MAT 2026 February exam dates have been announced by All India Management Association (AIMA). MAT Paper Based Test (PBT) will be held on March 1 and MAT Computer Based Test (CBT) will be held on March 8, 2026. MAT 2026 registration is open, and MAT 2026 registration last dates are February 23 for PBT exam and March 1 for CBT exam. Top MBA colleges accepting MAT 2026 exam are BIMTECH Greater Noida (Specialized Programs), Jaipuria Noida, SIES Mumbai, IPE Hyderabad, PIBM Pune, JAGSoM Bangalore amongst others. Read complete details on MAT Exam 2026 including eligibility, fees, syllabus, pattern, how to take MAT Mock Tests free.
MAT Full Form is Management Aptitude Test. MAT is one of the most popular National level MBA entrance exams in India. MAT is conducted four times in a year in February, May, September and December. MAT exam scores are accepted by more than 500 MBA Colleges for MBA Admission 2026. MAT is an easier exam than CAT or XAT exams. Total duration of MAT exam is 2 hours (120 mins). The exam pattern is divided into five sections. Check details below.
MAT : MAT 2026 Exam: Key Highlights - 2020
| MAT Exam Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| MAT Exam Full Form | Management Aptitude Test (MAT) |
| Who conducts MAT Exam? | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Number of MBA/PGDM colleges accepting MAT | More than 500 MBA Colleges |
| Number of MAT Exams | Held in February, May, September, December |
| MAT Exam Modes | Paper Based (PBT) and Computer Based (CBT) |
| MAT Exam Dates | MAT Paper Based Test (PBT) 2026 will be held on March 1 and MAT Computer Based Test (CBT) 2026 will be held on March 8, 2026. |
| MAT Official Website | www.mat.aima.in |
| MAT Exam Application Fees | Rs 2200 for Paper Based Test (PBT) or Computer Based Test (CBT). Rs 3800 for both PBT + CBT Exams. |
| Total Questions in the Exam | 150 questions |
| Total Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 5 Sections with 30 Questions in Each Section |
| Name of MAT Sections | Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Economic & Business Environment |
| Scoring Pattern in MAT exam | +1 Mark for Each Correct Answer; -0.25 Mark for Each Wrong Answer; 0 Mark for Un-attempted Question |
MAT Feb 2026 Exam Dates: MAT 2026 exam will be held in March 2026 in two modes. MAT 2026 Paper Based Test (PBT) will be held on March 1 and MAT 2026 Computer Based Test (CBT) will be held on March 8, 2026. MAT registration 2026 is open for both the tests. MAT 2026 registration last dates are February 23 for PBT exam and March 1 for CBT exam. Check MAT February 2026 exam dates in table below.
MAT exam scores are accepted by 300+ MBA colleges for MBA/PGDM Admission 2026. Check details below.
Overview MAT : Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Exam Scores - 2025
| MBA College | MBA Fee (in Lakhs) | Avg. Placement (in Lakhs) | Admission Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIMTECH Greater Noida | Rs. 14.00 Lakhs | Rs. 11.10 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| Welingkar Mumbai | Rs, 16.20 Lakhs | Rs. 11.70 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| JAGSOM Bangalore | Rs. 17.50 Lakhs | Rs. 10.32 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| ICFAI Business School (IBS) Hyderabad | Rs. 17.01 Lakhs | Rs. 9.81 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida | Rs. 16.50 Lakhs | Rs. 11.12 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| IPE Hyderabad | Rs. 9.20 Lakhs | Rs. 7.02 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| SIES Mumbai | Rs. 10.00 Lakhs | Rs. 9.26 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| IBA Bangalore | Rs. 10.32 Lakhs | Rs. 7.96 LPA | Open |
| Rajagiri Business School Kochi | Rs. 7.50 lakhs | Rs. 8.00 LPA | Open |
Check list of top MBA colleges accepting MAT 2026 scores for different percentile bands.
