The MAT 2026 online application submissions for will begin on 1st week of December 2025 for both online and offline mode exams. The last date for the submission of online applications will be till 1st week of March 2026 (PBT), followed by 2nd week of March 2026 (CBT). The MAT 2026 will release admit cards for PBT and CBT in the 2nd week of March 2026 and 3rd week of March 2026, respectively. The MAT 2026 exam will be conducted in the 2nd week of March 2026 (PBT) and 4th week of March 2026 (CBT).
The MAT (Management Aptitude Test) 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA and allied management programs pan India. The MAT exam is known for its flexibility. MAT 2026 will be conducted four times a year, and will offer candidates the option to appear in any one of the three modes – Paper Based Test (PBT), Computer Based Test (CBT), and Internet Based Test (IBT), catering to the varied needs and preferences of management aspirants.
MAT 2026 is expected to follow its standard exam structure, comprising sections like Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, and Indian & Global Environment. The MAT 2026 will assess a candidate’s overall aptitude for management education and plays a crucial role in shaping their career path.
The MAT continues to be a popular choice among aspirants aiming to pursue postgraduate Management programs in reputed institutions across India. The MAT test's structure and periodic sessions throughout the year makes it accessible for a wide array of aspirants to ensure ample opportunities to qualify and enhance their prospects in higher education and professional careers in management. However, candidates are required to fulfil the MAT 2026 eligibility criteria before proceeding with the MAT 2026 application process.
All You Need to Know for MAT 2026
Basic Information on MAT
MAT 2026 – Exam Dates (Tentative)
MAT 2026 – Exam Highlights
MAT 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
MAT 2026 – Application Form
MAT 2026 – Exam Pattern
MAT 2026 – Syllabus
MAT 2026 – Admit Card
MAT 2026 – Results
MAT 2026 – Counselling
The MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission into MBA and allied management programs across India. Recognized by over 800 business schools, MAT offers candidates flexibility through multiple test modes including Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT). The MAT exam evaluates candidates on key areas such as language comprehension, mathematical skills, data analysis, intelligence, critical reasoning, and general awareness related to economic and business environments. Held four times a year, the MAT exam provides a widely accessible platform for aspirants seeking management education, with scores accepted by numerous reputed institutes for their admission processes.
The MAT exam is conducted four times a year, typically in February, May, September, and December. Exact dates for other sessions will be released closer to those exam months.
The following table represents the important dates for the MAT 2026 exam's February session (tentative), featuring both offline (PBT) and online (CBT) modes.
Event
Paper-Based Test (PBT) Dates
Computer-Based Test (CBT) Dates
Registration Start
1st week of December 2025
Registration End
1st week of March 2026
2nd week of March 2026
Admit Card Release
3rd week of March 2026
Exam Date
4th week of March 2026
Result Announcement
Last week of March 2026
Features
Details
Exam Name
Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
Conducted By
All India Management Association (AIMA)
Exam Level
National
Exam Mode
Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), Internet-Based Test (IBT)
Exam Duration
120 minutes (2 hours)
Question Type
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Questions
150
Sections
5
Section-wise Questions
Language Comprehension - 30; Mathematical Skills - 30; Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency - 30; Intelligence & Critical Reasoning - 30; Economic & Business Environment - 30
Marking Scheme
+1 mark for each correct answer; -0.25 mark for incorrect; no negative for unattempted
Syllabus
English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning & Intelligence, Data Interpretation, General Knowledge (Economic & Business Environment)
Language
English
Eligibility
Graduation in any discipline or final year students eligible to apply
The MAT 2026 has eligibility criteria which are to be fulfilled by the candidates. Candidates aspiring to appear for MAT 2026 must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or be in the final year of their graduation. There is no restriction on age or work experience. Reserved category candidates are given relaxation in minimum marks criteria as per government guidelines, while the MAT 2026 exam tends to welcome candidates from all academic backgrounds aiming for management programs.
