MAT exam schedule and pattern

The MAT (Management Aptitude Test) holds a significant place as a premier evaluation in the landscape of management education in India. Serving as a gateway to numerous esteemed business schools, the MAT distinguishes itself through its multifaceted examination pattern. Comprising segments such as Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence, and Critical Reasoning, along with the Indian and Global Environment, the MAT ensures a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s cognitive capacities. 

This examination assumes paramount importance for individuals envisaging a trajectory in the management domain, particularly for those completing their undergraduate journey and embarking upon the pursuit of advanced studies like MBA, PGDM, and akin programs. Given its frequency and widespread acceptance, MAT stands as an indispensable catalyst for those with aspirations of making substantial contributions in the realm of management. 

Also read: Preparation tips for MAT exam

MAT exam 2024: An overview 

Information to candidates for MAT December 2024

MAT test structure

MAT has five sections, each with thirty questions. A total of 150 questions are to be attempted over 120 minutes.

Section no.	Section name	No. of questions
I	Language Comprehension	30
II	Intelligence & Critical Reasoning	30
III	Mathematical Skills	30
IV	Data Analysis & Sufficiency	30
V	Economic & Business Environment	30

Eligibility	Graduates in any discipline. Final year students of Graduate Courses can also apply.
Mode of MAT test (How to take the test)	Candidate can take MAT as (i) Paper Based Test (PBT) or (ii) Computer Based Test (CBT) or (iii) Paper Based Test and Computer Based Test (PBT+CBT) or (iv) Computer Based Test 1 and Computer Based Test 2 (CBT 1 + CBT 2) Note: > Candidates can opt for an additional mode of test (e.g. PBT+CBT, CBT + CBT) by paying an extra fee of ₹1500/- in addition to ₹2100/-. > Candidates opting for additional test will have the benefit of selecting additional 2 Management Institutes for sending their scores in addition to existing option of selecting 5 Management Institutes i.e. they can select 7 Management Institutes in total.
How to apply for MAT	Register online at website link: https://mat.aima.in with Credit Card/Debit Card (ATM Card), Net Banking, UPI and Paytm wallet. The fee details are given below: Paper Based Test (PBT) or Computer Based Test (CBT): INR 2100/- PBT + CBT or CBT + CBT: INR 3600/-
Essential document to be made ready for applying MAT 2024	> Valid Email Id > Scanned image of photograph (10 to 50 kb) > Scanned image of signature (5 to 20 kb) > Credit Card/Debit Card (ATM Card) or Net Banking details

Detailed schedule of MAT 2024

DETAILED SCHEDULE – CBT 1 (Computer Based Test)
Last date for CBT 1 online registation	30 November 2024 (Saturday)
Availability of CBT 1 admit card	3 December 2024 (5.00 PM Onwards)
CBT test date	7 December 2024 (Saturday)

DETAILED SCHEDULE – CBT 2 (COMPUTER BASED TEST)
Last date for CBT 2 online registration	15 December 2024 (Sunday)
Availability of CBT admit card	18 December 2024 (5.00 PM Onwards)
CBT test date	22 December 2024 (Sunday)

DETAILED SCHEDULE – PBT (PAPER BASED TEST)
Last date for PBT online registration	7 December 2024 (Saturday)
Availability of PBT admit card	10 December 2024 (5.00 PM Onwards)
PBT test date	14 December 2024 (Saturday)

