MAT Exam Pattern 2021

Latest update: MAT 2021 February exam will be conducted in three testing modes – Computer based MAT at test centres on Feb 20; Paper Based MAT at test Centres on March 6 and Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) MAT from March 8 to March 13, 2021 from the convenience of your home.

To avoid any untoward incident due to Corona virus lockdown, AIMA has introduced Remote Proctored Internet Based Mode (IBT). Candidates can appear in the IBT-MAT from the convenience of their home instead of going to an exam centre.

The IBT MAT is scheduled in morning and evening time slots, while PBT MAT will be held in a single session from 10 AM to 12.30 PM and CBT MAT will be held in different time slots. 

Facility to Appear in 1 or 2 MAT 2021 Exams
Following options are available to take MAT February exam 2021:

(i) MAT Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (MAT IBT) or

(ii) MAT Double Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (MAT IBT) or

(iii) MAT Paper Based Test (PBT) or

(iv)  MAT Paper Based Test and MAT Remote Proctored Internet Based Test

(MAT PBT+MAT IBT) or

(v) MAT Computer Based Test (CBT) or

(vi) Computer Based Test and Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (CBT+MAT IBT) or

(viii) Paper Based Test and Computer Based Test (PBT+CBT)

Important Guidelines and Benefits
You can opt for 2 MAT 2021 February tests by paying an extra fees of Rs.1100/- in addition to Rs.1650/- for one test as per following details:

• If you are opting for one MAT 2021, you can select 5 management institutes where your scores will be sent free for admission
• If you are opting for 2 MAT 2021 exams, you will have the benefit of selecting additional 2 Management Institutes for sending your scores in addition to existing option of selecting 5 Management Institutes. It means you can select 7 Management Institutes in total.
• MAT 2021 IBT is the new type of MAT from your home exam

MAT 2021 Computer Based Test (CBT) February: Exam Date February 20
AIMA has reintroduced the centre based MAT exam in computer format. The candidates who do not want to opt for IBT Mode or PBT Mode of MAT exam, may choose to take the CBT MAT 2021. AIMA has announced the complete schedule and dates for CBT MAT 2021 Feb exam as given below.

• Registration start Date: January 5, 2021
• Last Date for Registration: February 14, 2021
• Admit Card Release: February 16, 2021 (4 PM onwards)
• MAT Exam Date 2021: February 20, 2020

MAT 2021 Paper Based Test (PBT) February: Exam Date March 6

• Registration start Date: January 5, 2021
• Last Date for Registration: March 1, 2021
• Admit Card Release: March 3, 2021
• PBT MAT Exam Date 2021: March 6, 2021

MAT 2021 IBT Exam: From March 8 to 13, 2021
MAT 2021 IBT Exam is scheduled in morning and evening time slots in a testing window from March 8 to 13, 2021. MAT IBT Schedule with all important dates for AIMA MAT February 2021 Internet Based Mode (IBT Mode) exam is shared below:

MAT 2021 Exam Structure: Same for all Three Modes
MAT Exam Pattern 2021 is not much changed except that it is conducted in three modes. The exam consists of  200 MCQ type questions divided in 5 sections. The time duration is two and half hours for CBT, IBT and PBT exams.  

AIMA (All India Management Association) has been conducting MAT exam since 1988 for MBA admission four times in one year. Scores of MAT 2021 February exam will be used as admission criteria in B-schools across the country for the MBA/PGDM 2021-23 batch.  

MAT Exam Pattern: Highlights
MAT is a moderate difficulty level national level MBA entrance exam. Some of the key highlights of MAT exam are:

MAT Exam Pattern 2021: Overall & Sectional Composition

• There are 5 sections with equal number of questions in MAT exam.
• Each section in MAT question paper will have 40 questions. Total questions are 200
• All questions are in MCQ format.
• Total exam time duration to solve the MAT question paper is 150 minutes.
• Although, individual time limit for each section has been suggested by AIMA, there is no restriction to move from one section to other freely within overall time limit in the MAT 2021 exam.

Key Facts about MAT Exam Pattern 2021  
MAT is an objective type test with Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). Here are the key details about the MAT Pattern:

• MAT Exam pattern consists of 200 Objective Type Questions (MCQs)
• MAT Questions are of easy to moderate difficulty level
• The 5 test sections in MAT 2021 exam are Language Comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Indian and Global Environment.

MAT Pattern 2021: How to answer MAT question?

