MAT preparation for Mathematical Skills section requires strategic planning and focused effort. This section is very scoring if you have enough practice. Check out top tips to prepare for Mathematical Skills section of MAT exam 2025.
Mathematical Skills is the only calculation intensive section of MAT exam. Those who have Engineering background will not find it difficult to crack this section, but those with non-technical background can face challenges. Starting exam preparation early on will be beneficial for those who have to study Mathematical Skills from the scratch.
Explore colleges based on MAT
The questions of MAT Mathematical Skills are of easy to moderate difficulty. With the right kind of MAT preparation strategy, test takers can easily master this section. The requirement here would be thorough understanding of the concepts and formulae.
Q: How can I prepare for MAT in six months?
Q: Which section of MAT exam has maximum weightage?
Each section of MAT exam has equal weightage. All the five sections - Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Indian & Global Environment have 30 questions. Each question carries one mark thus the section wise weightage of marks is 30 per section. There is negative marking of 0.25 in MAT. Since, every section has equal weightage, you need to prepare well for each one of them for a good overall score. Even in the exam, spend a good amount of time on each section and solve a minimum number of questions to meet the sectional cut off. Since, there is no sectional time-limit in MAT exam. Candidates can decide themselves how much time they should spend on which section as one needs to score well in all sections because of equal weightage. Out of 2 hours or 120 minutes, candidates should allot maximum time to the section they find tough or are calculation intensive. It is advisable to attempt the easier sections first and then move to tougher sections.
Q: If I am preparing for CAT, do I need to prepare separately for MAT?
The Mathematical Ability Section of MAT exam contains 30 questions out of the total 150 questions. For each right attempt one mark is awarded and for each wrong attempt 0.25 marks is deducted. So, in the exam, pay attention to selection of questions. Check below some key tips to prepare for Mathematical Skills (Quantitative Aptitude) section of MAT 2025 exam and score perfect 30/30.
Best Books for MAT Preparation 2025: Mathematical Skills
For conceptual clarity study books on Quantitative Aptitude (Mathematical Skills). Listed below are some of the most recommended preparation books for Mathematical Skills section of MAT exam. When preparing for MAT, you should refer to these books.
MAT Books 2025 |
Authors/Publishers |
---|---|
Mathematics for MBA |
RS Aggarwal |
Magical Book on Quicker Maths |
M Tyra |
Arithmetic and Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams |
RGopal |
Speed Mathematics: Do it Quick, Do it Right |
Rajesh Kumar Thakur C |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams |
RS Aggarwal |
Vedic Mathematics: Secrets Skills for Quick, Accurate Mental Calculations |
Sumita Bose |
The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude |
Dinesh Khattar |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude |
Arun Sharma |
Also Read: Best books for MAT preparation 2025
Preparation Tips for MAT 2025: Mathematical Skills
Study Mathematical Skills Topics Thoroughly
Mathematical Skills section of MAT 2025 exam can be handled easily, if you have conceptual clarity on each of the topics. This section includes Quantitative Aptitude topics ─ LCM and HCF, Speed, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Average, Number System, Unitary Method, Triangles, Circles, Geometry, Venn Diagrams, Trigonometry, etc. Candidates preparing for the MAT exam this year, must keep their main focus on these topics. Give yourself about three months to cover the MAT Mathematical Skills syllabus.
Q: How can I prepare for MAT?
Q: What is the difficulty level of MAT exam?
MAT is one of the easier MBA entrance exam. The difficulty level of the exam much easier than CAT XAT or CMAT. Candidates usually prepare for CAT XAT and CMAT and use that experience to give the MAT exam. Even though the MAT has more questions than XAT CAT CMAT. It is easier because the questions of all the five sections include:
- Mathematical Skills
- Language Comprehension
- Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
- Data Analysis and Sufficiency
- Indian and Global Environment
These are easy and straightforward. There are less Reading Comprehension passages of shorter length and are easy to comprehend. Since, the Indian and Global Environment scores are not taken into consideration for MAT percentile calculation, candidates find it easier to crack MAT in 2.5 hours with high scores.
Q: Is MAT syllabus more difficult than other MBA entrance exams?
The MAT syllabus is same as other MBA entrance exams, which is Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude English Comprehension and General Awareness, only their nomenclature is different. So, candidates preparing for MAT has to study the same subject, topics and sub-topics that they have to study in CAT or CMAT.
