MAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026 (September 13-20): Dos, Don’ts, Items to Carry, Timings, Dress Code

Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a popular national level MBA entrance exams in India that is conducted by All Indian Management Association (AIMA). MAT exam was conducted in Paper Based Test (PBT) mode on September 13 and will conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode on September 20, 2026. Read complete details about exam dates and timings in the following section.

MAT Paper Based Test (PBT) exam date and time is September 13, 2026. Check MAT exam reporting time, and other details in the table below. 

MAT 2026 Computer Based Test (CBT) date and time is Sunday, September 20, 2026. Check exam reporting time, and other details in the table below. 

Check complete details on MAT exam dates and timings 2026.

All India Management Association (AIMA) has released MAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026 to all the candidates registered for the exam. Check complete MAT Exam Day Instructions 2026 below.

• You must carry this Admit Card to the Test Centre for appearing in the Test.
• The gate of test centre shall close 30 minutes before the commencement of examination. After the gate is closed, entry shall not be allowed under any circumstances.
• You must bring any valid Original photo ID proof for verification, such as (i) Voter ID Card, (ii) PAN Card, (iii) Driving License, (iv) Photo ID issued by any government organization or recognized educational institution, (v) Passport (vi) Aadhaar Card, etc. to the test centre.
• Candidates without valid Original photo ID proof will not be permitted to write the test.
• You must bring with you Ball Point Pen (black/blue) for writing the test.
• Note that the items listed below are strictly NOT allowed inside the test centre campus:
• Mobile Phone, Bag, Handbag, Water Bottle, Papers, notes, books, calculator, electronic gadgets, correction marker, white fluid, etc.
• It is clarified that, there shall be no arrangements at the test Centre for keeping the aforesaid items. If any item is lost, the Test Centre or AIMA will not be responsible for such loss. Candidates are, therefore, advised either not to carry the aforementioned items to the test centre or to make their own arrangements for keeping such items in safe custody at their sole risk.
• Any candidate found using or to be in possession of such unauthorized material or indulging in copying or adopting unfair means is liable to be summarily disqualified.
• After the test is over, you have to hand over question booklet and the answer sheet to the invigilator. DO NOT carry the question booklet or any part thereof outside the examination hall. Doing so is a punishable offence.
• Candidates are NOT required to provide their personal particulars like Mobile No, Email Id, Address, etc. to anybody in or outside the test center to appear in the test.
• No candidate will be allowed to leave the test room before the end of test.
• Request for change of test centre/city will not be entertained.
• Any attempt to influence will lead to disqualification of candidate.
• Discrepancies, if any, regarding your particulars in this admit card can be e-mailed to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) at least 2 days prior to the Written Test.

AIMA has issued following exam day instructions for candidates taking MAT paper based test. 

• Answer sheets are scanned by machine to compute the scores. Accuracy in scoring is dependent on the candidates marking their answer sheets properly. Therefore, accurate scoring is dependent on your strict adherence to the following instructions:
• Every question has four answer options. Mark the answer option number chosen by darkening the corresponding oval on the answer sheet using ball point pen (black/blue) only.
• Shade only one oval. If you shade more than one oval, the answer will be treated as wrong.
• The correct method of shading the oval has been indicated in "Important Instructions" on Side-1 of the Answer Sheet and must be strictly followed.
• Take care not to tear, bend or mutilate the Answer Sheet.

Follow these MAT 2026 exam instructions to avoid last-minute issues at exam centre. Next, based on these Exam Day Instructions, check MAT Exam Dos and Don’ts 2026 below.

Read and follow the important MAT 2026 Exam Day Dos and Don’ts starting with what you must remember to do.

• Recheck Admit Card details: You should recheck your Name, MAT Application Number, Test Centre address, exam slot and reporting time at centre and other details in your MAT Admit Card 2026. Ensure that all your details are correct. If there is any error, contact help desk by email or phone (details given at the end of the article).
• Print and Carry your MAT Admit Card Hard Copy: To enter MAT exam center, you will require hard copy of your admit card with passport size photo affixed on it. If not done till now, download your MAT Admit Card from MAT Official Website, take print on A4 size paper, fix your identical photograph in the given space on it.
• Keep your Photo ID Ready: One of the important MAT exam day dos is that you need original copy of your Photo ID to show at the exam gate. Following photo IDs are acceptable for MAT Exam:
  • Aadhar card
  • Voter Id card
  • Passport
  • PAN Card
  • Driving License
• Visit your MAT Exam Centre Before Exam Day: This is an important part of MAT exam day preparation. Use the Google map and locate the address of MAT exam centre given in your Admit card and visit it before exam day.
• Choose Correct Dress for Exam Day: Choose what you wish to wear on exam day well in advance. The dress should keep you comfortable throughout the exam day and should allow to sit for two hours while taking the exam. However, make sure that your dress does not violate the MAT exam dress code given below.
• Arrive at MAT Centre in Time: You must reach the MAT test center as per the reporting time for your allotted exam slot. MAT exam day instructions ask candidates to reach exam centre 90 minutes before the start time of the exam.
• Items You Can Carry Inside MAT Test Centre: Check complete list of items you can carry and not carry to exam centre below.  Don’t carry prohibited items to avoid unnecessary last-minute stress!
• Ensure to Mark Attendance: Mark your attendance in the Form with signature when asked for, in the MAT testing room after completion of biometrics. 

