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MAT 2026: December Exam Dates Announced; CBT on Dec 20, PBT on Dec 27, Registration Open; Check Fees, Top Colleges, Pattern

OverviewSyllabusPatternPreparationMockTestRegistrationResultsAnalysisAnswer KeyCut-OffAdmit CardAccepting CollegesTopperEligibilityPercentile PredictorcentresDate and TimingsExam Day GuidelinesPrevious Question PapersSample PaperScore Vs %
Last Updated on October 13, 2026 by MBAUniverse.com News Desk

MAT December 2026 Exam Dates is out. MAT exam will be held in Paper Based Test (PBT) mode on December 20, and in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode on December 27, 2026. MAT December 2026 results will be released by AIMA by the first week of January 2027 on MAT official website mat.aima.in. MAT Registration is open. Top MBA colleges accepting MAT 2026 scores are Jaipuria Noida, IPE Hyderabad, SIES Mumbai, IBA Bangalore, Rajagiri Kochi and NISM Mumbai. MAT 2026 exam pattern is divided into five sections, each containing 30 multiple choice questions. MAT exam marking scheme awards 1 mark for correct answer, while 0.25 marks are deducted for incorrect answer. Check overview of MAT exam including Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation, Question Papers, Mock Test links, Colleges, Result and other important details in the article below.

MAT 2026: December Exam Dates Announced; CBT on Dec 20, PBT on Dec 27, Registration Open; Check Fees, Top Colleges, Pattern
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What is MAT Exam?

MAT Full Form is Management Aptitude Test. MAT is one of the most popular National level MBA entrance exams in India. MAT is conducted four times in a year in February, May, September and December. MAT exam scores are accepted by more than 500 MBA Colleges for MBA Admission 2026. MAT is an easier exam than CAT or XAT exams. Total duration of MAT exam is 2 hours (120 mins). The exam pattern is divided into five sections. Check MAT exam highlights in the table below.

MAT 2026 Exam: Key Highlights

MAT 2026 Exam: Key Highlights

MAT Exam ParticularsDetails
MAT Exam Full FormManagement Aptitude Test (MAT)
Who conducts MAT Exam?All India Management Association (AIMA)
Number of MBA/PGDM colleges accepting MATMore than 500 MBA Colleges
Number of MAT ExamsHeld in February, May, September, December
MAT Exam ModesPaper Based (PBT) and Computer Based (CBT)
MAT Exam DatesPaper Based Test (PBT) – December 20, 2026; Computer Based Test (CBT) – December 27, 2026 
MAT Official Websitewww.mat.aima.in
MAT Exam Application FeesRs 2300 for Paper Based Test (PBT) or Computer Based Test (CBT). Rs 4000 for both PBT + CBT Exams.
Total Questions in the Exam150 questions
Total Exam Duration120 minutes
Number of Sections5 Sections with 30 Questions in Each Section
Name of MAT SectionsLanguage Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Economic & Business Environment
Scoring Pattern in MAT exam+1 Mark for Each Correct Answer; -0.25 Mark for Each Wrong Answer; 0 Mark for Un-attempted Question

MAT December 2026 Exam Dates

MAT December 2026 exam will be held in Paper Based Test (PBT) mode on December 13, and in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode on December 27, 2026. MAT December 2026 exam registration process is open. Check how to register for MAT exam in the article below. MAT December 2026 results will be released by AIMA by the first week of January 2027. Check MAT 2026 exam date and schedule in the table below. Also read complete MAT 2026 exam date and timings including exam reporting time, start and end time.  

MAT December Exam Dates 2026

Type of MAT Exam

Last Date to Register

Admit Card Release Date

Exam Date

Paper Based Test (PBT)

December 14, 2026

December 17, 2026

December 20, 2026

Computer Based Test (CBT)

December 21, 2026

December 24, 2026

December 27, 2026

Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT 2026 Scores

MAT exam scores are accepted by 500+ MBA colleges for MBA/PGDM Admission 2026. Check details below. Also check complete list of top MBA colleges accepting MAT 2026 scores.

