MAT 2026 (Management Aptitude Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted four times a year by AIMA (All India Management Association) in February, May, September, and December. The MAT May 2026 CBT admit card has been released today, June 11, 2026, with the CBT exam scheduled for June 14, 2026. More than 800 colleges and universities across India accept MAT scores for admission to MBA and other management programmes.
- Admit Card: MAT May 2026 CBT admit card has been released today, June 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM. You can download it by logging into your candidate account at mat.aima.in. The PBT admit card for this session was released earlier on May 28, 2026.
- CBT Exam: MAT May 2026 CBT exam is scheduled for June 14, 2026. The PBT mode exam was already held on May 31, 2026. Candidates must carry a printed admit card and a valid government-issued photo ID to the exam centre.
- Result: MAT May 2026 result is expected in the fourth week of June 2026, approximately two to three weeks after the CBT exam date. The February 2026 session result was declared within a similar timeframe in late March 2026. The MAT scorecard is valid for one year.
- Next Session (September 2026): MAT September 2026 session dates are yet to be announced by AIMA. Based on last year’s schedule, registration for the September session typically opens in July-August 2026. You can appear in multiple MAT sessions in a year, and your best score is used for admission.
What is MAT 2026?
MAT stands for Management Aptitude Test. It is a standardised national-level test that allows business schools to screen candidates for admission to MBA and allied management programmes. AIMA (All India Management Association), a national apex body for management professionals in India, has been conducting MAT since 1988. The exam is approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
The exam is conducted four times a year — in February, May, September, and December. This gives you multiple opportunities to appear and improve your score in a single year. More than 800 colleges and universities across India accept MAT scores, making it one of the most widely accepted management entrance tests in the country.
MAT 2026 is available in three modes: Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT). You can choose any one or more modes within a session. The exam has 150 questions spread across 5 sections, with a total duration of 120 minutes. The score is presented on a scaled range of 199 to 801.
MAT 2026 Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2026 |
| Short Form | MAT |
| Conducting Body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Approved By | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | 4 times a year (February, May, September, December) |
| Exam Modes | PBT (Paper-Based), CBT (Computer-Based), IBT (Internet-Based) |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 150 |
| Duration | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer, −0.25 for wrong answer |
| Score Range | 199 to 801 (scaled composite score) |
| Number of Sections | 5 (Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Economic & Business Environment) |
| Sections Counted for Percentile | 4 (Economic & Business Environment is NOT counted) |
| Colleges Accepting MAT | 800+ colleges across India |
| Score Validity | 1 year from date of declaration |
| Official Website | mat.aima.in |
Source: AIMA MAT Official Website
MAT 2026 Important Dates
MAT 2026 is conducted across four sessions in a year. The February 2026 session is over and results have been declared. The May 2026 session PBT exam was completed on May 31, and the CBT exam is coming up on June 14, 2026. Dates for the September and December 2026 sessions have not yet been announced by AIMA. Check mat.aima.in regularly for updates.
The table below lists all MAT 2026 events for the May 2026 session — upcoming events are listed first, followed by completed events in chronological order.
| Event | Date (May 2026 Session) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CBT Admit Card Release | June 11, 2026 | (Out) |
| CBT Exam Date | June 14, 2026 | Upcoming |
| May 2026 Result Declaration | Fourth week of June 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| MAT September 2026 Session | To be announced by AIMA | Upcoming |
| MAT December 2026 Session | To be announced by AIMA | Upcoming |
| Registration Opens (May 2026) | April 1, 2026 | (Over) |
| PBT Registration Deadline | May 25, 2026 | (Over) |
| PBT Admit Card Release | May 28, 2026 | (Over) |
| PBT Exam Date | May 31, 2026 | (Over) |
| CBT Registration Deadline | June 11, 2026 | (Over) |
MAT February 2026 Session — Completed
The February 2026 session is fully over and results have been declared. If you scored well in February 2026, your scorecard is already valid for the current admissions cycle. You can use it to apply to colleges right now without waiting for the May 2026 result.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| PBT Exam (February Session) | March 1, 2026 (Over) |
| CBT Exam (February Session) | March 8, 2026 (Over) |
| February Session Result | Late March 2026 (Out) |
Note: Dates for the September 2026 and December 2026 sessions are yet to be released by AIMA. Registration for each session typically opens 6 to 8 weeks before the exam date. Visit mat.aima.in for official schedule announcements.
