MAT Exam Analysis: September MAT 2023 – Easy Quant and Reasoning; Verbal little Difficult
MAT 2023 September first exam was held in IBT mode on August 20, 2023 and the subsequent MAT exam was PBT MAT on September 3, 2023. MAT 2023 exam is scheduled in CBT, IBT and PBT modes on different dates. AIMA is conducting September MAT exam from August 20 to September 17, 2023. MBAUniverse.com has published the detailed MAT Sept 2023 Analysis after the first IBT MAT exam and second PBT MAT exam have got over.
MAT September 2023 Exam dates for different modes of test are:
- IBT MAT: Aug 20, Sep 2, 9, 10, 16; 2023
- PBT MAT: September 3, 2023
- CBT MAT: September 17, 2023
MAT Sept 2023 exam Analysis: Key Highlights
- Exam had 5 Sections with 40 questions of MCQ type in each Section
- Except the 5th Section on Indian and Global Environment, other 4 sections are counted for Percentile calculation
- Exam was of Moderate difficulty level
- Total score counted for merit has 160 marks which is scaled to 800 (5 marks x 160 Qs)
- Overall raw score of 110 is expected to fetch 95 percentile cut off in MAT exam
For those who wish to appear in forthcoming MAT exams, the IBT MAT offers good opportunity to apply and take the exam from the convenience of their home. All the testing modes in MAT exam have same number of 200 questions of similar difficulty level with minor fluctuations. MAT exam Analysis with expected cut offs in top MBA colleges accepting MAT score will help you to assess your expected MAT score and percentile by using MAT Percentile Predictor MAT Percentile Predictor. Sept MAT 2023 Analysis covers the following:
- MAT Exam Pattern-Key Changes
- Difficulty level in MAT exam
- Overall top percentile cut off score
- Top MBA colleges with MAT cut offs
Candidates appeared in the IBT-MAT from the convenience of their home instead of going to an exam centre. The morning slot was from 10.00 AM to 12.30 PM and evening slot was from 4.00 PM to 6.30 PM. The MAT Exam Analysis below covers the nature of test, difficulty level, exam pattern, expected cut offs, top MBA colleges accepting MAT among other details
AIMA had introduced MAT Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (MAT IBT) since 2020 due to the spread of Covid-19 pandemic:
Opting for IBT MAT: Take from Comfort of Home
- Candidates can appear in IBT Sept MAT 2023 exam from the comfort of their homes with their computers or laptops having fast internet connections and webcams.
- The exam time and duration is strictly adhered to.
- A constant watch on the conduct of the exam by the remote proctors is kept through the candidates’ webcam displaying their live test taking attempts, surroundings to ensure that there is no malpractice that could impact the sanctity of the exam.
Candidates Appeared in IBT MAT after Taking Official Mock
Since most of the candidates who appeared in IBT MAT exam were not aware about the key requirements to appear in the exam, AIMA has offered MAT IBT mock test to enable the candidates to understand how they should attempt the exam. An IBT MAT Mock Test registration and Mock test taking window is enabled at AIMA MAT website for the candidates who have registered and applied for Sep IBT MAT
Taking IBT MAT 2023: Key Requirements
For taking the test in IBT mode, instead of going to a test centre candidates can take the exam from the safe confines and convenience of their homes subject to certain conditions. Following are the key requirements to get ready for MAT IBT Exam:
- Network: A stable internet connection with proper speed. Minimum Upload Speed should be 512 kbps or above.
- Supported Browsers: Use only Browser Version Chrome version 63 and above; Firefox version 52 and above
- Operating System: WindowsOS Version7 and above
- Memory: 65MB permanent free space on the default hard drive
Guidelines to Take the Test
- Once the test starts, MSB will not allow to move out of the application before the test is finished MSB will close all the applications running in background
- Please note that only the candidates with a computer together with webcam and internet facilities meeting specifications can appear in IBT exam.
- 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.
Both IBT and PBT MAT Exams were rated as easy to moderate with no surprises and were on expected pattern of PBT/CBT MAT. A few questions in English Language, Data Analysis and Quant were found a bit difficult. A score of 108-110 is expected to fetch 90+ percentile. The IBT MAT exam has long testing window as shared above. Registrations for further exam dates of MAT IBT exam are also open.
The detailed MAT IBT and PBT exam analysis consists of MAT exam structure, difficulty level - overall and section wise, surprise elements, key topics and questions in the exam, sectional composition, important topics asked section wise and expected Cut offs in top MBA colleges accepting MAT score.
MAT 2023 Sept Exam Highlights
- Test contained 4 RC Passages of 400-500 words followed by 20 Questions in Language Comprehension section
- 2 RC Passages were opinion based and were on Abstract ideas, while 2 were fact based
- Reasoning had a few tricky questions otherwise the section was moderate
- Reasoning had 18-20 questions based on Family Relations and Statements – Cause & Effect
- Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency as separate section had more questions on Graphs and Pie charts
- Data Sufficiency had a few difficult questions on Graphs and Pie charts
- Arithmetic had major share of questions of moderate difficulty level in Mathematical skills section
- IBT MAT contained some of the difficult questions in Language and Data Analysis also. PBT was easier
- Candidates have shared the feedback that the MAT Remote Proctored Internet Based Test was moderate although parts of Verbal, Data Analysis & Reasoning took some more time to solve.
