MAT Exam: Application Fee, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus & Admit Card

Introduction to MAT Exam

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA, PGDM and allied management programmes. MAT has been conducted since 1988 and is recognized by the Government of India as a national-level test. AIMA states that MAT scores are accepted by 600+ B-Schools across India.

MAT is conducted multiple times a year, giving candidates opportunities to appear in different administrations. According to AIMA's current information, MAT is conducted in February, May, September and December.

Latest MAT 2026 Update

The MAT September 2026 examination cycle has now been conducted.

AIMA has announced that the September 2026 MAT score is expected to be available by the last week of September 2026. Candidates can download their score from the MAT applicant dashboard.

Candidates who are planning to take MAT in a future session should check AIMA's official MAT website for the next registration notification and schedule.

MAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

According to AIMA, candidates must have:

• A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent institution.

• Final-year undergraduate students can also apply provisionally.

• AIMA does not prescribe a universal minimum graduation percentage for appearing in MAT. However, individual participating B-Schools may have their own eligibility and admission requirements.

• The eligibility criteria, cut-offs and admission requirements may differ from one participating institute to another.

Therefore, candidates should check the eligibility criteria of the individual B-School before applying for admission.

MAT Exam Registration Process

MAT registration is conducted online through the official AIMA MAT website.

Steps to Apply for MAT

1. Visit the official MAT website.

2. Create an account using a valid email ID and mobile number.

3. Select the preferred test mode — PBT, CBT or PBT+CBT, as available for the particular administration.

4. Enter personal, academic and other required details.

5. Upload the required photograph and signature.

6. Select participating management institutes.

7. Pay the application fee through the available online payment options.

8. Review the application form and submit it.

9. Save or print the submitted application for future reference.

AIMA lists credit/debit card, UPI, net banking and wallet among the available payment options.

MAT Application Fee

For the current MAT structure listed by AIMA:

Candidates opting for both PBT and CBT pay an additional ₹1,700 over the single-mode fee. AIMA also provides additional institute-choice options for candidates taking the additional test mode.

Note: Fees and available options can change between MAT administrations, so candidates should verify the fee displayed on the official application portal before payment.

MAT Exam Pattern 2026

The current MAT structure has five sections, with 30 questions in each section. The complete test contains 150 questions and is conducted for 120 minutes.

Negative Marking

AIMA's current MAT information specifies -0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. All five sections contribute to the overall MAT score.

MAT Test Modes

Candidates can choose from the available modes:

• Paper-Based Test (PBT)

• Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• PBT + CBT

The exact options available depend on the particular MAT administration.

MAT Syllabus

The MAT syllabus is divided into five broad areas.

1. Language Comprehension

Topics generally include:

• Reading comprehension

• Vocabulary

• Grammar

• Sentence correction

• Verbal reasoning

• Para jumbles

• Sentence completion

2. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

This section covers areas such as:

• Logical reasoning

• Analytical reasoning

• Statements and conclusions

• Arrangements

• Blood relations

• Coding-decoding

• Series

• Critical reasoning

3. Mathematical Skills

Important areas include:

• Arithmetic

• Number systems

• Algebra

• Geometry

• Mensuration

• Percentages

• Profit and loss

• Time, speed and distance

• Time and work

• Ratio and proportion

• Modern mathematics

4. Data Analysis & Sufficiency

Candidates may encounter:

• Tables

• Charts

• Graphs

• Data interpretation

• Caselets

• Data sufficiency

• Quantitative comparison

5. Economic & Business Environment

This section focuses on areas such as:

• Current affairs

• Business and economic developments

• Corporate and industry awareness

• National and international events

• General awareness

MAT Admit Card

AIMA provides MAT admit cards through the candidate's applicant dashboard. The admit card is not sent by post or email.

The admit card contains important details such as:

• Candidate's name

• Form number

• Roll number

• Test date

• Test time

• Test centre/venue details

Candidates should download the correct admit card for their selected test mode and carefully check all details before appearing for the examination.

MAT Exam Dates

MAT is generally conducted four times a year:

• February

• May

• September

• December

For the September 2026 session, the PBT was held on 13 September 2026, while the CBT was held on 20 September 2026. The September 2026 score is expected by the last week of September 2026.

For the next MAT session, candidates should wait for AIMA's official notification rather than relying on tentative dates from previous years.

MAT Score Validity

AIMA states that the MAT score is valid for one year. Candidates can also appear in multiple MAT administrations, and AIMA notes that candidates can use their best score from multiple attempts.

MAT Participating B-Schools

MAT scores are accepted by 600+ B-Schools, according to AIMA. However, the participating institutes and their admission criteria can change from one MAT administration to another.

Candidates should verify:

• Whether their preferred B-School accepts the relevant MAT score

• Required MAT score or percentile

• Graduation eligibility

• Application deadlines

• Institute-specific admission requirements

• Recognition/approval of the programme

AIMA itself advises candidates to check programme recognition and admission requirements directly with the concerned institute.

MAT Exam 2026: Important Points at a Glance