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Updated on
March 29, 2024

MAT Preparation 2024: MAT Preparation Tips, Study Plan, Section-wise Strategy, Timetable, Best Books

MAT Exam is an important national MBA entrance that is accepted for MBA Admission by 500+ MBA colleges in India. MAT Exam is held four times in a year in February, May, September and December in three modes. Candidates planning to appear for the MAT 2024 MAY Exam should thoroughly understand paper pattern, syllabus and prepare well. Check complete details related to MAT May 2024 Preparation Tips, Study Plan, Section-wise Strategy, Timetable, Best Books.

 

MAT 2024 May Exam will be held from May 19 to June 2, 2024 in three different exam modes – PBT, CBT and IBT. Check MAT Exam Modes, Dates and How to Register for MAT Exam.

 

Important Note: To help you prepare for the MAT exam, MBAUniverse.com has published MAT Mock Tests which are based on previous MAT Exam Papers. Take Free Online MAT Mock now by clicking on the links below.

MAT Mock Tests: Take Free Online Exam

MAT Exam 2024 Mock Test - 1 

200 Questions | Cost: Free | 150 Min

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MAT Exam 2024 Mock Test - 2 

200 Questions | Cost: Free | 150 Min

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MAT Exam 2024 Mock Test - 3 

200 Questions | Cost: Free | 150 Min

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MAT Exam 2024 Mock Test - 4 

200 Questions | Cost: Free | 150 Min

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Table of Contents

1. MAT Exam 2024 Preparation Overview
     1.1 MAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus
     1.2 MAT 2024 Syllabus
2. MAT 2024 Preparation: Section wise
3. MAT 2024 Language Comprehension Preparation
4. MAT 2024 Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Preparation
5. MAT 2024 Data Analysis & Sufficiency Preparation
6. MAT 2024 Mathematical Skills Preparation
7. MAT 2024 Indian and Global Environment Preparation
8. MAT Preparation Books
9. MAT Previous Test Papers & Mock tests for MAT Preparation
10. How to prepare for MAT Exam in 6 months?
11. How to prepare for MAT in 3 months?
12. How to prepare for MAT in 1 months?
13. MAT Exam Tips
14. MAT Exam Day Tips

1. MAT Exam 2024 Preparation Overview

First you need to know the MAT exam pattern, sectional composition, syllabus and then start your MAT preparation 2024 as suggested below.

1.1 MAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus

MAT Exam Pattern is as follows:

MAT Exam Components
No of Questions
(All MCQs)
Sectional Time Limit
(In Minutes)
Scoring Pattern (Negative Marking is only for MCQs)
Section 1: Language Comprehension
40
No Time Limit
+1 for Correct Answer;
-0.25 for Incorrect Answer;
0 for Not Attempted
Section 2: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
40
No Time Limit
+1 for Correct Answer;
-0.25 for Incorrect Answer;
0 for Not Attempted
Section 3: Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency
40
No Time Limit
+1 for Correct Answer;
-0.25 for Incorrect Answer;
0 for Not Attempted
Section 4: Mathematical Skills
40
No Time Limit
+1 for Correct Answer;
-0.25 for Incorrect Answer;
0 for Not Attempted
Section 5:
Indian and Global Environment  
40
No Time Limit
+1 for Correct Answer;
-0.25 for Incorrect Answer;
0 for Not Attempted
Total
200
150
 

Important Note: Merit Score in the exam is calculated on the basis of first 4 sections only, and the score of Indian & Global Environment is separately shown but is not taken into account to calculate the merit or percentile in the score card.

1.2 MAT 2024 Syllabus

MAT February 2024 Syllabus is divided into 5 key sections namely Language Comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Indian and Global Environment with 40 questions in each section. 