- Candidates would need higher scores as there would be tough competition in getting admission to a good MBA college.
- Overall raw score of 110 is expected to fetch 95 percentile cut off in MAT exam
Overall MAT Analysis
- There were 200 questions divided in 5 sections in MAT exam
- All the questions carry equal marks.
- Every right answer is awarded with a credit of 1 mark
- Every wrong answer attracts a penalty of ¼ negative marking (0.25 mark) which is deducted from the score awarded for right answers.
- All the questions are in MCQ format followed by 4 answer options.
- No Individual Sectional Time Limit. Candidates were allowed to switch to any section and any question
Quick View of MAT Exam
|
MAT 2023 Sept exam
|
Key Highlights
|
|
Exam Slots
|
Morning: 10AM to 12.30 PM (PBT & IBT)
Evening: 4 PM to 6.30 PM (IBT)
|
|
Test centre location
|
Test Taker’s Home
|
|
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
|
|
Level of Difficulty
|
Moderate
|
|
Total maximum raw score
|
200
|
|
Total maximum scaled score out of which percentile score will be awarded
|
800
|
|
Sections considered for percentile calculation
|
4 (Indian & Global Environment not considered)
|
|
Number of questions considered for percentile calculation
|
160
|
MAT 2023: IBT/CBT/PBT Exam Pattern
|
Section no.
|
Section Subject
|
Number of questions
|
Suggested time to solve
|
|
1
|
Language comprehension
|
40
|
30
|
|
2
|
Mathematical skills
|
40
|
40
|
|
3
|
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
|
40
|
35
|
|
4
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
|
40
|
30
|
|
5
|
Indian and Global Environment
|
40
|
15
|
|
|
Total
|
200
|
150
|
MAT Sectional Analysis
MAT exam analysis section wise with difficulty level is shared below:
Language comprehension
There were 40 questions in the section. Major topics and number of question are:
|
Topic
|
Number of Questions
|
Difficulty level
|
|
Reading Comprehension
|
20
|
Moderate
|
|
Number of RC Passages
|
5
|
Easy to Moderate
|
|
English Language
|
20
|
Moderate
|
|
Errors in Sentence formation
|
3-4
|
Moderate
|
|
Antonyms
|
2-3
|
Moderate to difficult
|
|
Synonyms
|
2-3
|
Moderate
|
|
Fill in the Blanks with correct vocabulary words
|
2-3
|
Moderate
|
|
One word substitution
|
2-3
|
Moderate
|
|
Phrases & Idioms Substitution by words
|
3-4
|
Moderate to Difficult
|
|
Jumbled Paragraphs
|
3-4
|
Moderate
|
- Except a few questions the section had moderate difficulty level and could be answered in time
- A score of 26-27 marks could lead to 90 percentile in Language Comprehension section
Mathematical Skills
- Out of the 40 questions in the section, more weightage was awarded to Arithmetic based questions
- Around 15 questions were based on Arithmetic like Interest, Percentages, Time and Work, Profit, Loss, Partnership. The questions were a little time consuming although were moderate.
- Other questions were based on topics like Equations, Ratio, Proportion & Variation, Geometry & Mensuration, Permutation and Combinations, Probability etc.
- The questions were of moderate difficulty level
- The section could prove to be a percentile booster for the candidates who did this section well
- A score of 28-29 marks could earn 90+ percentile in this section
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
- This section had maximum questions on Data Interpretation
- More prominent in this section were Graphs, Pie charts, bar diagrams, charts, line graph, data comparison
- Time remained the major hurdle to solve these questions with speed and accuracy
- Questions on Data Interpretation (DI) occupied more than 50% space in the section, rest of the part covered questions on data sufficiency and data comparison
- A score of 21-22 marks is expected to get 90 and above percentile
Intelligence and Critical reasoning
- This section had 40 Questions
- More questions were on Analytical and Logical reasoning and fewer questions were there on Critical reasoning
- 10 Questions were based on Family Relation, 10 on Statements-Cause & Effect, and others were Statement –Assumptions, Reasons, analogies, direction, series, Incorrect Terms.
- The questions were formed in sets as well as individual questions
- The section was a little lengthy with moderate level of difficulty
- A score of 25-26 marks may lead to a percentile above 90 in this section.
Indian and Global environment
- Suggested time limit by AIMA to answer the 40 questions in this section was 15 minutes but 10 minutes were enough to attempt this section
- Questions were formed on G-20 Meet, Central Vista, SCO Meet, Covid 19 & its Global implications, JIO-Facebook deal, Awards, Government policies, rules, regulations, Budget, GST, CAA, Constitution of India, Appointments, Capitals, Current National and International Events, US Trade Policy.
- No re-thinking or recalling was required for what you do not know or are confused on it.
- Ideal time to attempt one question was less than 30 seconds
- This section is not counted for percentile calculation in MAT exam
- Many Candidates skipped or answered very few questions in this section to save time for other sections
No Surprise Element
The MAT 2023 May exam had no surprise element and was on the same pattern as was in February 2023
Management of Time: Important
- The time limit to attempt 200 questions was 150 minutes. Less than 1 minute was available before the test takers to answer each of 200 questions.
- Candidates who could not manage time well, had to skip many questions and could not maximise their attempts across the sections.
