Isha
26 June, 2025
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Management Aptitude Test or MAT is one of the popular MBA entrance exams offering admission to 600+ BSchools across India. However, MAT has multiple sections and many attempts across the year, so you will need to plan. Whether you are starting this process six months in advance or you have very little time to prepare, this guide will take you through planned, focused training, intelligent ways to prep, and a section-wise study approach that will help you achieve MAT victory.
So, let’s jump into a study approach that will not only help you pass the MAT exam, but ace it!
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission into MBA and allied programs. Known for its flexibility and wide acceptance by over 600 B-schools across India.
Parameter | Detail |
---|---|
Name of the Exam | Management Aptitude Test (MAT) |
Conducting Body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
Exam Level | National |
Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Exam Frequency | Four times a year |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT), Paper-Based Test (PBT) |
Sections |
Language Comprehension Mathematical Skills Data Analysis and Sufficiency Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Indian and Global Environment |
Now that we have covered the dates, syllabus, books and more, let us learn how to prepare for MAT in 6 months:
The best way for you to prepare during the crucial time for the MAT exam is to make sections for each subject. This is how you can prepare a section-wise MAT exam preparation list:
Reading Comprehension: Doing many different types of passages on a regular basis and practicing what you learn will always help your comprehension and speed.
Building Vocabulary: Learning new vocabulary words each day, and practicing it by writing and using it in our conversations.
Grammar: Being able to keep up with and learn about not just sentence structure, but tenses, and other words that we have a tendency to mix with other words.
Speed Reading: Practice to expand your reading speed with retention.
Understanding Concepts: Possess a good grasp of the basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Memorising Formulas: Create a quick-reference sheet and practice using formulas quickly.
Problem-Solving: Regularly attempt all types of math problems to create a strong problem-solving strategy.
Calculate/Speed: Continue to practice mental math strategies and shortcuts to increase both speed and accuracy.
Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting data from tables, graphs, and charts, and determining key trends.
Logical Application: Adopt strategies to resolve data sufficiency questions.
Practice Sets: Practice different sets of questions to work on your approach to various formats of data.
Logical Puzzles: Practice daily reasoning puzzle solving to boost logical thinking.
Analytical Skills: Practice building structured problem-solving approaches to different logical reason-based questions.
Critical Thinking: Practice to see argument structure and logically evaluating statements.
Mock Tests: Take full-length reasoning tests at regular intervals to track progress and build exam confidence.
Read Business News on a Regular Basis: Keep track with reliable sources like The Economic Times and Business Standard for business news.
Be Aware of Key Economic Indicators: Keep reading about GDP, inflation, interest rates, and trends.
Monitor Government Policies: Keep an eye out for budget announcements, tax reforms, and trade policies.
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a computer-based entrance test organised by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for getting enrolled in MBA and allied courses at different B-Schools in India. Famous for its versatile test modes—PBT (Paper-Based Test), CBT (Computer-Based Test), and IBT (Internet-Based Test)—MAT tests candidates on essential management skills like language skills, reasoning ability, numerical ability, and general awareness related to business. Below is a point-to-point overview of the exam pattern, marking scheme, and other important details for candidates preparing in 2025.
