MAT Exam 2026: Registration, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern & Preparation Tips

MAT is a management entrance exam that many MBA (Master of Business Administration) aspirants can take multiple times a year. Accepted by over 600 B-Schools, the test offers a holistic assessment through dual modes and provides access to top Indian MBA colleges. By understanding the MAT 2026 requirements, you can plan better, stay on schedule, and increase your chances of scoring high.

Here’s a detailed guide covering MAT exam 2026 highlights, key dates, fees, eligibility, and registration, with practical tips for success.

Key highlights:

• What is the MAT Exam 2026?
• MAT 2026: Exam Highlights
• MAT Exam 2026: Key Dates and Schedule
• MAT Exam Fees in 2026
• MAT Exam Eligibility Criteria in 2026
• MAT Exam 2026: Registration Process
• MAT Exam Pattern & Structure 2026
• MAT Exam Syllabus 2026
• MAT Exam Score Validity & Acceptance 2026
• MAT Exam Colleges
• MAT Exam Preparation Tips 2026
• MAT Admit Card 2026
• Conclusion

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What is the MAT Exam 2026?

The full form of MAT is the Management Aptitude Test. It is a national-level entrance exam you can take if you’re planning to pursue an MBA/PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) or other management programmes in India.

MAT was introduced in 1988 by the All India Management Association (AIMA) and was later recognised by the Government of India as a gateway to management education.

You are tested for your aptitude and skills in English, Mathematics, Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Business awareness and other key areas of management studies.

MAT 2026: Exam Highlights

Here are some important highlights of the MAT exam:

MAT Exam 2026: Key Dates and Schedule

Below are the key dates and details for the upcoming MAT exam:

• PBT is an OMR-sheet-based, pen-and-paper exam. OMR is Optical Mark Recognition, a technology that captures human-marked data, such as bubbles or checkboxes, on the sheet.
• CBT is a computer-based exam
• Both tests are conducted at a designated test centre

MAT Exam Fees in 2026

Here’s a quick look at the MAT exam fees in 2026:

MAT Exam Eligibility Criteria in 2026

Here’s what you need to know about MAT eligibility:

MAT Exam 2026: Registration Process

Here’s a step-by-step process to register for the MAT exam 2026:

Step 1: Visit the AIMA official website.
Step 2: If you’re applying for the first time, register using a valid email and mobile number. If you’ve applied earlier, simply log in using your existing credentials to continue your application.
Step 3: Select the upcoming MAT exam open for application and click on “Apply Now”
Step 4: Choose your test mode (PBT, CBT, or both) and select up to two preferred cities for your exam centres.
Step 5: Fill in the basic details and ensure that all the information you provide is accurate.
Step 6: Upload your scanned copies of the photo and signature as per the guidelines.
Step 7: Select the Management Institutions (MIs). Choose 5 institutions if you’re applying for either PBT or CBT; and up to 7 institutions if you’re applying for both PBT and CBT.
Step 8: Pay the MAT registration fees. If you’ve selected additional MIs while applying for PBT + CBT, you may need to pay an extra INR 118 (including 18% GST) per institution.
Step 9: Fill in the personal, qualification and experience details.
Step 10: Review and submit your MAT 2026 application form and download a copy.

MAT Exam Pattern & Structure 2026

MAT Exam Syllabus 2026

Let’s understand what each section covers:

MAT Exam Score Validity & Acceptance 2026

Your MAT score is valid for one year from the date of result declaration. Essentially, a score obtained in a specific calendar year is valid only for that academic session’s intake. For example, MAT 2026 scores are applicable for the 2026–2027 batch and cannot be used for admissions in the following academic year.

How to Interpret MAT Exam Scores?

There are three main types of scores in MAT: raw score, composite score, and percentile. Let’s understand all three separately.

1. Raw Score/ Sectional Score

Your raw score is your actual performance based on the total number of marks received in 4 sections of MAT, excluding the Economic & Business Environment.

Note: While this section does not contribute to your score, many colleges review it during the final selection process, so it should be taken seriously.

Each section of MAT has 30 questions. Raw scoring works like this:

• +1 mark for every right answer
• -0.25 for every wrong answer
• 0 for an unanswered question.

Also, since the difficulty level can vary between multiple MAT sessions and formats, AIMA normalises and scales your raw scores to ensure fair evaluation across all test-takers. Your raw marks (out of 30 per section) are first normalised, then converted into scaled scores on a 0-100 scale for each section. By this adjustment, candidates taking different test sessions are compared on the same benchmark, so a score from a harder test equals a comparable score for an easier one.

2. Composite Score

The composite score is the summary of your performance in all 4 sections of a MAT exam. These scores are basically the total of the standardised scores in each section and are calculated within a 200-800 range.

