MAT 2023: Exam Date (December), Registration Open, Syllabus, Pattern

MAT December 2023 exam is scheduled in three types of testing modes from December 3 to 17. The Registration dates are closing soon. If you plan to take admission in MBA 2024 programme in one of the 600 colleges accepting MAT, you should apply without waiting for the last date.

Types of December MAT 2023 Exam

December 2023 MAT exam is scheduled in three testing modes – Paper based test (PBT), Computer based test (CBT) and Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) which you can take from your home. You can apply and appear in one MAT exam or Two MAT exams for same type or different types. Important dates and details about each of the 3 types of MAT exam are given below:

Type-1: Paper Based (PBT) Dec MAT 2023 Exam-Important Dates, Fees, Key highlights

• Conducted from 10 AM to 12.30 PM in paper pen mode at test centres
• Answers to be marked on paper sheet
• Moderate Difficulty level Exam
• Total questions are 200

PBT Important Dates & Fees

Type-2: Computer Based (CBT) Dec MAT 2023 Exam-Important Dates, Fees, Key highlights

• Two Computer Based MAT exams on different dates
• Conducted in different slots at test centres
• Exam duration is 2 hours 30 minutes
• Moderate Difficulty level Exam
• Can apply for one or both computer based exams with extra fees
• Total questions are 200

CBT Important Dates & Fees

Type-3: Remote Proctored Internet Based Test

• Exam in a longer Testing Window of one to three weeks
• Exam can be taken from home
• Test duration is 2 hours 30 minutes
• Can appear in one IBT or two IBT exams with extra fee
• IBT is conducted in  morning and evening slots
• Exam pattern is same like PBT and CBT exams

IBT Important Dates & Fees

Dec MAT 2023 Accepting Top Colleges in Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai

December 2023 MAT exam score will be valid for MBA/PGDM Admission 2024 in 600 MBA colleges in India including MBA colleges in Maharashtra. Following are some of the city-wise top MBA colleges accepting MAT Dec 2023 score:

Conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA), Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2023 is an important MBA entrance exam and is conducted four times in a year in February, May, September and December. MAT is a moderate difficulty exam.  This comprehensive article prepared by MBAUniverse.com Exam Experts will give you complete information about MAT December 2023 Exam. So, read this article carefully before applying for the exam.   

Table of Contents

1. What is MAT? 
2. MAT Dec 2023: Key Highlights
3. MAT Dec 2023 Exam Dates & Testing Modes 
4. Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT for Admission 2024
5. MAT 2023 Dec Exam Pattern 
6. MAT 2023 Syllabus: Check & Download Latest MAT Syllabus
7. How to Prepare for MAT 2023? 
8. Best MAT Preparation Books
9. MAT Mocks: Take Full Length & Sectional Mocks for MAT
10. MAT Sample Papers: Download & Solve
11. MAT 2023 Dec Exam: Test Taking Options & Registration Fees
12. How to Choose the Best MAT 2023 Testing Mode? 
13. MAT Dec 2023 Eligibility Criteria
14. MAT Dec 2023 Registration Process for IBT, PBT & CBT Exams   
15. MBA Admission Process through MAT Exam
16. MAT 2023 Dec: Difficult or Easy Exam
17. What is MAT IBT 2023 Dec Exam? Key Features
18. Unique MAT Scoring Pattern
19. MAT Exam Admit Card: When to Download?
20. MAT Exam Centers: Separate for CBT and PBT Exams
21. MAT 2023 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is MAT?

Management Aptitude Test, known as MAT Exam is one of the most popular National level MBA entrance exams in India after CAT. More than 600 MBA/PGDM Colleges are accepting MAT exam 2023 Scores for MBA/PGDM Admission 2024. MAT is an easier exam and is of 2 hours duration. MAT exam is conducted in three testing modes and the candidates can apply for one or two MAT exams to improve their score.  

