Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is one of India’s leading MBA entrance exams, organized by the All India Management Association (AIMA). MAT is accepted by more than 600 B-Schools in India and is a passport to low-cost and quality MBA/PGDM courses.
Whether you’re looking for multiple test mode convenience, entry to Tier 1.5 and Tier 2 B-Schools, or wish to pursue a management career with less CAT competition, MAT 2026 provides the suitable platform.
MAT 2025 key dates, eligibility, exam pattern, leading colleges that accept MAT scores, fee structure, placements, and preparation tips are discussed in this handbook.
MAT 2026 Exam – Overview
| Feature |
Details |
| Exam Name |
MAT (Management Aptitude Test) |
| Conducted By |
AIMA (All India Management Association) |
| Exam Level |
National Level |
| Frequency |
4 times a year |
| Test Modes |
CBT, PBT, IBT (Internet-Based Test) |
| Accepted By |
600+ B-Schools in India |
| Exam Duration |
2 Hours (120 minutes) |
| Official Website |
https://careermantra.net/blog/prepare-for-mat-exam/ |
MAT 2025 Exam Schedule
| MAT 2025 Phase |
Application Deadline |
Exam Date |
Mode |
| February 2026 |
Jan 2026 (TBA) |
Feb 2026 (TBA) |
CBT, PBT, IBT |
| May 2026 |
April 2026 (TBA) |
May 2026 (TBA) |
CBT, IBT |
| September 2026 |
August 2026 (TBA) |
Sept 2026 (TBA) |
CBT, PBT |
| December 2026 |
Nov 2026 (TBA) |
Dec 2026 (TBA) |
All Modes |
MAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria |
Details |
| Educational Qualification |
Graduation in any discipline (final year students eligible) |
| Minimum Marks |
No minimum % required by AIMA; colleges may have criteria |
| Age Limit |
No age limit |
| Attempts |
Unlimited |
MAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section |
Number of Questions |
Time Allotted |
Difficulty Level |
| Language Comprehension |
30 |
~30 minutes |
Moderate |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning |
30 |
~30 minutes |
Moderate |
| Mathematical Skills |
30 |
~40 minutes |
Moderate |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency |
30 |
~25 minutes |
Moderate |
| Indian & Global Environment |
30 |
~15 minutes |
Moderate (GK) |
| Total |
150 |
120 mins |
Moderate |
Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Score (2026)
| College Name |
Location |
Approx. Fees |
Avg. Package |
Entrance Mode |
| FORE School of Management |
New Delhi |
₹15 Lakh |
₹11 LPA |
MAT/CAT/XAT |
| JIMS Rohini, Delhi |
Delhi |
₹8.7 Lakh |
₹6 LPA |
MAT/XAT/CAT |
| AIMS Institutes |
Bengaluru |
₹8.75 Lakh |
₹5 LPA |
MAT |
| Christ University (School of Business) |
Bengaluru |
₹7.5 Lakh |
₹6 LPA |
MAT/CUET/CMAT |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management |
Noida |
₹10.5 Lakh |
₹7.4 LPA |
MAT/CMAT/CAT |
| Amity Business School |
Noida |
₹12 Lakh |
₹6.5 LPA |
MAT/Direct |
| SRM University – School of Management |
Chennai |
₹6.5 Lakh |
₹4.5 LPA |
MAT/SRMJEEM |
| BIMTECH (PGDM-IB/Insurance) |
Greater Noida |
₹13 Lakh |
₹8.5 LPA |
MAT/XAT/CAT |
Admission Pathways & Selection Criteria
| College Type |
Selection Process |
Components Included |
| Tier 1.5 (e.g., FORE) |
MAT + GDPI + Academic Record |
MAT 2026 + Interview + Work Exp (if any) |
| Tier 2 (e.g., JIMS, Jaipuria) |
MAT Score + PI/GD Round |
MAT 2026 + Personal Interaction |
| Private Universities |
Direct Admission / MAT Based Counseling |
MAT Score + SOP/Essay + Personal Round |
MAT vs Other MBA Entrances
| Feature |
MAT |
CAT |
CMAT |
| Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
High |
Moderate |
| Exam Frequency |
4 times/year |
Once a year |
Once a year |
| Accepted By |
600+ Colleges |
1000+ (Premier) |
1000+ (AICTE) |
| Application Fees |
₹2100 |
₹2400 |
₹2000 |
| Result Validity |
1 Year |
1 Year |
1 Year |
Preparation Tips for MAT 2026
- Practice Mock Tests weekly in CBT/PBT format.
- Focus on speed and accuracy in Quant and Reasoning.
- Read daily editorials for Language and GK sections.
- Use resources like Arun Sharma (Quant), Word Power Made Easy, and TIME/IMS material.
- Revise previous MAT question papers (available online).
FAQs – MAT 2026
- Can I take MAT multiple times in a year?
Yes, MAT is conducted four times a year – Feb, May, Sept, Dec.
- What is a good MAT score for top colleges?
A percentile above 90 can secure calls from top institutes like FORE, JIMS, and Jaipuria.
- Is there negative marking in MAT?
Yes. 1 mark per correct answer; 0.25 mark deducted for every wrong answer.
- Can I appear for MAT both in CBT and IBT mode?
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple modes to increase selection chances.
- Is MAT accepted by IIMs?
No, IIMs accept only CAT. MAT is accepted by many Tier 1.5 and Tier 2 colleges.
Conclusion
MAT 2026 is a great chance for MBA candidates seeking B-Schools with favorable ROI, world-class infrastructure, and relaxed admission processes. With more than one window to appear for the exam, moderate level of difficulty, and broad acceptability, MAT is one of the most student-friendly MBA entrances to be found in India.
My Career Mantra:
Prepare consistently, seek quality over quantity in preparation, and correlate your college choice with your future career goals—be it corporate jobs, entrepreneurship, or international exposure.Prepare consistently, seek quality over quantity in preparation, and correlate your college choice with your future career goals—be it corporate jobs, entrepreneurship, or international exposure.
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