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MAT exam dates for the September session of MAT 2025 have been released. The MAT Paper Based Test (PBT) will be conducted on September 21, and the MAT Computer Based Test (CBT) on September 28. Candidates who wish to appear for the MAT CBT/PBT can register on the website of AIMA. The MAT application fee is INR 2200. MAT registration and filling of the application form is an online process available on the AIMA-MAT website. Here's detailed information about the MAT exam for 2025.
The AIMA MAT September Exam 2025 will be conducted in Paper Based Test (PBT) mode on September 21 and the Computer Based Test (CBT) will be held on September 28, 2025. The application process for the MAT exam for September 2025 has been opened. The MAT exam of 2025 was also held on July 20, and results were declared on July 24, 2025. This article has complete information regarding the September exam of MAT 2025, including registration, fees, syllabus, pattern, tips for preparation, results, and top MAT colleges.
What is MAT Exam?
Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA) for admissions into MBA/PGDM courses offered by more than 800 business schools in India. The exam is conducted in two modes: offline (Paper Based Test or PBT) and online (Computer Based Test or CBT). The mode of the exam and the city can be chosen by the candidate. AIMA launched the Internet Based Test (IBT) mode during 2020 under the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and was the initial test organization to conduct remote proctored testing. The IBT method continues to be offered in 2025.
Key Features of MAT Exam
- Candidates can appear for the MAT several times.
- They can choose the exam session, date, and medium as per their convenience.
- They need to register fresh for each attempt.
- The latest MAT attempt score will be taken for consideration during admissions.
- Candidates are given the option to choose a maximum of 5 colleges in the MAT application form.
- Candidates’ MAT score will be sent to the 5 selected colleges for shortlisting purposes at the time of admission.
- To apply for more than 5 MAT colleges, separate application forms need to be filled by the candidates.
MAT Exam Highlights
Feature |
Details |
Exam Name |
Management Aptitude Test (MAT) |
Conducting Body |
All India Management Association (AIMA) |
Exam Level |
National Level |
Exam Frequency |
4 times a year – February, May, September, December |
Exam Mode |
CBT (Computer-Based Test), PBT (Paper-Based Test), IBT (Internet-Based Test – from home) |
Exam Duration |
2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) |
Total Questions |
200 |
Total Marks |
200 |
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Sections |
5 – Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Indian & Global Environment |
Section-wise Questions |
40 questions per section |
Marking Scheme |
+1 for every correct answer; -0.25 for every incorrect answer |
Eligibility Criteria |
Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university (Final year students also eligible) |
Age Limit |
No age limit |
Score Validity |
1 year |
Number of Exam Cities |
100+ for PBT and CBT |
Colleges Accepting MAT Score |
600+ B-Schools in India |
Top Institutes Accepting MAT |
Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Christ University, AIMS Institutes, etc. |
Application Mode |
Online |
Application Fee |
₹2,100 for 1 mode (PBT/CBT/IBT), ₹3,300 for 2 modes |
Admit Card Availability |
Available online (1 week before exam date) |
Result Declaration |
Within 3 weeks after the exam |
Scorecard Format |
Scaled score out of 800 + Percentile |
Official Website |
MAT Exam Dates 2025
MAT September Exam 2025 will take place in Paper Based Test (PBT) mode on September 21 and in Computer Based Test (CBT) format on September 28, 2025. Registration for the MAT September Exam is currently ongoing. Check the additional information regarding the MAT September exam dates in the table below.
Type of MAT Exam |
Last Date to Register |
Admit Card Release Date |
Exam Date |
Paper Based Test (PBT) |
Sept 15, 2025 |
Sept 18, 2025 |
Sept 21, 2025 |
Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Sept 22, 2025 |
Sept 25, 2025 |
Sept 28, 2025 |
MAT Exam Registration 2025
MAT 2025 application form for CBT and PBT is now available on the official website of MAT i.e. mat.aima.in. Candidates must note that there is only form available for both the modes. They need to register themselves and fill in the application form for MAT online exam. To apply for MAT 2025, go through the below mentioned steps:
- Visit the official website of AIMA-MAT: https://mat.aima.in/
- Navigate to and click on the 'Register' link.
