MAT Exam 2026: Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus
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The year 2026 will not be different, as the Management Aptitude Test (MAT Entrance Exam) will still be the same national-level test and managed by the All India Management Association (AIMA). This is the only exam that is recognised by more than 600 B-Schools, and therefore, it is the only option for students to take who want to have a career in management. The MAT Exam for MBA is conducted four times a year - February, May, September, and December - thus providing the students with flexible opportunities to improve their scores.
The test evaluates applicants in five major dimensions: Language Comprehension, Mathematical skills, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency and the Indian and Global Environment. MAT 2026 becomes a user-friendly choice for MBA wannabes of all sorts of academic backgrounds, owing to its numerous examination modes and broad acceptance.
MAT 2026 Registration
The date for the MAT 2026 registration for the February session is most probably going to start in December 2025. The candidates must register, and the registration must be done through the official AIMA website. The process includes the candidate entering personal and academic information, uploading requisite documents, selecting an exam mode, and paying the MAT Exam Fee via online payment. The registration period for every cycle normally remains open for one to three extra weeks.
MAT Exam Fee (Expected 2026)
Mode
Fee (INR)
IBT / PBT / CBT
2100
Any Two Modes (e.g., CBT + PBT)
3300
The online payment is to be done via net banking, debit card, credit card, UPI, or wallet transactions. Those applicants who have applied for dual modes will be given extra scorecards as well for having wider admission alternatives.
MAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The MAT Entrance Exam has evolved into a test that offers different forms; it may be taken either in paper format (PBT), computer format (CBT), or online (IBT) format. The combination of all five sections results in 200 multiple-choice questions overall, with 40 questions from each section. One point is given for a right answer, while 0.25 points are deducted for a wrong one. The entire test can be taken within 150 minutes.
Section
Questions
Marks
Time
Language Comprehension
40
40
150 minutes total
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
40
40
Mathematical Skills
40
40
Data Analysis & Sufficiency
40
40
Indian & Global Environment
40
40
Understanding sectional weightage and practising a variety of questions helps improve scoring potential.
MAT Syllabus 2026
The MAT Syllabus is aimed at measuring skills of logical decision-making and analytical thinking. It includes:
Section
Topics Covered
Language Comprehension
Reading comprehension passages, vocabulary, error detection, para jumbles, sentence correction
Mathematical Skills
Algebra, arithmetic, percentages, number system, averages, time and work, geometry
Data Analysis & Sufficiency
Pie charts, bar graphs, caselets, data comparison, calculation-based questions
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
Analogies, seating arrangements, direction sense, puzzles, and critical thinking
Indian & Global Environment
Current affairs, business updates, economic news, international events
Giving a mock test religiously is one of the best ways to crack each section as one grows in conceptual clarity.
MAT Entrance Eligibility
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A bachelor's degree in any subject area from an accredited university or institution is a prerequisite for candidates. This includes degrees earned through different modes of education, such as regular, distance learning or open university, thus providing equal opportunities for all students regardless of the mode of education.
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The MAT Entrance Exam is open to final-year graduation students, but only if they can present during admission proof of degree completion. This practice enables the candidates to proceed with their academic career without losing a year.
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The All India Management Association (AIMA) does not necessitate a minimum percentage for MAT eligibility; however, various colleges may set their own cut-off percentages for the admissions process. Hence, students may select their college based on their performance and academic qualifications.
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The MAT Exam does not impose an upper age limit, thereby allowing professionals or people changing their careers to attend MBA or PGDM programs at any time during their career.
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The MAT, too, permits the candidates to take an infinite number of attempts, thus allowing them to go for as many sessions as they want in a year, which will result in an enhanced score and a higher possibility of being accepted at the top business schools.
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The MAT Exam is open for registration for all high school graduates, irrespective of their stream—Science, Commerce, Arts, or any other. It makes management education available to more people and encourages their growth in any professional field.
MAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
Event
Date
MAT 2026 Registration Date (Feb Session)
December 2025 – January 2026
Admit Card Releasing
One week before the exam
MAT 2026 Exam Dates
February 2026
Result Declaration
7–10 days after the exam
The same cycle will repeat for May, September, and December attempts with similar timelines.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT 2026 Scores
MAT is accepted by many reputed management institutions across the country. Below is the expected cutoff list for significant colleges:
College Name
City
Expected Cutoff (Percentile)
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME)
Bengaluru
70–80
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH)
Greater Noida
75–85
Institute of Management Studies (IMS Ghaziabad)
Ghaziabad
75–80
Christ University Institute of Management (CUIM)
Bengaluru
75–80
Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS)
Delhi
70–75
Jaipuria Institute of Management
Lucknow / Noida
75–85
AIMS Institutes
Bengaluru
65–75
ITM Business School
Navi Mumbai
70–80
Indus Business Academy (IBA)
Bengaluru
70–75
Amity University
Noida
70–80
Students should review each college’s specific admission process, including GD/PI or academic score criteria.
Conclusion
The MAT 2026 exam offers a flexible option for candidates who want to get an MBA and PGDM programs from accredited Indian institutions. The knowledge of the MAT Syllabus 2026, MAT Entrance Eligibility, exam pattern, important dates, and MAT 2026 Registration Date enables the students to establish a strong approach. Good planning, regular practice, and enhancing one's performance by taking mock tests are the steps to getting into the top B-schools. Due to its wide acceptance and different exam cycles, the MAT Entrance Exam continues to be the easiest and most beneficial way for management hopefuls in India.
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