updated by AIMA.
MAT 2026 Eligibility
- Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university or equivalent institution.
- Final-year undergraduate students can also appear provisionally.
- There is no age bar for appearing in MAT.
- Work experience is not mandatory for appearing in MAT.
- Individual management institutes may have their own academic percentage or programme-specific requirements.
AIMA's official MAT FAQ confirms graduation in any discipline as the minimum qualification and states that final-year students can apply provisionally.
MAT 2026 Registration
MAT registration is completed online through the official MAT website operated by AIMA.
How to Apply
- Visit the official MAT website.
- Create your candidate account.
- Enter personal and academic details.
- Select PBT, CBT or both modes.
- Upload the required photograph and signature.
- Pay the applicable registration fee.
- Submit the application.
- Download the confirmation details for future reference.
MAT Registration Fee
| Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| PBT | ₹2,300 |
| CBT | ₹2,300 |
| PBT + CBT | ₹4,000 |
The current AIMA MAT portal lists ₹2,300 for PBT/CBT and ₹4,000 for the combined PBT + CBT option.
Apply / Check MAT →MAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The current official MAT structure contains five sections with 30 questions each. Candidates attempt 150 questions in 120 minutes.
| Section | Questions |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 30 |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 30 |
| Mathematical Skills | 30 |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 30 |
| Economic & Business Environment | 30 |
| Total | 150 |
The official AIMA FAQ confirms the five-section, 150-question, 120-minute structure.
MAT 2026 Marking Scheme
- Each section contains 30 questions.
- The current official MAT information states a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
- Candidates should avoid random guessing because incorrect responses can reduce the score.
MAT rewards a balance between speed and accuracy. Use mock tests to develop a question-selection strategy rather than attempting every question blindly.
MAT 2026 Syllabus
Language Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Verbal Reasoning
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Analytical Reasoning
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Coding-Decoding
- Arrangements
- Series
- Critical Reasoning
Mathematical Skills
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Number System
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Time and Work
Data Analysis & Sufficiency
- Tables
- Charts
- Graphs
- Data Comparison
- Data Sufficiency
- Caselets
Economic & Business Environment
- Current Affairs
- Business News
- Indian Economy
- Banking
- Finance
- Corporate Developments
- Business Terminology
- Static General Knowledge
MAT PBT vs CBT
| Feature | PBT | CBT |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Paper Based | Computer Based |
| Current September 2026 Test Date | September 13 | September 20 |
| Current Registration Fee | ₹2,300 | ₹2,300 |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
AIMA allows candidates to choose PBT, CBT or the combined PBT+CBT option.
Top B-Schools Accepting MAT Scores
MAT scores are accepted by a large number of participating management institutes. The exact participating list and admission criteria can vary by test session and institute.
MAT participation does not mean that every programme at every institute accepts MAT in every admission cycle. Always verify the current institute-level admission notification.
MAT Cutoff
MAT cutoff requirements vary by institute and programme. There is no single national MAT cutoff applicable to every participating B-school.
| Institute | Cutoff Status |
|---|---|
| Amity University | Institute-specific |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | Institute-specific |
| JAGSoM | Institute-specific |
| IPE Hyderabad | Institute-specific |
We will add verified institute-wise MAT cutoff data as the portal's college database expands.
MAT Score & Validity
AIMA states that the MAT score has a validity of one year. Candidates can download their scorecard through the MAT candidate dashboard.
MAT score — 1 year, according to AIMA's official FAQ.
MAT Admission Process
Qualifying MAT does not automatically guarantee admission to a management institute.
- Appear for MAT and obtain the scorecard.
- Shortlist participating B-Schools.
- Apply to institutes according to their individual deadlines.
- Meet institute-specific cutoff and eligibility requirements.
- Participate in the institute's selection process.
- Complete admission formalities after selection.
Depending on the institute, selection may include personal interviews, group discussions, written assessments, academic profile and other criteria.
How to Prepare for MAT 2026
1. Build your fundamentals
Complete the core concepts of arithmetic, algebra, reasoning, grammar and data interpretation.
2. Practise with a timer
MAT requires candidates to solve 150 questions in 120 minutes, so speed is an important part of preparation.
3. Read daily
Reading newspapers, business articles and editorials can improve language comprehension and awareness of business developments.
4. Practise Data Analysis
Regularly solve tables, graphs, charts and data-sufficiency problems.
5. Take full-length mocks
Use mocks to improve time management and identify sections where your accuracy or speed needs improvement.
6. Analyse your mistakes
Maintain a mistake log and revisit questions that consumed excessive time or resulted in avoidable errors.
MAT 2026 FAQs
What is MAT?
MAT stands for Management Aptitude Test and is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA).
How many times is MAT conducted?
AIMA conducts MAT multiple times during the year, providing candidates with multiple opportunities to take the examination.
What is the MAT 2026 exam duration?
The current official MAT pattern has a duration of 120 minutes.
How many questions are there in MAT?
The current official MAT pattern contains 150 questions.
Is MAT conducted online?
MAT is available in Paper Based Test and Computer Based Test modes.
What is the MAT registration fee?
The current AIMA portal lists ₹2,300 for PBT or CBT and ₹4,000 for the combined PBT + CBT option.
Is there negative marking in MAT?
Yes. The current official AIMA FAQ states that 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
Is work experience compulsory for MAT?
No. AIMA's official FAQ states that work experience is not necessary to appear for MAT.
Where can I register for MAT?
Registration is conducted through the official MAT website: mat.aima.in