MAT result	Availability of MAT December’ 24 Score on MAT Website: By 1st week of January 2025 Candidates have to download the MAT Score from website https://mat.aima.in/ (Applicant dashboard)
Test cities	PBT & CBT Test cities details are provided under TAB Download/ View https://mat.aima.in/
List of participating management institutions	Select the institutes where you have applied or are applying for admission. Important Notice: Candidates are advised to check the approval/recognition status of various programs directly from the concerned Authorities/ Institutes/ Universities.
Admit card	All provisionally registered candidates for PBT/CBT have to download their Admit Card from MAT website https://mat.aima.in/ (Applicant dashboard) as per the schedule given above. Admit Card contains Candidate’s Name, Form No, Roll No, Test Date, Test Time and Test Venue Address. Candidate has to strictly follow the date and time allotted to him/her in the admit card.
Resolve your queries	Candidates may clarify queries regarding MAT, if any, at e-mail: mat@aima.in and Contact: 8130338839, 9599030586 (between 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM) & 011-47673020 (between 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM, Monday to Friday)
Salient aspects of MAT exam	> Govt. of India, Ministry of Education approved MAT as a National Level Test > National Level Test for admissions into MBA/ PGDM/ MMS Programs > Acceptability of MAT score is endorsed by Honourable Supreme Court of India and by Delhi High Court > Time tested admission test – trusted for over 35 years since 1988 > Wide acceptability of scores by hundreds of Business Schools and University Departments > Administered four times a year – February, May, August and December > Conducted in 02 modes PBT (Paper Based Test) and CBT (Computer Based Test) > Concession in registration fee for candidates registering for two modes. > Candidates could apply in multiple administrations also > Score validity of one year, best of the score is accepted from multiple attempts > Testing & Assessment Process CMMI SVC Level 3 certified > Availed by lakhs of candidates from all over India
Additional Information	MAT Score is acceptable even to certain other Institutes for considering admission of candidates for Post Graduate Degree / Diploma programs, besides the above Institutes, subject to specific cut-off marks and other admission parameters.

Also read: MBA: To do or not to do

MAT 2024 exam registration

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to successfully register for the exam:

• Access the official website: Start by visiting the official MAT 2024 exam website. You can easily find the web address by searching for “MAT 2024 official website” on your preferred search engine.

• Create an account: If you’re a new user, you must sign up for a website account. Giving your personal information, including your complete name, email address, and phone number, is required. A prompt to create a secure password for your account will appear after you’ve input this data.

• Login: If you already have an account from taking the MAT exam in the past or for any other reason, you can log in right away with your registered email and password.

• Fill in the application form: You’ll be taken to the application form after logging in. This form will seek out specific information about you, such as your name, contact information, educational background, employment experience (if any), and chosen test center location. Take your time to accurately fill in all the required fields.

• Upload the required documents: You will probably need to upload scanned copies of your most recent passport-sized photo and signature to the application form. Ensure that these documents adhere to the specified size and format guidelines mentioned on the website.

• Choose test mode: MAT offers Paper-Based tests (PBT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) options. You’ll need to select your preferred test mode and indicate your choice of the test center.

• Fee payment: There are several ways to pay the registration cost online, including credit cards, debit cards, and Internet banking. The fee amount will depend on your chosen test mode. Make sure to retain the payment confirmation for your records.

• Review and submit: Check all the data you’ve entered thoroughly before submitting it. Any inaccuracies could lead to issues later on. Once you’re confident that all the details are accurate, submit the application form.

MAT exam syllabus

The MAT exam syllabus covers a comprehensive range of topics to assess a candidate’s aptitude for management studies. Here’s a detailed explanation of the MAT exam syllabus:

1. Language comprehension:

This section assesses a candidate’s language skills and understanding of written content. It includes reading comprehension passages, sentence correction, grammar usage, vocabulary, and sentence completion. Candidates need to have a strong grasp of English language conventions, as well as the ability to comprehend and analyze written passages effectively.

2. Mathematical skills:

This segment evaluates a candidate’s quantitative aptitude and mathematical proficiency. Topics covered include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, percentages, ratios, averages, time and distance, probability, and basic mathematical operations. Problem-solving abilities, mathematical reasoning, and numerical calculations are key in this section.

3. Data analysis & sufficiency:

This portion evaluates a candidate’s aptitude for deciphering and analyzing data presented in a variety of formats, including graphs, charts, and tables. Questions may involve data interpretation, data sufficiency, and logical reasoning based on the provided data. Candidates are required to conclude, make inferences, and solve problems using the information given.

