On 22 October 2025, AIMA officially announced that candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline or those awaiting final-year results are eligible for MAT 2025.
On 27 October 2025, the body reaffirmed that no minimum percentage is required to appear which keeps the exam open to lakhs of graduates each year. On 1 November 2025, the official bulletin also clarified that there will be no age bar and no cap on the number of attempts, allowing professionals and freshers alike to apply freely.
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) remains one of India’s most inclusive MBA entrance exams, conducted four times a year and accepted by over 600 B-schools nationwide.
- MAT 2025 can be taken in PBT, CBT, or IBT mode, depending on convenience.
- Graduates from any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science, or Engineering) can apply.
- Final-year candidates can also register, provided they submit their degree before admission.
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Key Summary
In this article, you will read:
- Graduates in any discipline from a recognized university are eligible for MAT 2026.
- There is no minimum percentage or age limit required to apply.
- Final-year students can appear if results are declared before admission.
- Backlog students are eligible only after clearing all pending papers.
- The MAT score is valid for one year and accepted by 800+ MBA colleges across India.
What is MAT Eligibility?
MAT eligibility defines the academic and personal qualifications a candidate must meet to register for the test.
- The exam is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA), four times a year (February, May, September, December).
- The eligibility rules are uniform for PBT, CBT, and IBT modes of MAT.
- B-schools accepting MAT scores may add their own criteria such as minimum percentage or work experience.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Basic Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| Minimum Marks | Not specified by AIMA (depends on institute) |
| Age Limit | No upper or lower age limit |
| Attempts Allowed | Unlimited |
| Nationality | Indian and foreign/NRI candidates eligible |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible provisionally |
MAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The MAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 are set by AIMA for all management aspirants applying to over 800+ B-schools across India. The exam is open to graduates from any discipline, and even final-year students can apply. There’s no age limit or minimum percentage requirement, making MAT one of the most flexible MBA entrance exams in India.
1. Educational Qualification
To appear for MAT 2025, candidates must hold a valid bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution.
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Graduation in any discipline (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, B.Tech, etc.) |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible, provided the degree is submitted later |
| Equivalent Degrees | Recognized professional courses like CA, CS, ICWA also valid |
| Academic Stream | No restriction on stream (Science/Commerce/Arts/Engineering) |
AIMA does not specify a minimum aggregate for appearing, but most MBA institutes require 50% (General) or 45% (SC/ST) in graduation.
Ques. Can I apply for MAT if I have a diploma or a 3-year polytechnic degree?
Ans. No. MAT requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Diploma or polytechnic holders are not eligible unless they’ve completed a full graduation course after it.
Ques. I have a B.Tech from a private university. Is it accepted?
Ans. Yes. Any degree from a UGC or AICTE-recognized institution is valid. Private or deemed universities are accepted as long as their status is approved at the time of your graduation.
Ques. My degree is from a foreign university. Can I appear for MAT?
Ans. Yes, provided your qualification is equivalent to an Indian bachelor’s degree as per AIU (Association of Indian Universities). Keep equivalence certificates ready during admission.
2. Age Limit and Number of Attempts
There is no age bar for appearing in the MAT 2025 exam, making it accessible to both fresh graduates and experienced professionals.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Lower Age Limit | No minimum age |
| Upper Age Limit | No maximum age |
| Attempts Allowed | Unlimited (candidates can take MAT multiple times per year) |
Ques. Is there any maximum or minimum age to apply for MAT?
Ans. No. MAT has no age limit, allowing both fresh graduates and senior professionals to appear.
Ques. How many times can I take MAT in a year?
Ans. You can take MAT in any or all sessions (February, May, September, December). Many students attempt 2–3 times a year to improve their percentile.
Ques. Can I use the best score from multiple attempts?
Ans. Yes. You can submit the highest MAT score while applying to B-schools, as most institutes consider the latest or best valid score.
3. Nationality & Domicile
MAT is open to both Indian citizens and certain categories of foreign candidates.
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Indian Nationals | Eligible in all modes (PBT/CBT/IBT) |
| NRIs & Foreign Nationals | Eligible as per AIMA and institute norms |
| OCI/PIO Holders | Eligible if recognized by participating institutes |
International candidates may have to produce equivalent degree certificates verified by AIU. The eligibility for foreign applicants may vary by college (especially for quota seats).
Ques. Are NRI students eligible to take MAT?
Ans. Yes. NRI and international candidates can take MAT if they have a graduation degree equivalent to an Indian bachelor's degree as certified by AIU.
Ques. Is there a separate MAT exam for foreign candidates?
Ans. No. All candidates appear for the same MAT exam (PBT, CBT, or IBT mode). Only the application process differs in documentation.
Ques. Can international students pay the MAT fee in foreign currency?
Ans. No. The application fee must be paid in INR through AIMA’s official portal using international credit/debit cards.
4. Work Experience
AIMA does not require work experience for MAT 2025, but certain institutes consider it during admissions.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Mandatory for Exam | No |
| Useful For Admission | Yes, gives preference in PI or merit process |
| Ideal Experience Range | 0–3 years (optional) |
Candidates with industry experience may have better profile weightage in B-school shortlisting but fresher candidates are equally eligible to appear.
Ques. I completed my graduation five years ago. Can I still apply?
Ans. Yes. There is no age limit or time gap restriction for MAT. Working professionals can apply anytime, regardless of when they graduated.