MAT May 2026 Admit Card
The MAT May 2026 CBT admit card has been released today, June 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM on the official AIMA portal. If you registered for the CBT mode, download your admit card right away — the exam is only three days away, on June 14, 2026. You cannot enter the exam centre without a printed copy of your admit card.
The MAT May 2026 CBT admit card is now available at mat.aima.in. Download and print it before June 14, 2026.
How to Download MAT May 2026 CBT Admit Card
- Go to mat.aima.in
- Click on the "Candidate Login" link on the homepage
- Enter your registered email ID and password
- Access your candidate dashboard
- Click on "Download Admit Card" for the May 2026 CBT session
- Save the admit card as a PDF and take a clear colour printout
Details to Verify on Your MAT Admit Card
After downloading, check the following details on your admit card carefully. If anything is incorrect, contact AIMA through the official website immediately — do not wait until exam day.
- Candidate Name (as registered during application)
- Roll Number and Registration Number
- Exam Date: June 14, 2026
- Exam Mode: CBT
- Exam Centre Name, Address, and Reporting Time
- Photograph and Signature (should match the originals you submitted)
What to Carry on MAT CBT Exam Day (June 14, 2026)
- Printed copy of the MAT May 2026 CBT admit card
- One valid government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence
- A transparent water bottle (no food items allowed inside the exam hall)
Note: The MAT May 2026 PBT admit card was released on May 28, 2026, four days before the PBT exam on May 31. The CBT admit card follows the same short-release window. Download and print it without delay.
MAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
MAT has one of the most open eligibility criteria among all national MBA entrance exams in India. There is no upper age limit, no work experience requirement, and no minimum percentage cutoff set by AIMA. Here is what you need to know before registering for MAT 2026:
- Educational Qualification: You must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution. Students in the final year of their graduation are also eligible to apply.
- Minimum Marks: AIMA does not set any minimum percentage requirement for graduation. However, individual colleges that accept MAT scores may set their own minimum academic criteria for shortlisting candidates.
- Age Limit: There is no minimum or maximum age restriction for appearing in MAT 2026. Candidates of all ages can register.
- Work Experience: Not required. Both fresh graduates and working professionals can apply for MAT 2026.
- Nationality: Both Indian nationals and international candidates are eligible to appear in MAT 2026.
- Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts. You can appear in all four MAT sessions (February, May, September, December) in a year and also appear in both PBT and CBT modes within the same session.
The open eligibility criteria make MAT one of the most accessible MBA entrance exams in India. Even if you missed the May 2026 session registration, you can plan for the September 2026 session. Colleges consider your best MAT score within the one-year validity period for admission.
MAT 2026 Application Process and Fees
MAT 2026 registration is fully online through the official AIMA portal at mat.aima.in. The registration for the May 2026 CBT session closed on June 11, 2026. Candidates who want to appear in the next session should watch the official website for the September 2026 schedule announcement, which typically comes 6 to 8 weeks before the exam date.
Steps to Register for MAT 2026
- Visit mat.aima.in and create a new candidate account with your email ID and mobile number
- Fill in your personal details (name, date of birth, contact information) and academic details
- Choose the test mode — PBT, CBT, or IBT. You can register for more than one mode within the same session
- Select your preferred exam city and test centre from the available list
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature in the required format and size
- Select the business schools you want to receive your MAT score (up to 5 schools are included in the base fee)
- Pay the registration fee online through net banking, credit card, or debit card
- Download and save the registration confirmation page for future reference
MAT 2026 Registration Fees
| Registration Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Single Mode — PBT or CBT or IBT | Rs. 2,200 |
| Two Modes — PBT and CBT together in the same session | Rs. 3,800 |
| Registering for Two Sessions Together at the Time of Application | Additional Rs. 1,600 |
Note: The MAT registration fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. Score reporting to up to 5 business schools is included in the base registration fee. Additional colleges attract extra charges. If you register for both PBT and CBT in the same session, you get two attempts and your better score is used.