4. Intelligence & critical reasoning:

This part evaluates a candidate’s logical and analytical thinking skills. It includes topics like analogies, logical sequences, syllogisms, deductive reasoning, coding-decoding, blood relations, and critical reasoning. The goal is to assess how well candidates can analyze patterns, draw logical conclusions, and think critically to solve complex problems.

5. Indian & global environment:

This unique section examines a candidate’s awareness of current affairs, general knowledge, and business-related topics. It covers areas like national and international events, sports, economics, politics, corporate world developments, and historical events. Staying updated with recent news and having a good understanding of various subjects is essential to perform well in this section.

Check out: How can an MBA help your career

MAT exam: Eligibility criteria

The fundamental requirements for candidates to be eligible for the MAT are outlined in the eligibility criteria. Before submitting their applications, individuals interested in taking the MAT 2024 exam must ensure that they meet the minimal requirements established by the authority responsible for administering the test.

• Candidates must have graduated from a reputable university in any discipline.
• Students in their final year of study are also eligible to apply.
• For the MAT 2024 exam, there is no minimum job experience requirement.
• The MAT exam has no upper age limit.

MAT 2024 exam pattern

The MAT 2024 exam will be administered in three different formats: IBT, CBT, and PBT.

There will be a total of 200 questions, with 40 multiple-choice questions in each section.

It takes 150 minutes to complete the exam. Candidates will get 1 mark for each accurate choice, while 0.25 of a mark will be deducted for each erroneous response. Following is a tabular representation of the MAT exam pattern:

Particulars	Details
Exam Medium	English
Exam Duration	120 minutes
Type of Questions	Objective (MCQs)
Number of Questions	150
Number of Answer Choices	4
Total Marks	150
Marks Awarded	1 (for every correct answer)
Negative Marking	-0.25 (for each incorrect answer)

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MAT exam: Marking scheme

• Each section on the MAT exam carries a weighted average of 40 points.
• Each correct answer gets 1 point.
• There is a 0.25 mark deduction for each incorrect attempt.
• Unanswered questions do not reduce the score.
• The score from the Indian and Global Environment part is not used to determine the MAT percentile.
• All three modes use the same marking methodology.

MAT exam result

MAT exam results for the PBT, CBT, and IBT modes are published on the AIMA’s official website. Candidates must visit the official website to view their results. Following are specific instructions for checking the results:

• Visit the AIMA’s official website.
• Use your registered email address, password, and DOB to log in.
• On your screen, the MAT exam 2024 scorecard will appear.
• You may download the MAT results in PDF format.
• Print the page to use as an additional reference.

Check out: Is work experience required for MBA

MBA admission without MAT

Admission into MBA programs without the MAT percentile is indeed possible, particularly with online MBA offerings. Many prestigious universities recognize that standardized tests like MAT might not fully reflect a candidate’s potential. Online MBA programs, designed to cater to working professionals, often take a more holistic approach to admissions. They consider factors like work experience, recommendation letters, statements of purpose, and prior academic achievements. 

These programs focus on cultivating a diverse cohort with real-world experience. As a result, they emphasize qualities beyond test scores. While MAT scores might be required for traditional full-time MBA programs, online MBAs tend to prioritize a candidate’s overall profile, making them a viable option for those who may not have excelled in standardized tests.

Enroll for an online MBA from the reputed  Manipal University Jaipur

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Flexible scheduling allows you to balance your studies with professional commitments. Access to a vast alumni network and career services enhances your job prospects. Join a diverse cohort of ambitious professionals and cultivate leadership, innovation, and global business acumen. Elevate your career with Manipal University Jaipur’s online MBA, where academic excellence meets flexibility and convenience.

Also read: How an MBA impacts your career

Conclusion

MAT is of paramount importance for individuals seeking to secure admission in esteemed management programs, as it provides a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s suitability for rigorous academic and professional challenges that lie ahead in the business world. Aspiring managers, fresh graduates, and even experienced professionals looking to enhance their managerial acumen find MAT an essential stepping stone in their educational journey. Its widespread recognition and acceptance among a plethora of institutions make it a vital assessment for those with aspirations in the field of management.

Also read: Why do employers prefer MBA grads over others