MBA College

MBA Fee (in Lakhs)

Avg. Salary 2025

Admission Status

JAGSOM Bangalore

Rs. 17.50 Lakhs

Rs. 10.32 LPA

Open Soon

Jaipuria Noida

Rs. 16.50 Lakhs

Rs. 11.12 LPA

Open Soon

IPE Hyderabad

Rs. 9.20 Lakhs

Rs. 7.02 LPA

Open Soon

IBA Bangalore

Rs. 10.32 Lakhs

Rs. 7.96 LPA

Open Soon

Rajagiri Business School Kochi

Rs. 7.50 Lakhs

Rs. 8.00 LPA

Open Soon

DSB Delhi

Rs. 10.95 Lakhs

Rs. 9.40 LPA

Open Soon

UPES Dehradun

Rs. 19.19 Lakhs

Rs. 15.50 LPA Top 10%

Open Soon

MAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

MAT exam eligibility criteria include education qualifications of the candidates. Check key requirements to register for MAT exam below:

  • Educational Qualification: Graduation in any stream (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, B.Tech, etc.) from a recognized university.
  • Final-Year Students: Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply.
  • No Minimum Marks Required: There is no minimum percentage requirement to appear for MAT; however, individual institutes may have their own cut-offs.
  • Nationality: MAT is open to Indian nationals and also to NRIs or foreign candidates (for some institutes).

Read detailed breakdown of the MAT eligibility criteria 2026.

MAT 2026 Application Fees: Exam-wise Fee Structure

MAT 2026 exam Fees is Rs 2300 for one exam (PBT or CBT) and Rs 4000 for registering for both exams. Check details in table below. 

MAT 2026 Application Fees

MAT Exam

MAT Fees 

PBT or CBT 

Rs 2300

PBT + CBT 

Rs 4000


Check how to fill MAT exam registration form in the next section. 

MAT Registration 2026: How to Fill MAT Application Form?

MAT Exam 2026 Registration for December exam is open. MAT 2026 Registration last date for PBT exam is December 14, 2026. MAT 2026 Registration last date for CBT exam is December 21, 2026. This section explains how to register for MAT exam and how to fill MAT application form 2026. Read it for your reference only.  

If you are planning to appear for the MAT exam, the first step is to complete the online registration and application form available at MAT official website mat.aima.in. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you successfully complete your MAT application process:

Step 1: Create a New MAT Login: Visit the official MAT website (mat.aima.in) and register using your personal information to generate a MAT ID and password.

Step 2: Select Test Modes: Choose your preferred test modes. You must select at least one test mode and can opt for a maximum of two.

Step 3: Upload Photo & Signature: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified size and format.

Step 4: Fill Choice of Management Institutes: If applying for one MAT exam, you can select up to 5 MBA/PGDM institutes. If applying for two MAT exams, you can choose up to 7 institutes. Select them from list of top MBA colleges accepting MAT scores.

Step 5: Make Online Payment: Pay the MAT application fee online. MAT Registration Fees is Rs 2300 for one exam and Rs 4000 for two exams.

Step 6: Fill Personal Details: Enter your complete personal information including name, date of birth, contact details, address, and other required information.

Step 7: Enter Academic & Work Experience Details: Provide your academic details from Class 10 onwards. If you have any work experience after graduation, enter those details as well.

Step 8: Review, Submit, and Download Application Form: Carefully review all the filled details. Make any necessary corrections, then submit the form. Finally, download and save a copy of your submitted MAT application form for future reference.

Read step by step MAT Registration 2026 guide for complete information. 