2. MAT December 2023: Key Highlights

One of the most important but an easier MBA entrance exam – MAT 2023 has following key highlights:

3. December MAT Exam Dates 2023 & Testing Modes

MAT December 2023 Exam will be conducted in three testing modes CBT, IBT and PBT.  Below are the MAT Exam Dates for Dec 2023 exam

3.1 CBT & PBT MAT 2023: Key Dates

3.2 MAT IBT Schedule for December 2023

MAT IBT Schedule with all important dates for Dec MAT 2023 exam has been announced. MAT IBT Mode (Internet Based Mode) exam dates 2023 are:

4. Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT for Admission 2024

December 2023 MAT exam score will be valid for MBA/PGDM Admission 2024 in more than 600 MBA colleges in India including MBA colleges in Maharashtra. Almost all good B-schools in Delhi like NDIM, Jaipuria; in Bangalore like IBA and AIMS; in Pune like Lexicon Mile, IIMS; in Mumbai like IES, VESIM are accepting the Exam scores.

5. MAT 2023 December Exam Pattern 

Below are shared the key details about MAT Question Paper, MAT duration, Sectional composition & Scoring pattern

• The test paper has a time duration of 2½ hours.
• There are 200 objective type questions in MCQs form in MAT question paper
• Question difficulty level is easy to moderate
• The test paper is divided in 5 sections with 40 questions in each section
• Each correct answer is awarded +1 Mark
• Each wrong answer is penalized with negative marking of -0.25 mark

5.1 December MAT 2023 Exam: Sectional Composition

The sectional composition of MAT December 2023 Exam Pattern with number of questions in each section and suggested time to attempt the complete section

Merit Score in the exam is calculated on the basis of 4 sections only and the score of Indian & Global Environment is separately shown but is not taken into account to calculate the merit or percentile in the score card 

6. MAT 2023 Syllabus: Check & Download Latest MAT Syllabus

MAT Syllabus with the changes in its core exam sections goes on revamped. Latest MAT Exam Syllabus contains all the topics on which questions are asked in other national level MBA entrance exams. Past question papers and the exam pattern reveal that syllabus does have tough questions in the exam, although syllabus topics are same. MAT syllabus is based on sectional MAT test pattern and types of questions that appear in the exam.

7. How to Prepare for MAT 2023?

With additional type of IBT exam added in MAT exam, apart from PBT and CBT exams, the preparation for MAT has somewhat changed. However, the MAT exam preparation is not difficult, given the fact that MAT is considered a moderate difficulty exam. Reading good MAT preparation books, practicing with exercises, previous year papers with solutions are a good tool for MAT preparation. If you are preparing for CAT or XAT, you will find the MAT exam much easier.

One of the important points which differentiate MAT preparation from other exams, is the separate section with 40 questions on ‘Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency (DADS)’ which is slightly different from Data Interpretation in other exams. The DADS Preparation and the strategy to prepare for this important section is to be properly planned and followed to score high. The preparation strategy needs more focus on four core sections keeping the ‘Indian & Global Environment’ section at last place.  

The exam preparation requires your focus on preparing for the most important four sections with 160 questions. The sections are Language Comprehension; Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency; Intelligence & Critical Reasoning; and Mathematical skills.

8. Best MAT Preparation Books

Consistent MAT exam Preparation with best books can get you admission to MBA 2024 in good MBA colleges. Below are some of the Best MAT preparation Books

MAT Preparation Books by Arun Sharma

• How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT - by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
• ‘How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT’ - by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
• ‘How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT’ - by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
• How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT’- by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay  

MAT Preparation Books by Nishit K Sinha

• ‘Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT’ - by Nishit K Sinha (Published by Pearson)
• ‘Logical Reasoning and data Interpretation for the CAT’- by Nishit K Sinha (Published by Pearson)
• ‘Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT’-by Nishit K Sinha

Other MAT Exam Study Material for MAT Preparation

• Latest RC Passages and practice questions provided by Study centres like TIME, CL among others 
• Editorial and short articles published in English news papers 
• ‘Word Power Made Easy’ – by Norman Lewis
• ‘High School English Grammar & Composition’ – by Wren & Martin
• Regularly solve the Verbal Ability questions from your XAT study material especially on Para summary, Jumbled Paragraphs

9. MAT Mocks: Take Full Length & Sectional Mocks for MAT

During next few days, it is very important that you become conversant with the MAT question paper to know the actual MAT exam composition. The 200 questions in MAT are divided in 5 sections with 40 questions in each section. MBAUniverse.com experts and previous MAT toppers have prepared full length and sectional MAT Mocks to boost your preparation level. By attempting full length and sectional MAT Mocks will help you gauge your preparation level and expected score in the exam based on your performance.