Registering for two modes in the same session is a good strategy — it gives you two chances to perform well and use your better score for college applications. Many serious MAT candidates use this approach, especially when they feel they can improve between the PBT and CBT dates.
MAT 2026 Exam Pattern
MAT 2026 follows the same fixed exam pattern across all sessions and all modes. The exam has 150 multiple-choice questions divided equally across 5 sections, with 30 questions in each. The total duration is 120 minutes (2 hours). There is no sectional time limit — you can move freely between sections and manage your time as you prefer throughout the exam.
Important: The Economic and Business Environment section (Section 5) is NOT included in the MAT composite score or percentile calculation. Only the first four sections contribute to your final MAT score and percentile.
MAT 2026 Section-wise Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Counted for Percentile? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 30 | 30 | Yes |
| Mathematical Skills | 30 | 30 | Yes |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 30 | 30 | Yes |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 30 | 30 | Yes |
| Economic & Business Environment | 30 | 30 | No |
| Total | 150 | 150 | Total Time: 120 Minutes |
MAT 2026 Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Wrong Answer: −0.25 marks (negative marking applies to all 5 sections)
- Unanswered Question: 0 marks (no penalty for skipping)
- Composite Score Range: 199 to 801 (scaled, not raw marks)
Because MAT has negative marking, you should only attempt questions you are reasonably confident about. Leaving a question blank is always better than a random guess. In CBT mode, you can navigate between any section during the 120-minute window. In PBT mode, you fill an OMR sheet section by section.
The overall difficulty of MAT is moderate — lower than CAT and XAT but competitive enough that focused preparation is essential. Most of the Mathematical Skills questions are based on Class 9 to Class 12 level concepts, and the Critical Reasoning section has a few higher-order puzzle and logical deduction questions.
MAT 2026 Syllabus
The MAT 2026 syllabus covers five distinct sections. Since the fifth section (Economic & Business Environment) does not affect your percentile, most candidates focus more time on the first four sections during preparation. Here is the complete section-wise MAT 2026 syllabus:
Language Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension — typically 2 passages with 5 questions each, sourced from social sciences, literature, or science topics
- Grammar and Verbal Ability — error spotting, sentence improvement, fill in the blanks
- Vocabulary — synonyms, antonyms, word meanings, idioms and phrases
- Para-jumbles — rearranging sentences into a logical sequence
- Sentence completion and verbal analogies
Mathematical Skills
- Arithmetic (High Weightage): Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Mixtures and Alligations, Speed, Distance and Time, Time and Work
- Algebra: Linear and Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry
- Number System: LCM and HCF, Prime Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Remainder Theorem
- Mensuration: Areas, Volumes, and Surface Areas of 2D and 3D shapes
- Modern Mathematics: Permutations, Combinations, Probability, Set Theory
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
- Pie charts — percentage calculations and sector comparisons
- Bar graphs — single and grouped bar charts for data comparison
- Line charts — trend identification over time periods
- Mixed graphs — combinations of two or more graph types in a single question set
- Tabular data interpretation — multi-row and multi-column data analysis
- Data Sufficiency — determining whether given statements provide enough information to answer a question
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
- Coding and Decoding (High Weightage) — letter codes, number codes, substitution-based codes
- Seating Arrangements — linear, circular, and complex multi-row puzzle sets
- Syllogisms — Venn diagram-based logical deductions with two or more statements
- Blood Relations — family tree and relationship-based problems
- Number and Letter Series — pattern identification and next-term prediction
- Verbal Reasoning — arguments, assumptions, conclusions, strengthening and weakening
- Clocks and Calendars, Direction Sense problems
Economic and Business Environment
- Business and economics general knowledge
- Current affairs related to business, trade, and the economy
- Economic policies — fiscal policy, monetary policy, RBI policies and rates
- Financial institutions, markets, and instruments
- Corporate news, mergers and acquisitions, and industry sector updates
The Economic and Business Environment section does NOT contribute to your MAT composite score or percentile. Focus your preparation on the first four sections to maximize your percentile. That said, some colleges ask business GK questions in GD and PI rounds, so staying current with business news has value beyond the exam itself.
