MAT Feb 09: For MAT, a balance between speed and accuracy is most important

MBAUniverse.com brings advice from leading education service provider Career Launcher on Preparation Strategy for MAT.
How to do well in MAT 09

By Career Launcher
What does Mat test?

MAT tests the basic knowledge and application skills in a candidate in various test areas. It is an objective type test designed and developed to ascertain the aptitude of the candidates to undergo Post Graduate Programme in management. Aptitude is the potential of an individual to perform subsequent to proper training and MAT is designed to identify that potential in a candidate.

The MAT has five sections, each section consisting of forty questions. Hence, a total of 200 questions need to be attempted over 150 minutes.

The preparation standard, in general, is expected to be of graduation level and for Maths it will be of 10th standard level. One mark is awarded for each correct answer and 0.25 marks are deducted for an incorrect answer.

How MAT is different from other exams?
As compared to other entrance tests like CAT, FMS, XAT, the difficulty level in MAT is lower. This is owing to the fact that the questions are more direct and formula based, testing the basic IQ in a candidate. Also, due to its periodicity (MAT is administered 4 times in a year) and the huge number of B-schools accepting its score (some 300+ good institutes accept MAT score for admission), the popularity is high, and so is the number of test takers.

How to prepare?
Usually the test takers have a very relaxed attitude towards MAT, forgetting that it is a competitive exam. A candidate who is preparing for MAT must spend his time judiciously. It is worthwhile to join a good coaching institute to brush up the basics, solve questions from the study material and clarify doubts with the faculty members. The test series and mock tests should be solved, which are on the lines of actual MAT paper, designed to provide a grasp over the concepts and to get acquainted with the difficulty levels involved.

Success key
Most important out of them would be to maintain a balance between speed and accuracy, as both are important. Hence, it is important to use the time allotted wisely, and keep working towards increasing the number of attempts along with the accuracy level. Some important points to keep in mind will be to read the directions carefully before solving the questions, using elimination process to zero on the correct choice, knowing what exactly is being asked, skipping difficult questions, not wasting too much time over one question and keep on moving, picking up easier questions first, filling up the ovals correctly in the OMR sheet, etc. Taking regular tests and practicing on above lines can really help the test-taker conquer the actual MAT.

MAT actually comes as a breather for those who sweat hard in CAT, XAT and other national entrance tests and many good institutes accept its score to provide another chance to the candidates.