Management Aptitude Test

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA and PGDM programs across various colleges in India. Held four times a year—in February, May, September, and December—MAT offers candidates flexibility in choosing their exam attempt. For the February 2026 session, the Paper-Based Test (PBT) is expected to be held in the last week of February, with the application process starting in the fourth week of December 2025.

MAT is widely accepted by over 600 B-schools in India, making it a popular choice for students seeking postgraduate management education. The exam can be taken in different modes—PBT, Computer-Based Test (CBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT)—offering convenience to test-takers. To apply, candidates must register online and meet the eligibility criteria set by AIMA. With its nationwide recognition and multiple testing modes, MAT serves as a reliable and accessible pathway for students aiming to pursue careers in management.

MAT 2026 Highlights

The MAT 2026 Highlights section provides a quick summary of key details such as exam frequency, modes, duration, fee, and purpose. It helps candidates understand the basic structure and objective of the Management Aptitude Test at a glance.

MAT 2026 Dates

Here are the important dates for MAT 2026, including registration, exam, and result announcement.

For PBT Exam:

For CBT Exam:

MAT 2026 Eligibility

The MAT 2026 eligibility criteria include academic qualifications, age limit, and number of attempts.

• Educational Qualification: Graduates from any stream are eligible to apply.
• Minimum Marks: No minimum marks are required; passing the qualifying exam is sufficient.
• Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the MAT exam.
• Number of Attempts: No restriction is set on the number of attempts for MAT.
• Final Year Students: Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply.

MAT 2026 Application Form

The MAT 2026 application process will be conducted online by the All India Management Association (AIMA), starting in the fourth week of December 2025 for the February session. All applicants must register through the official website, as offline applications will not be accepted. The registration form requires accurate entry of personal, academic, and contact details. It is important to complete the application within the given deadline and carefully verify all information before submission to ensure successful registration.

How To Apply

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help complete the MAT 2026 application form smoothly, from registration to final submission, using the official online portal.

Step 1: Visit the official MAT 2026 website.

Step 2: Click on the “MAT 2026 Registration” link on the homepage.

Step 3: Enter a valid email ID and mobile number. Verify using the OTP sent to the mobile number.

Step 4: Log in using the credentials generated during registration.

Step 5: Select the exam mode (PBT, CBT, or IBT) and choose your preferred test cities.

Step 6: Upload scanned documents, such as a photograph, signature, and academic details.

Step 7: Pay the application fee online through debit/credit card or net banking.

Step 8: Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

MAT 2026 Syllabus

The MAT 2026 syllabus is divided into five key sections. Each section evaluates specific skills like math ability, reading comprehension, reasoning, general awareness, and data interpretation, all essential for success in management entrance exams.

MAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The MAT 2026 exam pattern checks the overall aptitude of candidates through five sections. It can be taken in three different formats: CBT, PBT, and IBT.

• Exam Mode: The exam can be taken in one of three modes: Computer-Based Test (CBT), Paper-Based Test (PBT), or Internet-Based Test (IBT).
• Sections: There are 5 sections in the exam, each focusing on a different subject area.
• Duration: The total time given is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Total Questions: The exam includes 200 questions in total.
• Types of Questions: All questions are multiple-choice (MCQs).
• Marking Scheme: 1 mark is given for every correct answer.
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.

MAT 2026 Preparation Tips

To perform well in MAT 2026, it is important to follow a well-structured preparation strategy. The tips below can help in building a strong foundation for the exam:

1. Understand the MAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Begin preparation by going through the detailed MAT 2026 exam pattern and syllabus. This helps in identifying important topics and planning study time accordingly.
2. Create a Study Plan: Make a daily or weekly timetable to cover all five sections of MAT 2026. Allocate more time to weaker areas.
3. Practice Regularly: Solve sample papers and previous year question papers of MAT 2026 to improve accuracy and speed.
4. Take Mock Tests: Attempt full-length MAT 2026 mock tests under timed conditions. This will help in improving time management and building exam confidence.
5. Focus on Reading and Vocabulary: For the English section of MAT 2026, develop strong reading habits and improve vocabulary by reading newspapers, business articles, and editorials.
6. Revise Key Concepts: Regularly review formulas, shortcut techniques, and important concepts, especially in the Quant and Reasoning sections.
7. Stay Healthy and Stress-Free: A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular breaks during study time are essential for maintaining focus during MAT 2026 preparation.

MAT 2026 Admit Card

The admit card for MAT 2026 is expected to be released in the last week of February 2026 for the PBT exam and in the first week of March 2026 for the CBT exam. Only candidates who complete the registration process will be able to download it.

• To access the admit card, candidates must log in to the official website at https://mat.aima.in/ using their registered email ID and password. Once logged in, the admit card will appear on the screen and can be downloaded.
• After downloading, candidates should check all the details carefully. The admit card will be available only in online mode and will not be sent by post.
• A printed copy of the admit card must be carried to the exam centre. Entry to the exam hall will not be allowed without it.

MAT 2026 Counselling

The MAT 2026 counselling process will be managed separately by each participating institute, as AIMA does not conduct a centralised counselling system. Instead of a common admission procedure, more than 600 B-Schools that accept MAT scores will follow their own individual admission policies. The selection of candidates will be based on their MAT score, category, and the availability of seats at the respective institute. This decentralised approach allows institutions to adopt specific criteria, leading to a more flexible and institution-specific admission process for MBA and PGDM programs.

MAT 2026 FAQs