- Those who adhered to the time limit to solve questions in each section helped them to do better in the exam as with this strategy more number of questions could be attempted with accuracy
- Many of MAT test takers could not attempt more questions despite knowing their answers in MAT as they struggled for time
How to Manage Time in MAT Exam: Tips by Toppers
The MAT Test toppers suggest following tips to manage time in the exam:
Skip or Scantly Attempt GK Section
A unique way to manage time with an aim to attempt more questions, was found by the test takers. Since the GK section in MAT exam is not counted for score calculation, many candidates skipped or attempted very few questions in Indian and Global Environment section and utilized this time to attempt the questions in other sections. The strategy helped them to maximise the attempts in all the 4 core sections.
Don’t Devote More than 30-35 Seconds
Most of the MAT test takers revealed that they maximized the attempts by not wasting the time in case they found even a slightly difficult question in their initial attempts. Besides, none of them devoted more than 30 seconds on one question as during this time they could know whether the question was doable or difficult.
Skip the Question to Avoid Negative Marking
Apart from maximising the attempts, these candidates ensured that they should attempt only the questions which they could solve accurately. The strategy boosted their confidence level further and they expect higher score due to no or very little loss on negative marking.
Maximize attempts Keeping in Mind the Cut offs
The MAT 2023 test takers who maximize the attempts in the exam also keep in mind the negative marking. Giving time to each of the sections and not getting down by any one section remains an important factor to help the candidates to get high score.
Following table consists of the broad MAT guideline to achieve cut off above 90 percentile, ideal attempts according to the difficulty level of questions in each section and suggested time limit to solve each of the 5 sections to score high in MAT 2023:
|
S.no
|
Section
|
No of Qs
|
Ideal time (in minutes)
|
Ideal attempts
|
Score required to get 90+ percentile
|
|
1
|
Language Comprehension
|
40
|
30
|
28
|
27-28
|
|
2
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
|
40
|
35
|
27
|
26-28
|
|
3
|
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
|
40
|
38
|
24
|
22-24
|
|
4
|
Mathematical Skills
|
40
|
37
|
30
|
30-32
|
|
5
|
Indian and Global Environment
|
40
|
10
|
15
|
Separate sectional marks, not counted for percentile calculation
|
|
|
|
200
|
150
|
124
|
105-112
|
Top MBA Colleges accepting MAT 2023
There are 600 MBA Colleges in India accepting MAT 2023 September exam score. These MBA Colleges accepting MAT score include the University and University affiliated MBA Colleges accepting MAT; Autonomous and Private top MBA Colleges accepting MAT and Government regulated top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Score in 2023.
You can use your MAT 2023 exam score in accordance with your score range in the top MBA Colleges accepting MAT with their admission status open. These colleges can be divided into four broad categories:
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 700 or the Colleges accepting MAT score above 90 percentile
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 600 or the Colleges accepting MAT score 80 percentile
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 500 or the Colleges accepting MAT score 60 percentile
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 400 or the Colleges accepting MAT score below 50 percentile
Scoring in MAT & MBA Admission with MAT
- Admission to good B schools out of the list of B schools available at the AIMA site can be explored with a percentile of 80 and above.
- MAT score card will contain 6 scores. For each of the 6 scores, a percentile score is given. This shows the percentage of examinees who scored below the candidate based on the entire MAT testing population. The percentile figure can change with each administration for the same scores.
- MAT 2023 exam would award scores keeping the Indian and Global environment section out from percentile calculation.
- 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.
- Raw score of 70+ is expected to award the percentile of 80+ and the raw score of 110 can award you the percentile of 90
Exam Difficulty Level
MAT exam had a moderate difficulty level. Besides, there was no change in the MAT exam pattern which had 200 questions in MCQ format divided in 5 sections. The MAT test takers found the exam easy to moderate difficulty level although parts of Verbal, Data sufficiency were rated as bit difficult.
Previous MAT Exam Analysis
Below is shared the previous MAT exams analysis with all the details, good attempts, scoring pattern and cut offs
February MAT 2023 Exam Analysis
Candidates appeared in the IBT-MAT from the convenience of their home instead of going to an exam centre. The morning slot was from 10.00 AM to 12.30 PM and evening slot was from 4.00 PM to 6.30 PM.
The MAT Exam Analysis for CBT, IBT and PBT MAT below covers the nature of test, difficulty level, exam pattern, expected cut offs, top MBA colleges accepting MAT among other details
AIMA had introduced MAT Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (MAT IBT) since 2020 due to the spread of Covid-19 pandemic:
IBT MAT: Taken from Comfort of Home
Candidates appeared in IBT May MAT 2023 exam from the comfort of their homes with their computers or laptops having fast internet connections and webcams. The exam time and duration was strictly adhered to. A constant watch on the conduct of the exam by the remote proctors was kept through the candidates’ webcam displaying their live test taking attempts, surroundings to ensure that there was no malpractice that could impact the sanctity of the exam.
