MAT is not an achievement test, but an aptitude test: Q&A with AIMA official

To help MAT takers, MBAUniverse.com spoke to AIMA to know what does MAT actually tests and how to do score well in this exam.
Q&As with AIMA Official on MAT December 08

Q: Please give us an overview of management exams and MAT?
A: Generally in any management aptitude or admission test, the basic components assessed are language skill, numerical ability and logical reasoning. This is also true in the case of MAT. It is an objective-type test with multiple answer options. In the normal course where there is no constraint of time, a candidate will be able to solve or attempt correctly many of the questions. However, under the constraint of time and in the context of negative marking, a candidate will have to make a realistic decision as to which questions he could attempt in the first instance. The candidate need not necessarily solve all those questions in totality, but should be able to identify the correct option by eliminating the wrong answers.

Q: What does MAT tests in a candidate? Please share the importance of the exam
A: MAT is an objective-type test designed to ascertain the aptitude of the candidates to undergo a postgraduate programme in management. Aptitude is the potential of an individual to perform subsequent to proper training. Therefore, MAT is designed to identify the potential. It has been tested and perfected over two decades.

Q: What pattern can aspirants expect for the upcoming MAT exam on December 7?
A: MAT has five sections, each having 40 questions. The paper in based on multiple-choice answers and designed to evaluate a students general aptitudes on five areas: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning and awareness of Indian and Global Environment.Altogether 200 questions are to be attempted in 150 minutes.

Q: What would be your advice to all MAT takers to score well in MAT?
A: A student has to practice answering objective-type questions with time limitations. The objective of MAT is to test the knowledge application level of candidates with a bachelor degree. However, the level of numerical skills has been kept at the school level as MAT is not an achievement test but an aptitude test. Candidates with general comprehension and intelligence will be able to score well in the test if they practice the answers regularly.