Aspect | Detail |
---|---|
Total Number of Questions | 150 |
Types of Questions | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs |
Number of Questions per Section |
Language Comprehension: 30 Mathematical Skills: 30 Data Analysis and Sufficiency: 30 Intelligence and Critical Reasoning: 30 Economic and Business Environment: 30 |
Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for wrong answers (MCQs) |
Exam Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
Score Sheet Validity Duration | 1 year |
Medium of Exam | English |
MAT Exam Fees |
Paper Based Test (PBT) or Computer Based Test (CBT): INR 2200 Both PBT + CBT: INR 3800 |
Before learning the tips on how to prepare for MAT, you should know the syllabus for the MAT exam. Here is a quick comprehensive breakdown of the MAT syllabus:
Section | Topics |
---|---|
Language Comprehension |
|
Mathematical Skills |
|
Data Analysis and Sufficiency |
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning |
|
Economic & Business Environment |
|
You cannot prepare without the right material, guidance, and techniques. You can learn these from some of the top MAT preparation books that we have provided here:
Book Title | Author |
---|---|
MAT Entrance Exam Guide | RPH Editorial |
MAT 20 Years Topic-wise Solved Papers | Disha Experts |
Mission MBA: MAT Mock Tests & Solved Papers | BS Sijwali & Tarun Goyal |
Verbal Ability & Comprehension for CAT/MAT/GMAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT | Bharat Patodi & Aditya Choudhary |
How To Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
Here are some of the subject-based books that can help you prepare better for MAT:
Subject | Book Title | Author |
---|---|---|
Language Comprehension | Mastering for Verbal Ability for CAT | Ajay Singh |
Language Comprehension | CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Gautam Puri |
General Awareness | MAT 20 Years Topic-wise Solved Paper | Disha Experts |
General Awareness | Face to Face MAT with 20 Years | BS Sijwali and Tarun Goyal |
Mathematical Skills | Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Nishit Sinha Trishna |
Mathematical Skills | Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma |
Intelligence & Critical | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT | Gajendra Kumar & Abhishek Banerjee |
Data Interpretation | Data Analysis & Interpretation Data Sufficiency | Think Tank of Kiran Prakashan |
Sufficiency | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for MAT | Arun Sharma |
Use technology in your favour. Use YouTube, social media and other platforms to prepare better. You can learn from the best in the town through YouTube and that too for free!
Here are some top YouTube channels you can check out to prepare for MAT 2025:
YouTube Channel | Benefits |
---|---|
Examrace | Comprehensive videos covering all MAT sections. |
EduGorilla | Tips, tricks, and strategies for MAT questions. |
Unacademy | Live classes, mock tests, and video lessons. |
Career Launcher | Video lectures, quizzes, and practice tests. |
Toppers Exam | MAT preparation videos focusing on key concepts. |
MBA Crystal Ball | Insights, tips, and strategies for MBA exams. |
Mindworkzz | Video lectures and workshops on MAT strategies. |
Handa Ka Funda | Concept videos, practice questions, and strategies. |
IMS India | MAT preparation videos covering all sections. |
Gradeup | Video lectures and practice sessions for MAT. |
Mock tests aren’t just practice rounds; they’re your ticket to mastering the MAT exam. Think of them as trial runs that mimic the actual test experience. They recreate the format, difficulty level, and time constraints of the real exam, helping you get comfortable with the exam environment and pinpointing your strengths and areas for improvement. Regular mock tests refine your time management, boost problem-solving skills, and bolster your confidence for the big day. Treat each mock test as a dress rehearsal, and you’ll stride into the MAT exam with assurance and readiness.
Platform | Features |
---|---|
AIMA-MAT Website | Official mock tests, detailed performance analysis |
Online Learning Portals | Adaptive tests, personalised feedback |
Coaching Institutes | Classroom-based mocks, expert guidance |
Mobile Apps | Convenience, practice on-the-go |
Social Media Groups | Community support, peer-to-peer learning |
Some of the top MBA college admissions that you can get through MAT are:
No. | College Name |
---|---|
1 | Birla Institute of Management Technology |
2 | Christ University |
3 | LPU – Lovely Professional University |
4 | GNIOT Institute of Management Studies |
5 | CMS Business School, Jain Deemed-to-be University, Bangalore |
6 | Graphic Era Deemed to be University |
7 | Jaipuria Noida – Jaipuria Institute of Management |
8 | SOA University – Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan |
9 | Jagan Institute of Management Studies Technical Campus |
10 | Graphic Era Deemed to be University |
11 | MNIT Jaipur – Malaviya National Institute of Technology |
12 | NIT Calicut – National Institute of Technology |
13 | International School of Business and Media, Pune |
14 | Amity University, Mumbai |
15 | Galgotias University |
Preparing for the MAT exam requires a structured approach, consistent practice, and dedication. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can enhance your preparation and maximise your chances of success in the MAT 2025 exam. These MAT preparation tips can help you prepare quickly for the MAT exam 2025. Remember to stay focused, motivated, and confident throughout your preparation journey. Good luck!
There are many ways to prepare for the MAT exam, you can take coaching, you can pick the best books for preparation and you can also make a schedule on your own to study and take mock tests every day.
The difficulty level of the MAT exam is moderate to easy. If you practise the previous year’s question papers and take a mock test you can excel at it.
The MAT test has Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Indian and Global Environment.
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