Candidates Appeared in IBT MAT after Taking Official Mock
Since most of the candidates who appeared in IBT MAT exam were not aware about the key requirements to appear in the exam, AIMA has offered MAT IBT mock test to enable the candidates to understand how they should attempt the exam. An IBT MAT Mock Test registration and Mock test taking window is enabled at AIMA MAT website
Taking IBT MAT 2023: Key Requirements
For taking the test in IBT mode, instead of going to a test centre candidates can take the exam from the safe confines and convenience of their homes subject to certain conditions. Following are the key requirements to get ready for MAT IBT Exam:
Please note that only the candidates with a computer together with webcam and internet facilities meeting specifications can appear in IBT exam. 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.
- Network: A stable internet connection with proper speed. Minimum Upload Speed should be 512 kbps or above.
- Supported Browsers: Use only Browser Version Chrome version 63 and above; Firefox version 52 and above
- Operating System: WindowsOS Version7 and above
- Memory: 65MB permanent free space on the default hard drive
Guidelines to Take the Test
Once the test starts, MSB will not allow to move out of the application before the test is finished MSB will close all the applications running in background
The IBT MAT Exam was rated as easy to moderate with no surprises and was on the same pattern of PBT/CBT MAT.
A few questions in English Language, Data Analysis and Quant were found a bit difficult. A score of 110-112 is expected to fetch 90 percentile cut off. The IBT MAT exam had seven days testing window and registrations for further exam dates of MAT IBT exam were also kept open.
The detailed MAT IBT exam analysis consists of MAT exam structure, difficulty level - overall and section wise, surprise elements, key topics and questions in the exam, sectional composition, important topics asked section wise and expected Cut offs in top MBA colleges accepting MAT score.
MAT 2023 Exam Highlights: CBT, IBT, PBT Exams
- Test contained 4 RC Passages of 400-500 words followed by 20 Questions in Language Comprehension section
- 2 RC Passages were opinion based and were on Abstract ideas, while 2 were fact based
- Reasoning had a few tricky questions otherwise the section was moderate
- Reasoning had 18-20 questions based on Family Relations and Statements – Cause & Effect
- Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency as separate section had more questions on Graphs and Pie charts
- Data Sufficiency had a few difficult questions on Graphs and Pie charts
- Arithmetic had major share of questions of moderate difficulty level in Mathematical skills section
- IBT MAT contained some of the difficult questions in Language and Data Analysis also.
- Candidates have shared the feedback that the MAT Remote Proctored Internet Based Test was moderate although parts of Verbal, Data Analysis & Reasoning took some more time to solve.
- Candidates would need higher scores as there would be tough competition in getting admission to a good MBA college.
- Overall raw score of 110 is expected to fetch 90+ percentile cut off in MAT exam
Overall Analysis
- There were 200 questions divided in 5 sections in MAT exam
- All the questions carry equal marks.
- Every right answer is awarded with a credit of 1 mark
- Every wrong answer attracts a penalty of ¼ negative marking (0.25 mark) which is deducted from the score awarded for right answers.
- All the questions are in MCQ format followed by 4 answer options.
- No Individual Sectional Time Limit. Candidates were allowed to switch to any section and any question
Quick View of IBT MAT Exam
|
MAT 2023 IBT exam
|
Key Highlights
|
|
Exam Slots
|
Morning: 10AM to 12.30 PM
Evening: 4 PM to 6.30 PM
|
|
Test centre location
|
Test Taker’s Home
|
|
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
|
|
Level of Difficulty
|
Moderate
|
|
Total maximum raw score
|
200
|
|
Total maximum scaled score out of which percentile score will be awarded
|
800
|
|
Sections considered for percentile calculation
|
4 (Indian & Global Environment not considered)
|
|
Number of questions considered for percentile calculation
|
160
|
MAT 2023: IBT/CBT/PBT Exam Pattern
|
Section no.
|
Section Subject
|
Number of questions
|
Suggested time to solve
|
|
1
|
Language comprehension
|
40
|
30
|
|
2
|
Mathematical skills
|
40
|
40
|
|
3
|
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
|
40
|
35
|
|
4
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
|
40
|
30
|
|
5
|
Indian and Global Environment
|
40
|
15
|
|
|
Total
|
200
|
150
|
MAT Sectional Analysis
Language comprehension
There were 40 questions in the section. Major topics and number of question are:
|
Topic
|
Number of Questions
|
Difficulty level
|
|
Reading Comprehension
|
20
|
Moderate
|
|
Number of RC Passages
|
5
|
Easy to Moderate
|
|
English Language
|
20
|
Moderate
|
|
Errors in Sentence formation
|
3
|
Moderate
|
|
Antonyms
|
3
|
Moderate to difficult
|
|
Synonyms
|
3
|
Moderate
|
|
Fill in the Blanks with correct vocabulary words
|
3
|
Moderate
|
|
One word substitution
|
2
|
Moderate
|
|
Phrases & Idioms Substitution by words
|
3
|
Moderate to Difficult
|
|
Jumbled Paragraphs
|
3
|
Moderate
|
- Except a few questions the section had moderate difficulty level and could be answered in time
- A score of 27-28 marks could lead to 90 percentile in Language Comprehension section
Mathematical Skills
- Out of the 40 questions in the section, more weightage was awarded to Arithmetic based questions
- Around 15 questions were based on Arithmetic like Interest, Percentages, Time and Work, Profit, Loss, Partnership. The questions were a little time consuming although were moderate.
- Other questions were based on topics like Equations, Ratio, Proportion & Variation, Geometry & Mensuration, Permutation and Combinations, Probability etc.
