MAT Exam Pattern 2020

Latest update: MAT May 2020 exam will be conducted in Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) from May 25 to July 5. The exam dates for Paper Based MAT on June 14 and Computer Based MAT on June 21, 2020 have been postponed

To avoid any untoward incident due to Corona virus lockdown, AIMA has introduced Remote Proctored Internet Based Mode (IBT) from May MAT 2020 onwards, apart from the regular paper based and computer based MAT exams. 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 from May 25 to July 5, 2020. MAT May 2020 paper based and computer based test dates have been postponed from 14^th June 2020 and 21^st June 2020 respectively.

 

MAT May 2020: Test Taking Options
Candidate can now take MAT May 2020 Exam in following modes:

1. Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) – Can be taken from Home
2. Paper Based Test (PBT) or
3. Computer Based Test (CBT) or
4. Both PBT & CBT 

Changes in MAT 2020 Exam

• New type of MAT exam mode is introduced with one month testing window
• The IBT MAT exam can be taken from the convenience of home online with an internet and webcam connected computer
• All the May MAT exam dates move to June 2020 due to Covid-19 lockdown
• Three types of MAT exams are scheduled in June/July 2020 as against earlier two
• MAT exam questions and sections remain unchanged
• MAT Exam Fee is increased by Rs.100/-

MAT Exam Pattern 2020 is not much changed from last MAT exam. The exam consists of  200 MCQ type questions divided in 5 sections. The time duration is 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. Scores of MAT 2020 exam will be used as admission criteria in B-schools across the country for the MBA/PGDM 2020-22 batch.    

MBA/PGDM Admissions 2020: Application Deadline closing soon | Apply Now!
IMS Unison University MBA Admissions 2020	Nalanda University, MBA Admissions
Jaipuria Institute of Management, PGDM 2020	EDII Ahmedabad PGDM-BE Admissions 2020 Open
S P  Jain School of Global Management, MGB 20-21	Birla Global University, Bhubaneswar
VIPS-TC-Delhi School of Business, Delhi	SOIL Gurgaon, PGDM Admissions 2020 Open

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

Question related to MAT Exam	Answer related to MAT Exam
MAT Conducting Body	All India Management Association (AIMA)
Total MAT Exams in a Year	Held in February, May (Postponed to June 2020), September, December
Number of MBA colleges under MAT Exam	400+
Mode of MAT 2020	3: IBT, PBT and CBT
Number of MAT exam you can apply for	2
MAT Application Fee	Rs.1650/- for 1 exam; Rs. 2750/- for 2 exams
MAT Full Form	Management Aptitude Test
MAT Score Validity for MBA Admission	One academic session
Total Questions in MAT	200
Sectional Division of MAT Exam 2020	5 Sections with 40 Questions in Each Section
MAT Difficulty Level	Easy to Moderate
Required MAT Percentile for MBA admission in Top Colleges	90+
Importance of Taking MAT 2020	Offers MBA admission opportunity in 2020 Offers opportunity to improve rank & score
MAT Application process	Online

Important: Read more top articles on MAT 2020 MAT 2020 Exam: Highlights & Key Features; Important Dates; MAT Colleges, Cut off…Read more MAT Syllabus 2020: Divided into five sections with MCQ type 200 questions. Check topic & Question details.  Read More MAT Preparation: Check 5-steps Strategy by MAT Toppers & score high; Don’t waste precious time!  Read More MAT Accepting Top Colleges: 400+ MBA colleges accepting MAT. Check and Match your MAT percentile with top B-school cut off  Read More MAT Mock Tests: Attempt different LoD MAT Mocks online or download Pdf and check your preparation level  Read More

MAT Exam Pattern 2020: 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 2020 exam.

Section Name	Number of Questions	Suggested Time to solve (In Minutes)
Language Comprehension	40	30
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning	40	30
Data Analysis and Sufficiency	40	35
Mathematical Skills	40	40
Indian and Global Environment	40	15
Total	200	150

MAT 2020 Exam Pattern: Three Modes of MAT Exam
There are 3 types of MAT exams scheduled in a month now. Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2020 from May onwards is conducted as IBT; as paper based test and as computer based test. The IBT and computer based MAT exams will be held in different time slots.

 

Facility to Appear in One or Two MAT 2020 Exams
Candidates can appear in two MAT exams - Paper Based MAT and Computer Based MAT Test. However, those opt for IBT MAT do not have this facility. The MAT exam fee is Rs.1650/- for one MAT exam and Rs.2750/- for two MAT exams.. 

 

Key Facts about MAT Exam Pattern 2020  
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 2020 exam are Language Comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Indian and Global Environment.

