MAT September 2026: Score 700+ with a Two-Month Section-Wise Plan

To score 700+ in MAT September 2026, aim for at least 125 correct answers across the four counted sections while maintaining 90%+ accuracy — achievable with two months of structured, section-wise preparation starting now.

AIMA’s Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is scored on a composite scale of 200 to 800, calculated from four sections. A score of 700 or above places you in approximately the 90th percentile, making you eligible to apply to the top MAT-accepting B-schools in India. With the September 2026 session roughly two months away from July 2026, a disciplined daily plan built around concept building, timed practice, and regular mock tests can realistically deliver that target.

• MAT has 5 sections with 40 questions each and runs for 150 minutes — only 4 sections count toward the composite score out of 800.
• A 700+ composite score is approximately the 90th percentile, depending on test difficulty, and qualifies you for leading MAT-accepting management institutes.
• Marking scheme: +1 for every correct answer and −0.25 for every wrong answer — accuracy matters more than raw attempt volume.
• The Indian and Global Environment section is not counted in the composite score but is reported separately to B-schools.
• A two-month plan of 3–5 hours of daily preparation with regular mock tests is the most reliable route to a 700+ composite score.

---

MAT September 2026 Exam Overview

AIMA conducts MAT four times a year — in February, May, September, and December. The September 2026 session is expected in the last week of September 2026. You can appear in paper-based test (PBT), computer-based test (CBT), and internet-based test (IBT) modes, and appearing in multiple modes in the same session is permitted. The composite score is derived from four sections; the fifth section (Indian and Global Environment) score is reported separately to institutes you apply to.

---

Section-Wise Marks and Time Distribution

All five sections carry equal weightage — 40 questions each. Only four sections contribute to your composite score. Spend at most 30–35 minutes per scored section to avoid running out of time in the 150-minute window. The table below shows the recommended time split and target attempt count for a 700+ score.

To score 700+, you need approximately 125–136 correct answers across the four counted sections. Attempting fewer questions with higher accuracy is better than attempting more with lower accuracy because each wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks.

---

Two-Month Study Plan for MAT September 2026

Starting from mid-July 2026, you have roughly 10 weeks before the expected exam date. Divide preparation into three phases: concept building, intensive practice, and final revision.

Weeks 1–2: Build your foundation in Language Comprehension (reading comprehension, vocabulary) and Mathematical Skills (arithmetic, number system, algebra). Solve 30–40 questions daily from these two sections and read at least one editorial daily to build reading speed.

Weeks 3–4: Shift focus to Data Analysis and Sufficiency (DI sets, data sufficiency questions) and Intelligence and Critical Reasoning (seating arrangements, syllogisms, coding-decoding). Keep solving 20 Language Comprehension questions daily to maintain your reading habit and vocabulary retention.

Weeks 5–7: Take at least two sectional tests and one full mock per week. Analyse every mock the same day — categorise errors as concept gaps, calculation mistakes, misread questions, or time mismanagement, and fix each type differently.

Weeks 8–10: Stop learning new topics entirely. Revise your error log, take one full-length mock every two days, and spend 30 minutes daily on current affairs and GK for the Indian and Global Environment section.

---

Section-Wise Preparation Strategy

Language Comprehension

This section tests reading speed, comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Reading Comprehension passages — 3 to 4 per paper — carry the most marks and should be your first priority within this section.

• Read one long-form editorial daily to build reading speed and contextual vocabulary throughout your preparation period.
• Learn 10–15 new words daily and revise them weekly — focus on antonyms, synonyms, and idiomatic usage.
• For Para-Jumbles, always identify the opening sentence first and look for logical connector words to sequence the rest.
• Grammar questions (Fill in the Blanks, Error Correction) respond well to 2–3 weeks of focused grammar rule revision.
• Target: 32–35 correct attempts out of 40.

Mathematical Skills

This section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number theory, and modern maths. Arithmetic topics — percentages, profit and loss, time and work, ratio and proportion — account for nearly 50% of questions and must be mastered before moving to other areas.

• Learn at least 20 shortcut formulae for arithmetic and practise applying them under timed conditions every day.
• Geometry questions require quick diagrammatic thinking — practise sketching figures in the first 10 seconds of reading each question.
• In mock tests, do not spend more than 2 minutes on any single question — skip and return only if time permits.
• Target: 30–33 correct attempts out of 40.

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

This section contains DI sets (tables, bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs) and data sufficiency questions. DI sets come in groups of 5 questions — scan the full set first and attempt the two easiest questions before tackling the harder ones.

• Build approximation and percentage calculation speed — most DI questions can be solved by estimating rather than calculating precisely.
• For Data Sufficiency, always evaluate each statement independently before considering them together — this eliminates guesswork.
• Practise at least 3–4 full DI sets daily during Phase 2 to build the stamina needed for back-to-back set solving.
• Target: 30–33 correct attempts out of 40.

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

This section tests logical reasoning, puzzles, and critical thinking. Seating arrangements, blood relations, syllogisms, and coding-decoding are the most frequently appearing question types — prioritise these during preparation.

• Analogy and series questions are quick to solve and high on accuracy — practise 15–20 daily to build speed.
• For Critical Reasoning questions, identify the conclusion before reading the answer options to avoid being misled by distractors.
• Puzzle-based questions reward a systematic diagrammatic approach — practise drawing a grid or table before reading the clues.
• Target: 32–35 correct attempts out of 40.

Indian and Global Environment

Although this section is not counted in the composite score, it is reported to B-schools and can influence shortlisting. Spend 20–30 minutes daily on current affairs starting at least 6 weeks before the exam. Cover business news, national economy, government schemes, international events, sports, and awards. Use monthly GK capsules from reliable sources and revise them every Sunday.

---

Mock Test and Revision Strategy

Consistent mock test practice is the single biggest differentiator for students aiming for 700+. Taking mocks without in-depth analysis produces very little improvement — always spend 60–90 minutes reviewing after every full-length test.

• From Week 5, take at least 2–3 full MAT mock tests per week under realistic conditions: 150 minutes, no interruptions, no calculator, timed per section.
• After every mock, classify your errors into four categories: concept gap, calculation mistake, misread question, and time mismanagement. Each type requires a different correction.
• Maintain a running error log — note each wrong question, the correct approach, and the topic involved. Review this log every Sunday.
• Track your accuracy rate per section. For a 700+ target, aim for 85%+ accuracy on your attempted questions across all four scored sections.
• In the final two weeks, take one full mock every other day and use remaining study time only for error log revision and GK.

A consistent mock score of 650–680 in practice often translates to 700+ on the actual exam day — familiarity with the format and improved stamina from repeated full-length tests typically boost real-test performance beyond your practice average.