How to Prepare for MAT in 6 Months?: MAT Preparation Tips 2025

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Isha

26 June, 2025

How to Prepare for MAT in 6 Months?: MAT Preparation Tips 2025

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!

Management Aptitude Test: Highlights

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.

ParameterDetail
Name of the ExamManagement Aptitude Test (MAT)
Conducting BodyAll India Management Association (AIMA)
Exam LevelNational
Duration2 hours 30 minutes
Exam FrequencyFour times a year
Mode of ExamComputer-Based Test (CBT), Paper-Based Test (PBT)
Sections Language Comprehension
Mathematical Skills
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
Indian and Global Environment

How to Prepare for MAT in 6 Months

Now that we have covered the dates, syllabus, books and more, let us learn how to prepare for MAT in 6 months:


  • Read the MAT Exam Pattern: For you to begin your preparation make sure that your first step is to read the MAT exam pattern and the syllabi thoroughly.

  • Study Plan: Make sure that you make a study plan based on your daily routine, where you decide the time for each section of the syllabus.

  • Practise, Practise and Practise: You cannot prepare the whole syllabus in 6 months, therefore you need to practise based on the mock test or the previous year’s paper. This will definitely give you an idea of what questions are mostly repeated and what you cannot skip.

  • Focus on your A game: Since there is a negative mark in the exam, make sure you focus on the weak areas first and then focus extensively on the areas and subjects that you are good at. Do not attend questions that you are not sure about or you do not know since it is a negative marking exam you might risk your chance of getting a good cut-off.

  • Ask for Help: If you know someone who has passed the cut-off for the MAT exam then make sure you ask them how to prepare for it, they might know a few tips and tricks. You can also ask for guidance through a teacher, coach or mentor. But remember, at the end of the day your way of learning could be different, so ask for help and understand in the manner which makes it easier for you to learn.

  • Daily Review: Make sure that you review your MAT syllabus, MAT preparation and MAT mock exam score daily. This would provide you with an insight into what is missing and what needs more work.

  • Take breaks and stay positive: We understand that this is the time to hustle during your MAT exams but make sure that you take good care of your mental and physical health, take a break, take rest and go on a walk. This would also help you to memorise better and expand your attention level.

Section Wise Preparation Tips for MAT

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:

1. Language Comprehension

  • 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.

2. Mathematical Skills

  • 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.

3. Data Analysis and Sufficiency

  • 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.

4. Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

  • 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.

5. Economic & Business Environment

  • 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.

MAT Exam Pattern

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.

AspectDetail
Total Number of Questions150
Types of QuestionsMultiple-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 Duration120 minutes (2 hours)
Score Sheet Validity Duration1 year
Medium of ExamEnglish
MAT Exam Fees Paper Based Test (PBT) or Computer Based Test (CBT): INR 2200
Both PBT + CBT: INR 3800

Understand MAT Syllabus Breakdown

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:

SectionTopics
Language Comprehension
  • Reading Comprehension (Business, Economics, Current Affairs, Abstract Topics)
  • Grammar & Verbal Ability (Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence Correction, Jumbled Paragraphs)
Mathematical Skills
  • Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work)
  • Algebra & Geometry
  • Number Systems & Probability
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
  • Data Interpretation (Graphs, Charts, Tables)
  • Logical Data Sufficiency
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
  • Logical & Analytical Reasoning
  • Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogisms
Economic & Business Environment
  • Current Affairs & Business News
  • Indian & Global Economy

Top Books for MAT Preparation

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:

Top Books for MAT Preparation:

Book TitleAuthor
MAT Entrance Exam GuideRPH Editorial
MAT 20 Years Topic-wise Solved PapersDisha Experts
Mission MBA: MAT Mock Tests & Solved PapersBS Sijwali & Tarun Goyal
Verbal Ability & Comprehension for CAT/MAT/GMAT/IIFT/CMAT/MATBharat Patodi & Aditya Choudhary
How To Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CATArun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive ExaminationsR.S. Aggarwal

Top Subject-Wise Books for MAT Preparation

Here are some of the subject-based books that can help you prepare better for MAT:

SubjectBook TitleAuthor
Language ComprehensionMastering for Verbal Ability for CATAjay Singh
Language ComprehensionCAT Verbal Ability & Reading ComprehensionGautam Puri
General AwarenessMAT 20 Years Topic-wise Solved PaperDisha Experts
General AwarenessFace to Face MAT with 20 YearsBS Sijwali and Tarun Goyal
Mathematical SkillsQuantitative Aptitude for the CATNishit Sinha Trishna
Mathematical SkillsQuantitative Aptitude Quantum CATSarvesh Verma
Intelligence & CriticalLogical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CATGajendra Kumar & Abhishek Banerjee
Data InterpretationData Analysis & Interpretation Data SufficiencyThink Tank of Kiran Prakashan
SufficiencyHow to Prepare for Data Interpretation for MATArun Sharma

Learn From the Gurus: Top YouTube Channels

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 ChannelBenefits
ExamraceComprehensive videos covering all MAT sections.
EduGorillaTips, tricks, and strategies for MAT questions.
UnacademyLive classes, mock tests, and video lessons.
Career LauncherVideo lectures, quizzes, and practice tests.
Toppers ExamMAT preparation videos focusing on key concepts.
MBA Crystal BallInsights, tips, and strategies for MBA exams.
MindworkzzVideo lectures and workshops on MAT strategies.
Handa Ka FundaConcept videos, practice questions, and strategies.
IMS IndiaMAT preparation videos covering all sections.
GradeupVideo lectures and practice sessions for MAT.

Mock Test: The Real Deal for MAT Preparation

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.

Mock Test Platforms:

PlatformFeatures
AIMA-MAT WebsiteOfficial mock tests, detailed performance analysis
Online Learning PortalsAdaptive tests, personalised feedback
Coaching InstitutesClassroom-based mocks, expert guidance
Mobile AppsConvenience, practice on-the-go
Social Media GroupsCommunity support, peer-to-peer learning

Quick Wrap-Up for MAT Preparation: Top Tips for MAT


  • Start your preparation early to avoid last-minute stress.

  • Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.

  • Practice time management during mock tests to improve speed.

  • Focus on accuracy rather than attempting all questions.

  • Make short notes for quick revision before the exam.

  • Stay updated with current affairs for the Indian and Global Environment section.

  • Stay positive and maintain a healthy balance between studies and relaxation.

  • Seek guidance from mentors or seniors for effective preparation.

Top College Admissions through MAT

Some of the top MBA college admissions that you can get through MAT are:

No.College Name
1Birla Institute of Management Technology
2Christ University
3LPU – Lovely Professional University
4GNIOT Institute of Management Studies
5CMS Business School, Jain Deemed-to-be University, Bangalore
6Graphic Era Deemed to be University
7Jaipuria Noida – Jaipuria Institute of Management
8SOA University – Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan
9Jagan Institute of Management Studies Technical Campus
10Graphic Era Deemed to be University
11MNIT Jaipur – Malaviya National Institute of Technology
12NIT Calicut – National Institute of Technology
13International School of Business and Media, Pune
14Amity University, Mumbai
15Galgotias University

Takeaway

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Can I Prepare for MAT?

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.

Q2. What is the Difficulty Level of the MAT Exam?

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.

Q3. What is the MAT Syllabus?

The MAT test has Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Indian and Global Environment.

Every query is necessary.

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Isha Jain holds a Bachelor's degree in Literature along with a Diploma in Digital Marketing, bringing a strong foundation in communication and content creation. With over 7 years of hands-on experience in the education domain, she has crafted impactful content across various formats - ranging from educational blogs and news articles to video scripts, newsletters, and learner-focused campaigns. As the editorial lead at Learning Routes, Isha plays a key role in shaping content that empowers students and working professionals to make confident choices about online courses and career-building certifications. Her deep understanding of the online education space is reflected in her writing, which aims to simplify complex decisions and provide real-world clarity to learners. Beyond her professional role, Isha has also written extensively on lifestyle and digital learning trends. She is passionate about guiding students and loves engaging in conversations around career development on platforms like LinkedIn, Quora, and Reddit. Whether it's recommending the right upskilling path or demystifying online education, she has helped countless learners take confident steps toward their goals. In her spare time, you’ll find Isha reading, traveling, or playing sports to stay active and inspired.

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