10. MAT Sample Papers: Download & Solve

MBA entrance exams go on changing and despite having same number of sections and questions, MAT is no exception. The best way to get hands-on feel and practice on question topics covered in MAT exam, is to go through and attempt the MAT sample papers. To help you prepare with ease, we have many MAT sample papers available on MBAUniverse.com. The difficulty level in the MAT Sample Test paper rises after you go on attempting them one by one. 

11. MAT 2023 December Exam: Test Taking Options & Registration Fees

December MAT 2023 registration fee is increased. You can take one or more than one type of MAT December 2023 Exams in different modes. Following combinations with different fees are offered by AIMA to appear in different testing modes:

12. How to Choose the Best MAT 2023 Testing Mode?

Making a choice among IBT, Paper Based and Computer Based tests depends upon various factors. Below are shared the key parameters that will help you to decide the best MAT exam option which is most suitable to you:

13.  MAT Dec 2023 Eligibility Criteria

• A graduate or the candidate in final year of graduation can register and apply for MAT exam
• All the candidates who wish to appear in MAT 2023 exam, now have the option to choose any one or more of the three modes of test i.e., IBT, PBT and CBT.
• Candidates who wish to appear in IBT exam can register and apply at AIMA MAT website by paying requisite application fee of Rs.2100/- online for one IBT and Rs.3300/- for two IBT  exams

14. MAT Dec 2023 Registration Process for IBT, PBT & CBT Exams  

Fresh registrations for IBT, PBT and for CBT Mode MAT Dec 2023 exam open on AIMA MAT website. The dates for MAT Registrations will remain open till few days before each exam date. Read below all the important details about IBT Exam, CBT and PBT MAT exams

To avoid any untoward incident due to Covid-19 pandemic, AIMA has introduced Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (MAT IBT) 2023 exam, apart from the regular Computer Based and Paper based  exams. Candidates can appear in the IBT mode exam from the convenience of their home instead of going to an exam centre while CBT and PBT remain centre based exams.

• Registration process for IBT exam, CBT exam and PBT MAT Dec exam has opened simultaneously Check MAT Exam Dates 
• You can register and apply for one or two MAT exams
• The registration process is online only. 

13.1 MAT 2023 Registration & Application Process

Registration process is online only and can be completed in following 7 simple steps:

STEP 1: Test Mode Details: You shall be given an option of selecting at least one and maximum of two test modes in Step 1 of the application form

STEP 2: Upload Photo and Signature:

Upload Photograph

• Photograph must be a recent passport size color photo.
• Make sure that the colored photo is taken against a light colored, preferably white background, and has no harsh shadows
• If you wear glasses, make sure that there are no reflections and your eyes are clearly seen.
• Ensure that both ears are visible in the photo
• Caps, hats and dark glasses are not acceptable in the photograph
• Religious headwear is allowed but it must not cover your face
• The photo image file should only be in .jpg or .jpeg format.
• Size of file should not be less than 10KB and more than 50KB.

STEP 3: Choose Management Institutes (MI): Candidates opting for Double test modes will have the benefit of selecting additional 2 MIs for sending their scores in addition to existing option of selecting 5 MIs i.e., they can select 7 MIs in total. After the selection of free MI selections, candidate needs to pay INR 118 (inclusive of taxes) on selecting each extra MI.

STEP 4: Make Payment: After selecting MI choices, you shall be directed to the payment page.  Payment of registration fee can be made through Debit / Credit Card / Net Banking / Wallet

STEP 5: Fill Personal Particulars, Qualification & Experiences: Fill the details on the online registration form. Since your eligibility will be screened based on the information furnished by you, you are required to exercise sufficient care to correctly furnish the personal details, your Qualification details

STEP 6: View/Download Registration form: Candidate can preview the form before submitting the application form and can take print out of the same for their record.

Additional Options: A successful registered candidate can perform below actions:

Update details if required: Candidate can edit details except Name, DOB, Email and mobile number after downloading and reviewing the registration form.