MAT 2026 Result and Score
MAT results are declared separately for each session. The MAT May 2026 result is expected in the fourth week of June 2026 — about two to three weeks after the CBT exam on June 14. The February 2026 session result was already declared in late March 2026, and candidates who scored well in that session can already use their scorecard for 2026 college admissions.
How is the MAT Score Calculated?
AIMA uses a scaled scoring system for MAT. Here is how your raw marks become the final MAT composite score:
- Your raw marks from four sections — Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, and Intelligence & Critical Reasoning — are used for calculation
- The Economic & Business Environment section score is shown separately but is NOT part of the composite score calculation
- Raw marks are converted to a scaled composite score using standard psychometric scaling methods that equate difficulty across sessions
- The final composite score ranges from 199 to 801
- Your overall percentile is calculated by comparing your composite score against the performance of all other candidates in that session
How to Check MAT 2026 Result
- Visit mat.aima.in after the result declaration date
- Log in to your candidate dashboard using your registered email ID and password
- Click on "Scorecard" or "Result" from the candidate menu
- Download and save your MAT scorecard as a PDF
The MAT scorecard shows your section-wise scaled scores, your overall composite score, and your percentile. The scorecard is valid for one year from the date of declaration — so a candidate who scored well in February 2026 can use that score right through to early 2027 for management admissions.
You can send your MAT score to business schools directly through the AIMA portal. Many MBA colleges run rolling admissions and begin shortlisting candidates as soon as scores are available. Apply early after the result is out — seats in popular programmes fill up fast.
MAT Score vs Percentile 2026
The MAT composite score is presented on a scaled range of 199 to 801. A higher composite score gives a higher percentile. Since MAT is conducted four times a year with varying candidate pools, percentile values can shift slightly between sessions depending on difficulty level and the total number of test-takers. The table below maps composite scores to approximate percentile ranges based on historical MAT data:
| MAT Composite Score (Scaled) | Approximate Percentile | College Tier You Can Target |
|---|---|---|
| 750 and above | 99+ | Top Management Institutes |
| 700 – 749 | 95 – 99 | Tier-1 B-Schools |
| 650 – 699 | 85 – 95 | Good Tier-1 and Tier-2 B-Schools |
| 600 – 649 | 75 – 85 | Tier-2 B-Schools |
| 550 – 599 | 60 – 75 | Tier-2 and Tier-3 Colleges |
| Below 550 | Below 60 | Tier-3 Colleges |
Note: The percentile ranges above are approximate and based on past MAT session data. Actual percentiles for MAT 2026 sessions will depend on performance distribution in each specific session. Always confirm the exact MAT score or percentile cutoff with your target college before applying.
For the well-known MBA colleges accepting MAT, a composite score of 650 or above (around 85+ percentile) is a strong target. Some colleges also check your section-wise scores — a weak performance in Language Comprehension or Mathematical Skills can hurt your shortlisting chances even if your overall composite score is decent. Aim for balanced performance across all four counted sections.
MAT 2026 Cutoff: Top MBA Colleges
The MAT 2026 cutoff varies from college to college. Each MBA college that accepts MAT sets its own minimum score or percentile requirement for shortlisting candidates for GD/PI rounds. The cutoff also depends on factors like the number of applicants, total available seats, programme specialization, and the academic profile of the candidate pool in a given year.
| College Name | City | Expected MAT 2026 Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| BIMTECH | Greater Noida | 600+ Score / 80+ Percentile |
| FORE School of Management | New Delhi | 600+ Score / 80+ Percentile |
| JAGSOM (Jain Global) | Bangalore | 500+ Score / 70+ Percentile |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | Noida / Lucknow / Jaipur / Indore | 500+ Score / 70+ Percentile |
| IPE (Institute of Public Enterprise) | Hyderabad | 500+ Score / 70+ Percentile |
| SIES College of Management Studies | Mumbai | 550+ Score / 75+ Percentile |
| IBA (International Business Academy) | Bangalore | 550+ Score / 75+ Percentile |
| Rajagiri Business School | Kochi | 500+ Score / 70+ Percentile |
| FIIB (Fortune Institute of International Business) | New Delhi | 500+ Score / 65+ Percentile |
| PIBM (Pune Institute of Business Management) | Pune | 500+ Score / 65+ Percentile |
| CIMP (Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna) | Patna | 400+ Score / 50+ Percentile |
Note: Cutoffs listed above are indicative and based on previous year trends. MAT 2026 final cutoffs will be released individually by each college after results are declared. Candidates must also clear the college’s GD, PI, and/or WAT rounds after meeting the score cutoff to receive an admission offer.
