MAT exam registration for February 2026 session has started. The last date to register for MAT is 23rd Feb (PBT) and 2nd March (CBT). The authorities have also released the MAT Exam dates. The MAT exam 2026 will be held on 1st March (PBT) and 8th March (CBT). You will be able to download the MAT Admit card from 26th Feb (PBT) and 5th March (CBT).
The MAT 2025 PBT exam was successfully conducted on 13 December 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The exam consisted of 120 minutes (2 hours) with 150 MCQs divided into 5 sections: Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Economic & Business Environment.
- Based on the initial feedback received from candidates, the overall difficulty level of the MAT PBT exam was moderate.
- The Question Paper PDF with Solution and a detailed exam analysis are provided in this article for both PBT and CBT modes.
Just keep in mind that PBT and CBT have different city lists, so choose the mode based on what’s available in your city. And since IBT is no longer offered, taking the MAT from home isn’t an option now.
Related Links:
- What is the MAT Exam and its Advantages?
- What are the MAT 2026 Exam Dates 2026?
- MAT 2026 Registration Begins: Check Fees
- MAT Registration Trends
- Know the MAT Exam Structure and Syllabus
- How to Practice for MAT before the Test
- Top High-Weightage Must Study MAT Topics
- Do’s and Don’ts Checklist Before MAT Exam
- MAT 2026 vs Other MBA Exams (CAT, XAT, SNAP)
- Top 20 MBA Colleges and their Expected Cutoffs
What is the MAT Exam and its Advantages?
The most important advantage of MAT is the number of times it is held in a year. If you have missed the earlier exams, you can also take the next exam. As per Career Defence School Ambala, “MAT is a great backup for those appearing in CAT, SNAP, XAT, or CMAT. Even if you don’t perform well in one exam, MAT gives you another path to good colleges.”
Source: https://tinyurl.com/yrcc2nk3
Did you register for the last MAT of the year? If not, register here directly.
MAT has served for over 35 years as a trusted gateway to management education. Its massive reach is chosen by over 30 lakh candidates around the country.
- MAT is generally considered easier than exams like CAT
- MAT is accepted by a wider range of mid-tier colleges rather than targeting only top-tier colleges like IIM.
So if you are someone who does not want to take CAT due to difficulty or college choices, MAT is the perfect exam for you. You can check the details of the MAT exam below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Frequency | Four times a year (March, May, September, December) |
| Exam Modes | Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), Dual Mode |
| Eligibility | A graduation in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for incorrect answer |
| Registration Fee | INR 2,200 |
| Payment Mode | Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, Paytm Wallet |
| Official Website | www.aima.in |
Check the video below to understand the details on the MAT Exam:
What are the MAT 2026 Exam Dates?
MAT exam will be conducted in March 2026 in two modes.
- MAT Paper-based test (PBT) will be held on 1st March.
- MAT Computer-based test (CBT) will be held on 8th March.
You can also check live updates on the MAT exam dates here. Click Here.
| Type of MAT Exam | Last Date to Register | Admit Card Release Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-Based Test (PBT) | 23rd February, 2026 | 26th February, 2026 | 1st March, 2026 |
| Computer-Based Test (CBT) | 2nd March, 2026 | 5th March, 2026 | 8th March, 2026 |
MAT 2026 Registration Begins: Check Fees
The MAT Feb 2026 registration has started, and the last date to register for PBT is 23 Feb 2026, and for CBT it is 2 March 2026 on the official website. MAT 2026 Application Fees
| Mode of Test | Application Fee (₹) | Description / Insights |
|---|---|---|
| PBT (Paper-Based Test) | ₹ 2,200 | For candidates appearing in the paper-based test mode only. Recommended for those preferring traditional offline exams. |
| CBT (Computer-Based Test) | ₹ 2,200 | For candidates opting for the computer-based test at authorised test centres. Provides flexible scheduling and faster processing. |
| PBT + CBT (Both Modes) | ₹ 3,800 | Allows candidates to appear for both modes in the same session. Offers a backup attempt and a higher score improvement opportunity, but costs ~72% more than a single mode. |
MAT Registration Trends
The MAT registration trends will help you understand how many students you are competing with. All India Management Association, a federation of Local Management Associations (LMAs), has witnessed a 20% growth in registration for MAT post-COVID.
