MAT Exam 2026 (Feb-March): Dates (OUT), Registration (Open), Syllabus, Pattern, Question Papers, Preparation Tips

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 details below.

MAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule: MAT 2026 exam will be held in March 2026 in two modes. MAT 2026 Paper Based Test (PBT) will be held on March 1 and MAT 2026 Computer Based Test (CBT) will be held on March 8, 2026. MAT registration 2026 for the both tests has started. Check MAT February 2026 exam dates in table below.

MAT exam scores are accepted by 300+ MBA colleges for MBA/PGDM Admission 2026. Check details below.

Anyone who has completed a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university is eligible for the MAT exam. Here's a detailed breakdown of the MAT eligibility criteria 2026:

• 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).

MAT 2025 Exam Pattern consists of five sections of 30 questions each. Total exam duration is 120 mins.

MAT Exam Marking Scheme Pattern
In MAT marking scheme each correct answer is awarded 1 mark, while 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. All sections carry equal weightage, with a total of 150 questions and a maximum possible score of 150 marks.

Key points about the MAT marking scheme 2026:

• Equal weightage: Each section of the MAT exam has equal weightage.
• Marking per question: 1 mark is awarded for each correct answer.
• Negative marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
• No marks for unanswered questions: No marks are deducted for unanswered questions

MAT Exam Syllabus2026 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 syllabus for each section below.

MAT Preparation 2026 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.

MAT Preparation Books by Arun Sharma

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 2026 exam Fees is Rs 2200 for registering for one of the two exams: Paper Based Test (PBT) or Computer Based Test (CBT). MAT fees for taking both these exams is Rs 3800. Check how to fill MAT registration form in the next section. 

MAT Registration for both Paper based test (PBT) and Computer based test (CBT) is open. MAT registration last date for PBT is February 23, and Computer based test is March 2, 2025. This section explains how to register for MAT exam and how to fill MAT application form 2026.

If you are planning to appear for the MAT exam, the first step is to complete the online registration and application form available at 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 2200 for one exam and Rs 3800 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 2026 Admit Card is released on the official AIMA MAT website (mat.aima.in) before each exam. MAT Admit Card 2026 release date is February 26 for PBT exam on March 1, 2026 and March 5 for CBT exam on March 8, 2026.

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. 

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

• 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 for MAT February 2026 exam will be released in March 2026. MAT results download details are as follows. 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.

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.

Be well-prepared by following above MAT exam day tips. Stay positive, give your best effort, and approach the exam with confidence! Also read detailed article on MAT Exam Day Guidelines 2025, Dos and Don’ts and MAT Exam Centres and Test Cities List 2026.