MAT is national level MBA entrance exam that is conducted four times in a year. 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. MAT 2026 eligibility criteria are related to academic qualifications required to take MAT exam. MAT exam eligibility criteria 2026 states that anyone who is a graduate in any discipline can register and take the exam. Read this article for complete details on MAT eligibility criteria.
Conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA), Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is one of the most popular national MBA entrance exams in India. MAT is conducted four times in a year in February, May, August and December. More than 200 MBA/PGDM Colleges are accepting MAT Scores for Admission 2026.
AIMA will conduct the MAT 2026 February exam for MBA admission 2026 in more than 200 MBA colleges. MAT exam highlights are as follows:
| MAT Exam Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| MAT Exam Full Form | Management Aptitude Test (MAT) |
| Who conducts MAT Exam? | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Number of MBA/PGDM colleges accepting MAT | More than 500 MBA Colleges |
| Number of MAT Exams | Held in February, May, September, December |
| MAT Exam Modes | Paper Based (PBT) and Computer Based (CBT) |
| MAT Exam Dates | MAT Paper Based Test (PBT) 2026 will be held on March 1 and MAT Computer Based Test (CBT) 2026 will be held on March 8, 2026. |
| MAT Official Website | www.mat.aima.in |
| MAT Exam Application Fees | Rs 2200 for Paper Based Test (PBT) or Computer Based Test (CBT). Rs 3800 for both PBT + CBT Exams. |
| Total Questions in the Exam | 150 questions |
| Total Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 5 Sections with 30 Questions in Each Section |
| Name of MAT Sections | Language 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 |
Who can take MAT Exam? Well, MAT exam eligibility criteria 2026 can be divided into Academic Requirements, Age Limit and a few other requirements, as explained below.
(1) Academic Requirement for taking MAT Exam: The candidate applying for MAT exam must fulfil one of the following MAT eligibility criteria:
(2) Percentage of Marks Required: There is no minimum required percentage of marks for taking MAT Exam. However, MBA colleges may have their own minimum marks or percentage requirements.
(3) Minimum Age Limit: There is no minimum age limit to take MAT exam.
(4) Maximum Age Limit: There is no maximum age limit to take MAT exam.
(5) Minimum Work Experience: There is work experience required to take MAT exam.
In addition to meeting the above MAT exam eligibility criteria 2026, you must maintain a valid and unique email account and a phone number throughout the MAT exam registration process.
There can be some difference between the MAT exam eligibility criteria and the MBA admission eligibility criteria of the MBA college where you wish to apply. Key points of such differences are:
| Criteria | MAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 | MBA College Admission Criteria 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Percentage of Marks in Graduation | No Minimum Percentage of Marks in graduation, Only Pass marks needed | Minimum 50% to 60% marks in graduation required |
| Professional Degree | No concession to professional degree holders like CA/CS | Some relaxation may be given for professional degree holders |
| Work Experience | No weightage to work experience | Weightage may be awarded in admission criteria |
| Minimum Percentage of Marks in 10th and 12th standard | No Weightage for Class 10 & 12 marks | Good weightage can be given for excellent academic performance |
In summary, MAT is national level MBA entrance exam that is conducted four times in a year. MAT 2026 exam will be held on March 1 and 8, 2026. MAT 2026 eligibility criteria are related to academic qualifications required to take MAT exam. MAT Eligibility Criteria states that anyone who is a graduate in any discipline can register and take the exam. Read more details in the above article on MAT 2026 eligibility criteria.