The MAT 2026 application process is completely online and conducted through the official AIMA website. Candidates need to register by providing their basic details, fill out the MAT 2026 application form with personal and educational information, upload scanned documents, and pay the application fee online. After successful submission, candidates can download the admit card from the website ahead of the exam date.
The MAT 2026 exam will consist of 150 multiple-choice questions divided into five sections. These are – Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Economic & Business Environment. Candidates are given 120 minutes to complete the MAT test, with no sectional time limits. Each correct answer awards one mark, while incorrect answers incur a penalty of 0.25 marks. The MAT 2026 exam will be conducted in three modes—Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT)—offering flexibility to candidates.
The MAT 2026 syllabus covers essential topics to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude across five key areas. The MAT 2026 syllabus intends to cover – English Language skills including grammar and comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude focusing on arithmetic and algebra, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency involving charts and graphs, Logical Reasoning for analytical thinking, and General Knowledge related to the Economic and Business Environment. The MAT 2026 syllabus ensures that its aspirants are tested on both their intellectual and awareness capacities necessary for management studies.
Effective preparation for MAT 2026 involves building strong fundamentals in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. Candidates should create a structured study plan, practice regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy, and stay updated on current affairs for the general knowledge section. Time management, revising important formulas and concepts, and focusing on weaker areas can significantly enhance overall performance.
The MAT 2026 admit card is released online a few weeks before the MAT exam date on the official AIMA website. Candidates must download the MAT 2026 admit card using their registration credentials and carry a printed copy to the exam center. The MAT 2026 admit card will contain crucial information such as exam date, time, venue, and candidate details, serving as mandatory entry proof for the examination.
MAT 2026 cut offs vary across participating institutes and are influenced by factors such as the number of applicants, exam difficulty, and seat availability. There is no centralized cut off for MAT 2026 as colleges set their own minimum qualifying marks or percentiles for shortlisting candidates. Generally, top management institutes have cut offs in the higher percentile range, while reserved categories enjoy relaxed cut off criteria in accordance with government norms.
MAT 2026 results are announced online by AIMA within 7 to 10 days after the MAT exam date. Candidates can check their scorecards by logging into the official MAT website using their registration details. The MAT scorecard displays section-wise marks, total marks, percentile, and qualifying status, which candidates use for admission to various management institutes.
The MAT counselling process is decentralized as individual colleges conduct their own admissions using MAT scores. After the MAT results are declared, candidates must apply separately to their preferred institutes, which shortlist candidates based on cut-offs. Shortlisted candidates then participate in selection rounds such as Group Discussions and Personal Interviews before final admissions are confirmed.
Q1. What is the eligibility criteria for MAT 2026?
Ans. Candidates aspiring to appear for MAT 2026 must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or be in the final year of their graduation. There is no upper age limit or mandatory work experience requirement, making the exam accessible to a wide range of aspirants.
Q2. How can a candidate apply for MAT 2026?
Ans. The application process for MAT 2026 is conducted entirely online through the official AIMA website. Candidates need to register, fill in personal and academic details, upload required documents, pay the application fee online, and finally download the admit card once it is released.
Q3. What is the exam pattern of MAT 2026?
Ans. MAT 2026 consists of 150 multiple-choice questions divided into five sections—Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Economic & Business Environment. The exam duration for MAT is 120 minutes, with negative marking applicable for incorrect answers.
Q4. When and how will the MAT 2026 results be declared?
Ans. MAT 2026 results are usually declared online within 7 to 10 days after the exam. Candidates can check their scorecards on the official MAT website by logging in with their registration credentials.
Q5. Is there a centralized counselling process for MAT 2026?
Ans. No, MAT counselling is decentralized. Individual management institutes conduct separate admission processes using MAT scores, which often include Group Discussion, Personal Interview, and Written Ability Tests. Candidates need to apply to each institute separately after the exam results are declared.