MAT Pattern 2020: 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 2020 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 2020 as an exam with 8 effective sections. Here are the key details:

 

Section-1: Language Comprehension
The section-1 in MAT exam 2020 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 2020: 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: 10 Key Features
From May 2020 MAT exam onwards, AIMA has introduced "Remotely Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT)" with a separate schedule, along with the PBT and CBT MAT exams. 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 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 at a nominal extra fee
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 of the three modes of test i.e., IBT, PBT and CBT
9. The candidates who have already registered for PBT/CBT are also allowed to switch to the IBT mode
10. Interested candidates can register and apply at AIMA MAT website and can change the preferred test mode accordingly

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:

Component	MAT	IIMs CAT
Total Questions	200	100
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam	2½ hours	3 hours
Question Format	All MCQs	72-75 questions are MCQs, rest Non-MCQs
Answer Options for MCQs	4	4
Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer	1	3
Negative Marking	0.25 mark	MCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs
Exam Difficulty Level	Easy to Moderate	Difficult
Number of Sections	5	3
Section-1: Name and Number of Questions	Language Comprehension: 40	Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: 34
Section-2: Name and Number of questions	Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: 40	Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning -32
Section-3: Name and Number of Questions	Data Analysis & Sufficiency: 40	Quantitative Ability-34
Section-4: Name and Number of Questions	Mathematical Skills: 40	Not Applicable
Section-5: Name and Number of Questions	Indian & Global Environment: 40	Not Applicable
Facility to Choose Order of Sections	Yes, any section/question within overall time limit	No, should follow pre defined sectional order
Individual Sectional time limit	No, Candidate to complete the test in 150 minutes	Yes, each section with 1 hour time limit
Top MBA colleges accepting exam score	Christ University, NDIM, DSIMS, IPE, IESMCRC, FIIB among 600 MBA colleges	20 IIMs, FMS, MDI, NITIE, SPJIMR, IMI, IMT, IITs, TAPMI, XIMB and hundreds of others

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:

Component	MAT	XLRI - XAT
Total Questions	200	99-100
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam	2½ hours	3 hours
Question Format	All MCQs	All MCQs
Answer Options for each MCQ	4	5
Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer	1	1
Negative Marking	0.25 mark	0.25 mark; No negative marking for GK section
Exam Difficulty Level	Easy to Moderate	Moderate to High
Number of Sections	5	4
Section-1: Name and Number of Questions	Language Comprehension-1: 40	English Language & Logical Reasoning- 26
Section-2: Name and Number of Questions	Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: 40	Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation- 27
Section-3: Name and Number of Questions	Data Analysis & Sufficiency: 40	Decision Making-21
Section-4: Name and Number of Questions	Mathematical Skills: 40	General Awareness-25
Section-5: Name and Number of Questions	Indian & Global Environment: 40	Not Applicable
Sectional Score Not Counted for Percentile Calculation	Indian & Global Environment	General Awareness
Facility to Choose Order of Sections & Questions	Yes, Any question from any section within overall time limit	Yes, Any question from any section within overall time limit
Individual Sectional Time Limit	No	No
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score	Christ University, NDIM, DSIMS, IPE, IESMCRC, FIIB among 100 MBA colleges	XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, XIMB, Great Lakes, LIBA, BIMTECH, XIME among 150 B-schools

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:

Component	MAT	NMAT by GMAC
Total Questions	200	120
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam	2½ hours	2 hours
Question Format	All MCQs	All MCQs
Answer Options for each MCQ	4	5
Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer	1	1
Negative Marking	0.25 mark	No Negative marking
Exam Difficulty Level	Easy to Moderate	Moderate to High
Number of Sections	5	3
Section-1: Name and Number of Questions	Language Comprehension-1: 40	Language Skills-32
Section-2: Name and Number of Questions	Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: 40	Logical Reasoning-40
Section-3: Name and Number of Questions	Data Analysis & Sufficiency: 40	Quantitative Skills-48
Section-4: Name and Number of Questions	Mathematical Skills: 40	Not applicable
Section-5: Name and Number of Questions	Indian & Global Environment: 40	Not applicable
Sectional Score Not Counted for Percentile Calculation	Indian & Global Environment	Not Applicable
Facility to Choose Order of Sections & Questions	Yes, Any question from any section within overall time limit	Yes, but once chosen has to follow
Individual Sectional Time Limit	No	Yes, varying time limit of 22 minutes to 60 minutes
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score	Christ University, NDIM, DSIMS, IPE, IESMCRC, FIIB among 100 MBA colleges	NMIMS, VIT, XIMB, IBS-ICFAI, MISB Bocconi, Alliance University

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:

Component	MAT	ATMA
Total Questions	200	180
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam	2½ hours	3 hours
Question Format	All MCQs	All MCQs
Answer Options for each MCQ	4	4
Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer	1	1
Negative Marking	0.25 mark	0.25 mark
Exam Difficulty Level	Easy to Moderate	Easy to Moderate
Number of Sections	5	6
Section-1: Name and Number of Questions	Language Comprehension-1: 40	Analytical Reasoning Skills-1: 30
Section-2: Name and Number of Questions	Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: 40	Verbal Skills-1: 30
Section-3: Name and Number of Questions	Data Analysis & Sufficiency: 40	Quantitative Skills-1: 30
Section-4: Name and Number of Questions	Mathematical Skills: 40	Verbal Skills-2: 30
Section-5: Name and Number of Questions	Indian & Global Environment: 40	Analytical Reasoning Skills-2: 30
Section-6: Name and Number of Questions	Not applicable	Quantitative Skills-2: 30
Facility to Choose Order of Sections & Questions	Yes any question from any section within overall time limit	No, should follow pre defined order
Individual Sectional Time Limit	No	Yes, 30 Minutes for each Section
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score	Christ University, NDIM, DSIMS, IPE, IESMCRC, FIIB among 600 MBA colleges	PUMBA, Dy Patil, IFIM, Welingkar, Christ University, NDIM, DSIMS, IPE, IESMCRC, FIIB among 100 MBA colleges

Read More: MAT 2020: Exam Date, Registration, Syllabus and Pattern