Beyond the MAT score, most MBA colleges factor in your Class 10 and Class 12 marks, graduation percentage, work experience (if any), communication skills, and interview performance. A high MAT score gets you shortlisted — your final admission depends on your complete profile and how you perform in the selection rounds.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT 2026 Score
More than 800 colleges and universities across India accept MAT scores for MBA and allied management programme admissions. This includes private B-schools, government universities, deemed universities, and public-private institutions. MAT scores are recognised across all major states including Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
How Many Colleges Accept MAT Score?
- Total Institutions Accepting MAT: 800+ colleges and universities across India
- Private Business Schools: 990+ private colleges accept MAT scores
- Government Universities: 100+ government universities accept MAT for MBA admissions
- Public-Private Partnership Institutes: 7 such institutions accept MAT
- Score reporting to 5 colleges is included in the base registration fee; additional schools attract extra charges
Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Score — City-wise
| College | City / State | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| BIMTECH | Greater Noida, UP | PGDM (Specialised Programmes) |
| FORE School of Management | New Delhi | PGDM, PGDM-IB |
| JAGSOM (Jain Global) | Bangalore, Karnataka | MBA / PGDM |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | Noida / Lucknow / Jaipur / Indore | PGDM |
| IPE (Institute of Public Enterprise) | Hyderabad, Telangana | MBA |
| SIES College of Management Studies | Mumbai, Maharashtra | MMS / PGDM |
| IBA (International Business Academy) | Bangalore, Karnataka | MBA |
| Rajagiri Business School | Kochi, Kerala | MBA |
| FIIB (Fortune Institute of International Business) | New Delhi | PGDM |
| NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | MBA (Securities Markets) |
| PIBM (Pune Institute of Business Management) | Pune, Maharashtra | PGDM |
| CIMP (Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna) | Patna, Bihar | PGDM |
If you want to pursue your MBA in a specific city or state, MAT gives you flexibility since accepting colleges are spread across India. You can report your score directly to target colleges through the AIMA portal during the registration process itself. Many colleges run rolling admissions and begin shortlisting candidates as soon as results are available — applying early gives you an edge.
MAT 2026 Counselling and Admission Process
Unlike CAT or CMAT, there is no centralised counselling process for MAT. Each MBA college that accepts MAT scores runs its own independent selection process. After your MAT result is declared, you need to apply directly to the colleges of your choice and follow their individual admission timelines.
MAT 2026 Admission Process — Step by Step
- Step 1 — Download Scorecard: Get your MAT scorecard from mat.aima.in after results are declared. Note your section-wise scores, overall composite score, and percentile.
- Step 2 — Research Colleges: Compare MBA colleges where your MAT score meets the cutoff. Consider programme specialization, total fee, placement record, location, and faculty profile.
- Step 3 — Apply to Target Colleges: Fill out the application forms of your chosen colleges. Many have their own online application portals. Some accept applications through AIMA’s score reporting system directly.
- Step 4 — Shortlisting: Colleges shortlist candidates based on MAT score, academic marks (10th, 12th, graduation), work experience, and extracurricular profile.
- Step 5 — GD / PI / WAT: Shortlisted candidates are called for Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and/or Written Ability Test (WAT) rounds depending on the college’s process.
- Step 6 — Merit List and Offer Letter: Colleges prepare a final merit list considering all parameters and send admission offer letters to selected candidates.
- Step 7 — Fee Payment and Seat Confirmation: Pay the admission fee within the deadline to confirm your seat. Missing the deadline usually results in forfeiting your offer.
Many colleges run rolling admissions — they shortlist, interview, and make offers on an ongoing basis throughout the admission season. The earlier you apply after your result is out, the better your chances of securing a seat in your preferred programme and specialization.
