MAT

MAT is AIMA’s management-admissions aptitude test. AIMA describes it as a standardized test administered since 1988 to help business schools screen candidates for MBA and allied programmes; its official information page also describes it as a national-level test for MBA/PGDM admissions.

MAT is an entrance-test score, not an admission offer. Candidates should identify programmes that accept the relevant MAT administration and then satisfy each institution’s separate application, eligibility, cutoff, interview, and other selection requirements.

• The Ministry of Education approved MAT as a national-level test in 2003, according to AIMA.
• AIMA’s current information describes MAT as being administered four times yearly—February, May, September, and December—though candidates should rely on the live schedule for the administration they intend to take.

AIMA’s published baseline eligibility is broad: graduates in any discipline may apply, and students in the final year of a graduate course may also apply. Its FAQ says there is no age bar and that job experience is not required.

This examination-level eligibility does not replace a target school’s programme eligibility. AIMA specifically advises candidates to confirm approval or recognition status and score acceptance directly with the concerned institute or university before applying.

• Base qualification: graduation in any discipline.
• Final-year graduate-course students: eligible to apply under AIMA’s stated rule.
• No stated MAT age limit or work-experience prerequisite.
• Check the chosen MBA/PGDM programme’s own minimum marks, degree-completion, category, work-experience, and selection requirements.

AIMA’s September 2026 MAT information specifies an objective, multiple-choice test with five sections: Language Comprehension; Intelligence and Critical Reasoning; Mathematical Skills; Data Analysis and Sufficiency; and Economic and Business Environment. Each section has 30 questions, for 150 questions total in 120 minutes.

AIMA lists PBT and CBT as the available modes, with an option to register for both. Its published pattern applies negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. Candidates should verify the current bulletin before preparing because test arrangements and administration details may change.

• 150 questions in 120 minutes.
• Five sections, 30 questions each.
• Negative marking: −0.25 per incorrect answer.
• Modes listed for September 2026: PBT, CBT, or PBT+CBT.

MAT registration is online through AIMA’s MAT portal. AIMA’s registration guidance directs a new candidate to create an account using a valid email address and mobile number, verify them by OTP, choose one or two test modes, upload the required images, select management institutes, enter personal and qualification details, pay, and submit the application.

AIMA lists a valid email ID, scanned photograph, scanned signature, personal and educational-qualification information, and an electronic payment method as registration prerequisites. Provisionally registered candidates download their admit card from the applicant dashboard; AIMA says it is not sent by post or email.

For the September 2026 administration, the listed fee is ₹2,300 for PBT or CBT and ₹4,000 for PBT+CBT. AIMA’s published dates and charges are administration-specific and should be rechecked on the official portal before payment.

• Select PBT, CBT, or the available combined option.
• Choose score-recipient management institutes during registration; AIMA states that the standard choice is five institutes, while a two-mode registration includes two additional choices.
• Pay using the methods AIMA currently lists, such as debit/credit card, UPI, net banking, or wallet, where offered.
• Download the admit card from the MAT applicant dashboard according to the published schedule.

After the result is released, candidates can download their score card from the MAT applicant dashboard using the account credentials created during registration. AIMA states that the overall MAT score is based on all five sections and that the score is valid for one year.

A MAT score can be used only where the receiving institution accepts it for the relevant programme and intake. AIMA notes that participating-institute lists and admission criteria vary by test administration, and warns candidates to reconfirm acceptance and approval or recognition status directly with the institute or university. Institutions determine their own cutoff scores and further selection process.

• Download the score card from the official MAT dashboard.
• Apply separately to target schools where required; a score transmission or institute selection is not itself admission.
• Confirm score acceptance for the specific programme, year, and mode of study before relying on MAT.
• Compare each school’s current eligibility, cutoff, fee, recognition, and selection criteria directly from that school or university.