• You have to choose the correct answer option out of the multiple choices given below the question
• Mark the correct answer option on the answer sheet if appearing in Paper Based Test
• Click on the correct answer option if appearing in Computer based test
• Time duration to complete the MAT exam as per the MAT pattern 2021 is 2 hours 30 minutes
• Each correct answer is awarded +1 Mark
• Each wrong answer is penalized with -0.25 negative mark

Difficulty Level in MAT Pattern
MAT exam difficulty level is easy to moderate. Past MAT question papers and the MAT exam pattern reveals that MAT Exam does not throw tough questions. 
 

GK Section in MAT: Not Counted for Percentile Calculation
Score and percentile in MAT exam is awarded on the basis of 4 sections. The MAT score of Indian & Global Environment is separately shown in the MAT score card, but it is not taken into account to calculate the merit or percentile score in the MAT score card.
 

MAT Exam Pattern: Sections & Sub Sections- Key Details
MAT Exam pattern 2020 is further subdivided. This sectional sub-division in MAT exam makes MAT 2021 as an exam with 8 effective sections. Here are the key details:

Section-1: Language Comprehension
The section-1 in MAT exam 2021 on Language Comprehension is divided into two parts - Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension.

Section-2: Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
The Section-2 on Intelligence & Critical Reasoning consists of two parts with Analytical and Logical Reasoning questions.

Section-3: Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency
The section-3 in MAT exam pattern consists of Data Analysis & Data sufficiency which also has two types of questions – the first type is on Data Analysis which is closer to Data Interpretation and other type of questions are on Data sufficiency.

Section-4: Mathematical Skills
The Section-4 in MAT exam is the Mathematical Skills section. This section is basically the Quantitative Ability section. It is very wide and covers each and every topic in Mathematics with greater emphasis on Arithmetic.

Section-5: Indian & Global Environment
The Indian & Global Environment section in MAT exam is the GK section which covers current affairs, static GK, Business & Economy, International current affairs, Who’s Who, Constitution of India, United Nations Organization among other key topics. It has equal number 40 questions but the score of this section is not counted to determine merit score, so many candidates skip this section or attempt it only if they are left with extra time.  

MAT Exam Pattern 2021: Sectional Highlights, Key Topics, Scoring Pattern,

Section-1: Language Comprehension
Language Comprehension section in MAT is divided into 2 parts. The 1^st part of MAT covers topics on Reading Comprehension passages and the 2^nd part covers questions on Grammar & other parts of Verbal Ability. Key details are:

Part-1: Reading Comprehension in MAT Exam

• Number of Questions Based on RC Passages: 20
• Sectional Weightage of RC in MAT Language Comprehension Section: 50%
• Type of passages in MAT Exam on RC: 4 Short passages of moderate difficulty level
• Division of questions: 5 questions based on each passage
• Type of Questions: All of MCQ type with penalty of ¼  negative marking
• Format of questions: Questions are based on information in RC passage; Antonyms/synonyms of the words & phrases as used in the passage; True/false statements; main idea of RC passage

Part-2: MAT Verbal Ability

• Number of Questions: 20
• Sectional Weightage in MAT Syllabus: 50%
• Type of Questions: All of MCQ type with penalty for wrong answer
• Jumbled Paragraphs (3-4 questions)
• Error Correction of Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb and other parts of speech in the Sentences.
• Correcting the sequence of sentences in the paragraph for example correct use of conditional sentence, time clauses, reported speech, passive writing (3-4 questions)
• Antonyms/Synonyms (5-6 questions)
• Fill in the blanks (3-4 questions)
• One word substitution (1-2 questions)
• Idioms/Phrases (2-3 questions)

Section-2: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning 
MAT question paper has tricky questions in this area. The section in MAT exam pattern is divided in 2 parts – Intelligence Reasoning and Critical Reasoning. In other exams like CAT, critical reasoning questions are also asked in Verbal Ability section. Here are the key details on the section in MAT exam:

• Questions in Reasoning section can be individual or can be in the set of 3-4 questions.
• Weightage of Reasoning Section in MAT exam: 20%
• Weightage of Reasoning Section in MAT Percentile calculation: 25%
• Total Reasoning questions in MAT syllabus for exam: 40
• Type of Questions: MCQs
• Past trend of topics in MAT Reasoning Syllabus: Questions were based on Family Relation, Statements-Cause & Effect, Clocks & Calendars, Statement –Assumptions, Reasons, analogies, direction, series, Incorrect Terms.

