MAT Exam Pattern 2023

Latest update: MAT Exam Pattern 2023 for Dec exam has three testing modes with option to appear in one or more than one MAT exams. This facility to apply and appear in more MAT exams offers opportunity to improve your score by choosing the preferred modes of MAT exams. Dec MAT 2023 will be conducted with 1 Paper Based MAT, 2 Computer based MAT exams at test Centres and 3 Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) MAT exams which you can take from your home.

MAT 2023 December Exam: Important Dates & Exam Fees

There is one PBT; two CBT MAT exams and three day testing window for IBT MAT exams. MAT exam dates are from Dec 3 to Dec 17, 2023 for different MAT testing modes. AIMA has also 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 CBT and PBT MAT will be held in a single session at different test centres 

MAT 2023 Dec Exam: Testing Modes and Schedule

Following three modes of Dec MAT exam will be held on different dates as below:

1. MAT Testing Mode-1: CBT Exams

1.1 MAT Dec 2023 Computer Based Test-1: Exam on Dec 3, 2023

• Last Date for Registration: Nov 28, 2023
• Admit Card Release: Nov 30, 2023
• CBT-1 MAT Exam Date 2023: Dec 3, 2023

1.2 MAT Dec 2023 Computer Based Test-2: Exam on Dec 16, 2023

• Last Date for Registration: Dec 11, 2023
• Admit Card Release: Dec 13, 2023
• CBT-2 MAT Exam Date 2023: Dec 16, 2023

2. MAT Testing Mode-2: PBT Exam

2.1 MAT 2023 Paper Based Test (PBT): Exam on Dec 9, 2023

• Last Date for Registration: December 5, 2023
• Admit Card Release: December 7, 2023
• PBT MAT Exam Date 2023: December 9, 2023 (10 AM to 12.30 PM)

3. MAT Testing Mode-3: MAT 2023 IBT Exam: Long Testing Window

MAT 2023 IBT Exam dates are for AIMA MAT Dec 2023 Internet Based Mode (IBT Mode) exam as below:

Facility to Appear in 1 or 2 MAT 2023 Exams

Following options of MAT exam pattern 2023 are available to choose your preferred testing mode. You can opt for one or two MAT Exams 2023 and select your preferred MAT Dec exam 2023:

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

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

(iii) Paper Based Test (PBT) or

(iv) Paper Based Test and Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (PBT+IBT) or

(v) Computer Based Test (CBT) or

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

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

Important Guidelines and Benefits

You can opt for two MAT 2023 Dec tests by paying an extra fees of Rs.1200/- in addition to Rs.2100/- for one test as per following details:

• If you are opting for one MAT 2023, you can select 5 management institutes where your scores will be sent free for admission
• If you are opting for 2 MAT 2023 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 2023 IBT is the new type of MAT from your home exam

MAT 2023 Exam Pattern: Same for all Modes

MAT 2023 Exam Pattern is changed to the extent that AIMA has announced to conduct one PBT and two CBT exam in the same month. So, now Dec MAT 2023 exam pattern will be conducted in three modes with more test taking options. The exam consists of 200 MCQ type questions divided in 5 sections. Each MAT 2023 exam pattern consists of time duration of two and half hours for IBT, PBT and CBT exams.

AIMA (All India Management Association) has been conducting MAT exam since 1988 for MBA admission four times in one year without any substantial changes in the MAT 2023 exam pattern. Scores of MAT 2023 Dec exam will be used as admission criteria in B-schools across the country for the MBA/PGDM 2024.  

MAT Exam 2023 Pattern: Highlights

MAT exam 2023 pattern has a moderate difficulty. It is a national level MBA entrance exam. Some of the key highlights of MAT 2023 Dec exam pattern are:

MAT 2023 Exam Pattern: Overall

• There are 5 sections with equal number of questions in MAT Dec 2023 exam pattern.
• 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 2023 Dec exam pattern

MAT Dec 2023 Exam Pattern: Sectional Composition

Below is shared the sectional composition of MAT Dec 2023 Exam Pattern with number of questions in each section and suggested time to attempt the complete section

Key Facts about MAT Exam 2023 Pattern  

MAT is an objective type test with Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). Here are the key details about the MAT 2023 Dec exam Pattern:

• MAT Exam pattern 2023 consists of 200 Objective Type Questions (MCQs)
• MAT Questions are of easy to moderate difficulty level
• The 5 test sections in MAT 2023 exam are Language Comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Indian and Global Environment.

MAT 2023 Exam Pattern: How to answer MAT questions?

• 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 CBT or IBT MAT
• Time duration to complete the MAT exam as per the MAT 2023 Dec exam pattern 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 2023 Exam Pattern

MAT exam difficulty level is easy to moderate. Past MAT question papers and the MAT exam 2023 pattern reveals that MAT Exam does not throw tough questions. 

GK Section in MAT: Not Counted for Percentile Calculation

MAT Dec 2023 Exam pattern is further subdivided. This sectional sub-division in MAT exam makes MAT 2023 as an exam with 8 effective sections. Here are the key details:

MAT 2023 Dec Exam Pattern: Sections & Sub Sections- Key Details

MAT Sept 2023 Exam pattern is further subdivided. This sectional sub-division in MAT exam makes MAT 2023 as an exam with 8 effective sections. Here are the key details:

Section-1: Language Comprehension

The section-1 in MAT exam 2023 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 2023 Pattern: 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 2023 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 2023 Exam Pattern Vs CAT, XAT, NMAT, ATMA MBA Entrance Exams

MAT exam 2023 pattern is not much different than the other national level MBA entrance exams. Below is shared quick comparison of MAT Sept 2023 exam pattern with other National level exams:   

MAT 2023 Exam Pattern Vs IIMs CAT

MAT exam pattern 2023 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 2023 Pattern V/s XAT 2024

MAT Exam Pattern 2023 and XLRI - XAT exam have many similarities. It helps the MAT and XAT test takers to prepare for them with less extra efforts:

MAT 2023 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 2023 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 2023: Exam Date, Registration, Syllabus and Pattern  ​