- Enter your name, date of birth, email id, mobile number, state, city, test mode preference, and set a password.
- Verify your account through the MAT ID received in your mail and phone
- In the next page, select the exam mode of your choice (CBT, PBT, IBT), choose test cities, and mention five choice B-Schools
- Pay the MAT exam fees via a debit card/credit card, net banking, or e-wallet
- Enter your academic details and others in the MAT 2025 application form
- Upload a latest passport photo and scanned signature
- Complete the process by clicking on ‘Submit’ button
- You will get an email confirmation of MAT form submission
Note: As MAT PBT and MAT CBT are conducted in two different cities, make sure your preferred exam mode is available in your city. Candidates cannot change the selected exam city once the form is submitted.
MAT 2025 Exam Fees
Mode of Exam |
Fees (INR) |
CBT (Computer Based Test) |
₹2,100 |
PBT (Paper Based Test) |
₹2,100 |
IBT (Internet Based Test) |
₹2,100 |
Any Two Modes (e.g., CBT + IBT) |
₹3,300 |
MAT Exam Eligibility
MAT eligibility criteria have been set for those candidates who are planning to appear for the MAT exam as per AICTE norms. The eligibility criteria for the MAT exam 2025 are as follows:
- A graduation degree in any field or equivalent qualification from an institution recognized by UGC is mandatory. Final year graduation students awaiting results are also eligible to apply for MAT 2025. They are required to submit a passing certificate within the given deadline to the MBA college.
- No minimum score in MAT is required, but colleges considering MAT scores can have a minimum score criterion of 50% (45% for candidates belonging to reserved categories).
- There is no age bar to appear for the MAT exam. Working professionals as well as recent graduates can take the exam.
- A person possessing a professional qualification such as CA, CS, or ICWA is also eligible to apply for the MAT exam.
MAT Admit Card 2025
The MAT admit card for 2025 is available on the AIMA MAT website. The session-specific MAT admit card must be carried by the candidate on the day of the exam. The following are the steps to get the MAT admit card for 2025:
- Go to the official MAT 2025 website
- Navigate to and click on the 'Download/View’ option
- Select 'MAT admit card' from the drop-down menu
- Enter your email ID, password, and date of birth
- Download the MAT admit card and save it for future reference
MAT 2025 Exam Pattern
MAT 2025 exam pattern includes five sections, each containing 40 questions, and the total duration for the exam is 120 minutes.
According to the marking scheme for MAT 2025, each correct answer earns 1 mark, while a penalty of 0.25 mark applies for each incorrect answer. All sections have the same weightage, totaling 200 questions and a highest achievable score of 200 marks.
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
Time Suggested (Approx.) |
Key Topics Covered |
Language Comprehension |
30 |
30 |
30 minutes |
Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Verbal Reasoning |
Mathematical Skills |
30 |
30 |
40 minutes |
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, Number System |
Data Analysis & Sufficiency |
30 |
30 |
35 minutes |
Data Interpretation, Charts, Graphs, Tables, Data Sufficiency |
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning |
30 |
30 |
30 minutes |
Logical Reasoning, Series, Puzzles, Statements & Assumptions |
Indian & Global Environment |
30 |
30 |
15 minutes |
Current Affairs, Business, Economy, Politics, Static GK |
Total |
150 |
150 |
150 minutes (2.5 hours) |
MAT Marking Scheme
Key points about the MAT 2025 marking scheme:
- Equal weightage: Each section of the MAT exam has equal weightage.
- Marking per question: 1 mark is awarded for each correct answer.
