MAT stands for Management Aptitude Test. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All-India Management Association (AIMA) since 1988. It functions in the process of facilitating B-Schools (business schools) to screen candidates for admission to MBA and other allied programs. It is one of the largest tests in the nation and continues to be one’s passport to over 600 B-schools across India.
MAT exam is conducted four times a year: February, May, August, and December. The scorecard is released within a month after the exam and is valid for one year. There is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make provided the eligibility is met. The best score obtained can be used for admission.
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MAT Exam Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the MAT Exam are as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
MAT Exam Registration and Admission Process
Here is a breakdown of the registration and admission process for the MAT Exam:
For Registration:
- Visit the Official Website and click on “MAT Registration”. Fill out the online application form.
- Upload scanned copies of Photograph, Signature, and ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN card/Passport)
- Pay the registration fee using the mode (CBT, PBT, or a combination of both). Submit the form and take a printout.
For Admission Process:
- Appear for the MAT exam.
- Apply to participating institutes with suitable cutoff scores.
- Participate in:
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Personal Interview (PI)
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Institutes release merit lists based on MAT scores and performance in GD/PI/WAT.
MAT Exam Free PDF Download
The MAT Exam is designed to test the analytical skills, logical aptitude, English comprehension, and general awareness of an aspirant. The exam is of a moderate-difficult level. With proper planning and execution, the syllabus for MAT can be covered in months.
List of Universities/ Colleges Accepting MAT
Here is a list of all the prestigious colleges across the country where students can secure admission via their performance in the MAT exam.
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- National Law University (NLU)
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM)
- Amity University
- Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI)
- Christ University
- Xavier Institute of Management
- Institute of Management Technology
- Jaipuria Institute of Management
- Delhi Institute of Advanced Studies
MAT Exam Preparation Strategy
The various types of questions in the MAT Exam are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Sentence completion, Error detection, and Reading Comprehension. Taking into consideration the syllabus, any candidate preparing for MAT needs to have strong aptitude skills. Thus, a student can follow a few tips to ace the MAT Exam:
- Be organized and systematic in understanding the exam pattern and syllabus.
- Focus on consistency even in the face of failure.
- Read extensively to improve vocabulary and enhance reading speed and grammar rules.
- Brush up arithmetic, algebra, and geometry and use formulas, and shortcuts to improve calculation speed.
- Practice puzzles, brainteasers, and case studies.
- Solve sample papers and mock tests.
Conclusion
The MAT Exam not only ensures admission to top-notch institutions but also serves as a gateway to brighter career prospects. With its user-friendly format, flexibility, and moderate difficulty level, MAT provides a platform for candidates from diverse backgrounds to showcase their skills and knowledge.
It is a crucial opportunity for those seeking to launch a successful management career, and with dedicated preparation and determination, aspirants can achieve their desired goals and lead themselves towards a promising future.
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FAQs
Yes, there is a negative marking in the MAT Exam. The candidate is awarded +1 for every question attempted correctly. For each wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted from the MAT exam, and 0 for the unattended ones. The duration is 120 minutes and there are 150 questions in total.
In this form of test, candidates can take the MAT exam at home or any location with the help of an internet connection. They do not have to necessarily visit the exam center. IBT mode test is a remote proctored test and candidates are remotely proctored and invigilated through live video and audio feed.
The CAT is more difficult than MAT and its score is accepted by the top IIMs and B schools across India. Comparatively, MAT is much easier, and around 600+ management universities in India accept the MAT result score.
No calculators, formula sheets, or dictionaries are permitted during the test. Candidates see the questions on a computer screen and write their responses in a paper answer booklet, which will be scanned by their test center.
Prachi, a student pursuing bachelor’s in English and Philosophy from University of Delhi is a knowledge-driven, hardworking individual. Having interest in content writing, research and still exploring other domains, she has a knack for learning.