Anyone who has completed a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university is eligible for the MAT exam. Here's a detailed breakdown of the MAT eligibility criteria 2026:
- Educational Qualification: Graduation in any stream (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, B.Tech, etc.) from a recognized university.
- Final-Year Students: Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply.
- No Minimum Marks Required: There is no minimum percentage requirement to appear for MAT; however, individual institutes may have their own cut-offs.
- Nationality: MAT is open to Indian nationals and also to NRIs or foreign candidates (for some institutes).
MAT 2026 Exam Pattern consists of five sections of 30 questions each. Total exam duration is 120 mins.
MAT Exam Marking Scheme Pattern
In MAT marking scheme each correct answer is awarded 1 mark, while 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. All sections carry equal weightage, with a total of 150 questions and a maximum possible score of 150 marks.
Key points about the MAT marking scheme 2026:
- Equal weightage: Each section of the MAT exam has equal weightage.
- Marking per question: 1 mark is awarded for each correct answer.
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
- No marks for unanswered questions: No marks are deducted for unanswered questions
MAT : MAT Exam Pattern 2026 - 2020
| MAT Exam Components | No of Questions (All MCQs) | Sectional Time Limit (In Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1: Language Comprehension | 30 | No Time Limit |
| Section 2: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | 30 | No Time Limit |
| Section 3: Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency | 30 | No Time Limit |
| Section 4: Mathematical Skills | 30 | No Time Limit |
| Section 5: Economic & Business Environment | 30 | No Time Limit |
| Total | 150 | 120 Minutes |
MAT Exam Syllabus 2026 is divided into 5 key sections namely Language Comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Economic & Business Environment with 30 questions in each section. Check MAT syllabus for each section below.
MAT : MAT Syllabus 2026 - 2020
| Section | Syllabus Topics |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | Grammar, tenses, vocabulary, jumbled paragraphs and reading comprehension. Key topics are Jumbled Paragraphs, Error Correction of Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb and other parts of speech in the Sentences, Correcting the sequence of sentences in the paragraph, conditional sentence, time clauses, reported speech, passive writing, Antonyms/Synonyms, Fill in the blanks, One word substitution, Idioms/Phrases. RC Passages in the MAT syllabus are based on Current Affairs, Business & Economy, Literature, Historical events, Culture, Sports, Philosophy among others. The passages are short and have direct answer questions |
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | Fact Inference Judgment, Passage Conclusion, Analogy, Statement Argument, Clocks, Calendars, Binary logic, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations (Family Tree), Logical Sequence, Assumption, Premise, Conclusion, Linear and matrix arrangement, Team Formation, Direction sense and Decision Making, Input-Output, Series, Syllogism, Cubes, Rows, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams, Network Diagrams, Quantitative Reasoning, Puzzles, Logical Reasoning based on Rankings, Critical Reasoning |
| Mathematical Skills | Quant topics including Arithmetic (15-16 Questions): LCM and HCF, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Interest (Simple and Compound), Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; Averages; Ratio and Proportion, Number System (3-4) questions, Elementary Mathematics, Mixtures and Allegation, Unitary Method, Commercial Maths, Permutation and Combinations, Sequence and Series, Heights and Distance; Algebra (5-7 questions); Geometry/Mensuration (6-8 questions) based on Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry; Pure Math (1-2 questions) |
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency | Data Tables, Data charts, Bar diagrams & Charts including Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar charts, Pie charts, Graphs – Line X-Y Graphs, Data analysis and Data comparison, Caselet based Data, Venn diagram, Data Sufficiency |
| Economic & Business Environment | GK topics current and static including Conventional GK-available in books, Current GK- based on current reading of newspapers and periodicals, Business & Economics GK -for example changes in Fiscal and monetary policy, CRR, Repo Rate; Devaluation and up valuation of Rupee, Business, National and International events, Who’s who, Constitution of India, Currency and Capitals of the countries, States of India, International Organizations, Monetary and fiscal tools, Emblem, Identification of personalities, companies among others |
MAT Preparation 2026 can be completed by following the step-by-step MAT exam preparation tips 2026 given below.