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
- No marks for unanswered questions: No marks are deducted for unanswered questions
Response Type |
Marks Awarded |
Correct Answer |
+1 mark |
Incorrect Answer |
-0.25 mark (negative marking) |
Unattempted Question |
0 mark (no penalty) |
MAT 2025 Syllabus
MAT syllabus is designed by AIMA and comprises English, Data Interpretation, Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Current Affairs. Each of these five sections carries the same weight. Candidates can complete the MAT exam syllabus within a three-month timeframe, so it's advisable for them to allocate a minimum of 4-5 months for their exam preparation. Below is a table outlining the topics that are part of the MAT syllabus for 2025:
Section |
Key Topics Covered |
Language Comprehension |
- Reading Comprehension (RC) - Para Jumbles - Sentence Correction - Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms) - Fill in the Blanks - One-word Substitution - Idioms and Phrases |
Mathematical Skills |
- Number System - Percentages - Profit & Loss - Time, Speed & Distance - Time & Work - Algebra - Geometry & Mensuration - Simple & Compound Interest - Averages - Ratio & Proportion - Mixtures & Allegations - Probability & Permutations |
Data Analysis & Sufficiency |
- Bar Graphs - Line Graphs - Pie Charts - Tables - Caselets - Data Comparison - Data Sufficiency - Quantitative Data Interpretation |
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning |
- Series (Number/Alphabet) - Blood Relations - Coding-Decoding - Direction Sense - Statement–Assumption/Conclusion/Argument - Analogies - Logical Matching - Critical Reasoning - Input-Output |
Indian & Global Environment |
- Current Affairs (National & International) - Business & Economy - Indian Financial System - Economic Development - Budget & Fiscal Policies - Business Awareness - Government Schemes & Policies - International Organizations (IMF, WTO, etc.) - Static GK (Geography, History, etc.) - Sports, Awards, Books & Authors - Science & Technology |
MAT Exam Preparation Tips 2025
To get ready for MAT in 2025, aspirants can fulfill their desires in 2 to 4 months if they focus on the basics. They need to improve their skills in quantitative aptitude and reasoning by making use of MAT books, studying past year's MAT question papers, and practicing MAT mock tests. Those who have already appeared for a national level MBA entrance exam might find it more convenient to perform well in the MAT as the syllabus is pretty much compatible with other exams.
The strategy of preparation for a candidate in the MAT should be individualized according to their strengths, weaknesses, and time at hand.
Step 1 - Become Familiar with the Pattern of the MAT Exam
MAT question paper is divided into 5 key sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Economic & Business Environment, with 30 questions in each. Though the Economic & Business Environment section has 40 marks, it is excluded from the computation of the MAT score and percentile for a candidate. So, students must not allocate more emphasis to this section.
Step 2 - Read the MAT Exam Syllabus for Every Section
Read through the MAT syllabus and the particular subjects it deals with. Concentrate on areas in which your understanding might not be very strong.
Step 3 - Read Section by Section from Books and Study Materials
Take 4 to 8 weeks in a systematic approach to cover the topics mentioned in the MAT syllabus. Use MAT Preparation Books (details given below) or CAT Preparation materials of TIME, CL, and IMS Coaching.
Step 4 - Finish MAT Mock Tests
After completing the MAT syllabus, attempt MAT mock tests and practice papers. Taking mock tests increases your problem-solving speed.
Best Books to Prepare for MAT Exam
Check below the list of best books to prepare for the MAT exam:
Section |
Book Title |
Author/Publisher |
Highlights |
Mathematical Skills (Quant) |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations |
R.S. Aggarwal |
Covers all types of quantitative problems with ample practice questions |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT |
Arun Sharma |
Concept clarity and difficulty-wise arranged questions |
|
Language Comprehension (English) |
Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
Vocabulary-building with simple explanations and exercises |
Objective General English |
S.P. Bakshi |
Grammar rules, reading comprehension, and error spotting |
|
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT |
Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
Practice RCs, para jumbles, grammar-based questions |
|
Data Analysis & Sufficiency |
Data Interpretation |
Arun Sharma |
Practice-based approach with different DI sets |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT |
Arun Sharma |
Covers caselets, bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs |
|
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning |
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning |
R.S. Aggarwal |
Covers all reasoning types with solved examples and exercises |
Analytical Reasoning |
M.K. Pandey |
In-depth explanation of logic, puzzles, and critical reasoning |
|
Indian & Global Environment |
General Knowledge 2025 |
Arihant Experts |
Covers current affairs, economics, business & global awareness |
Manorama Yearbook |
Malayala Manorama |
Detailed info on current affairs, business, science, sports, and awards |
MAT Mock Test
MAT mock tests play a crucial role in exam preparation. To achieve a 95+ percentile in MAT, candidates should aim to complete at least 25-30 mock tests. Candidates can find several mock tests online designed for candidates to practice and evaluate their preparation. These mock tests are designed based on official MAT questions to ensure they match the same difficulty level.
