MAT EXAM
Introduction to the MAT Examination
The Management Aptitude Test refers to a standardized test that has been administered since 1988. It is held to enable Business Schools (B-Schools) to assess candidates for admission to the MBA, PGDM, and associated programs. The Indian Ministry of HRD approved MAT as a national level test in 2003. Any B-School, either national or international, can take into consideration an applicant's MAT Score as a criterion for admission based on the Score Cards issued to the candidates. The MAT is recognized as one of the most esteemed examinations and continues to be a benchmark to enter over 600 B-Schools across India.
Here are some noteworthy features of the MAT.
- The MAT is ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certified by Intertek with accreditation to the UKAS and the Quality Council of India.
- It is an entrance test for many recognized programs and has been conducted for several decades.
- The method of testing has been validated through independent studies and is availed by lakhs of students.
- Hundreds of Institutes and University Departments accept a candidate's MAT Score for admission.
- The exam employs the latest technology in evaluation and result processing.
- Every examinee receives an individual scorecard with their photograph.
- MAT centers are located all over the country to make it more accessible.
MAT 2020 Exam Updates
The enrollment process of MAT 2020 December exams began on October 5, 2020, and is currently underway.
CBT MAT 2020 Exam Dates: Not announced yet
AIMA has clarified that while it will conduct the paper-based MAT, the centre-based MAT in computer format may not be held. The candidates who do not wish to apply for the IBT Mode of the MAT may opt to take the PBT MAT 2020 in the coming session.
MAT 2020 IBT and PBT: Registrations currently open
Registrations for the MAT 2020 IBT Mode exam and PBT Mode exam are currently open. The dates for the AIMA MAT December 2020 Registrations will remain open till few days before each MAT IBT exam date. Mentioned below are all the essential details.
To avoid any untimely incidents due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AIMA has introduced the MAT Remote Proctored Internet-Based Test (MAT IBT) 2020 exam, apart from the regular paper-based MAT exam. The candidates can appear in the IBT-MAT from their home's convenience instead of going to an exam center. The PBT MAT is still a center-based test.
This year, the MAT 2020 IBT exam is scheduled in morning and evening time slots from November 21, 2020, onwards.
The detailed schedule for the PBT is as follows.
The schedule for the Remote Proctored Internet-Based Test (IBT) is given below.
Applicants are requested to note that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the MAT scheduled for December 2020 in PBT mode is subject to change depending on the pandemic situation and relevant government guidelines. In situations where the test cannot be administered on the rescheduled test date (December 6, 2020) at any of the centers, the candidates' registration get automatically carried forward to the forthcoming MAT scheduled for February 2021 or later.
MAT test centers get set up in the following cities.
- AHMEDABAD
- ALLAHABAD
- BAREILLY
- BENGALURU
- BHOPAL
- BHUBANESWAR
- CHANDIGARH
- CHENNAI
- COIMBATORE
- DEHRADUN
- DELHI (NCR)
- DURGAPUR
- GUWAHATI
- HUBLI
- HYDERABAD
- INDORE
- JAIPUR
- JAMMU
- JAMSHEDPUR
- KANPUR
- KOCHI
- KOLKATA
- KOTTAYAM
- KOZHIKODE
- LUCKNOW
- MADURAI
- MANGALURU
- MUMBAI
- NAGPUR
- PATNA
- PUNE
- RAIPUR
- RANCHI
- ROURKELA
- TEZPUR
- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
- VIJAYAWADA
- VISAKHAPATNAM
MAT Syllabus
Language Comprehension
The Language Comprehension section includes 40 Multiple Choice Questions from the following topics.
- Antonyms
- Fill in the Blanks
- Grammar
- Idioms/Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Para Jumble
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Making and Correction
- Speech
- Synonyms
- Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb
- Vocabulary
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
The Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section contains 40 questions and tests the candidate's cognitive and analytical skills.
- Arrangement
- Blood Relations
- Calendars
- Coding and Decoding
- Column graphs
- Course of Action
- Critical Reasoning
- Family Tree
- Graphs Representing Area
- Multi-Dimensional Arrangements
- Numeric Grid
- Pie Chart
- Puzzles
- Series
- Statement Conclusions
- Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments
- Syllogisms
- Visual Reasoning
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
The Data Analysis and Sufficiency section contain 40 objective type questions.