Section-3: Mathematical skills 
MAT exam pattern for Mathematical skills refers to the Quant topics on which MAT questions are based. MAT Exam pattern for Quant consists of everything in Mathematics that you may or may not expect. MAT exam pattern on Quant is based on questions on different topics on Arithmetic, Algebra, Modern Math, Geometry, Mensuration, Trignometry among others. Here are the key details of the Mathematical Skills section in MAT exam pattern

• Number of Questions: 40.
• Sectional weightage in MAT Exam: 20%
• Sectional Weightage in Percentile calculation: 25%
• Type of Questions: MCQs
• Past trend in MAT exam pattern for Mathematics shows that there is More emphasis on Arithmetic with number of questions going in the range of 15 to 16.
• Questions are based on Interest, Percentages, Time and Work, Profit, Loss, Partnership.
• Other questions are based on topics like Equations, Ratio, Proportion & Variation, Geometry & Mensuration, Permutation and Combinations, Probability among others.

Section-4: Data Analysis and Sufficiency 
MAT exam pattern for Data Analysis and Sufficiency covers more topics on Data Interpretation. The key details of the section in MAT exam pattern are:

• Number of Questions: 40
• Type of questions: MCQs
• Sectional weightage in MAT Exam: 20%
• Sectional Weightage in MAT Percentile Calculation: 25%
• Past trend of topics in MAT exam for Data Analysis shows that questions on Data Analysis are  based on text, tables, graphs (line, area), charts (column, bar, pie), venn diagram.
• Data could be given in form of tables, charts or graphs.
• In this section it is tested that how candidates can interpret the given data and answer questions based on it.
• This section has more questions on data interpretation
• Data comparison time remains the major hurdle to solve these questions with speed and accuracy
• Questions on Data Interpretation (DI) occupy more than 50% of the section, rest of the part covers questions on data sufficiency and data comparison
• The questions in this section of MAT question paper can be expected in sets as well as individual ones

Section-5: Indian and Global Environment 
Indian and Global Environment section in MAT exam refers to the GK section. It expects you to know everything under the Sun on Business & Economy, Who’s who, current affairs, static GK among others.

• Number of Questions: 40
• Type of questions: MCQs
• Sectional weightage in MAT: 20%
• Sectional Weightage in Percentile Calculation: Nil
• Past trend of topics in MAT Syllabus for Indian & Global Environment reveal that the Questions are formed on Film Awards, taxation & duties, Indian constitution, Who’s who, States of India, Sports, Recent events
• Suggested time limit by AIMA to answer the 40 questions in this section is 15 minutes but 10 minutes are enough to attempt this section
• The questions are based on conventional GK, business and economics, current affairs, international affairs
• This section is not counted for percentile calculation in MAT exam
• Many Candidates skip or answer very few questions in this section to save time for other sections

IBT MAT Exam Pattern: Key Features
AIMA has introduced "Remotely Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT)" with a longer testing window. It is an online internet based test like other computer based entrance tests with the only difference that the exam is taken from the convenience at home instead of going to a test centre. The AIMA proctor will keep a watch on all activities online during the complete testing session.

1. IBT MAT has same number of questions and sections as were there in paper based and computer based MAT
2. IBT-MAT pattern has same time duration of 150 minutes, same scoring pattern and percentile calculation process as is applied in PBT and CBT MAT
3. 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.
4. Only the candidates with a computer together with webcam and internet facilities meeting certain specifications can appear in IBT exam.
5. 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.
6. In order to help candidates to familiarize themselves with this new mode of testing, AIMA has also scheduled mock MAT-IBT sessions
7. 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.
8. Candidates now have the option to choose any one or more modes of test i.e., IBT, PBT and CBT. However the dates for CBT exams are not announced.

MAT Pattern Vs CAT, XAT, NMAT, ATMA MBA Entrance Exams
MAT exam pattern is not much different than the other national level MBA entrance exams. Below are shared quick comparison of MAT exam pattern with other National level exams:

MAT Exam Pattern Vs IIMs CAT
MAT exam pattern and IIMs CAT exam have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronise their sectional and overall exam preparation. A quick analysis between MAT exam pattern and CAT will bring home the facts:

MAT Exam Pattern V/s XAT
MAT Exam Pattern and XLRI - XAT exam have many similarities. It helps the MAT and XAT test takers to prepare for them with less extra efforts:

MAT Exam Pattern V/s NMAT by GMAC
MAT Exam Pattern and NMAT by GMAC exam have many similar sections and question pattern. The candidates preparing for both the exams may coordinate their sectional and overall exam preparation. A comparative analysis detailing the key features of MAT Pattern and NMAT by GMAC is shared below:

MAT Exam Pattern Vs ATMA
MAT Exam and ATMA exam scores are accepted for MBA admission in number of common colleges. The MAT exam pattern and ATMA exam pattern is also not much different:

Read More: MAT 2021: Exam Date, Registration, Syllabus and Pattern