- The questions were of moderate difficulty level
- The section could prove to be a percentile booster for the candidates who did this section well
- A score of 29-30 marks could earn 90+ percentile in this section
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
- This section had maximum questions on Data Interpretation
- More prominent in this section were Graphs, Pie charts, bar diagrams, charts, line graph, data comparison
- Time remained the major hurdle to solve these questions with speed and accuracy
- Questions on Data Interpretation (DI) occupied more than 50% space in the section, rest of the part covered questions on data sufficiency and data comparison
- A score of 22-23 marks is expected to get 90 and above percentile
Intelligence and Critical reasoning
- This section had 40 Questions
- More questions were on Analytical and Logical reasoning and fewer questions were there on Critical reasoning
- 10 Questions were based on Family Relation, 10 on Statements-Cause & Effect, and others were Statement –Assumptions, Reasons, analogies, direction, series, Incorrect Terms.
- The questions were formed in sets as well as individual questions
- The section was a little lengthy with moderate level of difficulty
- A score of 26-27 marks may lead to a percentile above 90 in this section.
Indian and Global environment
- Suggested time limit by AIMA to answer the 40 questions in this section was 15 minutes but 10 minutes were enough to attempt this section
- Questions were formed on Covid 19 & its Global implications, JIO-Facebook deal, Awards, Government policies, rules, regulations, Budget, GST, CAA, Constitution of India, Appointments, Capitals, Current National and International Events, US Trade Policy.
- No re-thinking or recalling was required for what you do not know or are confused on it.
- Ideal time to attempt one question was less than 30 seconds
- This section is not counted for percentile calculation in MAT exam
- Many Candidates skipped or answered very few questions in this section to save time for other sections
Surprise Element
The MAT 2023 exam had no surprise element and was on the same pattern as was in December 2023
Time Management: Key Issue
- The time limit to attempt 200 questions was 150 minutes. Less than 1 minute was available before the test takers to answer each of 200 questions.
- Candidates who could not manage time well, had to skip many questions and could not maximise their attempts across the sections.
- Those who adhered to the time limit to solve questions in each section helped them to do better in the exam as with this strategy more number of questions could be attempted with accuracy
- Many of MAT test takers could not attempt more questions despite knowing their answers in MAT as they struggled for time
How to Manage Time in MAT Exam: Tips by Test Takers
The MAT Test takers suggest following tips to manage time in the exam:
Skip or Scantly Attempt GK Section
A unique way to manage time with an aim to attempt more questions, was found by the test takers. Since the GK section in MAT exam is not counted for score calculation, many candidates skipped or attempted very few questions in Indian and Global Environment section and utilized this time to attempt the questions in other sections. The strategy helped them to maximise the attempts in all the 4 core sections.
Didn’t Devote More than 30 Seconds
Most of the MAT test takers revealed that they maximized the attempts by not wasting the time in case they found even a slightly difficult question in their initial attempts. Besides, none of them devoted more than 30 seconds on one question as during this time they could know whether the question was doable or difficult.
Avoided Negative Marking
Apart from maximising the attempts, these candidates ensured that they should attempt only the questions which they could solve accurately. The strategy boosted their confidence level further and they expect higher score due to no or very little loss on negative marking.
Ideal attempts and Cut offs
The MAT 2023 test takers who maximised the attempts in the exam need to score high keeping in mind the negative marking. Giving time to each of the sections and not getting down by any one section remained an important factor to help the candidates to get high score.
Following table consists of the broad MAT guideline to achieve cut off above 90 percentile, ideal attempts according to the difficulty level of questions in each section and suggested time limit to solve each of the 5 sections to score high in MAT 2023:
|
S.no
|
Section
|
No of Qs
|
Ideal time (in minutes)
|
Ideal attempts
|
Score required to get 90+ percentile
|
|
1
|
Language Comprehension
|
40
|
30
|
28
|
28
|
|
2
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
|
40
|
35
|
27
|
27
|
|
3
|
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
|
40
|
38
|
24
|
23
|
|
4
|
Mathematical Skills
|
40
|
37
|
30
|
30
|
|
5
|
Indian and Global Environment
|
40
|
10
|
15
|
Separate sectional marks, not counted for percentile calculation
|
|
|
|
200
|
150
|
124
|
108-110
|
Categorization of MBA Colleges accepting MAT 2023
There are 600 MBA Colleges in India accepting MAT 2023 May exam score. These MBA Colleges accepting MAT score include the University and University affiliated MBA Colleges accepting MAT; Autonomous and Private top MBA Colleges accepting MAT and Government regulated top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Score in 2023.
You can use your MAT 2023 exam score in accordance with your score range in the top MBA Colleges accepting MAT with their admission status open. These colleges can be divided into four broad categories:
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 700 or the Colleges accepting MAT score above 90 percentile
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 600 or the Colleges accepting MAT score 80 percentile
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 500 or the Colleges accepting MAT score 60 percentile
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 400 or the Colleges accepting MAT score below 50 percentile
Scoring in MAT & MBA Admission with MAT
- Admission to good B schools out of the list of B schools available at the AIMA site can be explored with a percentile of 80 and above.
- MAT score card will contain 6 scores. For each of the 6 scores, a percentile score is given. This shows the percentage of examinees who scored below the candidate based on the entire MAT testing population. The percentile figure can change with each administration for the same scores.