- Bar Diagrams and Charts (Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar Charts)
- Caselet-based Data
- Data Analysis and Data comparison
- Data charts
- Data Sufficiency
- Data Tables
- Graphs – Line X-Y Graphs
- Pie Charts
- Venn Diagram
Mathematical Skills
The Mathematical Skills section comprises topics from Geometry, Algebra, and Mensuration.
- Averages
- Binomial Theorem
- Circles
- Coordinate Geometry
- Commercial Maths
- Complex Numbers
- Coordinate Geometry
- Elementary Mathematics
- Heights and Distance
- Inequalities
- Interest (Simple and Compound)
- LCM and HCF
- Linear Equations; Quadratic Equations
- Linear Programming
- Mixtures and Allegation
- Mixtures and Alligations
- Number System
- Percentages
- Permutation and Combinations
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Sequence And Series
- Set Theory
- Speed, Time, and Distance
- Surds and Indices
- Time and Work
- Triangles
- Trigonometry
- Unitary Method
- Venn Diagrams
Indian and Global Environment Section
The Indian and Global Environment section contains 40 Multiple Choice Questions on general knowledge, current affairs, and other popular topics like economy, business, science, and sports.
- Awards and Winners
- Books and Authors
- Business
- CEOs
- Company Punchlines
- Current Affairs
- Entertainment
- Finance
- Geography
- History
- International Organisation
- Major Corporate news
- Politics
- Science
- Social issues
- Sports
- Statements and Quotations
- World Records
Section-wise distribution and Marking Scheme
The test is conducted for 150 minutes and contains 200 questions distributed over five sections.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must have graduated in a discipline from any recognized University or must have an equivalent recognized degree to appear for the MAT.
- A final year student pursuing an undergraduate course (i.e., B.A, B.Sc., B.Com., B.Tech., etc.) can also appear provisionally.
- A candidate who has completed a professional degree such as CA, CS, or ICWA is eligible to apply for the MAT.
- There is a minimum requirement of graduation percentage, which varies depending on the Management Institute (MI)/University. To know more about the specifications, kindly go through the prospectus of the respective MIs/Universities.
Application for the MAT Exam
An applicant must register online at the official website link https://mat.aima.in/dec20/.
The examination fee can be paid using Credit Card/Debit Card (ATM Card), Net Banking, UPI, or Paytm Wallet.
The fee details are as mentioned below.
- For Remote Proctored Internet-Based Test (IBT): ₹ 1650/-
- For Double Remote Proctored Internet-Based Test (IBT): ₹ 2750/-
- For Paper-Based Test (PBT): ₹ 1650/-
- For PBT + IBT: ₹ 2750/-
For the application process, the candidate is required to make provisions for the following.
- A valid e-mail Id
- A Scanned image of their photograph (10 to 50 Kb)
- A Scanned image of signature (5 to 20 Kb)
- The Credit Card/Debit Card (ATM Card)/Net Banking details
The detailed procedure is provided on the website stated above.
All provisionally registered candidates for IBT/PBT must download their Admit Card from the AIMA website https://mat.aima.in as per the schedule.
The Admit Card contains the applicant's name, Form Number, Roll Number, the date, time, and venue of examination. Candidates must strictly adhere to the date and time allotted to them in the admit card.
The candidate can download the scorecard from the AIMA website (https://www.aima.in.) during the last week of the month of the test. An applicant's MAT Score is valid for up to one year.
Mode of Examination
A candidate can take the MAT in the following modes.
- Remote Proctored Internet-Based Test (IBT)
- Double Remote Proctored Internet-Based Test (IBT)
- Paper-Based Test (PBT)
- Paper-Based Test and Remote Proctored Internet-Based Test (PBT+IBT)
Kindly note that a candidate can opt for both the IBTs by paying an extra fee of ₹ 1100/- on regular exam fee of ₹ 1650/-.
Candidates opting for both the IBTs have the benefit of selecting two extra Management Institutes for sending their scores in addition to the prevailing option of selecting five Management Institutes. They can choose seven Management Institutes in total.