2. MAT 2024 Preparation: Section wise

  • In the MAT exam, each section carries equal weightage in terms of both the number of questions and marks. To excel in MAT Preparation and successfully clear the MAT exam, candidates should adopt section-wise preparation strategies.
  • For the MAT Language Comprehension section, focus on strengthening the basics, refining reading skills, and regularly practicing reading comprehension exercises.
  • In the MAT Mathematical Skills and Data Analysis & Sufficiency sections, daily practice and building a solid foundation are crucial for performing well.
  • For the MAT Indian and Global Environment section, it is advisable to refer to a reputable GK book to prepare comprehensively.
  • To enhance your preparation further, consider utilizing books authored by renowned experts such as Arun Sharma, as they come highly recommended for MAT preparation. Following these strategies will enable you to tackle each section effectively and increase your chances of success in the MAT 2023 exam.

Let’s now review section wise MAT preparation plan.

MAT PDF

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning - Download PDF Now

MAT Mathematical Skills - Download PDF Now

MAT Language Comprehension - Download PDF Now

3. MAT 2024 Language Comprehension Preparation

MAT 2024 Syllabus for Language Comprehension section in MAT is divided into 2 parts: Reading Comprehension passages and Grammar & other parts of Verbal Ability.

MAT Syllabus for Reading Comprehension Passages

RC Passages on Current Affairs and Political Developments
RC Passages on Business & Economic
RC passages from various English Literature Books
RC Passages on Science
RC Passages in Abstract Topics and Fiction
RC Passages on Historical Events and Mythology

MAT Syllabus 2024 for Verbal Ability

Jumbled Paragraphs 
 
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
Antonyms/Synonyms
Fill in the blanks 
Idioms/Phrases

To be able to solve questions on above topics, experts have recommended following MAT Preparation tips for Language Comprehension Preparation section.

  1. Read the newspaper daily: Regular reading helps in improving comprehension skills and staying updated with current affairs.
  2. Make reading a daily habit: Consistent reading habits aid in familiarizing yourself with various writing styles and vocabulary.
  3. Remember the moderate difficulty level of the section: Be prepared for the moderate difficulty level of questions in this section and allocate sufficient time for practice.
  4. Enhance vocabulary using flashcards and apps: Utilize flashcards and vocabulary-building apps to expand your word bank, improving comprehension and answering skills.
  5. Subscribe to YouTube channels for language improvement: Explore educational YouTube channels focused on language and comprehension improvement for additional learning resources.
  6. Select the right topic in reading comprehension: Choose topics that interest you and align with your strengths to maximize understanding and retention.
  7. Understand the main idea of the passage for easier answering: Grasp the central theme or idea of the passage before delving into specific questions, aiding in more efficient answering.
  8. Master grammar basics with the Wren and Martin Grammar Book: Utilize trusted grammar resources like the Wren and Martin Grammar Book to solidify your understanding of grammar rules, enhancing overall comprehension skills.

4. MAT 2024 Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Preparation

MAT 2024 Syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section includes questions on following topics

Fact Inference Judgment
Passage Conclusion
Analogy
Clocks
Calendars
Binary logic
Seating Arrangement
Blood Relations (Family Tree)
Logical Sequence
Assumption
Premise
Conclusion
Linear and matrix arrangement
Team Formation
Direction sense and Decision Making
Input-Output
Series
Syllogism
Cubes
Rows
Puzzles

To excel in MAT 2024 Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section, consider these expert tips:

  1. Carefully read and understand the question type before solving: Take the time to comprehend the nature of each question and the reasoning required to solve it. Familiarize yourself with different question formats and their corresponding strategies.
  2. Avoid making guesses or assumptions: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the question. Avoid guessing or making assumptions, as this can lead to incorrect responses.
  3. Remember, the correct answer is among the provided options: Eliminate improbable choices and focus on selecting the most logical option among those provided. Remember that the correct answer is always present among the given choices.
  4. Don’t panic or overthink; stay composed during the challenging section: Maintain a calm and composed mindset, especially when faced with challenging questions. Panicking or overthinking can cloud your judgment and hinder your performance.
  5. Focus on speed and time management to avoid getting stuck: Allocate an appropriate amount of time to each question and prioritize efficiency. If you encounter a particularly difficult question, consider skipping it temporarily and revisiting it later if time allows.
  6. Practice multiple mock tests and sample papers to build confidence: Regular practice is key to improving your skills and confidence in intelligence and critical reasoning. Utilize mock tests and sample papers to familiarize yourself with different question types and hone your problem-solving abilities.

