MAT 2016: PBT May Exam analysis; moderate test opens opportunities in 330 B schools

AIMA conducted MAT 2016 May exam in paper pencil mode on May 1, 2016 in a single session for admission to 330 B schools across the country. The exam reported no surprises in the paper based test. The feedback from the test takers indicated that May MAT 2016 was moderate and accordingly candidates should expect higher scores but tougher competition in getting the highly ranked B-school.
Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2016 May exam in paper pencil mode was taken by an approximate number of 20000 candidates. Test pattern in paper pen mode remained more or less at the same difficulty level as was in MAT 2016 February exam.

Candidates were already given the option of either to appear in paper pencil mode or online test. No candidate who has taken paper based test on May 1, can appear in the on-line test proposed to be held from May 7, 2016 onwards.

Overview of MAT 2016 May PBT
There were 200 questions divided in 5 sections in MAT 2016 held on May 1, 2016 from 10AM to 12.30 PM in 51 test cities in the country. The 200 questions had to be answered in 150 minutes. All the questions carried equal marks. Every right answer is to be awarded with a credit of 1 mark while every wrong answer will attract a penalty of negative marking of 0.25 mark deducted from the awarded score for right answers. All the questions were in MCQ format followed by 4 answer options. Below is shared the quick view of MAT 2016 May exam-

MAT 2016 May Paper Based exam date & time
Sunday May 1, 2016 from 10AM to 12.30PM

Number of test centres for PBT
51

Total number of questions in the exam
200

Number of sections in the exam
5

Number of answer options per question
4

Maximum Marks per question
1

Negative Marking
0.25 mark for every wrong answer

Total maximum raw score
200

Total maximum scaled score out of which percentile score will be awarded
800

Maximisation of attempts was the key to success
As advised earlier by MBAUniverse.com, the test takers who maximised the attempts in MAT 2016 May PBT are expected to score much higher score than their peers as it remained the key to success. Giving time to each of the sections and not get bogged down by any one section remained an important factor to help you score high.
The suggested time limit to solve each of 5 sections and attempts needed per section to maximise scores are shared below

Sno
Section
No of Qs

Ideal time (in min)
Ideal attempts

1
Language Comprehension
40
25
30+

2
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
40
40
30+

3
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
40
35
25+

4
Mathematical Skills
40
40
25+

5
Indian and Global Environment
40
10
15+

200
150
125+

MBAUniverse.com had already suggested the time limit to solve questions in each section and those who followed it did better in the paper based exam as they could attempt more number of questions with accuracy. Many MAT 2016 May test takers were found gasping for more time as they didnt adhere to the suggested time limit and could not attempt the questions despite knowing their answers.

Sectional Analysis
Mathematical Skills: Out of the 40 questions in the section, around 20 questions were based on Arithmetic like Interest, Percentages, Time and Work, Averages Percentage, Profit, Loss, Partnership. The questions were a little time consuming although were moderately difficult. Other questions consisted of Venn diagrams, Equations, Ratio, Proportion & Variation, Geometry & Mensuration, Permutation and Combinations, Probability.
The questions were moderate and those who practiced more could attempt more questions in this section. Higher percentile would be waiting for those candidates who did this section well.

Language comprehension: There were 40 questions in the section. The test had more number of questions based on jumbled words and picking odd man out of them, inserting correct words to fill in the blanks, vocabulary words to pick out correct synonyms-antonyms. The 5 short comprehension passages were followed by 4 questions each. Other questions were based on jumbled sentences, basic grammar corrections, main idea of paragraphs. Except a few questions they had moderate difficulty level and could be answered in time.

Data analysis and Sufficiency: This section had maximum questions on data interpretation. More prominent in this section were Pie charts, bar diagrams, charts, line graph, data comparison. Time remained the main factor to solve these questions with speed and accuracy.

While questions on Data Interpretation (DI) occupied more than 50% of the section, rest of the part covered questions on data sufficiency and data comparison.
Intelligence and critical reasoning: The section had more number of questions on Analytical and logical reasoning and fewer questions were there on Critical reasoning. Questions were based on calendar, distribution, assertions reasons, blood relations, analogies, direction, series, statements. The questions were formed in sets as well as individual questions. The section was a little lengthy with moderate level of difficulty.
Indian and Global environment: The suggested time limit to answer the 40 questions in this section was 15 minutes. The questions were based on conventional GK, business and economics, current affairs, although this section would not count for calculation of percentile. Candidates could answer this section well within the time limit but many of them continued struggling in this section instead of moving forward without wasting the time as there was nothing to solve.

The Percentile you need
MAT 2016 May exam would award scores keeping the Indian and Global environment section out. Hence the scores are to be awarded out of 160 marks and accordingly the test takers will get their merit position where their scores are sent by AIMA.
Admission to good B schools out of the list of 330 B schools available at the AIMA site can only be explored with a percentile as high as 85 and above.
Those who have opted for Computer based MAT 2016 on May 7, 2016 onwards should revise and further strengthen their strong areas and should remember to maximise their attempts in the exam with accuracy to score high.