In fact, candidates can use the same books for studying for MAT as well as other MBA entrance exams. In terms of difficulty level of the exam, MAT is easier in comparison to other MBA entrance exams. The difficulty level of MAT question paper is usually easy and there is no sectional time limit.
Moreover, MAT is conducted multiple times a year so candidates can choose an exam date or session whenever they are fully prepared for the exam, unlike in other MBA entrances, where candidates have to cover the syllabus, etc. Before a particular exam date. In MAT candidates have the choice of multiple attempts to improve score. A lot of candidates opt for the MAT for the reason that it is easy and they can get a good MBA college through it.
Q: Can I prepare for MAT in 1 month?
It is unlikely that any one can prepare successfully for MAT in one month from scratch. However, if a you have appeared for the MAT or any other MBA entrance exam recently, then you can crack it with one-month preparation. We say this, because if you’ve recently appeared for MAT or any other MBA entrance exam, you will only need to practice more questions and mock tests or revise important topics in the give one month to be able to crack it. The syllabus of MAT is same as that of other MBA entrance exams, and the difficulty level is easy. So, you will not really have to practice too many mock tests. Read More: MAT 1-month preparation plan
Q: Can I make another attempt at MAT exam, if I score low in first attempt?
Yes, you can attempt MAT exam as many times as you want. MAT is conducted multiple times in a year and three different modes. The MAT exam is held in February, May, September and December. In each phase there are 4-5 IBT sessions, 2 CBT sessions and 1 PBT session. If a candidate is not satisfied with their score of first attempt, they can choose any upcoming session to appear for it again. They can choose an exam phase and a session as per their preparation level, decision to pursue MBA or admission cycle of the target college. However, for each session, the candidate will have to fill a fresh application form and pay the fees. The score of the last attempted MAT exam will be considered for admission. Read More: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/mat-exam-preparation-tips-blogId-11997
Also Read:
Memorise Formulas, Theorems and Shortcuts
In order to be proficient in every topic included in the Mathematical Skills syllabus of MAT exam, one needs to know all the formulae and theorems by heart. Study each topic one by one. Get conceptual clarity and understand the application of each theorem before moving ahead. Unless you understand the theorems, you can't solve the MAT Mathematical Skills questions accurately. After completing a topic, solve a few questions on the same to assess if you've learnt the correct application of the theorem.
- Memorise all the formulas and theorems of Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Mensuration.
- Also, memorise Tables up to 20, Square, Square Root and Cubes.
- Join online study forums for guidance and problem solving sessions.
Learn Time Management
MAT, like any other MBA exam is a speed-based test. Mastering time management skills is important as Mathematical Skills section has calculation intensive questions which take time. The sums can be tricky if you are not adept with the application of the right formula or theorem. Also, there is pressure of attempting at least 15-20 questions accurately for a high score. Therefore, practice MAT mock tests and sample questions in a time-bound manner. Attempt the same questions multiple times and try to solve it in lesser time in every next attempt. This will help in gaining speed and accuracy. Try out the MAT Mock Test by Shiksha for practice of time bound questions. below:
MAT_Mock_Test_1 | MAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
MAT_Mock_Test_2 | MAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Avoid Guesswork in MAT Exam
Mathematical questions are to be solved through application of formulae and theorems as that is the only way to arrive at the correct answer. Don't resort to guess work in Mathematical Skills section of MAT exam. This can lead to negative marking.
Also Read:
Lastly, start early with the preparation of Mathematical Skills section of MAT. Take time to learn the fundamentals of topics such as Vectors, Differential Equation, Trigonometry, etc. and a large number of practice sample questions. Test takers should devote not less than one to two hours per day on solving and learning formulas and theorems to prepare for Mathematical Skills.
Make notes of formulae, theorems learnt and shortcuts discovered during preparation. These notes will be immensely useful for revision in the final phase of MAT 2025 preparation.