In a Computer-Based Test, questions are presented on the monitor, and candidates are required to submit the answers by using the keyboard or mouse. The computers are connected to a server that is responsible for preparing the question set and delivering them to the respective computer. Unlike this, the Paper-Based Test is organized on a single day for all candidates. The MAT is offered over a period of time, and the candidates can choose the center, the day and time of their convenience to take the test.
By opting for the Computer-Based Test, it is assumed that the candidate has basic familiarity with the use of computers. It is the candidate's responsibility to acquire these skills before appearing for the exam, and the AIMA is not responsible for the same.
In the Paper-Based Test, the student is supposed to bring pens, HB pencils, erasers, and sharpeners with him/her. The question paper and OMR answer sheet will be provided at the test center.
Except for the different exam dates, the fee, exam pattern, and syllabus for both the modes remain the same.
Instructions for the examination day
- For the MAT IBT mode, candidates should arrange for a laptop/desktop with stable internet connectivity. Students are suggested to stay prepared at least one hour before the scheduled exam time.
- For the MAT IBT mode, the candidates should wear formal clothes and ensure that they have the admit card and necessary documents ready for the remote verification process.
For the CBT and PBT modes,
· Applicants are advised to reach their allotted test center for the MAT exam at least an hour before the exam time mentioned on their admit card.
· Candidates must carry a blue/black ballpoint pen if they are taking the exam in PBT mode.
· Phones, calculators, electronic watches, or any such items are prohibited at the exam center. Therefore, the examinees must make sure that they aren't carrying any of them on the day of the exam.
· The examinees must carry the original copy of the admit card with them to the test center. A digital or photocopy of the MAT admit card will not be considered as a valid ID proof.
Candidates appearing for the MAT must carry with them:
§ Two copies of the admit card
§ A self-declaration that states that they do not have any illness or COVID-19 like symptoms
§ An Identity Proof (Voter ID, Aadhar Card Election I-Card, Passport, Driving License or PAN Card)
§ Proof of name change (if any)
§ Caste certificate (if applicable)
Preparing for the MAT
For effective preparation, students are advised to focus on improving their problem-solving skills with the help of previous years' MAT question papers and mock tests. Your MAT preparation strategy should be organized according to the MAT exam pattern and syllabus. All sections in the MAT have equal weightage.
One can crack the MAT by being diligent in their preparation.
- Make it a practice to read books, magazines, newspapers, and online blogs daily to improve your reading and comprehension skills. This also helps in staying up to date with the current affairs at the national and international levels.
- Practice solving MAT question papers, sample papers, and online mock tests to improve speed and accuracy and develop familiarity with the examination pattern.
- Analyze your preparation and note your strengths and weakness in each section of the syllabus.
- Observe and target the topics carrying more weightage in each section.
- Perfect your time management skills as it is crucial to help you attempt a maximum number of questions in the exam. Try not to waste time on tricky problems.
Some recommended books for MAT preparation are listed below.
MAT FAQs
1. What are the dates allotted to apply for MAT 2020?
The last date to apply for the IBT MAT is December 11, 2020, for the December 15, 2020 MAT exam. For the PBT MAT, it is November 29, 2020.
2. What is the test timing for the IBT exam?
A. On each day of the IBT exam, there are two slots for the test – morning and evening. You need to check your exam slot carefully.
3. Is there a change in the MAT registration fee also?
No, it remains the same as what was stated when registrations opened.
4. Can I apply for both PBT and IBT MAT 2020 exams?
Yes, you can apply for both the PBT and IBT modes. Kindly ensure that you apply before their respective last dates of registration.
5. What is the application fee for MAT 2020?
The MAT application fee for one exam is ₹ 1650/- and for two exams is ₹ 2750/-.
6. Can I get the MAT application form by Post?
No, candidates have to apply online only.
7. Which month is best for giving the MAT exam?
The MAT score acceptability is throughout the year. However, the December, February, and May MATs are the best as most B-schools are open with their admission process at that time and accept MAT exam scores.
8. What is the passing score for the MAT exam?
The MAT does not disqualify any candidate. It depends on the MAT score requirement of the Management Institute to which you apply.
9. Does the MAT contain negative marking?
Yes, the MAT scoring pattern is +1 mark for a right answer and -0.25 marks for a wrong answer.
10. What is considered a good MAT score?
A good composite MAT score is 650-800. With it, you may stand at around 80-100 percentile and can get admission in top management institutes.