AIMA Director Daljeet Singh told PTI "There has been a rise in the number of women candidates registering for MAT. With 45 per cent of women candidates in 2023, there is a growth of approximately 3 per cent compared to 2019."
He also said that “There is more participation of candidates from smaller cities, including Agra, Asansol, Aurangabad, Balasore, Bhilai, Darbhanga, Durg, Durgapur, Ernakulam, Erode, Salem, among others," he said.”
State-Wise Increase in MAT Registrations
Check:
- Still not registered for MAT? Check the Requirements Here.
- Worried about where the MAT Exam centre might be? Check here.
Ques. How many times can I appear for MAT 2026?
Ans. There is no restriction on the number of attempt for the MAT exam. The MAT is conducted four times a year (Feb, May, September, and December), you can choose to appear in the any session.
If you are not satisfied with the score in one session, you can retake the text in the next session to improve scores.
Ques. In what modes will MAT 2026 be conducted?
Ans. MAT 2026 offers three modes of examinations, catering to different preferences.
Paper-Based Test- Pen-and-paper exam conducted at designated centers
Computer-Based Test- Online test conducted at exam centers where you can attempt the test on a computer.
Internet-Based Test- Remote-proctored online test that can be taken fro home or any secure location with a stable internet connection and a computer with webcam access.
Know the MAT Exam Structure and Syllabus
The Indian & Global Environment section includes current affairs, general knowledge (science, history, geography), and topics related to economic and social issues. It's important to note that this section is not included in the score calculation for the MAT score.
| Section No. | Section Name | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| I | Language Comprehension | 30 |
| II | Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 30 |
| III | Mathematical Skills | 30 |
| IV | Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 30 |
| V | Indian & Global Environment | 30 |
Want to know the Detailed MAT Exam Syllabus? Check Here
Below is a section-by-section breakdown of the MAT:
| Section Name | No of Questions | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 30 | 40 |
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | 30 | 15 |
| Mathematical Skills | 30 | 30 |
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency | 30 | 30 |
| Indian & Global Environment | 30 | 35 |
How to Practice for MAT before the Test?
To prepare for MAT, take at least 30-35 mock tests and analyse mistakes to improve accuracy and time management. You can get free mock tests on Collegedunia’s MAT Mock Test page.
| Year | Question Paper | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| MAT 2025 Question Paper with Solution PDF | Check Here | Check Solutions |
| MAT 2022 Question Paper with Solution PDF | Check Here | Check Solutions |
| MAT 2021 Question Paper with Solution PDF | Check Here | Check Solutions |
| MAT 2020 Question Paper with Solution PDF | Check Here | Check Solutions |
MAT Previous Years’ Question Papers
The MAT previous years’ question papers for last 10 years are given below:
| Year | Question Paper PDF |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Download PDF |
| 2013 | Download PDF |
| 2012 | Download PDF |
| 2010 | Download PDF |
| 2009 | Download PDF |
| 2008 | Download PDF |
| 2007 | Download PDF |
| 2006 | Download PDF |
| 2005 | Download PDF |
Ques. What is a good attempt in the MAT exam?
Ans. A good attempt in MAT 2026 typically means answering 100-110 questions out of 150 with high accuracy.
- Since each incorrect answer carries a -0.25 mark deduction, accuracy is as important as speed.
- With balanced performance across sections, such an attempt can lead to the 90+ percentile.
- The exact percentile may vary depending on the overall difficulty level of the exam and the performance of others.
Ques. Which MAT section is thought to be the most difficult?
Ans. Many people believe that the most difficult parts of the MAT exam are mathematical abilities and data analysis and sufficiency.
- The mathematical ability section is calculation-based and tests both speed and accuracy. However, the level of difficulty depends on the candidate.
- For some students , logical reasoning might be tricky, while others may find general knowledge unpredictable.
- Consistent practice and smart time allocation help to reduce the difficulty across sections.
Ques. Is the MAT 2026 syllabus the same for all sessions?
Ans. Yes. Every one of the four sessions held in a year follows the same MAT 2026 syllabus. Regardless of whether a candidate shows up in September, December, May, or February.