Step 1 - Understand MAT Exam Pattern: MAT Exam is divided into 5 key sections namely Language Comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Economic & Business Environment with 30 questions in each section. Although Economic & Business Environment section carries 40 marks, it is not taken into consideration to determine candidate’s MAT score and percentile. So, this section must be given low priority by students
Step 2 - Check MAT Exam Syllabus for Each Section: Check MAT syllabus and the specific subjects included therein. Put emphasis on subjects where your understanding may be lacking.
Step 3 - Prepare Section wise from Books and Reading Material: Allocate 4-8 weeks to systematically addressing the topics outlined in the MAT syllabus. Refer MAT Preparation Books (details below) or CAT Preparation material of TIME, CL, IMS Coaching.
Step 4 - Take MAT Mock Tests: After you have covered the MAT syllabus, take MAT mock tests and sample papers. Taking mock tests enhances your problem-solving speed.
To help you prepare for the MAT exam, MBAUniverse.com has published many MAT Mock Tests which are based on previous MAT Exam Papers. Take Free Online MAT Mock.
Best MAT Preparation Books
Consistent MAT exam Preparation with best books can get you admission to MBA in good MBA colleges. You can refer to following CAT preparation books for MAT preparation.
| Book Title | Mission MBA MAT Mock Tests and Solved Papers |
|---|---|
| Author | BS Sijwalii & Tarun Goyal |
| Price | M.R.P Rs. 825.00 Save Rs. 17(2%) Rs. 808.0 Incl. GST |
| Buy Now Link | Order Now |
MAT Preparation Books by Arun Sharma
Preparation Books : CAT Books by Arun Sharma - 2025
Book Title | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude |
|---|---|
Author | Arun Sharma |
Edition | 12th Edition Paperback (15 June 2025) |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs.1,050.00 Save: Rs.355.00 (34%) Rs.695.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link | |
Book Title | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
Author | Arun Sharma |
Edition | 12th Edition | VARC Paperback (15 June 2025) |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs.1,020.00 Save: Rs.305.00 (30%) Rs.715.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link | |
Book Title | How to Prepare For Data Interpretation |
Author | Arun Sharma |
Edition | 9th Edition Paperback (15 June 2025) |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs. 885.00 Save: Rs. 266.00 (30%) Rs. 619.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link | |
Book Title | How to Prepare For Logical Reasoning |
Author | Arun Sharma |
Edition | 8th Edition Paperback (15 June 2025) |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs. 885.00 Save: Rs. 266.00 (30%) Rs. 619.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link | |
Book Title | Chapter Wise Solved Previous Years’ Papers for CAT |
Author | Arun Sharma |
Edition | 3rd Edition Paperback (5 August 2024) |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs. 795.00 Save: Rs. 233 (29%) Rs. 562.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link |
Also check latest editions of Arun Sharma CAT books.
MAT toppers and experts recommend taking Mock Tests and Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) before the exam. You can take free MAT Mock Test and Previous Year Papers on MBAUniverse.com from the links given below. You can also download PDFs from the link below.
MAT 2026 exam Fees is Rs 2200 for registering for one of the two exams: Paper Based Test (PBT) or Computer Based Test (CBT). MAT fees for taking both these exams is Rs 3800. Check how to fill MAT registration form in the next section.
MAT Registration for both Paper based test (PBT) and Computer based test (CBT) is open. MAT registration last date for PBT is February 23, and Computer based test is March 2, 2026. This section explains how to register for MAT exam and how to fill MAT application form 2026.
If you are planning to appear for the MAT exam, the first step is to complete the online registration and application form available at official website mat.aima.in. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you successfully complete your MAT application process:
Step 1: Create a New MAT Login: Visit the official MAT website (mat.aima.in) and register using your personal information to generate a MAT ID and password.
Step 2: Select Test Modes: Choose your preferred test modes. You must select at least one test mode and can opt for a maximum of two.
Step 3: Upload Photo & Signature: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified size and format.
