About MAT
MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is conducted by AIMA four times a year in three formats — Paper-Based (PBT), Computer-Based (CBT), and Internet-Based (IBT). Recognised by India's Ministry of Education, MAT scores are accepted by 600+ B-schools and 1,400+ institutions across India. With over 30 lakh candidates across 35+ years, it is one of the most accessible MBA entrance exams in the country.
Key Facts
- Conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA) since 1988
- Four test cycles per year — February, May, September, December
- Three formats: Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), Internet-Based Test (IBT)
- Accepted by 600+ B-schools; 1,400+ universities and colleges nationwide
- No age limit and no restriction on number of attempts
- 150 questions across 5 sections; total duration 120 minutes
- Negative marking: -0.25 per wrong answer
- Scaled score range: 200–800; score valid for one year from test date
- Registration fee: ₹2,200–₹2,300 (single mode); ₹3,800–₹4,000 (dual mode)
- Candidates can appear in multiple sessions in the same year and use the best score
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised/UGC-recognised university. Final-year students awaiting results are also eligible.
Professional Degrees
CA, CS, ICWA and equivalent professional degree holders are eligible
Age Limit
No age limit
Attempts
No restriction — candidates can appear in all four sessions per year and across multiple years
Minimum Percentage
No minimum percentage requirement in graduation
Nationality
Both Indian nationals and international candidates can register
MAT 2026 — All Modes (PBT / CBT / IBT)
150 Questions · 120 Minutes| Section / Module | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 40 | 40 |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematical Skills | 40 | 40 |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 20 | 20 |
| Economic & Business Environment | 20 | 20 |
- Total: 150 questions · 150 raw marks · Scaled score 200–800
- Duration: 120 minutes; no sectional time limits — manage time freely across sections
- Correct answer: +1 mark · Wrong answer: −0.25 mark · Unanswered: no penalty
- Economic & Business Environment section score is NOT counted in the composite score used by most colleges
- Same paper pattern for PBT, CBT, and IBT — only the delivery mode differs
Language Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension (business, current affairs, science, literature)
- Para Jumbles & Sentence Arrangement
- Error Correction & Spotting
- Synonyms, Antonyms & Vocabulary
- Idioms & Phrases
- Fill in the Blanks
- Grammar & Usage
- Verbal Ability
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
- Seating Arrangements
- Blood Relations
- Syllogisms
- Logical Sequences & Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Pattern Recognition
- Puzzles
- Decision Making
- Analogy & Classification
- Statement-Conclusion / Statement-Assumption
Mathematical Skills
- Percentages, Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work; Time, Speed & Distance
- Ratios, Proportions & Mixtures
- Number Systems & HCF/LCM
- Algebra & Linear Equations
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Permutations & Combinations
- Probability
- Modern Mathematics & Set Theory
Data Analysis & Sufficiency
- Line Graphs & Bar Charts
- Pie Charts & Table DI
- Caselets & Paragraph-based DI
- Data Sufficiency (Two-statement format)
- Calculation-intensive chart interpretation
- Comparison across multiple data sets
Economic & Business Environment
- Current Affairs (national & international)
- Recent Economic Policies & Union Budget highlights
- Major Business Deals & Corporate News
- Awards & Recognitions
- World Events & International Developments
- Static GK — important organisations, HQs, taglines
- Business news awareness
Popular Posts & Salary
| Post | Department | Pay Level | Approx. In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA — Premium Colleges (90–95 percentile) | JAGSOM / Jaipuria / BIMTECH / FORE / Christ | 90–95%ile | ₹9–14 LPA |
| MBA — Good Colleges (80–90 percentile) | FLAME / Jaipuria Lucknow / CIMP / JIMS | 80–90%ile | ₹7–11 LPA |
| MBA — Mid-tier Colleges (70–80 percentile) | Amity / SRM / GN Group / LM Thapar | 70–80%ile | ₹5–8 LPA |
| MBA — Budget Options (50–70 percentile) | State & private universities | 50–70%ile | ₹4–6 LPA |
In-hand varies by posting city (HRA) and applicable allowances. Figures are approximate for metro cities.
Important Dates
Feb 2026 — PBT Registration Closes
23 Feb 2026
IndicativeFeb 2026 — PBT Admit Card
26 Feb 2026
IndicativeFeb 2026 — Paper-Based Test (PBT)
1 Mar 2026
IndicativeFeb 2026 — CBT Registration Closes
2 Mar 2026
IndicativeFeb 2026 — CBT Admit Card
5 Mar 2026
IndicativeFeb 2026 — Computer-Based Test (CBT)
8 Mar 2026
IndicativeMay 2026 — Paper-Based Test (PBT)
31 May 2026
IndicativeMay 2026 — Computer-Based Test (CBT)
14 Jun 2026
IndicativeSep 2026 — PBT Registration Closes
7 Sep 2026
IndicativeSep 2026 — PBT Admit Card
10 Sep 2026
IndicativeSep 2026 — Paper-Based Test (PBT)
13 Sep 2026
IndicativeSep 2026 — CBT Registration Closes
14 Sep 2026
IndicativeSep 2026 — CBT Admit Card
17 Sep 2026
IndicativeSep 2026 — Computer-Based Test (CBT)
20 Sep 2026
IndicativeDec 2026 — All Modes
December 2026
IndicativeDates marked "Indicative" reflect the standard annual cycle. Always verify the latest dates from the official website before acting.