For example, suppose a candidate’s performance in the MAT exam is as follows:

Language Comprehension:

• Correct answers: 19 x 1 mark = 19
• Incorrect answers: 5 x (-0.25 mark) = -1.25
• Questions not attempted: 6 x 0 mark = 0

So, raw score = 19-1.25+0 = 17.75

Similarly, let’s assume the candidate’s raw scores in other sections are:

• Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: 18.75
• Mathematical Skills: 15.50
• Data Analysis & Sufficiency: 22.00

Total raw score across 4 sections: 17.75 + 18.75 + 15.50 + 22.00 = 74

Formula to calculate the composite score: (Total raw score/120) x 600 + 200

So, the candidate’s composite score will be: (74/120) x 600 + 200 = 570

3. Percentile

Your MAT 2026 percentile reflects your rank relative to other test-takers by showing the percentage of candidates you outperformed. Basically, it represents the proportion of total candidates who scored lower than you across the first four sections. For example, a 95th percentile doesn’t mean you scored 95% on the paper; it indicates that your performance exceeded 95% of all candidates who appeared for that specific exam session.

Reference Range: Composite score vs percentile

MAT Score vs MAT Percentile: What Do Colleges Consider?

Most MBA colleges prefer your MAT percentile over raw scores. The percentile is used in the first stage of selection along with academic scores, group discussion and personal interview, based on the college’s eligibility requirements.

MAT Exam Colleges

Here’s a list of the top 10 Indian MBA colleges that accept MAT scores with their approximate cut-off percentile trends in 2025.

Note: Cut-offs are indicative and vary yearly.

MAT Exam Preparation Tips 2026

• Start by assessing your section-wise strengths and areas of improvement to create a structured daily study plan and track your performance.
• Take mock tests regularly, analyse your mistakes and accordingly adjust your preparation strategy.
• Manage your time and revise smartly. Improve time management by allocating specific time to each section/question.

Section-wise prep checklist:

Language Comprehension

• Make it a habit to read daily (newspapers, editorials) to boost reading speed and understanding.
• Brush up on vocabulary, grammar and sentence correction.

Mathematical Skills

• Strengthen the basics of algebra, arithmetic, geometry and memorise key formulas.
• Improving your mental calculation speed is also essential for effective time management.

Data Analysis & Sufficiency

• Practice DI sets, tables and charts regularly
• Skip lengthy questions first and come back later

Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

• Practice puzzles, logical questions, and blood relations
• Stick to facts

Economic & Business Development

• Stay updated with current affairs and business news
• Read books on GK

You can also refer to the study material on the following topics for MAT 2026 preparation:

• Quantitative Aptitude
• Logical Reasoning
• Data Interpretation
• General Knowledge
• Mock Tests

Note: Feel free to use any other preparation material or books that you find helpful for your study needs.

Here is a 6-month (for first-time aspirants) and 3-month (for repeat aspirants) MAT preparation plan:

MAT Admit Card 2026

Your MAT admit card is an official document issued by AIMA that serves as your entry pass to the examination centre. Without a valid admit card, you will not be allowed to appear for the exam. Ensure you download your MAT admit card early and verify all details. To download the document, follow these steps:

• Visit the AIMA MAT website
• Log in with your registered credentials
• Go to the admit card/ view & download section
• Click on the link for the MAT admit card 2026
• Download and take at least 2 printouts (A4 size)

Details on Your MAT Admit Card

• Name, date of birth and photograph
• MAT registration number
• Exam date, time and reporting time
• Test centre address and barcode

Documents to Carry on the Test Date

• Two printed A4-sized copies of your MAT admit card
• Any one identity proof – Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence
• Two passport-sized photographs

Additional Documents (if applicable)

• Reserved category student: Original caste certificate
• Name change: Valid proof of name change
• PwD (Physically Disabled) candidates seeking scribe assistance: Medical and scribe certificate

Exam Day Guidelines

• Reporting Time: 8:30 AM
• Exam Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (for both PBT and CBT)
• Late entry at the test centre is not allowed
• Carry original printouts of the admit card. Digital or photocopies are not accepted
• Carry only a blue or black ballpoint pen
• Bags, phone, calculator, watch, metal accessories, jewellery, valuables, earphones or any electronic devices are not allowed inside the hall.
• Follow the invigilator’s instructions once the test starts

While MAT 2026 is a gateway to over 600 Indian B-schools, many students use it as a benchmark while preparing for global management journeys. Whether you choose a domestic programme or look to study abroad, planning your finances is important.

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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. What is the MAT exam for?

MAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association to get admission to an MBA college in India.

2. Is MAT harder than CAT?

MAT is comparatively easier than CAT (Common Admission Test). While both tests are conducted for admission in MBA colleges in India, CAT has a more stringent eligibility requirement, a lower acceptance rate and a higher difficulty level than MAT.

3. Do IIMs accept MAT scores?

No, IIMs only accept CAT (Common Admission Test) scores for MBA/PDGM admissions.

4. Is MAT only for MBA?

The MAT exam is widely accepted for MBA programmes and other management-related courses.

5. How many attempts for MAT?

You can attempt the MAT exam as many times as you want until you’ve achieved a satisfactory result. The score of the latest MAT attempt is considered for MBA admission.

Also Read: Top MBA Entrance Exams in India