Step 4: Fill Choice of Management Institutes: If applying for one MAT exam, you can select up to 5 MBA/PGDM institutes. If applying for two MAT exams, you can choose up to 7 institutes. Select them from list of top MBA colleges accepting MAT scores.
Step 5: Make Online Payment: Pay the MAT application fee online. MAT Registration Fees is Rs 2200 for one exam and Rs 3800 for two exams.
Step 6: Fill Personal Details: Enter your complete personal information including name, date of birth, contact details, address, and other required information.
Step 7: Enter Academic & Work Experience Details: Provide your academic details from Class 10 onwards. If you have any work experience after graduation, enter those details as well.
Step 8: Review, Submit, and Download Application Form: Carefully review all the filled details. Make any necessary corrections, then submit the form. Finally, download and save a copy of your submitted MAT application form for future reference.
Read step by step MAT Registration 2026 guide for complete information.
MAT 2026 Admit Card is released on the official AIMA MAT website (mat.aima.in) before each exam. MAT Admit Card 2026 release date is February 26 for PBT exam on March 1, 2026 and March 5 for CBT exam on March 8, 2026.
How to Download MAT 2026 Admit Card:
- Visit Official Site: Go to the AIMA MAT portal
- Log In: Enter your registered Email ID, Date of Birth, and Password.
- Click on Download Admit Card button:
- Download & Print: View your admit card, check details, and print at least two copies.
Apart from applying and appearing in MAT exam, you need to apply separately for MBA admission to respective MBA college. The MBA Admission process in detail is shared below
- Apply and Appear in MAT Exam
- Check your MAT Score and corresponding Cut off at MBA Colleges
- Apply Separately for MBA Admission in the preferred MBA College
- Participate in MBA Colleges Selection process
- If selected, pay admission fee
MAT Result for MAT February 2026 exam will be released in March 2026. MAT results download details are as follows. Candidates should login to their Applicant Dashboard on MAT official website (mat.aima.in) to download their MAT result. The MAT Scorecard includes the following key details:
- Candidate Details: Name, Roll Number, Form Number
- Test Details: Exam Mode (PBT, CBT, IBT), Exam Date
- Sectional Scores: Scaled score (out of 100) for each section
- Overall Scaled Score: Total score (out of 800)
- Percentile Score: Percentile ranking based on candidate performance
- Validity: MAT scores are valid for one year for MBA/PGDM admissions.
Check how to download MAT result and scorecard.
Check important MAT exam day tips, MAT dos and don’ts, and things to carry for the exam day.
- Locate your test centre a day before the test so that you can reach the test centre on time on the exam date.
- Arrive at the exam centre on the exam date at least 1 hours before the commencement of the exam.
- Carry Admit Card Check to exam center. Check if you have pasted your photograph on admit card. If not, paste the identical photograph as uploaded at the time of completing the Registration Form.
- Carry a valid Photo ID Card inside the examination hall. Valid and acceptable Photo IDs are: Driving License, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Identification Affidavit etc.
- Carry transparent water Bottle, 2 simple pens and the test related documents (Admit Card, ID Card etc.). No other items will be permitted inside the test centre
- Do not carry Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, watches, calculators, stationary items, papers, wallets, goggles or similar such things as they are not allowed inside the test hall on exam date.
- Do not wear any jewellery or other items containing metal, you may be asked to remove them.
- Don’t carry valuables to exam centre. There is no facility for safekeeping of your personal belongings outside the test hall and Centre is not responsible for its loss.
- Follow any other instructions on the Admit Card.
Also read detailed article on MAT Exam Day Guidelines 2025, Dos and Don’ts and MAT Exam Centres and Test Cities List 2026.
In summary, MAT 2026 February exam dates are out. MAT Paper Based Test (PBT) will be held on March 1 and MAT Computer Based Test (CBT) will be held on March 8, 2026. MAT 2025 registration is open, and MAT 2026 registration last dates are February 23 for PBT exam and March 1 for CBT exam. Read complete details on MAT Exam 2026 including eligibility, fees, syllabus, pattern in the above article.