- MAT 2023 exam would award scores keeping the Indian and Global environment section out from percentile calculation.
- 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.
- Raw score of 70+ is expected to award the percentile of 80+ and the raw score of 110 can award you the percentile of 90
MAT 2023 Exam Difficulty Level
MAT exam had a moderate difficulty level. Besides, there was no change in the MAT exam pattern which had 200 questions in MCQ format divided in 5 sections. The MAT test takers found the exam easy to moderate difficulty level although parts of Verbal, Data sufficiency were rated as bit difficult.
MAT Previous Exam Analysis
MAT 2022 Sept exam is scheduled in CBT, IBT and PBT modes. AIMA is conducting Sept MAT exam from August 28 to Sept 18, 2022. MBAUniverse.com will publish detailed MAT Sept 2022 Analysis immediately after the first MAT exam is over on Sept 4.
MAT Sept 2022 Exam dates for different modes of test are:
- IBT MAT: August 28 to September 17, 2022
- PBT MAT: September 4, 2022
- CBT MAT: September 18, 2022
All the testing modes in MAT exam have same number of 200 questions of similar difficulty level with minor fluctuations. MAT exam Analysis with expected cut offs in top MBA colleges accepting MAT score will help you to assess your expected MAT score and percentile by using MAT Percentile Predictor (Link to MAT percentile predictorxxx). September MAT Analysis covers the following:
- MAT Exam Pattern-Key Changes
- Difficulty level in MAT exam
- Overall top percentile cut off score
- Top MBA colleges with MAT cut offs Top MBA colleges with MAT cut offs
MAT 2022 May first Paper based and computer based exam has got over on Sunday May 15, 2022 at test centres. AIMA is conducting MAT 2022 May exam in CBT, PBT and IBT Mode from May 14 to 29, 2022. There are two CBT and two PBT MAT exams while the IBT MAT testing window is from May 14 to 29. The PBT MAT exam was conducted in a single slot. Below is shared the detailed May MAT 2022 exam analysis.
MAT May 2022 Exam dates for different modes of test were:
- IBT MAT: May 14 to 29, 2022
- PBT MAT: May 15 and May 28, 2022
- CBT MAT: May 15 and May 28, 2022
All the testing modes in MAT exam have same number of 200 questions of similar difficulty level with minor fluctuations. MAT exam Analysis with expected cut offs in top MBA colleges accepting MAT score will help you to assess your expected MAT score and percentile by using MAT Percentile Predictor. MAT Analysis covers the following:
- MAT Exam Pattern-Key Changes
- Difficulty level in MAT exam
- Overall top percentile cut off score
- Top MBA colleges with MAT cut offs
MAT May 2022 Exam Analysis
Below is shared the MAT exam analysis
May MAT 2022 Exam Analysis
Candidates appeared in the PBT and CBT -MAT at test centres while IBT May MAT on May 14 was conducted from the convenience of test takers’ home in two slots - the morning slot was from 10.00 AM to 12.30 PM and evening slot was from 4.00 PM to 6.30 PM. The PBT exam was held from 10 AM to 12.30 PM at test centres.
The MAT Exam Analysis for CBT, IBT and PBT MAT below covers the nature of test, difficulty level, exam pattern, expected cut offs, top MBA colleges accepting MAT among other details
AIMA had introduced MAT Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (MAT IBT) since 2020 due to the spread of Covid-19 pandemic:
Find the Top MBA colleges accepting MAT scores
IBT MAT: Taken from Comfort of Home
Candidates appeared in IBT May MAT 2022 exam from the comfort of their homes with their computers or laptops having fast internet connections and webcams. The exam time and duration was strictly adhered to. A constant watch on the conduct of the exam by the remote proctors was kept through the candidates’ webcam displaying their live test taking attempts, surroundings to ensure that there was no malpractice that could impact the sanctity of the exam.
Candidates Appeared in IBT MAT after Taking Official Mock
Since most of the candidates who appeared in IBT MAT exam were not aware about the key requirements to appear in the exam, AIMA had offered MAT IBT mock test to enable the candidates to understand how they should attempt the exam. An IBT MAT Mock Test registration and Mock test taking window is enabled at AIMA MAT website
Taking IBT MAT 2022: Key Requirements
For taking the test in IBT mode, instead of going to a test centre candidates can take the exam from the safe confines and convenience of their homes subject to certain conditions. Following are the key requirements to get ready for MAT IBT Exam:
Please note that only the candidates with a computer together with webcam and internet facilities meeting specifications can appear in IBT exam. 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.
- Network: A stable internet connection with proper speed. Minimum Upload Speed should be 512 kbps or above.
- Supported Browsers: Use only Browser Version Chrome version 63 and above; Firefox version 52 and above
- Operating System: WindowsOS Version7 and above
- Memory: 65MB permanent free space on the default hard drive
Guidelines to Take the Test
Once the test starts, MSB will not allow to move out of the application before the test is finished MSB will close all the applications running in background
The IBT MAT Exam was rated as easy to moderate with no surprises and was on the same pattern of PBT/CBT MAT.
MAT CBT/IBT and PBT exam Difficulty Level
A few questions in English Language, Data Analysis and Quant were found a bit difficult. A score of 110-112 is expected to fetch 90 percentile cut off. The IBT MAT exam has long testing window and registrations for further CBT, PBT and MAT IBT exams are also open.