Ques. Will having work experience increase my chances of selection?
Ans. It helps during B-school shortlisting, not MAT eligibility. Many MBA institutes give extra weightage (5–10%) to professional experience.
Ques. Can I mention my company details in the MAT form?
Ans. No. MAT registration only requires academic details. Work experience will be entered later during B-school applications or GD–PI rounds.
What is MAT No Minimum Marks Policy?
AIMA has confirmed that there is no minimum marks requirement to appear for MAT 2025. This makes the exam one of the most inclusive MBA tests in India, attracting both fresh graduates and working professionals who may not have scored high in their undergraduate degrees. While AIMA doesn’t restrict candidates based on percentages, individual B-schools may impose their own minimum graduation marks during admission, usually around 45–60%.
| B-School Name | Minimum Graduation % Required | MAT Percentile for Shortlisting (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Christ University, Bengaluru | 50% | 80+ |
| Amity Business School, Noida | 50% | 75+ |
| JIMS Rohini, Delhi | 45% | 70+ |
| VIT Business School, Vellore | 60% | 85+ |
| IILM Institute for Business & Management | 50% | 70+ |
Ques. Does AIMA specify any minimum graduation marks for MAT 2025?
Ans. No. AIMA has clearly stated that any graduate from a recognized university, regardless of percentage, can appear for MAT.
Ques. Can I apply for MAT if I have less than 50% in graduation?
Ans. Yes. There is no restriction from AIMA’s side. However, some top colleges accepting MAT scores may require 50–60% in graduation as part of their admission policy.
Ques. Will low graduation marks affect my admission chances?
Ans. It might. While you can sit for MAT, B-schools shortlist candidates based on a mix of MAT percentile, academic record, and personal interview. Lower marks may affect shortlisting at premium institutes.
Difference Between MAT Eligibility & Admission Criteria
While MAT eligibility determines if you can write the exam, B-schools may impose extra requirements for admission through MAT scores.
| Aspect | MAT Exam Eligibility (AIMA) | B-School Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Marks | No minimum percentage fixed | Usually 50% (Gen) / 45% (SC/ST) |
| Age Limit | No restriction | May vary for executive programs |
| Work Experience | Not required | Sometimes preferred for PGDM/MBA |
| Degree Type | Any recognized degree | Some accept only AIU-approved degrees |
Remember, meeting MAT eligibility alone doesn’t guarantee MBA admission.
Common Eligibility Mistakes to Avoid
Even though MAT 2025 has one of the simplest eligibility criteria, small oversights often lead to disqualification during admission verification. Candidates should review these common mistakes before applying to avoid rejection later.
- Applying with a degree from a non-recognized university or unapproved distance-learning institute.
- Failing to submit the final-year mark sheet before the admission deadline.
- Providing incorrect graduation details during registration that don’t match university records.
- Attempting MAT while having active backlogs or pending supplementary exams.
- Using an incomplete name or mismatched signature across documents and the application form.
- Not verifying that the degree program meets the 3-year minimum duration under UGC guidelines.
- Confusing MAT eligibility with college-specific admission eligibility (individual B-schools may have their own minimum percentage or subject requirement).
- Missing age and nationality declaration documents during document verification rounds.
Ques. My degree is from an open university (like IGNOU or TNOU). Am I eligible for MAT 2025?
Ans. Yes. Candidates with degrees from UGC-recognized open or distance universities are fully eligible. Just ensure your course and university are AIU or UGC approved at the time of graduation.
Ques. I cleared my backlog after applying for MAT. Will my score still be valid?
Ans. Absolutely. MAT eligibility is verified only at the time of MBA admission, not during exam registration. As long as your final result is declared before the B-school’s admission process, your score remains valid.
Ques. I’m in the final semester and don’t have my mark sheets yet. Can I still apply?
Ans. Yes, final-year students can apply and take MAT. However, you must submit proof of passing (provisional certificate or mark sheet) before the college’s admission cut-off date , usually by August 2025 for the June session.
FAQs
Ques. What qualification do I need to appear for MAT 2025?
Ans. You need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. There’s no restriction on the stream whether Arts, Commerce, Science, or Engineering. Final-year students are also eligible, provided they submit their degree or provisional certificate before MBA admission.
Ques. Is there any minimum percentage or CGPA required to apply for MAT?
Ans. No. AIMA has clearly stated that there is no minimum marks or CGPA limit for MAT. You can apply with any valid graduation score. However, many top B-schools accepting MAT (like Christ University and Amity) prefer at least 50–60% marks for shortlisting, even though it’s not a rule by AIMA.
Ques. Can students with active backlogs or supplementary papers apply for MAT?
Ans. Yes. Students with pending backlogs can take the MAT exam, but their final results must be declared before the MBA admission process. If your graduation isn’t complete by the time of college verification, your admission offer may be cancelled, even with a valid MAT score.
Ques. Does MAT have any age limit or attempt restriction?
Ans. No. MAT has no age bar and no limit on attempts. You can take the exam in any of the four sessions (February, May, September, December) as many times as you want. Most candidates attempt MAT 2–3 times a year to improve their percentile.
Ques. Are degrees from open universities like IGNOU or TNOU valid for MAT?
Ans. Yes, as long as the university is recognized by UGC, AICTE, or AIU, your degree is valid for MAT eligibility. Open and distance-learning graduates appear for MAT every year, it’s one of the few MBA exams that accepts all recognized learning modes equally.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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