Management Aptitude Test (MAT) syllabus is for assessing the candidates on multiple managerial abilities needed for MBA/PGDM courses. AIMA is not specific as to a mandatory syllabus, but questions in the examination are usually based on common topics under five main areas. Knowing the syllabus is required for tactical preparation as well as achieving good marks in the examination.
This part gives a thorough overview of the MAT 2026 syllabus, section-wise topics, difficulty level, and preparation tips.
MAT 2026 Exam – Key Highlights
| Component | Details |
| Total Sections | 5 |
| Number of Questions | 150 |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Marking Scheme | one mark for each correct answer and
deducts 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer |
| Mode | CBT, PBT, IBT |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Section-wise Syllabus for MAT 2026
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Language Comprehension
This section tests your English proficiency in reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning.
| Topics Covered |
| Reading Comprehension |
| Sentence Completion & Correction |
| Synonyms & Antonyms |
| Fill in the Blanks |
| Para Jumbles |
| Word Usage |
| Idioms & Phrases |
| Analogies |
| One-word Substitution |
Tip: Regular reading of editorials, novels, and business articles can boost performance here.
2. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
Assesses logical and analytical reasoning skills, pattern recognition, and decision-making abilities.
| Topics Covered |
| Series (Number/Letter/Symbol) |
| Blood Relations |
| Coding-Decoding |
| Direction Sense |
| Syllogisms |
| Statements & Assumptions |
| Cause & Effect |
| Critical Reasoning |
| Analogies & Odd One Out |
Tip: Practice puzzles and logical questions daily to sharpen your reasoning.
3. Mathematical Skills
Focuses on quantitative aptitude and numerical ability, typically of 10th to 12th standard difficulty.
| Topics Covered |
| Number System |
| Percentages & Profit-Loss |
| Time-Speed-Distance |
| Time & Work |
| Ratio-Proportion-Mixture |
| Algebra |
| Mensuration |
| Geometry |
| Permutations & Combinations |
| Probability |
| Simple & Compound Interest |
Tip: Use quantitative aptitude books like Arun Sharma and RS Aggarwal for structured practice.
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Data Analysis & Sufficiency
Tests your data interpretation and analytical skills using visual and tabular data.
| Topics Covered |
| Bar Graphs |
| Line Charts |
| Pie Charts |
| Tables |
| Caselets |
| Data Comparison |
| Data Sufficiency |
| Graph Combinations |
Tip: Time management is key; practice speed-based DI sets with timers.
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Indian & Global Environment
This section evaluates General Knowledge (GK) and current affairs—though it may not count toward composite score in some colleges, it is often used for selection.
| Topics Covered |
| Current Events (National & International) |
| Indian Politics & Constitution |
| Economy & Budget |
| Business & Corporate Affairs |
| Sports |
| Awards & Honors |
| International Organizations |
| Science & Technology |
Tip: Read daily newspapers (The Hindu, ET), and follow monthly GK digests.
Syllabus Summary Table
| Section | Approx. Questions | Difficulty | Focus Area |
| Language Comprehension | 30 | Moderate | Reading, Grammar |
| Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | Moderate | Logic, Analytics |
| Mathematical Skills | 30 | Moderate | Quant & Aptitude |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 30 | Moderate | DI, Graphs |
| Indian & Global Environment | 30 | Moderate | GK, Current Affairs |
Preparation Resources
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Books:
- Arun Sharma – Quantitative Aptitude
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
- Logical Reasoning – RS Aggarwal
- Lucent’s GK or Manorama Yearbook
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Online Platforms:
- TIME, IMS, Career Launcher
- AIMA official mock tests and sample papers
- Newspapers: The Hindu, Economic Times
Conclusion
A clear grasp of the MAT 2026 syllabus will enable you to prepare with effectiveness. Revise equally all the sections, practice GK frequently, and take a shot at timed mock tests. MAT’s average difficulty level and regularity make it a tactical decision for getting admission to MBA in India’s top B-Schools.
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