MAT Exam Pattern 2026

MAT 2026 Exam Pattern is same for both CBT and PBT exam. It is divided into five sections, each containing 30 multiple choice questions. The five sections in MAT exam are: Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Economic & Business Environment. All sections carry equal weightage, with a total of 150 questions. Check complete details in the table below. As per MAT exam marking scheme, each correct answer is awarded 1 mark, while 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.

MAT Exam Pattern 2026

MAT Exam ComponentsNo of Questions (All MCQs)Sectional Time Limit (In Minutes)
Section 1: Language Comprehension30No Time Limit
Section 2: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning30No Time Limit
Section 3: Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency30No Time Limit
Section 4: Mathematical Skills30No Time Limit
Section 5: Economic & Business Environment30No Time Limit
Total150120 Minutes

DOWNLOAD MAT EXAM PATTERN 2026 PDF

MAT Syllabus 2026

MAT Exam Syllabus 2026 is divided into 5 key sections namely Language Comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Economic & Business Environment with 30 questions in each section. Check MAT 2026 Syllabus for each section below.

MAT Syllabus 2026

SectionSyllabus Topics
Language ComprehensionGrammar, tenses, vocabulary, jumbled paragraphs and reading comprehension. Key topics are Jumbled Paragraphs, Error Correction of Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb and other parts of speech in the Sentences, Correcting the sequence of sentences in the paragraph, conditional sentence, time clauses, reported speech, passive writing, Antonyms/Synonyms, Fill in the blanks, One word substitution, Idioms/Phrases. RC Passages in the MAT syllabus are based on Current Affairs, Business & Economy, Literature, Historical events, Culture, Sports, Philosophy among others. The passages are short and have direct answer questions
Intelligence and Critical ReasoningFact Inference Judgment, Passage Conclusion, Analogy, Statement Argument, Clocks, Calendars, Binary logic, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations (Family Tree), Logical Sequence, Assumption, Premise, Conclusion, Linear and matrix arrangement, Team Formation, Direction sense and Decision Making, Input-Output, Series, Syllogism, Cubes, Rows, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams, Network Diagrams, Quantitative Reasoning, Puzzles, Logical Reasoning based on Rankings, Critical Reasoning
Mathematical SkillsQuant topics including Arithmetic (15-16 Questions): LCM and HCF, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Interest (Simple and Compound), Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; Averages; Ratio and Proportion, Number System (3-4) questions, Elementary Mathematics, Mixtures and Allegation, Unitary Method, Commercial Maths, Permutation and Combinations, Sequence and Series, Heights and Distance; Algebra (5-7 questions); Geometry/Mensuration (6-8 questions) based on Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry; Pure Math (1-2 questions)
Data Analysis and SufficiencyData Tables, Data charts, Bar diagrams & Charts including Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar charts, Pie charts, Graphs – Line X-Y Graphs, Data analysis and Data comparison, Caselet based Data, Venn diagram, Data Sufficiency
Economic & Business EnvironmentGK topics current and static including Conventional GK-available in books, Current GK- based on current reading of newspapers and periodicals, Business & Economics GK -for example changes in Fiscal and monetary policy, CRR, Repo Rate; Devaluation and up valuation of Rupee, Business, National and International events, Who’s who, Constitution of India, Currency and Capitals of the countries, States of India, International Organizations, Monetary and fiscal tools, Emblem, Identification of personalities, companies among others

DOWNLOAD MAT EXAM SYLLABUS 2026 PDF

MAT Exam Preparation 2026

MAT Preparation 2026 for the MAT December 2026 exam can be completed by following the step-by-step MAT exam preparation tips 2026 given below.

Step 1 - Understand MAT Exam Pattern: MAT Exam is divided into 5 key sections namely Language Comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Economic & Business Environment with 30 questions in each section. Although Economic & Business Environment section carries 40 marks, it is not taken into consideration to determine candidate’s MAT score and percentile. So, this section must be given low priority by students

Step 2 - Check MAT Exam Syllabus for Each Section: Check MAT syllabus and the specific subjects included therein. Put emphasis on subjects where your understanding may be lacking.

