MAT Paper Based or Computer Based or IBT MAT

AIMA will conduct May MAT 2023 in three modes- CBT MAT, PBT MAT and IBT MAT. PBT 2023 and MAT CBT 2023 for May MAT will be held on the different dates while MAT IBT 2023 is scheduled in a longer testing window. For MAT 2023 exam, AIMA is conducting MAT PBT 2023 (Paper Based Test) on May 14; MAT CBT 2023 (Computer Based Test) on May 21 and June 4. The dates for MAT IBT 2023 (Internet Based Proctored Test) are from May 14 to June 7, 2023. 

Read all about the MAT exam, test dates, exam pattern, syllabus, how to prepare and top MBA colleges accepting MAT score 

The major difference between MAT PBT 2023 and MAT CBT 2023 exam is that the MAT paper based exam is offline test while MAT computer based exam is an online test, although both type of MAT exams are to be taken at test centres. On the contrary MAT IBT 2023 exam can be taken from the convenience of your home but you need to follow certain test taking instructions to appear in MAT IBT 2023 exam.

MAT exam offers you with the choice from AIMA to appear in paper based MAT and Online MAT both or choose either of the two. Earlier you could appear only in one of the MAT exams – either MAT paper based or computer based. However, despite getting the wider choice of selecting the MAT exam of their choice, candidates are confused and find it difficult to decide which is better - MAT paper based or computer based test. 

 Paper Based MAT Vs Online MAT
If you are facing difficulty in making a choice between MAT Online Vs. MAT offline test, this article will guide you with the difference between MAT computer based Test and paper based test as well as about key similarities between MAT CBT, IBT and PBT modes. This will help you in taking a decision:

How to choose among PBT, CBT and IBT
Making a choice among MAT Paper Based, MAT Computer Based test or MAT IBT Mode or taking two different type of tests depends upon various factors - your preference, computer based or paper based test solving skills, your home readiness to take IBT MAT among others. Following are the key factors that will help you to select the MAT exam format whether you go for MAT paper based, computer based test or IBT MAT or two different types of MAT exams: 

Your Test taking skills: If you have understanding of how to take and appear in computer based tests, navigation tools, scrolling of questions, choosing the answers and marking them and find that test taking is easier in computer based test, you could go for computer based MAT exam and/or IBT mode MAT exam. If not well conversant with computers, internet technology, have confusion in navigation tools, it is better to go for paper based MAT exam.

Reading skills: There are 200 questions to be answered in 150 minutes in MAT exam. You need faster reading skill leading to quickly choose the right answer option in MAT. If you can read better and faster and understand quickly on printed paper, you will be able to answer promptly in PBT MAT as compared to CBT MAT. 

But if you can read speedily on computer screen, it can save your time while answering the questions. The choice therefore between computer based MAT or paper based MAT has to be made judiciously as per your preference at the time of completing the MAT application form.  

Complete Schedule for MAT 2023 May CBT; IBT and PBT Exams
AIMA has released the complete test schedule from registration, admit card, test dates and result date for all the three modes of MAT exams as shared below:

Check your Readiness for IBT mode of MAT exam
AIMA has introduced "Remote Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT)" with a separate schedule to safeguard test takers against Covid-19 pandemic health hazards. Key features of the exam are:

1. 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.
2. Only the candidates with a computer together with webcam and internet facilities meeting certain specifications can appear in IBT exam.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.

MAT IBT Exam: Key Requirements
Candidates need to fulfill following key requirements to appear in IBT MAT exam.

• You must ensure to sit in a well-lit room with proper light on your face and in a quiet place
• Ensure that no other person enters/interferes during the scheduled test
• You must not use mobile phone or any gadgets
• A Laptop or Desktop with Webcam is Mandatory to appear in test
• A stable internet connection with minimum upload Speed => 512 kbps  is required
• Required Supported Browsers are Chrome-version 63 and above; Firefox-version 52 and above
• Required Operating System isWindows OS (Version 7 and above)
• Dot NET framework minimum supported version is 4.5.1. NET framework.
• Required Memory is 65MB permanent free space on the default hard drive

Choice to take MAT exam in Two Modes
You also have the choice of appearing in different types of MAT exam depending upon your skill set and testing preference. It will also help you in improving your score in MAT, if not done well in other mode of MAT exam. The choice can be exercised as below:

Accordingly, by paying Rs.1150/- extra in addition to Rs.1900/- you can appear both in offline PBT MAT and Online CBT or IBT MAT and avail the opportunity to improve your score.