The MAT exam (Management Aptitude Test) is one of India’s most widely accepted MBA entrance exams. Conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA), it serves as a gateway to admissions in MBA/PGDM programs at over 600 business schools across the country, including Jagannath International Management School, regarded as the best MBA college in Delhi NCR.
Whether you’re just starting your preparation or planning to improve your score, this 2026 guide covers everything – exam dates, syllabus, eligibility, application process, pattern, and preparation strategy.
What Is the MAT Exam?
The MAT entrance exam is a national‑level test designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude for management studies. Often referred to as the Management Aptitude Test, this exam is accepted by numerous MBA colleges and helps candidates secure seats in MBA/PGDM programs.
Also Read – Choosing Between CAT, MAT, XAT, and SNAP: Which MBA Exam Fits Your Goals?
The exam tests your skills in English, mathematics, reasoning, data interpretation, and business awareness — making it a major step in your MBA journey.
MAT 2026: Important Dates (February Session)
The MAT exam 2026 (February session) has officially announced its schedule for both Paper‑Based Test (PBT) and Computer‑Based Test (CBT) formats:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| PBT Registration Deadline | 23 February 2026 |
| CBT Registration Deadline | 2 March 2026 |
| PBT Admit Card Release | 26 February 2026 |
| CBT Admit Card Release | 5 March 2026 |
| PBT Exam Date | 1 March 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | 8 March 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Expected late March 2026 |
These dates are published on the official MAT portal.
Note: MAT is conducted four times a year — February, May, September, and December — so you have multiple attempts each year.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for MAT 2026, you must:
✅ Have a Bachelor’s degree (from any discipline) from a recognized university.
✅ Be in the final year of graduation (appearing) or a graduate.
✅ There is no age limit to appear in MAT.
How to Apply for MAT 2026
You can apply for the MAT entrance exam on the official AIMA portal:
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Visit the official MAT registration page.
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Click on Register and fill in your personal details.
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Choose your preferred test mode (PBT/CBT).
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Select up to five MBA colleges where you want your scores shared.
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Pay the exam fee online using credit/debit card or net banking.
Fees (as per recent sessions):
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Rs. 2200 for PBT or CBT
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Rs. 3800 for both test modes (PBT + CBT)
MAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the MAT exam pattern is crucial to planning your preparation:
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Total Questions: 150
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Total Duration: 120 minutes
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Marking: +1 for correct, –0.25 for wrong
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Sections: 5 major sections
Sections in MAT 2026
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Language Comprehension
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Mathematical Skills
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Data Analysis & Sufficiency
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Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
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Indian & Global Environment
Each section tests essential skills relevant to management studies.
MAT 2026 Syllabus (Section‑Wise)
Here’s a breakdown of what you must prepare for each section:
🟡 1. Language Comprehension
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Reading comprehension passages
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Para jumbles
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Vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms)
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Grammar and fill in the blanks
🔵 2. Mathematical Skills
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Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss)
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Algebra
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Number systems
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Time, Work & Distance
🟢 3. Data Analysis & Sufficiency
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Interpretation of tables and charts
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Bar graphs and pie charts
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Data sufficiency questions
🟡 4. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
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Syllogisms
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Logical puzzles
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Series and patterns
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Coding‑decoding
🔵 5. Indian & Global Environment
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Current affairs
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Economic trends
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Business news
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Global developments
How to Prepare: Expert Tips for MAT 2026
Here’s a preparation roadmap that can help you maximize your score:
1. Understand the Syllabus
Break the syllabus down into topics and prepare a study calendar based on time you have left.
2. Take Regular Mock Tests
Practice full‑length mock tests to develop pacing skills and accuracy.
3. Strengthen Weak Sections
Analyze your mock results and focus more on sections where you’re scoring low.
4. Improve Speed and Accuracy
Work on shortcuts and time‑saving techniques — especially for Quant and Reasoning.
5. Stay Updated on Current Affairs
Read daily news summaries and business updates to nail the Indian & Global Environment section.
6. Practice Previous Year Papers
Solving past papers can help you understand pattern trends and question types.
Why Choose MAT 2026 for MBA Admission?
The MAT exam stands out for MBA aspirants because:
✔ Conducted 4 times a year — Gives multiple opportunities.
✔ Accepted by hundreds of MBA colleges across India.
✔ Balanced difficulty makes it suitable for a wide range of students.
Conclusion
The MAT entrance exam 2026 is your ticket to pursuing a management degree at top Indian B‑schools. With precise planning, thorough preparation, and consistent practice — you can conquer the Management Aptitude Test and secure your dream MBA seat.
Remember to register on the official AIMA MAT website and keep track of all important deadlines!