Step 3 - Prepare Section wise from Books and Reading Material: Allocate 4-8 weeks to systematically addressing the topics outlined in the MAT syllabus. Refer MAT Preparation Books (details below) or CAT Preparation material of TIME, CL, IMS Coaching.

Step 4 - Take MAT Mock Tests: After you have covered the MAT syllabus, take MAT mock tests and sample papers. Taking mock tests enhances your problem-solving speed.

To help you prepare for the MAT exam, MBAUniverse.com has published many MAT Mock Tests which are based on previous MAT Exam Papers. Take Free Online MAT Mock.

Best MAT Preparation Books
Consistent MAT exam Preparation with best books can get you admission to MBA in good MBA colleges. You can refer to following CAT preparation books for MAT preparation. Also check latest editions of Arun Sharma CAT books.

Best Books for CAT Preparation 2026

Section    Book & Edition Author
Verbal Ability and Reading ComprehensionHow to Prepare for VERBAL ABILITY & READING COMPREHENSION (13th Edition)Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CATNishit K. Sinha
Quantitative AbilityHow to Prepare for QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE (13th Edition)Arun Sharma
 Quantitative Aptitude for CATNishit K. Sinha
 Quantitative AptitudeR S Aggarwal
Data Interpretation & Logical ReasoningHow to Prepare for DATA INTERPRETATION (10th Edition)Arun Sharma
 How to Prepare for LOGICAL REASONING (9th Edition)Arun Sharma
 Data Interpretation for CATNishit K. Sinha
 Logical Reasoning for CATNishit K. Sinha

MAT Previous Year Paper, Mock Test, Sample Paper 2026

MAT toppers and experts recommend taking Mock Tests and Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) before the exam. You can take free MAT Mock Test and Previous Year Papers on MBAUniverse.com from the links given below. You can also download PDFs from the link below. 

MAT Test Papers Download LinkOnline Test Link
MAT Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions  Download MAT PYQsTake PYQ based Mock Tests Online 
MAT Mock Tests 2026 Download MAT Mocks Take MAT Mock Tests Online
MAT Sample Papers 2026Download MAT Sample Papers Take MAT Sample Tests Online 

DOWNLOAD MAT PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPERS PDF

MAT Admit Card 2026

MAT 2026 Admit Card will be released on the AIMA MAT website mat.aima.in before each exam. MAT 2026 Admit Card release date for PBT exam is December 17, 2026. MAT 2026 Admit Card release date for CBT exam is December 24, 2026. Check how to download MAT hall ticket.

How to Download MAT 2026 Admit Card:

  • Visit Official Site: Go to the AIMA MAT portal
  • Log In: Enter your registered Email ID, Date of Birth, and Password.
  • Click on Download Admit Card button:
  • Download & Print: View your admit card, check details, and print at least two copies. 

MBA Admission Process through MAT Exam

Apart from applying and appearing in MAT exam, you need to apply separately for MBA admission to respective MBA college. Top MBA colleges accepting MAT 2026 scores are Jaipuria Noida, IPE Hyderabad, SIES Mumbai, IBA Bangalore, Rajagiri Kochi and NISM Mumbai. The MBA Admission process in detail is shared below

  • Apply and Appear in MAT Exam
  • Check your MAT Score and corresponding Cut off at MBA Colleges
  • Apply Separately for MBA Admission in the preferred MBA College
  • Participate in MBA Colleges Selection process
  • If selected, pay admission fee

MAT Result 2026

MAT December 2026 results will be released in the first week of January 2027. Candidates should login to their Applicant Dashboard on MAT official website (mat.aima.in) to download their MAT result. The MAT Scorecard includes the following key details:

  • Candidate Details: Name, Roll Number, Form Number
  • Test Details: Exam Mode (PBT, CBT, IBT), Exam Date
  • Sectional Scores: Scaled score (out of 100) for each section
  • Overall Scaled Score: Total score (out of 800)
  • Percentile Score: Percentile ranking based on candidate performance
  • Validity: MAT scores are valid for one year for MBA/PGDM admissions.