If you appeared in MAT February 2026, you do not need to wait for the May 2026 result to apply to colleges. Your February 2026 scorecard is already valid and many colleges are currently accepting applications from candidates who have existing MAT scores from earlier sessions.
Preparation Tips for MAT 2026
If you are targeting the MAT September or December 2026 sessions, you have enough time to prepare well with a focused plan. MAT is considered moderately difficult — more accessible than CAT or XAT, but competitive enough that preparation makes a real difference. A two to three month focused preparation plan is usually sufficient for most candidates targeting good B-schools.
Section-wise Preparation Strategy
- Language Comprehension: Read newspapers, business magazines, or editorial columns regularly to build reading speed and comprehension. Practice reading comprehension passages from previous MAT papers. Work on your vocabulary by learning 10 to 15 new words each day. Focus on grammar rules covering error correction and sentence improvement — these appear every year.
- Mathematical Skills: Revise Class 9 and Class 10 maths thoroughly — most MAT quant questions are at that level. Arithmetic topics like percentages, profit and loss, ratios, and speed-distance-time are asked in every session. Practice mental calculation techniques to save time during the exam.
- Data Analysis and Sufficiency: Practice interpreting bar graphs, pie charts, line charts, and mixed graphs from previous MAT papers. Speed matters here — data sets can be time-consuming if you are not practiced. Aim to solve at least 4 to 5 DI sets per day during the final month before the exam.
- Intelligence and Critical Reasoning: Solve seating arrangement and puzzle sets daily. Coding-decoding questions appear regularly in MAT and can be solved quickly with practice. Build your speed on syllogisms using Venn diagram techniques.
- Economic and Business Environment: Read the business and economy pages of a national daily every morning. This section does not affect your MAT percentile, but it builds awareness that pays off during GD and PI rounds at colleges.
General MAT 2026 Study Tips
- Take at least 5 to 6 full-length MAT mock tests under timed conditions before your exam date
- After each mock test, analyze in detail which sections or question types cost you the most marks
- Practice the last 5 years of MAT question papers — the pattern has been stable and consistent across sessions
- Since there is no sectional time limit, build a personal time allocation strategy in mock tests and stick to it on exam day
- Avoid random guessing — the −0.25 negative marking means three wrong answers cancel out one correct answer
- Aim to attempt Data Analysis and Critical Reasoning sections first, as these tend to be more time-consuming for many candidates
- If you are also preparing for CMAT, your preparation overlaps significantly with MAT — both exams are at a similar difficulty level with comparable section structures
MAT 2026 vs Other Management Entrance Exams
MAT is one of several national-level MBA entrance exams available to candidates in India. Understanding how MAT compares with CAT, XAT, and CMAT helps you decide which exams to prioritize based on your college preferences, target score, and preparation level. Many candidates appear in more than one exam to keep multiple options open.
| Parameter | MAT | CAT | XAT | CMAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | AIMA | IIMs (rotational) | XLRI | NTA |
| Frequency | 4 times a year | Once a year | Once a year | Once a year |
| Total Questions | 150 | 66 | 75 | 100 |
| Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | 210 minutes | 180 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | High | High | Moderate |
| Colleges Accepting | 800+ | IIMs and top national B-schools | XLRI and select B-schools | 1,000+ (AICTE-approved) |
| Target College Tier | Tier-2 to Tier-3 | Tier-1 (IIMs) | Tier-1 | Tier-2 to Tier-3 |
| Registration Fee (Approx.) | Rs. 2,200 | Rs. 1,200 | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 2,000 |
MAT is most similar to CMAT in difficulty level, exam structure, and the type of colleges that accept it. If you are targeting the IIMs or the very top national B-schools, CAT is the primary exam to focus on. But if you want access to a wide range of good MBA colleges and the flexibility to attempt the exam multiple times a year, MAT is a practical and well-proven choice. Many CAT aspirants also appear in MAT as a safety net to keep their MBA options open.
FAQs
Ques. What is MAT exam 2026?
Ans. MAT 2026 (Management Aptitude Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association) four times a year — in February, May, September, and December. The exam has 150 questions across five sections and is held in PBT, CBT, and IBT modes. More than 800 colleges across India accept MAT scores for admission to MBA and other management programmes. It has been conducted since 1988 and is approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Ques. When is the MAT May 2026 CBT exam?
