About MAT 2025 Exam
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardized national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission into MBA and allied management programs across India. Accepted by over 600+ B-Schools, MAT is held four times a year – in February, May, September, and December – offering flexibility for candidates to choose the best session.
What makes MAT unique is its multi-mode availability:
Paper-Based Test (PBT)
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Internet-Based Test (IBT) – taken from home
The MAT 2025 exam evaluates candidates across five key sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment.
It is ideal for students aiming for affordable and accessible entry into top-tier management colleges. With no upper age limit and minimal eligibility criteria, MAT remains a preferred choice for MBA aspirants nationwide.
Exam Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | MAT (Management Aptitude Test) |
| Conducting Body | AIMA (All India Management Association) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | 4 times a year (Feb, May, Sep, Dec) |
| Exam Mode | PBT, CBT, IBT |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) |
| Score Validity | 1 year |
| Accepted By | 800+ B-schoos in India |
| Official Website | https://mat.aima.in |
Exam Pattern for MAT May 2025
MAT has five sections, each with thirty questions. A total of 150 questions are to be attempted over 120 minutes.
Note: There will be Negative Marking (-0.25 marks) for every incorrect answer. The overall score is based on all the five sections of MAT. | ||||||||||||||||||
Candidate can take MAT as (i) Paper Based Test (PBT) or (ii) Computer Based Test (CBT) or (iii) Paper Based Test and Computer Based Test (PBT+CBT) Note:
|
Mode-wise Differences (PBT vs CBT vs IBT)
| Feature | PBT (Paper-Based) | CBT (Computer-Based) | IBT (Internet-Based Test) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode | Offline, pen-paper | Online at test center | Online from home |
| Environment | Physical test center | Physical test center | Home with webcam and stable net |
| Device Needed | None | Provided by center | Personal computer/laptop |
| Setup Needed | Not required | Not required | Needs software and system check |
Preparation Strategy
| Section | Tips |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | Read newspapers daily, practice RCs, improve vocab |
| Mathematical Skills | Strengthen basics, solve previous papers, time your mock tests |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | Focus on charts & graphs, practice speed calculation |
| Reasoning | Solve puzzles, practice coding-decoding & series regularly |
| GK | Read current affairs magazines, follow business news |
MAT vs Other MBA Exams
| Exam | Level | Difficulty | Accepted By |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT | Moderate | Easy–Moderate | 800+ B-Schools |
| CAT | High | Difficult | IIMs, top-tier B-Schools |
| CMAT | National | Moderate | AICTE-approved colleges |
| XAT | High | Difficult | XLRI, XIMB, etc. |