Upgrade Exam: Candidate can upgrade their already opted exam mode to available options among Double IBT/PBT+IBT/CBT+IBT with an additional fee of INR 1200/-

Additional MI Choices: Candidate can select as many as MIs with an additional fee of INR 118/- (Including 18%GST) per MI choice   Read More on Step by Step MAT 2023 Registration 

15. 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. The MBA Admission process in detail is shared below

16. MAT 2023 Dec: Difficult or Easy Exam

• MAT is an easier exam as compared to other MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT and others.
• The test paper has a time duration of 2½ hours.
• It has 200 objective type questions in MCQs form and the Question difficulty level is easy to moderate.
• The test paper is divided in 5 sections with 40 questions in each section.
• The sections are Language Comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Indian and Global Environment.
• The 5^th section- Indian and Global Environment with 40 questions is not counted for determining your merit score and percentile calculation.

17. What is MAT IBT Mode 2023 Dec Exam? Key Features

AIMA has introduced "Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT)" with a separate schedule to safeguard test takers against Covid pandemic health hazards. Key features of the exam are:

1. For taking the test in IBT mode, instead of going to a test centre candidates could do so from the safe confines and convenience of their homes subject to certain conditions.
2. Only the candidates with a computer together with webcam and internet facilities meeting certain specifications can appear in IBT exam.
3. The sanctity and security of the test is effectively maintained through remote proctoring in dual mode i.e., by employing robust Artificial Intelligence (AI) based tools as also human proctors.
4. In order to help candidates to familiarize themselves with this new mode of testing, AIMA has also scheduled mock IBT sessions at a nominal extra fee
5. These IBT mock tests replicate the testing environment and help candidates build familiarity with the same. This ensures that the candidates are adequately prepared for the main test.

17.1 IBT December MAT 2023: Key Requirements to Take the Exam

Candidates need to fulfil following key requirements to appear in IBT Dec MAT 2023 exam.

• You must ensure to sit in a well-lit room with proper light on your face and in a quiet place
• Ensure that no other person enters/interferes during the scheduled test
• You must not use mobile phone or any gadgets
• A Laptop or Desktop with Webcam is Mandatory to appear in test
• A stable internet connection with minimum upload Speed => 512 kbps  is required
• Required Supported Browsers are Chrome-version 63 and above; Firefox-version 52 and above
• Required Operating System is Windows OS (Version 7 and above)
• Dot NET framework minimum supported version is 4.5.1. NET framework.
• Required Memory is 65MB permanent free space on the default hard drive

18. Unique MAT Scoring Pattern

MAT scoring pattern is unique. The score card displays scaled score out of 800 Marks and not out of 160 or 200 raw scores. While each correct answer is awarded +1 Mark, each wrong answer is penalized with negative marking of -0.25 mark. Merit Score is calculated on the basis of 4 sections only and the score of Indian & Global Environment is separately shown but is not taken into account to calculate the merit or percentile in the score card

How to Download MAT Score Card? Check below

You can download your MAT score card in following steps from the AIMA MAT website:

• Step-1: Login to AIMA MAT Website: matbschool.aima.in/result/result-check
• Step-2: Fill in your Name (As registered for MAT 2023)
• Step-3: At the Test Administration, click in the space and choose the month of MAT exam
• Step-4: Enter Captcha
• Step-5: Click on Check 

Your MAT score card is displayed. At present you can download Sept MAT 2023 result and score card. December MAT 2023 result will be declared in the last week of Dec 2023. Please note AIMA will not send your score card on mail or any hard copy.

18.1 MAT Score validity

The Dec MAT exam score will be valid for admission in Academic Session 2024-25. There are 600+ B-schools who will accept MAT 2023 Dec scores. 

19. MAT Exam Admit Card: When to Download?

You can download Dec MAT 2023 exam admit card from AIMA MAT website till the exam day. MAT 2023 Dec Exam date is scheduled in IBT, PBT as well as CBT Mode. The Internet Based (IBT) Mode exam can be taken from the comfort of your home while PBT and CBT exams can be taken at designated test centres. While MAT Dec 2023 Internet Based Mode (IBT) Mode exam will be conducted in longer testing window, the PBT and CBT exams will be conducted in a single day on different dates. The last dates for MAT Registration are different for each IBT exam, while for CBT and for PBT exams the last date to apply closes a few days before the exam date.   

20. MAT Exam Centers: Separate for CBT and PBT Exams

AIMA has announced to conduct Dec MAT 2023 CBT and PBT exams in 93 cities. While the MAT centres for PBT exam are 39, the CBT MAT centres are 27 for CBT Exam.