- Language comprehension, intelligence and critical reasoning, mathematical skills, data analysis and sufficiency, and the Indian and global environment are the five designated sections from which the exam's questions are taken.
Top High-Weightage Must Study MAT Topics
We have provided a few high-weightage topics for MAT, which you might get in the exam. You can also check the MAT Exam Study Material PDF here.
| Topic | Section | Weightage | Quick Resource |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Language | 20 | 50 RCs by Ajay Singh |
| Arithmetic (P&L, TSD, SI/CI, Ratio) | Math Skills | 15–18 | Arun Sharma Level-1 & 2 |
| Data Interpretation (Pie, Bar, Line) | DI/DS | 15–20 | Nishit Sinha DI 20 sets |
| Series, Analogies, Blood Relations | Reasoning | 12–15 | MK Pandey + 5 previous papers |
| Assumptions, Cause-Effect | Critical Reasoning | 10 | RS Aggarwal Verbal/Non-Verbal |
| Para Jumbles & Critical Reasoning | Language | 8–10 | Past 5 years MAT papers |
| Current Affairs (2024–25) | GK | 20–25 | Manorama Yearbook + GK Capsule |
| Venn Diagrams & Cubes | Reasoning | 6–8 | Previous MAT papers |
| Percentages, Profit-Loss, Averages | Math | 8–10 | Quantum CAT basic chapters |
| Caselet DI | DI | 5–10 | TIME/Race DI sets |
| Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms) | Language | 8–10 | Norman Lewis 15-day plan |
| Indian Economy & Budget 2025 | GK | 8–10 | Pratiyogita Darpan Feb–Nov 2025 |
These high-weightage topics can help you improve your MAT score and, in turn, help you get into your desired college.
Do’s and Don’ts Checklist Before MAT Exam
We have mentioned some Do’s and Don’ts that you need to follow before the MAT exam. This will help you with MAT preparation.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Take 8–10 full-length mocks | Don’t start any new book/chapter |
| Revise from one source only | Don’t spend >2 mins on any question |
| Make a 2-page formula + shortcut sheet | Don’t ignore the GK section (easy 20 marks) |
| Mark & revise every wrong question | Don’t change the attempt strategy every mock |
| Read newspaper editorials daily (10 mins) | Don’t solve 500 questions without analysis |
| Keep the last 2 days very light, go through overall syllabus | Don’t panic if mock scores drop in the last week |
Also Check:
MAT 2026 vs Other MBA Exams (CAT, XAT, SNAP)
MAT's moderate difficulty and 4 attempts make it ideal for working pros vs CAT's high competition.
Top 20 MBA Colleges and their Expected Cutoffs
Here is a list of the top 20 colleges that accept MAT 2026 scores, along with their expected cut-offs. You can also check the annual fees and expected package after placement. You can also check the Top 20 MAT Colleges with Good Placements.
If you are looking for Govt College accepting MAT Score, you can check the link. Over 100 government universities and institutes accept MAT scores.
FAQs
Ques. What is the last date for MAT registration in 2026?
Ans. The last date for MAT registration in March 2026 is given below:
Paper-Based Test: 23rd February 2026
Computer-Based Test: 2nd March 2026
Ques. Has MAT 2026 registration started?
Ans. Yes, the registration for MAT 2026 February session has been open for various sessions. The MAT exam registration have started on 25th December, 2025.
Ques. What is the exam pattern for 2026?
Ans. The exam pattern for the 2026 MAT exam is given below:
Sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Indian & Global Environment
Total Questions: 150
Exam Duration: 120 minutes
Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for incorrect answer
Exam Modes: PBT, CBT, IBT
Ques. What is the MBA exam for 2026?
Ans. Several MBA entrance exams are scheduled for 2026, including
| MAT | CAT | SNAP |
|---|---|---|
| NMAT | KMAT | MBA CET |
The above exams are conducted for admission to MBA and allied management programs across India.
Ques. Is 70 marks good for MBA CET?
Ans. Yes, a score of 70 in MAT 2026 might be considered sufficient for Tier-3 MBA colleges.
- However, for admission into Tier-1 or Tier-2 colleges, a higher score, typically above 600, is required.
- Candidates with a score of 70 should explore state-level colleges or smaller private universities.