mat exam pattern

5. MAT 2024 Data Analysis & Sufficiency Preparation

This section is divided into two parts – Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency. Questions are asked from:

Line Graph
Bar Graph
Caselet
Pie Chart
Data Comparison
Quantitative Comparison and Data Sufficiency

To excel in MAT 2024 Data Analysis & Sufficiency section, consider these MAT expert preparation tips:

  1. Carefully read questions before attempting them: Take time to thoroughly understand each question before proceeding to solve it. Pay attention to the provided data and the specific requirements of the question.
  2. Avoid skimming through questions: Skimming can lead to overlooking crucial details or misinterpreting the problem. Read each question attentively to grasp its context and requirements accurately.
  3. Use provided information; avoid assumptions: Rely solely on the information provided in the question and avoid making assumptions or adding external information. Stick to the data given to derive conclusions and solve the problem effectively.
  4. Solve questions in the order of Easy > Medium > Hard: Begin with questions that appear easier or more straightforward to build confidence and momentum. Gradually progress to more challenging questions, utilizing the skills and strategies developed along the way.
  5. Skip lengthy questions if time is limited: If faced with time constraints, prioritize completing questions efficiently over attempting every question. Skip lengthy or complex questions temporarily and return to them later if time permits, focusing on maximizing your overall score within the allotted time frame.

6. MAT 2024 Mathematical Skills Preparation

This section of MAT is what is known as Quantitative Aptitude in MAT exam. In this section, questions are asked from:

Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
Mensuration Modern Maths
Other areas

To excel in MAT 2024 Mathematical Skills section, experts have recommended following MAT preparation tips:

  1. Clear basics using high school textbooks: Ensure a strong foundation by revisiting fundamental concepts through high school textbooks, reinforcing your understanding of core mathematical principles.
  2. Practice regularly for this section: Regular practice is key to mastering mathematical skills. Dedicate consistent time to solving problems from various topics covered in the MAT syllabus.
  3. Improve speed and accuracy: Focus on enhancing both speed and accuracy by gradually increasing the difficulty of practice problems while maintaining precision in your calculations.
  4. Begin mock tests with easy questions and progress to harder ones: Start your mock test sessions with easier questions to build confidence and gradually transition to more challenging problems. This approach helps in developing problem-solving strategies for a wide range of difficulty levels.
  5. Display important formulae on a visible wall for passive memorization: Create visual aids such as posters or flashcards displaying key mathematical formulas and concepts. This passive memorization technique can reinforce retention and aid in quick recall during exams.
  6. Master shortcuts and Vedic math for quicker problem-solving: Explore shortcuts and techniques from Vedic math and other mathematical methodologies to streamline problem-solving processes. Efficient use of shortcuts can save time and improve your overall performance in the MAT exam.

7. MAT 2024 Indian and Global Environment Preparation

This section includes questions from both Current Affairs and Static GK. Although this section carries 40 marks, it is not taken into consideration to determine candidate’s MAT score and percentile. So this section must be given low priority by students. To excel in MAT 2024 Indian and Global Environment, consider these tips:

  1. Daily newspaper/ news-website reading: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers regularly. Focus on national and international news to broaden your understanding of various topics.
  2. Organize notes based on relevance: Keep your study materials organized by prioritizing important information and arranging it in a structured manner. This will help you easily review and revise key points.
  3. Use Flash Cards for factual information: Use flashcards to memorize and recall important factual details such as dates, events, and statistics related to Indian and global affairs.
  4. Watch news suitable for entrance exams: Explore news channels or programs specifically designed for entrance exam preparation. These resources often highlight relevant topics and provide insights into current affairs from an exam-oriented perspective.
  5. Familiarize yourself with the economy, banking and business sector: Develop an understanding of key concepts and developments in the banking and business sectors, as these topics are frequently covered in Indian and global affairs sections of the MAT exam.
  6. Refer to magazines, newspapers, and articles on Indian government, international developments: Explore a variety of sources such as magazines, newspapers, and online articles to gain insights into diverse topics including Indian government policies, international affairs, business trends, and sports events. This comprehensive approach will broaden your knowledge base and enhance your performance in the Indian and Global Environment section of the MAT exam.