Read More:
- MAT exam preparation tips 2025
- MAT 2025 exam preparation for Data Analysis & Sufficiency
- MAT 2025 exam preparation for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
- MAT 2025 exam preparation Tips for Indian & Global Environment
- MAT 2025 exam preparation for Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability
- How to prepare for MAT 2025 in six months
- How to prepare for MAT 2025 in three months
- How to prepare for MAT 2025 in one month
![author-image](https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/1621410751phpKQiqNg_m.jpeg)
Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Jan '25 | XAT 2025 Cut Offs Release |
17 Jan '25 | XAT 2025 result |
13 Jan '25 - 17 Jan '25 | NMAT 2024 Exam Window (second ... |
5 Jan '25 - 10 Jan '25 | NMAT 2024 Scheduling Window (s... |
19 Dec '24 | CAT 2024 result announcement |
3 Dec '24 - 5 Dec '24 | CAT 2024 answer key challenge |
Feb '25 | IBSAT 2024 Selection Process (... |
28 Dec '24 - 29 Dec '24 | IBSAT 2024 Exam |
31 Jan '25 - 2 Feb '25 | CMAT 2025 Answer Key Release a... |
25 Jan '25 | CMAT 2025 exam date |
8 Jan '25 | SNAP 2024 result announcement |
21 Dec '24 | SNAP 2024 session 3 |
25 Dec '24 - 25 Feb '25 | MAH CET 20245 registration pro... |
Mar '25 | MAH MBA CET 2025 |
14 Feb '25 | GE & PI Shortlist Declaration |
14 Feb '25 | MICAT 2 result declaration |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
24 Jan '25 - 21 Feb '25 | TANCET 2025 Registration |
Feb '25 | TANCET Admit Card Download |
Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) operates as a standardized test which multiple Indian business institutions use to determine MBA and PGDM programme admissions. Each institution that takes part in the MAT exam establishes independent cutoff scores that fluctuate every year due to multiple factors
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, an international student can take the MAT that uses the *IBT (Internet-Based Test)* mode. IBT mode is where candidates are given permission to sit the test from their homes using a computer with a stable internet connection.
How an International Student Can Attempt MAT via IBT Mode?
1. Check El
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 days ago
If you are expecting a 20-50% score in MAT, your best college options would likely include private universities like Amity University, Christ University, Jaipuria Institute of Management, and the Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), as they tend to accept a wider range of MAT scores and may still o
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
For admission to MBA courses, VMOU accepts valid MAT scores Thus, candidates seeking admission to the MBA programme can register and appear for the MAT exam. As per official sources, the 2025 session of the MAT exam is scheduled to be held on Mar 9, 2025.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
There is no passing marks in MAT as the selection of candidates is based on MAT cut offs. The MAT accepting colleges fix a minimum cut off percentile for shortlisting of candidates for MBA admission. This cut off varies from college to college. In some colleges the MAT cut off can be above 90 percen
S
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 6 days ago
The minimum eligibility criteria for MBA through MAT is graduation with minimum 50 percent marks. For reserved category students the minimum score required in 45 percent. All AICTE approved institutions have the minimum score criteria for full-time MBA. For MBA admission, candidate's academic scores
J
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 6 days ago
CIT Bangalore accepts various national-level entrance tests, including MAT, for admission to its MBA programme. Thus, candidates seeking admission to the MBA programme can apply via valid MAT score. As per official sources, the 2025 session of the MAT exam is scheduled to be held on Mar 9, 2025.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is one of the entrance exams accepted by Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) for admissions to their management programs. However, the exact MAT score required for admission can vary each year based on the number of applicants and the competition level.
Generally, a h
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
With a MAT score of 46%, you may still be able to get into good MBA colleges for HR, but your options may be limited to institutions with more flexible admission criteria. Colleges like UPES Dehradun, Amity University, Apeejay School of Management, Bharati Vidyapeeth, and ICFAI Business School may c
Answered 2 weeks ago
MAT 2025 registration for admission to MBA courses at Jammu University will open soon. MAT 2025 exam dates - AIMA has announced MAT 2025 exam dates for February session. Registration process for MAT February 2025 began on December 24, 2024. Candidates interested in appearing for the exam can apply
I
Contributor-Level 7
For MAT preparation in six months candidates need to have a focused plan. They must gather the best books for MAT preparation and start with covering the syllabus. MAT syllabus should be completed in three months. You can make a monthly/weekly or daily plan to cover the syllabus which should include studying one topic each from the main four sections - Mathematical Skills, Data Interpretation, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning as well as Language Comprehension. Keep the Indian and Global Environment section for the last. In the next two months, practice MAT sample papers and MAT mock tests to gain control over the topics you studied in the first three months. For a speed based test like MAT mock test and sample paper practice is a must because only with the help of these you can gain speed and accuracy in solving questions. The MAT question paper can have tough, tricky or easy question so you should be prepared for all types. In the last one month, study for the Indian and Global Environment section and do daily revision of all other topics. Solve a few previous year MAT question paper or solve a couple of mock tests to stay in touch with your abilities. Read More: MAT 6 months preparation plan