Check how to download MAT result and scorecard.

MAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026

MAT exam dates are December 20 and 27, 2026. Check important MAT exam day tips, MAT dos and don’ts, and things to carry for the exam day.

  • Locate your test centre a day before the test so that you can reach the test centre on time on the exam date.
  • Arrive at the exam centre on the exam date at least 1 hours before the commencement of the exam.
  • Carry Admit Card Check to exam center. Check if you have pasted your photograph on admit card. If not, paste the identical photograph as uploaded at the time of completing the Registration Form.
  • Carry a valid Photo ID Card inside the examination hall. Valid and acceptable Photo IDs are: Driving License, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Identification Affidavit etc.
  • Carry transparent water Bottle, 2 simple pens and the test related documents (Admit Card, ID Card etc.). No other items will be permitted inside the test centre
  • Do not carry Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, watches, calculators, stationary items, papers, wallets, goggles or similar such things as they are not allowed inside the test hall on exam date.
  • Do not wear any jewellery or other items containing metal, you may be asked to remove them.
  • Don’t carry valuables to exam centre. There is no facility for safekeeping of your personal belongings outside the test hall and Centre is not responsible for its loss.
  • Follow any other instructions on the Admit Card.

Also complete MAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026 and MAT Exam Centres List 2026. 

Summary

MAT Exam 2026 will be held in Paper Based Test (PBT) mode on December 20, and in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode on December 27, 2026. MAT December 2026 results will be released by the first week of January 2027. MAT Registration is open. Top MBA colleges accepting MAT 2026 scores are Jaipuria Noida, IPE Hyderabad, SIES Mumbai, IBA Bangalore, Rajagiri Kochi and NISM Mumbai. Candidates planning to take exam should read MAT 2026 preparation guide and take free MAT Mock Tests to check their current scores. Check overview of MAT Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation, Question Papers, Mock Test links, Colleges, Result and other important details in the above article.

MAT 2026 Exam: FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

No. MAT exam is held four times in a year. MAT exam is typically held in February/March, May, September and December.
Management Aptitude Test (MAT) exam is one of the most popular National level MBA entrance exams in India. MAT exam scores are accepted by more than 300 MBA Colleges for MBA Admissions.
No. MAT is an easier exam than CAT or XAT exams. MAT exam has easy 150 Question, while CAT exam has 68 hard questions. In terms of question format, all questions in MAT exam are MCQs, while only about 70% questions in CAT are MCQs, and rest are Non-MCQs (TITA) questions where candidates have to type their answers.
MAT exam pattern is divided into five sections, each containing 30 multiple choice questions. The five sections in MAT exam are: Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Economic & Business Environment.
MAT exam eligibility criteria are that candidate should have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for MAT exam. There is no work experience required to take MAT exam. There is no minimum or maximum age-related eligibility to appear in MAT exam.
Candidates planning to appear for MAT exam can complete the application process online on MAT official website by following these steps: Step 1: Visit the Official Website (mat.aima.in); Step 2: Create a New Account; Step 3: Fill the Application Form by entering personal details, academic details and selecting the preferred MAT exam mode; Step 4: Upload Documents Required for MAT Registration 2026; Step 5: Pay the Application Fee (o Single Exam (PBT/CBT) – Rs 2300 or Both Exams – Rs 4000) and Step 6: Review and Submit the Application; Step 7: Download and Print the Confirmation Page.
MAT Registration last date for Paper Based Test (PBT) exam is December 14, 2026. MAT Registration last date for Computer Based Test (CBT) exam is December 21, 2026.
MAT Exam 2026 will be held in Paper Based Test (PBT) mode on December 20, and in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode on December 27, 2026.
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