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You can check here for the MAT Syllabus. You can check here for the MAT Question Paper: Download MAT Previous Year Question Paper PDFs
The last date to register for the Paper-Based Test (PBT) is 7 December 2025, the admit card will be released on 10 December 2025, and the exam date is 13 December 2025. For the Computer-Based Test (CBT), the registration will close on 15 December 2025, with the admit card release on 18 December 2025, exam date on 21 December 2025.
The last date to fill the application form for the MAT (Management Aptitude Test) depends on the mode of exam. For the December 2025 session:
The MAT exam 2026 (conducted by All India Management Association, AIMA) is held four times a year, in February, May, September, and December. For the 2026 cycle, one session is expected around March 2026 (Paper-Based Test mid-March, Computer-Based Test late-March). You can check here for the List of Top Colleges in India Accepting MAT Based on 2025 Ranking
The MAT is divided into 5 sections, each with 30 questions with 20% weightage: Language Comprehension, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Economic and Business Environment, and Intelligence & Critical Reasoning. The MAT syllabus is designed to test your aptitude, quantitative ability, language skills, and general awareness.
No, it has not yet started, the tentative dates are mentioned below:
You can check here for the MAT Question Paper: Download MAT Previous Year Question Paper PDFs and Mock Tests
The All India Management Association, or AIMA, administers the national entrance exam known as MAT 2025. Held four times annually, it evaluates skills in language comprehension, reasoning, quantitative aptitude, data analysis, and general awareness. Students wishing to enroll in MBA programs and other management courses at different Indian business colleges take the exam.
The AIMA has announced the MAT December 2025 exam dates. The MAT exam will be held in 2 sessions: Paper-Based Test (PBT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT). Scores are valid for one year and accepted by top institutes like Christ University, XIME Bangalore, and Jaipuria Institutes.
You can check here for the MAT Question Paper: Download MAT Previous Year Question Paper PDFs and Mock Tests
You can check here for the MAT Question Paper: Download MAT Previous Year Question Paper PDFs and Mock Tests
You can check here for the MAT Question Paper: Download MAT Previous Year Question Paper PDFs and Mock Tests
Collegedunia has model question papers and previous year's papers that have been created using in-depth MAT analysis and professional guidance. These exam papers will undoubtedly aid candidates in their exam preparation. The links to the MAT sample papers and question papers from previous years are provided below. These are available for free download. To ace the MAT exam, practice them frequently. Download MAT Previous Year Question Paper PDFs and Mock Tests
The dates of the MAT 2024 exams in both PBT and CBT formats are February 25, 2024, and March 10, 2024, respectively. Exam dates for the MAT 2024 February session IBT mode are set for February 24, March 3, and February 8, 2024.
The conducting body will soon confirm the November 24, 2024, date of the CAT exam. The date of the CAT exam registration is still unknown, but you can anticipate that it will open by the first week of August 2024. By the final week of July 2024, CAT notification will be made available prior to registration.
MAT scores are accepted by about 104 government MBA programs in India. With first-rate facilities, these MBA schools provide excellent placement opportunities. The best public MBA schools that accept MAT scores are listed in the table below along with the most recent cut-off percentile. You can check the colleges in which your MAT score will be eligible by clicking the link here.
AIMA will not have a centralized MAT counseling process by 2024. Nonetheless, the counseling process is carried out by each participating institute. Each participating institute has a different counseling schedule as well.
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Delhi, Kharagpur, Madras, and Ahmedabad are among the best MBA schools in the country. Based on the NIRF ranking, there are approximately 4500 additional MBA programs offered by private and public colleges. You can check many other MBA colleges here: Best MBA Colleges: in India, with Fees, Placement Wise, Ranking Wise.
The cutoff date of 2023 has been reached for all 2023–24 courses at Netaji Subhas University of Technology. In order to be considered for admission to Netaji Subhas University of Technology for a BTech program in 2024, the institute accepts JEE Main scores. Once the first and second session exams are over, the Netaji Subhas University of Technology cutoff for JEE Main in 2024 will be made public.
The application process for the MAT February 2023 session has been started. The deadline to register for MAT PBT, MAT CBT 1 and MAT CBT 2 is February 14, February 21, and February 27, 2023 respectively. Please register yourself before the given deadlines.