Introduction
Management Aptitude Test or MAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admissions to MBA/PGDM courses at 800+ B-schools in India. The exam is conducted in multiple sessions in four phases – February, May, September, and December. The MAT question paper carries 200 questions from (40 each) English, Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness.
MAT is conducted in all major cities in India. Persons/candidates living abroad can apply for MAT by opting for Internet Based Test (IBT) mode only.
Conducted by
Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardized national-level exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA).
Frequency
MAT is conducted 4 times in a year in February, May, September, and December. The minimum qualification for appearing in MAT is graduation in any discipline from any recognized University or equivalent recognized degree. A final year student in any undergraduate (i.e., B.A, B.Sc., B.Com., B.Tech., etc.) can also appear provisionally. Usually, there is a minimum percentage requirement in graduation, which is different for different MIs/University.
Validity
1 year
Mode of Test
A. Candidate can opt for Computer Based Test (CBT) by paying a fee of 1950/-.
B. Candidate can opt for Paper Based Test (PBT) by paying a fee of 1950/-.
C. Candidate can opt for Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) by paying a fee of 1950/-.
Note:
Candidate can take MAT as
(i) Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) or
(ii) Double Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) or
(iii) Paper Based Test (PBT) or
(iv) Paper Based Test and Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (PBT+IBT) or
(v) Computer Based Test (CBT) or
(vi) Computer Based Test and Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (CBT+IBT) or
(vii) Paper Based Test and Computer Based Test (PBT+CBT)
Key points to keep in mind while filling the MAT application form are that the fee is non-refundable, and there is no provision for form corrections. So, in case a candidate has made a mistake in the form, they will have to register again and fill a new form by paying the fee again. To take a re-test also, candidates have to fill a fresh MAT application form and pay the fee again.
Competition & Significance
It is held four times a year, with over 20,000 candidates appearing for each session. MAT is a gateway to more than 600 B-schools and management colleges across India. The difficulty level of MAT is less than CAT, XAT, IIFT, and some other management tests.
The most important benefit of taking the exam is that the MAT score is almost universally accepted by top B-Schools in India. The MAT exam score is accepted by approximately 600 MBA universities in India, making it one of the country's most popular MBA entry tests.
Paper Pattern
The first step required to win the race is to be aware of the MAT exam pattern. Take a look at the MAT exam pattern expected this year and a list of a few important topics that will test your competency to crack the MAT exam.
| Section Name | Total Number of Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 40 | 30 mins. |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 40 | 35 mins. |
| Language Comprehension | 40 | 30 mins. |
| Indian & Global Environment | 40 | 15 mins. |
| Mathematics | 40 | 40 mins. |
| Total | 200 | 150 mins. (2.5 hrs.) |