Next in the MAT Exam Day Dos and Don’ts list is list of things that you must not do!

After going through the exam day dos, it is also very much necessary to know what are the MAT Exam Day Don’ts 2026. Check this list of exam day don’ts.

• Don’t carry Prohibited Articles in MAT Exam Centre: While going to take exam, you should not carry and wear the following dresses and items:
  • Do not wear oversized Jackets or heavy Jewellery or Shoes with thick soles
  • Do not wear Garments with large Buttons
  • Do Not carry Electronic Watch, Mobile Phone, Bag, Wallets etc to the MAT test centre.
  • No Stationery items like Pen, Pencil, Eraser etc. are allowed in the testing hall
• Don’t Resort to Unfair Means: Do not attempt to speak or ask any thing with other candidates in the exam hall. If you do, you will run the risk of getting debarred. Each question is placed at different serial number for each test taker.

Follow these MAT Exam Day Dos and Don’ts 2026 to have a hassle-free exam day experience. Next, check out list of things to carry and not carry to MAT Test Centre.

An essential part of MAT Exam Day Dos and Don’ts 2026 is that you should remember to carry required items, and must not carry prohibited items. Read MAT Exam Day What to Carry and Not Carry 2026 in the following section.

MAT Exam What to Carry?

• MAT 2026 Admit Card
• Photo Identity Proof
• Stationary
• Water Bottle 

MAT Exam What Not to Carry? 

• Watch and Calculators
• Mobile phones or any other electronic gadgets
• Wallet, Purse or other items

Any candidate found with any of these items inside the exam hall will be disqualified and debarred from the exam. 

If you want a handy MAT exam day check list 2026 to help you prepared for the D-day, here is the MAT Exam Check List 2026 for you. 

1. Recheck all details on the admit card
2. Print and carry a hard copy of the admit card
3. Carry a valid government photo ID
4. Wear simple and comfortable clothes (avoid metallic items, thick-soled shoes, heavy jackets or jewellery)
5. Reach the exam centre well before reporting time
6. Locate your exam hall and assigned seat
7. Carry only the allowed items: Admit Card, Photo ID, Water bottle (if permitted)
8. Do not carry mobile phones, electronic gadgets, watches, calculators, stationery, wallets, purses, books or bags
9. Do not apply mehndi/henna on hands as it may interfere with biometrics
10. Follow all MAT exam day instructions and guidelines at the centre

Many students score less than their potential not because of lack of preparation, but due to avoidable errors under pressure. Keeping these MAT 2026 Exam Day Mistakes to Avoid will help you stay calm and perform better:

• Avoid arriving late at the exam centre.
• Avoid forgetting your printed admit card or valid photo ID.
• Avoid wearing restricted items like metal accessories, smartwatches or thick-soled shoes.
• Avoid spending too much time on a single difficult question.
• Avoid panicking and randomly marking answers without proper reasoning.

Finally, follow these exam day tips to make sure you are totally ready for the exam. 

• Recheck Admit Card Details: Thoroughly verify your Name, Application Number, Test Centre address, Slot, and Reporting Time on your Admit Card 2026.
• Carry Original Photo ID: Bring the original copy of a valid Photo ID proof (Aadhar, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, or Driving License) for verification at the gate.
• Visit the Centre in Advance: Locate your test centre days before the exam using the Google Map. Plan your mode of transport and commuting time to ensure you arrive punctually.
• Arrive Early: Reach the test centre strictly as per the reporting time mentioned on your admit card, which is 90 minutes before the exam start time, to complete necessary security and biometric checks.
• Dress Code Compliance: Wear simple, comfortable clothing that adheres to the dress code given above. Avoid garments with large buttons, heavy jewellery, or thick-soled footwear.
• Mark Attendance and Biometrics: Once inside the testing room, ensure your digital fingerprint scan is successfully captured and you mark your attendance on the form with your signature. Failure to do so may result in being marked absent.
• Do Not Carry Prohibited Items: Leave all electronic gadgets (mobile phones, watches), bags, wallets, and any stationery items (pen, pencil, paper) outside the centre. Only permitted items (Admit Card, ID) are allowed.

Candidates taking the MAT exam should note that there is no official MAT dress code. However, All India Management Association (AIMA) has issued some important instructions for candidates taking exam that relate to dress. 

They must NOT wear any jewellery or other items containing metal. Shoes / footwear with thick soles and garments with lots of pockets are NOT permitted. Keep these instructions in mind, candidates should wear a dress that will keep them comfortable throughout the exam day and is appropriate for the city’s weather.

MAY exam preparation tips include understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, revising basic concepts and taking MAT Mock Tests to improve score. MAT Exam is easier than CAT or XAT exams. MAT Exam Pattern is divided into 5 sections with 150 total questions. To prepare well, take these tests:

• MAT Mock Tests 2026
• MAT Previous Year Question Paper 2026
• MAT Sample Papers 2026

MAT Exam Guidelines 2026 are important Dos and Don’ts are instructions issued by All India Management Association (AIMA) to guide candidates taking MAT Exam 2026. Read complete MAT 2026 Exam Day Dos and Don’ts, and Guidelines in the article. Download MAT 2026 exam day Dos & Don’ts PDF and MAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines PDF from the links above.