8. MAT Preparation Books

You need to get the right MAT preparation books which can help you focus on MAT specific study. There are hundreds of books available in the market on MAT exam preparation but you need to choose the best books for MAT preparation. Here are some of the best MAT preparation books.

Sections
Books Name
Author
Publisher
Language Comprehension
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
McGraw Hill
 
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT
Nishit K Sinha
Pearson
 
Word Power Made Easy
Norman Lewis
Pocket Books
 
‘High School English Grammar & Composition’
by Wren & Martin
 
Mathematical Skills
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT 
by Arun Sharma
McGraw Hill
 
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT
Nishit K.Sinha
Pearson
 
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT
Sarvesh Verma
 
Data Analysis & Sufficiency
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for MAT
Arun Sharma
 
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT
Arun Sharma
 
Indian and Global Environment
Manorama Year Book
K. M. Mathew, Mammen Mathew
Malayala Manorama Group
MAT General  Books
Study package for MAT
Arun Sharma
McGraw Hill
 
Complete Guide For Mat And Other Mba Entrance Exams
None
Disha Experts

Apart from books, you can use MAT study material by coaching institute like TIME, CL, IMS who prepare students for CAT and other MBA Entrance exams.

9. MAT Previous Test Papers, MAT Mock Tests and MAT Sample Papers

Previous year MAT papers comprising MAT questions and detailed solutions are a good source of MAT preparation material. They give you the idea and type of MAT questions that you may face in the real MAT exam paper 2024. After strengthening your fundamentals, your MAT exam preparation should focus on practicing with more and more previous MAT test papers. This MAT preparation strategy will not only give you an opportunity to solve real MAT exam questions, but will also bring more confidence in you after you are able to solve variety of questions. 

MAT Mock Tests: Take Free Online Exam

MAT Exam 2024 Mock Test - 1 

200 Questions | Cost: Free | 150 Min

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MAT Exam 2024 Mock Test - 2 

200 Questions | Cost: Free | 150 Min

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Practice test papers for MAT prepared by top experts and MAT toppers are good tool for MAT 2024 preparation and crack MAT exam. MAT exam preparation with sample papers can become easy as the MAT Mocks include the best selected questions for MAT preparation. These Mock tests are available both online and offline. Since MAT is conducted both as paper based test and as computer based test with the MAT preparation through Mocks, you will be able to boost your MAT exam 2024 preparation as if you are attempting an actual MAT exam. 

 

Similarly, MAT Sample Papers are a good source for MAT preparation. MAT Sample Papers are based on past year papers and are very helpful in MAT preparation.

MAT Mock Tests: Take Free Online Exam

MAT Exam 2024 Mock Test - 3 

200 Questions | Cost: Free | 150 Min

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MAT Exam 2024 Mock Test - 4 

200 Questions | Cost: Free | 150 Min

cmat exam date

10. How to prepare for MAT Exam in 6 months?

MAT preparation tips for beginners or for the repeaters are not much different. MAT preparation time of 6 months is sufficient to crack the exam. Following should be adhered to before proceeding on MAT preparation journey:

  • As you are left with sufficient MAT exam preparation time, first of all go through and understand the MAT exam pattern
  • Get a good feel of MAT exam syllabus
  • Find out your strong and weak areas
  • Start building up the fundamentals and get conceptual clarity on the topics which fall in your weak areas
  • Don’t waste too much time on theory. If you have understood the basics, attempt MAT sectional quiz.
  • Practice after theory is a must. Accordingly take periodical MAT Quiz, attempt MAT previous years Mock test, MAT previous years question papers
  • Get the best MAT preparation material with best books for MAT preparation.
  • Beginning your MAT preparation early will give you time to periodically assess yourself and overcome your weaknesses.
  • Remain confident right from the day one during your MAT preparation journey.
  • Self Preparation is the best preparation strategy for MAT 2024. However, time is also an important factor. If a candidate gets stuck on some question due to his/her lack of conceptual clarity, the wastage of time is more and depression begins to set in. It could be a small quant formula, LR logic, or Verbal usage clarity which might need a simple push to come out of the shallow waters. This help can be provided by your mentor online or offline depending upon your preference or a mix of both.  