The detailed MAT exam analysis consists of MAT exam structure, difficulty level - overall and section wise, surprise elements, key topics and questions in the exam, sectional composition, important topics asked section wise and expected Cut offs in top MBA colleges accepting MAT score.
MAT 2022 Exam Highlights: CBT, IBT, PBT Exams
- Test contained 4 RC Passages of 400-500 words followed by 20 Questions in Language Comprehension section
- 2 RC Passages were opinion based and were on Abstract ideas, while 2 were fact based
- Reasoning had a few tricky questions otherwise the section was moderate
- Reasoning had 18-20 questions based on Family Relations and Statements – Cause & Effect
- Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency as separate section had more questions on Graphs and Pie charts
- Data Sufficiency had a few difficult questions on Graphs and Pie charts
- Arithmetic had major share of questions of moderate difficulty level in Mathematical skills section
- MAT question paper contained some of the difficult questions in Language and Data Analysis also.
- Candidates have shared the feedback that the MAT was moderate although parts of Verbal, Data Analysis & Reasoning took some more time to solve.
- Candidates would need higher scores as there would be tough competition in getting admission to a good MBA college.
- Overall raw score of 110 is expected to fetch 90+ percentile cut off in MAT exam
Overall Analysis
- There were 200 questions divided in 5 sections in MAT exam
- All the questions carry equal marks.
- Every right answer is awarded with a credit of 1 mark
- Every wrong answer attracts a penalty of ¼ negative marking (0.25 mark) which is deducted from the score awarded for right answers.
- All the questions are in MCQ format followed by 4 answer options.
- No Individual Sectional Time Limit. Candidates were allowed to switch to any section and any question
Quick View of MAT Exam
|
MAT 2022 May exam
|
Key Highlights
|
|
Exam Slots
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Morning: 10AM to 12.30 PM
Evening: 4 PM to 6.30 PM
|
|
Test centre location
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IBT: Test Taker’s Home;
PBT & CBT: At test centres
|
|
Total number of questions in the exam
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200
|
|
Number of sections in the exam
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5
|
|
Number of answer options per question
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4
|
|
Maximum Marks per question
|
1
|
|
Negative Marking
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0.25 mark for every wrong answer
|
|
Level of Difficulty
|
Moderate
|
|
Total maximum raw score
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200
|
|
Total maximum scaled score out of which percentile score will be awarded
|
800
|
|
Sections considered for percentile calculation
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4 (Indian & Global Environment not considered)
|
|
Number of questions considered for percentile calculation
|
160
|
MAT 2022: IBT/CBT/PBT Exam Pattern
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Section no.
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Section Subject
|
Number of questions
|
Suggested time to solve
|
|
1
|
Language comprehension
|
40
|
30
|
|
2
|
Mathematical skills
|
40
|
40
|
|
3
|
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
|
40
|
35
|
|
4
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
|
40
|
30
|
|
5
|
Indian and Global Environment
|
40
|
15
|
|
|
Total
|
200
|
150
|
MAT Sectional Analysis
Language comprehension
There were 40 questions in the section. Major topics and number of question are:
|
Topic
|
Number of Questions
|
Difficulty level
|
|
Reading Comprehension
|
20
|
Moderate
|
|
Number of RC Passages
|
5
|
Easy to Moderate
|
|
English Language
|
20
|
Moderate
|
|
Errors in Sentence formation
|
3
|
Moderate
|
|
Antonyms
|
3
|
Moderate to difficult
|
|
Synonyms
|
3
|
Moderate
|
|
Fill in the Blanks with correct vocabulary words
|
3
|
Moderate
|
|
One word substitution
|
2
|
Moderate
|
|
Phrases & Idioms Substitution by words
|
3
|
Moderate to Difficult
|
|
Jumbled Paragraphs
|
3
|
Moderate
|
- Except a few questions the section had moderate difficulty level and could be answered in time
- A score of 27-28 marks could lead to 90 percentile in Language Comprehension section
Mathematical Skills
- Out of the 40 questions in the section, more weightage was awarded to Arithmetic based questions
- Around 15 questions were based on Arithmetic like Interest, Percentages, Time and Work, Profit, Loss, Partnership. The questions were a little time consuming although were moderate.
- Other questions were based on topics like Equations, Ratio, Proportion & Variation, Geometry & Mensuration, Permutation and Combinations, Probability etc.
- The questions were of moderate difficulty level
- The section could prove to be a percentile booster for the candidates who did this section well
- A score of 29-30 marks could earn 90+ percentile in this section
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
- This section had maximum questions on Data Interpretation
- More prominent in this section were Graphs, Pie charts, bar diagrams, charts, line graph, data comparison
- Time remained the major hurdle to solve these questions with speed and accuracy
- Questions on Data Interpretation (DI) occupied more than 50% space in the section, rest of the part covered questions on data sufficiency and data comparison
- A score of 22-23 marks is expected to get 90 and above percentile
Intelligence and Critical reasoning
- This section had 40 Questions
- More questions were on Analytical and Logical reasoning and fewer questions were there on Critical reasoning
- 10 Questions were based on Family Relation, 10 on Statements-Cause & Effect, and others were Statement –Assumptions, Reasons, analogies, direction, series, Incorrect Terms.
