MAT May 2026 sessions exam dates are expected to be released shortly. In the February cycle, the Paper-Based Test (PBT) was conducted on March 1, while the Computer-Based Test (CBT) took place on March 8, 2026. For the upcoming May session, the MAT 2026 registration form will be accessible through the official AIMA MAT portal. If you already have an account, then you can simply log in and complete your registration process.
MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the All-India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA and PGDM programs. More than 800 B-Schools across India accept MAT scores, making it one of the most widely recognized management entrance tests. Unlike other MBA entrance exams, MAT is held multiple times a year, giving you flexibility in choosing your exam phase. It also offers different modes of testing PBT and CBT. During the COVID-19 period, AIMA introduced the Internet-Based Test (IBT) mode, but this option has now been discontinued.
For MAT 2026, you must hold a graduation degree from a UGC-recognized university to be eligible. You can be completed online through the official AIMA-MAT portal by paying a fee of INR 2200 for one mode (PBT or CBT) or INR 3800 for both. The MAT exam pattern consists of 150 multiple-choice questions divided into five sections: Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, and Economic & Business Environment. Each correct answer earns one mark, while every wrong response deducts 0.25 marks from your score. This structure ensures a balanced evaluation of a candidate’s aptitude across key areas essential for MBA and PGDM admissions.
MAT Exam 2026 Highlights
Below are the important highlights of the MAT 2026 exam:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | MAT 2026 |
| Full Form | Management Aptitude Test |
| Conducted by | AIMA (All India Management Association) |
| Exam Purpose | Admission to more than 800 MBA colleges in India |
| Exam Level | National-Level Exam |
| Frequency | 4 times per year |
| Sessions |
|
| Mode |
|
| Medium | English |
| Sections |
|
| Total No. of Questions | 200 |
| Duration of the Exam | 2 Hours |
| Exam Fees |
|
| No. of Test Cities |
|
| Official Website | https://mat.aima.in/ |
MAT 2026 Exam Dates
The important dates for the MAT 2026 May session have not been announced yet. The dates for the MAT 2026 February session are mentioned in the table below:
MAT 2026 Exam Dates for February Session
Here are the important dates for the MAT 2026 February session:
| Exam | Dates |
| Last Date for PBT Online Registration | February 23, 2026 |
| Availability of PBT Admit Card | February 26, 2026 |
| PBT Exam Date | March 1, 2026 |
| Last Date for CBT Online Registration | March 2, 2026 |
| Availability of CBT Admit Card | March 5, 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | March 8, 2026 |
MAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
AIMA has defined the MAT 2026 eligibility criteria. Before you apply online, make sure you go through the requirements carefully. The basic conditions you need to meet are listed below:
| Requirements | Details |
| Graduation Requirement | You must hold a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a UGC-recognized university. |
| Final-Year Students | Candidates in the final year of graduation can apply, but they must submit their passing certificate to the MBA college within the given deadline. |
| Minimum Marks | There is no minimum score required to appear for MAT. However, most participating institutes expect at least 50% marks in graduation (45% for reserved categories). |
| Age Limit | There is no age restriction. Both fresh graduates and working professionals are eligible. |
| Professional Degrees | Candidates with professional qualifications such as CA, CS, or ICWA are also eligible to apply. |
MAT Registration 2026
The MAT 2026 application process is available online for CBT and PBT modes. Follow the steps below to complete your registration:
- Step 1: Go to the official AIMA-MAT website at https://mat.aima.in/ and click on Register.
- Step 2: Enter your personal details such as name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, state, city, preferred test mode, and create a secure password.
- Step 3: Verify your email and mobile number using the authentication code sent to you.
- Step 4: Select your exam mode (CBT or PBT), choose test cities, and list up to five B-Schools to receive your scores.
- Step 5: Pay the application fee of INR 2200 for one mode or INR 3800 for both via debit/credit card, net banking, or e-wallet.
- Step 6: Fill in your academic and personal details in the application form.
- Step 7: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and scanned signature in the prescribed format.
- Step 8: Click Submit to finalize your application.
- Step 9: Check your email for confirmation and acknowledgement of successful submission.
MAT Registration Fees 2026
To apply for the MAT 2026 exam, you should check the MAT registration fees. Check out the table below for the exam registration fees for both modes:
| Mode of Exam | Registration Fees |
| CAT (Computer-Based Test) | INR 2200 |
| PBT (Paper-Based Test) | INR 2200 |
| PBT + CBT | INR 3800 |
MAT Admit Card 2026
AIMA will release the MAT 2026 admit card separately for both PBT and CBT modes. You must carry the admit card along with a valid ID proof to the exam centre, as entry will not be permitted without them.
You will be able to download your MAT admit card by following these simple instructions below:
- Visit the official AIMA MAT website at https://mat.aima.in/.
- From the Download/View menu, select the MAT Admit Card option.
- A login page will appear. Enter your Email ID, Password, and Date of birth.
- Click on the “Login” button.
- The screen will show the link to download your admit card.
- Download the admit card and take a printout for use at the exam centre.