21. MAT 2023 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the dates for paper based and computer based exams?
A. Date for paper based MAT test is Dec 9. For Computer based Dec MAT, exam dates are Dec 3 and Dec 16, 2023

Q. What is MAT IBT?
A. MAT IBT is the new mode of exam which was introduced by AIMA from 2020. Full form of IBT is – Remote Proctored Internet Based Mode. This can be taken from your home as in IBT exam candidates can appear from the convenience of their home instead of going to an exam centre.

Q. Can I appear in more than one IBT exams?
A. Yes, you can appear in two IBT exams by paying an additional fee of Rs.1200/-

Q. What are the dates to apply for MAT 2023?
A. Application process for Dec MAT 2023 is open soon from October 12 to December 11, 2023.

Q. What are the dates for IBT MAT Dec 2023 exam?
A. IBT exam dates are Dec 6, Dec 9 and Dec 17, 2023 as released by AIMA.

Q. What are the test timings for IBT exam?
A. On each day of IBT exam, there are two slots for the test – morning and evening. You need to check carefully your exam slot.

Q. Is there any change in registration fee also?
A. Yes, Dec MAT exam Registration fee has been increased to Rs.2100 from earlier Rs.1950 for one MAT and to Rs.3300 from earlier Rs.3100 for two MAT exams

Q. Can I apply for CBT as well as IBT 2023 exams?
A. Yes, you can apply for both the exams before their respective last dates

Q. What is the Application Fee for the Exam?
A. MAT application fee for one exam is Rs. 2100/- and for two exams is Rs.3300/-

Q. Can I get MAT application form by Post?
A. No, you have to apply online only

Q. What is the benefit to apply for two IBT exams?
A. Applying for two IBT exams has multiple benefits - you can improve your scores in the same exam month and can get a better MBA college; If you apply for two exams, AIMA will send your scores to 7 MBA colleges free of cost. However, if you apply for one exam, AIMA will send your exam scores to 5 B-schools free of cost

Q. Which month MAT is best?
A. MAT score acceptability is through out the year. However, the February, December, May MAT exams are the best as the most good B-schools are open with their admission process and accept MAT exam scores. December MAT score is accepted for admission 2024 in many B-schools and for admission 2024 by almost all the B-schools accepting MAT score.

Q. Is MAT a difficult exam?
A. MAT is an easier exam as compared to other national level MBA entrance exams.

Q. How many times MAT is conducted in a year?
A. MAT is conducted 4 times in a year - February, May, September and December.

Q. How do I apply for MAT?
A. You need to apply for MAT online on official AIMA-MAT exam website

Q. What are the pass marks for MAT?
A. MAT does not disqualify any candidate. It is upto the score requirement of the Management Institute to which you apply. 
 

Q. What is a good MAT score?
A. A good composite MAT score is 650 to 800. At this score you may get 80 to 100 percentile and can get admission in top management institute. 
 

Q. Is MAT good for MBA?
A. Yes, being a national level MBA entrance exam, more than 400 MBA/PGDM colleges in India accept MAT score for admission.

Q. How is MAT percentile calculated?
A. AIMA first converts raw score into composite score and calculates the percentile. The GK section score is not taken into account for composite and percentile score calculation

Q. Which all colleges accept MAT score?
A. There are 600 score accepting colleges notified by AIMA. Apart from them, 300 MBA colleges in Maharashtra also accept MAT score for admission to All India category candidates.

  
Q. What is the highest MAT score?
A. Highest score is 800 which is the composite score in any MAT exam.

Q. Which is better MAT or CMAT?
A. Both are good MBA entrance exams conducted at National Level. There are some MBA colleges who do not accept MAT but accept CMAT and vice versa.

Q. Is MAT marking negative?
A. Yes, MAT scoring pattern is +1 mark for right answer and - 0.25 mark for wrong answer.
 

Q. What is a passing score for the MAT test?
A. MAT composite score is awarded in the range of 200 to 800. It is rare that a candidate gets a composite score below 200.
 

Q. Which book is best for MAT preparation?  
A. There are 5 sections in MAT and for each section it is better to get the best book for example Verbal Ability, RC, Quant, DI, LR the books by Arun Sharma are very good.