Ans. The MAT May 2026 CBT exam is scheduled for June 14, 2026. The CBT admit card has been released on June 11, 2026 at mat.aima.in. The PBT exam for the May 2026 session was held on May 31, 2026. Candidates for the CBT exam must carry a printed admit card and a valid government-issued photo ID to the exam centre.
Ques. Has the MAT May 2026 CBT admit card been released?
Ans. Yes. The MAT May 2026 CBT admit card has been released on June 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM. You can download it by logging into your candidate account at mat.aima.in using your registered email ID and password. Print it and carry it along with a valid government-issued photo ID to the exam centre on June 14, 2026.
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for MAT 2026?
Ans. To appear in MAT 2026, you need a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final year students are also eligible. There is no minimum percentage requirement, no age limit, and no work experience requirement set by AIMA. Both Indian nationals and international candidates can register. Individual colleges may have their own minimum academic eligibility for shortlisting.
Ques. How many sections are in MAT 2026 and which count for percentile?
Ans. MAT 2026 has five sections — Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Economic & Business Environment. Each section has 30 questions for a total of 150 questions. Only the first four sections are counted for the MAT composite score and percentile. The Economic & Business Environment section score appears on the scorecard but does NOT affect your percentile.
Ques. What is a good MAT score for MBA admission in 2026?
Ans. A MAT composite score of 650 or above (approximately 85+ percentile) is considered good for reputed MBA colleges. For Tier-1 B-schools, you generally need a score of 700 or above (around 95+ percentile). For Tier-2 colleges, a score between 550 and 650 is usually sufficient. Individual college cutoffs vary, so check the specific requirements of your target college before applying.
Ques. How many times can I appear in MAT 2026?
Ans. You can appear in all four MAT sessions in 2026 — February, May, September, and December. There is no restriction on the number of attempts. You can also appear in both PBT and CBT modes within the same session, giving you multiple chances in a single exam cycle. Colleges consider your best MAT score within the one-year validity period.
Ques. When will MAT May 2026 result be declared?
Ans. The MAT May 2026 result is expected in the fourth week of June 2026, approximately two to three weeks after the CBT exam on June 14. Results will be available on the official AIMA candidate portal at mat.aima.in. The scorecard will show section-wise scaled scores, composite score, and overall percentile. The score is valid for one year from the date of declaration.
Ques. How many colleges accept MAT 2026 score for MBA admission?
Ans. More than 800 colleges and universities across India accept MAT scores for MBA and management programme admissions. This includes private business schools, government universities, and public-private institutions spread across all major states in India. Score reporting to up to 5 business schools is included in the base registration fee of Rs. 2,200.
Ques. Is there negative marking in MAT 2026?
Ans. Yes. MAT 2026 has negative marking. You earn +1 mark for every correct answer and lose 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty. You should avoid random guessing — three wrong answers erase the benefit of one correct answer. Only attempt questions you are reasonably confident about.
Ques. What is the registration fee for MAT 2026?
Ans. The MAT 2026 registration fee is Rs. 2,200 for a single mode (PBT, CBT, or IBT). If you register for both PBT and CBT together in the same session, the combined fee is Rs. 3,800. Registering for two sessions together at the time of application costs an additional Rs. 1,600. All fees are non-refundable and must be paid online through net banking, credit card, or debit card.
Ques. What is the difference between MAT PBT, CBT, and IBT modes?
Ans. MAT PBT (Paper-Based Test) is a pen-and-paper exam where you mark answers on an OMR sheet at a designated centre. MAT CBT (Computer-Based Test) is conducted at official test centres on computers. MAT IBT (Internet-Based Test) lets you take the exam online from home or any location with a stable internet connection and a webcam. All three modes follow the same 150-question pattern, 120-minute duration, and identical marking scheme. Your best score across modes in the same session is used for admissions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the latest available data from official sources and is accurate as of June 11, 2026. MAT 2026 dates, fees, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and processes are subject to change at AIMA’s discretion. Candidates are advised to visit the official AIMA MAT website at mat.aima.in for the most current and authoritative information before making any decisions related to their MAT 2026 application or admission.
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