When should you take a MAT mock test?
- The best time to start practicing MAT mock tests is after you’ve finished the syllabus.
- Begin taking mock tests when there is one month remaining until your MAT session.
- Avoid practicing MAT mock tests right up until the exam day.
- In the week leading up to your MAT session, only attempt one mock test to maintain your confidence.
MAT Exam Day Guidelines
Following are some essential guidelines to keep in mind for MAT 2025:
- MAT PBT and CBT examinations are from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Candidates should reach the exam centre by 8:30 AM.
- Candidates are required to carry either a blue or black ballpoint pen on the exam day. For CBT mode, it is required to sign the attendance sheet, and for PBT mode candidates, it is required to sign the attendance sheet as well as to fill in the OMR sheet.
- Forbidden items at the MAT exam centre are mobile phones, calculators, electronic watches, or other similar types of equipment. Candidates must also avoid wearing clothes or accessories with metal.
- Photocopies or digital versions of the MAT admit card cannot be considered valid proof, so the original admit card needs to be carried.
- Candidates have to bring two printed copies of the MAT 2025 admit card to the exam centre. Along with that, the following documents need to be brought to the MAT exam centre for both PBT and CBT mode tests:
- Proof of identity: You can bring any of these documents (original) - Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, Election I-Card, Passport, Driving License, or PAN Card.
- Proof of name change (in case): In case you have had a name change, you need to present proof of the name change.
- Caste certificate (in case): SC/ST/OBC category candidates should present a caste certificate.
- For MAT IBT mode, the candidates should get their laptop/desktop ready and also ensure their internet connectivity at least one hour before the exam time.
- In MAT IBT mode, candidates must dress up formally and keep their admit card and other documents handy for the remote verification process.
- They must get good lighting, a quiet room free of any distraction, and no other person should be present in the room where the candidate will sit to write the exam.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Score
Check below the list of top MBA colleges offering admissions based on MAT Score:
College Name |
Location |
Affiliation/Approval |
Courses Offered |
MAT Cutoff (Approx.) |
Institute of Management Studies (IMS) |
Ghaziabad |
AICTE, AKTU |
PGDM, MBA |
600+ |
Jaipuria Institute of Management |
Lucknow, Noida |
AICTE, NBA, AIU |
PGDM |
75–80 percentile |
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME) |
Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi |
AICTE |
PGDM |
75–80 percentile |
Balaji Institute of Modern Management (BIMM) |
Pune |
AICTE |
PGDM |
70–75 percentile |
Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE) |
Hyderabad |
AICTE, AIU |
PGDM |
75+ percentile |
New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM) |
New Delhi |
AICTE, NBA, AIU |
PGDM |
70+ percentile |
Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS) |
Rohini, Delhi |
AICTE, NBA, AIU |
PGDM, PGDM (IB) |
70–75 percentile |
SRM School of Management |
Chennai |
SRM Institute (Deemed Univ.) |
MBA |
65–70 percentile |
Christ University |
Bangalore |
Deemed University |
MBA, MBA (Intl. Business) |
80+ percentile* |
VIT Business School |
Vellore, Chennai |
VIT University |
MBA |
70–75 percentile |
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Usha & Lakshmi Mittal Institute of Management (BULMIM) |
New Delhi |
AICTE |
PGDM |
60–65 percentile |
PES University |
Bangalore |
Deemed University |
MBA |
75+ percentile |
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