MAT Exam Pattern 2026
MAT 2026 is an objective test with 150 questions divided across five sections. You don’t need to attempt all, but aiming for about two‑thirds can help secure a strong score. Since there’s no sectional time limit, managing time is easier. The exam pattern is outlined in the table below:
| Features | Details |
| Exam Modes | CBT, PBT |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| MAT Sections | Language Comprehension
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning Mathematical Skills Data Analysis & Sufficiency Economic & Business Environment |
| No. of Questions | 150 |
| No. of Questions Section-Wise | 30 |
| Total Marks | 150 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer
-0.25 for each incorrect answer 0 for not attempting a question |
MAT Syllabus 2026
The following table presents a section-wise breakdown of the MAT 2026 syllabus:
| Section | Important Topics |
| Language Comprehension | Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Idioms & Phrases, Verbal Ability, Fill in the blanks, One Word Substitution, Antonyms & Synonyms, etc. |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | Blood Relation, Coding and Decoding, Numeric Grid, Calendars, Visual Reasoning, Syllogism, Family Tree, Clocks, etc. |
| Mathematical Skills | Algebra, Number System, Percentage, Mensuration and Geometry, Trigonometry, Number System, Set Theory, LCM & HCF, Inequalities, etc. |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | Tables, Caselet-based Data, Charts, Graphs, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Venn Diagrams, Data Sufficiency, Data Comparison, etc. |
| Economic & Business Environment | Static GK, Business, Science & Technology, World News, Events, Politics, Awards & Recognition, etc. |
MAT Cutoff 2026 (Expected)
MAT cutoffs are set individually by institutes for MBA/PGDM admissions, and AIMA is not involved in the process. Since the exam’s difficulty level remains consistent across sessions, cut‑offs usually stay stable. The table below shows the expected MAT 2026 cutoffs:
| MAT Accepting Colleges | MAT Cutoff (Percentile) |
| Amity Business School, Noida | 90+ |
| SOIL Institute of Management | 90 |
| Christ University Bengaluru | 80-90 |
| BIMTECH Greater Noida | 80-90 |
| SIESCOMS Navi Mumbai | 80-90 |
| Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini, Delhi | 80-90 |
| Indus Business Academy | 80-90 |
| Institute of Management Studies (IMS) | 80-90 |
| IPE Hyderabad, Institute of Public Enterprise | 80-90 |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow | 80-90 |
| New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM) | 80-85 |
| Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management | 80-85 |
| IES Management College and Research Centre | 80-85 |
| ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai | 80-85 |
MAT Result 2026
MAT 2026 scorecard is released online about 15–20 days after the test. Results for all modes are published together. The steps to download the scorecard are given below:
- Visit the official MAT website at https://mat.aima.in/.
- Click on Login for MAT
- Enter your Roll Number and Registration Number
- Click on the Submit button
- Select the Exam month
- Go to the Scorecard Download option
- Your MAT scorecard will appear on the screen
- Download it and save a copy for future use
MAT Selection Process 2026
The MAT 2026 selection process generally involves GD/PI or WAT‑PI rounds. After clearing the exam, you can apply to institutes that accept MAT scores based on their admission cycle. During registration, you may choose up to five participating colleges, and once the scorecard is released, AIMA forwards the scores to those institutions for shortlisting. Final selection is usually based on three key factors:
- MAT Score
- GD/PI Performance
- Academic Record & Work Experience
MAT Exam Preparation Tips 2026
Preparing for MAT 2026 usually takes 3 to 6 months of focused study. If you’ve already taken MAT or another MBA entrance exam, you may need less time. Your preparation strategy should focus on covering the syllabus within a set schedule, practicing mock tests and sample papers, and revising regularly. You can manage these tasks together or one after another, depending on how much time you have.
- Refer to expert‑recommended MAT books for clear explanations and practice questions. Also, use extra reference materials to strengthen your preparation.
- If you’re preparing for MAT using CAT books, make sure to spend enough time practicing questions designed specifically for MAT.
- Practice past MAT papers, official samples, and mock tests to build speed and accuracy. Since MAT has no sectional time limit, set your own limits while attempting full‑length tests.
- After each MAT mock test, review your performance to identify strengths and weaknesses. This analysis will guide you in refining your preparation strategy.
- If you’re short on time, focus on high‑weightage topics to maximize attempts. Review past MAT papers to understand topic‑wise importance and plan targeted preparation.
FAQs – MAT Exam 2026
Ques: How are MAT 2026 cutoffs determined?
Ans: MAT cut‑offs are decided individually by participating institutes for MBA/PGDM admissions. AIMA does not play any role in the admission process. Since the exam difficulty level remains consistent across sessions, cut‑offs usually remain stable. Institutes shortlist candidates based on MAT scores, followed by GD/PI or WAT‑PI rounds.
Ques: Can I use CAT preparation books for MAT 2026?
Ans: Yes, CAT books can be useful for MAT preparation since they cover similar topics. However, you should also practice MAT‑specific questions to get familiar with the exam’s difficulty level and question style. This ensures you are well‑prepared for the actual test.
Ques: How many institutes can I select while applying for MAT 2026?
Ans: While filling out the MAT application form, you can choose up to five participating institutes where your scores will be sent directly by AIMA after the scorecard release. This helps streamline the shortlisting process for MBA/PGDM admissions.
Ques: How many times can I take MAT in 2026?
Ans: AIMA conducts MAT four times a year – in February, May, September, and December. You can appear in any session or even multiple sessions to improve your score. The best score can be used for MBA/PGDM admissions, depending on the institute’s requirements.
Ques: What is the validity of the MAT 2026 score?
Ans: The MAT 2026 score is valid for one academic year. For example, if you take MAT in February 2026, your score can be used for admissions in the 2026–27 academic cycle across participating institutes.
Ques: What is the difference between MAT and CAT?
Ans: While both MAT and CAT are MBA entrance exams, MAT is considered easier and more flexible. MAT is conducted four times a year, has 150 questions in 150 minutes, and is accepted by a wide range of B‑schools. CAT, on the other hand, is conducted once a year, has a greater difficulty level, and is primarily used by IIMs and top-tier institutes.