11. How to prepare for MAT in 3 months?

MAT preparation time of three months is not short. What you have done in last three months or whatever you have prepared can be revised now in three months with various MAT preparation tools. The time is ripe to intensify a little your MAT preparation strategy for three months:

  • See that you have achieved good clarity on fundamentals and have strengthened your basics
  • Alongwith, going through the books for MAT preparation, visit number of  online MAT preparation material
  • It is time that you started taking MAT Mock test, analyse your errors and rectify them
  • Instead of reading the theory again and again, now you should attempt the question and when you are stuck, visit the basics and clarify your point to clear the confusion
  • Solve MAT previous year question papers
  • Join a good Test series for MAT preparation

12. How to prepare for MAT in 1 months?

Many MAT toppers are of the view that MAT preparation time of two months is good enough to crack MAT exam. Even 1 month is good to score 95 percentile provided you are sincere enough. So, focus more on MAT Exam Quiz, MAT Mock tests, different types of questions as appeared in MAT

  • Don’t leave any MAT Mock Test without analyzing it
  • Go through the Books for MAT preparation and the MAT preparation material and ensure that you have gone through the sectional and overall quiz and practice tests in these MAT preparation books.
  • There are some strong areas within your weak areas and some weak areas within your strong areas. Try to focus on all the weak areas and see if you are able to improve them. However, you should not waste more time on them. Instead focus more on your strong areas and improve them further.

MAT coaching helps you overcome many weak areas. The MAT exam preparation through coaching can be a class room regular or weekend coaching or it can be MAT preparation online through the coaching centres. Good Coaching institutes like TIME, CL, IMS among others provide best MAT preparation material with practice questions.

13. MAT Exam Tips

Before the Exam

  1. Better to Opt and Apply for IBT MAT instead of CBT or PBT MAT. You can appear in IBT MAT from your home. It will save your commuting and waiting time as test centre.
  2. Check & browse through the MAT exam Pattern, its sectional composition and syllabus
  3. Take 2 Mocks a day before the exam date, analyse them, check for errors and improve
  4. Nearing the exam date, do not start preparing on any new topic.
  5. Further strengthen your strong areas and improve on weak ones. Leave the topics now that you have not prepared.
  6. Timely download your MAT Admit card and check your details, test date & time slot. Get ready for the exam at least one hour before the exam at your home (If applied for IBT exam) or report at the test centre at least one hour before the exam time (If opted for CBT or PBT MAT)

14. MAT Exam Day Tips

  1. Don’t waste time on scanning the complete question paper. Begin to attempt the paper when the exam starts
  2. In the 1st attempt, begin with easiest questions and attempt all of the doable questions in first four sections in 60-70 minutes
  3. In the 2nd and 3rd   attempts solve and try to maximise the number of questions that you can solve with 100% accuracy in another 60-70 minutes.
  4. In remaining time of 20-30 minutes attempt the questions that you find a little difficult but doable. If time is still available try to solve more questions but don’t spend more time on any question. Skip the questions that you find difficult and are consuming more of time
  5. Don’t spend more than 10-15 minutes to attempt GK section on Indian and Global Environment as it would not be counted for composite and percentile score calculation 
  6. After reading this article, you must be clear how to prepare well for MAT exam with MAT Exam Study Material or with MAT coaching, what are the important MAT Exam Preparation Topics and other key points in MAT preparation. Remember serious MAT 2024 Preparation is a must to do well in the MAT Exam. Good MAT Preparation 2024 will help you get admission into top MBA colleges accepting MAT exam score.

Last Tips on How To Prepare For MAT 2024

Based on expert and MAT toppers, Best Tips for MAT 2024 Preparation is outlined above. Section-Wise MAT Preparation 2024 is also given. By following these MAT Preparation Tips 2024, you can do well in MAT exam. Best of luck!

 

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