- The questions were formed in sets as well as individual questions
- The section was a little lengthy with moderate level of difficulty
- A score of 26-27 marks may lead to a percentile above 90 in this section.
Indian and Global environment
- Suggested time limit by AIMA to answer the 40 questions in this section was 15 minutes but 10 minutes were enough to attempt this section
- Questions were formed on Covid 19 & its Global implications, JIO-Facebook deal, Awards, Government policies, rules, regulations, Budget, GST, CAA, Constitution of India, Appointments, Capitals, Current National and International Events, US Trade Policy.
- No re-thinking or recalling was required for what you do not know or are confused on it.
- Ideal time to attempt one question was less than 30 seconds
- This section is not counted for percentile calculation in MAT exam
- Many Candidates skipped or answered very few questions in this section to save time for other sections
Surprise Element
The MAT 2023 exam had no surprise element and was on the same pattern as was in May 2023
| India’s Top MBA Entrance Exams: Check Dates, Pattern, Mocks, Registration Process… |
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Time Management: Key Issue
- The time limit to attempt 200 questions was 150 minutes. Less than 1 minute was available before the test takers to answer each of 200 questions.
- Candidates who could not manage time well, had to skip many questions and could not maximise their attempts across the sections.
- Those who adhered to the time limit to solve questions in each section helped them to do better in the exam as with this strategy more number of questions could be attempted with accuracy
- Many of MAT test takers could not attempt more questions despite knowing their answers in MAT as they struggled for time
How to Manage Time in MAT Exam: Tips by Test Takers
The MAT Test takers suggest following tips to manage time in the exam:
Skip or Scantly Attempt GK Section
A unique way to manage time with an aim to attempt more questions, was found by the test takers. Since the GK section in MAT exam is not counted for score calculation, many candidates skipped or attempted very few questions in Indian and Global Environment section and utilized this time to attempt the questions in other sections. The strategy helped them to maximise the attempts in all the 4 core sections.
Didn’t Devote More than 30 Seconds
Most of the MAT test takers revealed that they maximized the attempts by not wasting the time in case they found even a slightly difficult question in their initial attempts. Besides, none of them devoted more than 30 seconds on one question as during this time they could know whether the question was doable or difficult.
Avoided Negative Marking
Apart from maximising the attempts, these candidates ensured that they should attempt only the questions which they could solve accurately. The strategy boosted their confidence level further and they expect higher score due to no or very little loss on negative marking.
Ideal attempts and Cut offs
The MAT 2022 test takers who maximised the attempts in the exam need to score high keeping in mind the negative marking. Giving time to each of the sections and not getting down by any one section remained an important factor to help the candidates to get high score.
Following table consists of the broad MAT guideline to achieve cut off above 90 percentile, ideal attempts according to the difficulty level of questions in each section and suggested time limit to solve each of the 5 sections to score high in MAT 2022:
|
S.no
|
Section
|
No of Qs
|
Ideal time (in minutes)
|
Ideal attempts
|
Score required to get 90+ percentile
|
|
1
|
Language Comprehension
|
40
|
30
|
28
|
28
|
|
2
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
|
40
|
35
|
27
|
27
|
|
3
|
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
|
40
|
38
|
24
|
23
|
|
4
|
Mathematical Skills
|
40
|
37
|
30
|
30
|
|
5
|
Indian and Global Environment
|
40
|
10
|
15
|
Separate sectional marks, not counted for percentile calculation
|
|
|
|
200
|
150
|
124
|
108-110
|
Categorization of MBA Colleges accepting MAT 2022
There are 600 MBA Colleges in India accepting MAT 2022 May exam score. These MBA Colleges accepting MAT score include the University and University affiliated MBA Colleges accepting MAT; Autonomous and Private top MBA Colleges accepting MAT and Government regulated top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Score in 2022.
You can use your MAT 2022 exam score in accordance with your score range in the top MBA Colleges accepting MAT with their admission status open. These colleges can be divided into four broad categories:
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 700 or the Colleges accepting MAT score above 90 percentile
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 600 or the Colleges accepting MAT score 80 percentile
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 500 or the Colleges accepting MAT score 60 percentile
- Colleges Accepting MAT score above 400 or the Colleges accepting MAT score below 50 percentile
Scoring in MAT & MBA Admission with MAT
- Admission to good B schools out of the list of B schools available at the AIMA site can be explored with a percentile of 80 and above.
- MAT score card will contain 6 scores. For each of the 6 scores, a percentile score is given. This shows the percentage of examinees who scored below the candidate based on the entire MAT testing population. The percentile figure can change with each administration for the same scores.
- MAT 2022 exam would award scores keeping the Indian and Global environment section out from percentile calculation.
- 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.
- Raw score of 70+ is expected to award the percentile of 80+ and the raw score of 110 can award you the percentile of 90
MAT 2022 Exam Difficulty Level
MAT exam had a moderate difficulty level. Besides, there was no change in the MAT exam pattern which had 200 questions in MCQ format divided in 5 sections. The MAT test takers found the exam easy to moderate difficulty level although parts of Verbal, Data sufficiency were rated as bit difficult.
Read More: MAT 2022: Exam Date, Registration, Syllabus and Pattern
