How to Prepare for MAT Exam 2025: Tips to Crack Mathematical Skills

Management Aptitude Test 2024 ( MAT )

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Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Dec 13, 2024 16:56 IST

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.

MAT preparation

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.

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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?

A:

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

Q:   Which section of MAT exam has maximum weightage?

A:

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?

A:
No, CAT and MAT syllabuses are almost same. MAT is easy. If you are preparing for CAT then no need of separate work for MAT. The syllabus is almost the same. I was also a student who prepared for CAT immediately after my graduation. The important things which you should look into while preparing for this exam are as follows: 1. Select one of the best coaching centers which offer quality education- TIME is one of the famous coaching centers for CAT. 2. Dedication- Be focused on the aim which you need to achieve. 3. Try to read Hindu newspaper editorial. Most of the passages which appear in CAT are from Hindu editorial. 4. Try to maximum number of online mock test. You will definitely clear CAT by doing the above. 5. Try to read as much as you can and make note of points. 6. Revision of each week topics is very important. 7. Mathematical ability questions will be little twisted try to do as faster as you can. These are my tips for you to crack both MAT and CAT.

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. 

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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?

A:
Hi, Set your plan right. Work on your plan and identify your weaknesses and strength. Get the right material. Try to plan and identify above stated things within a week. Set your plan agile and keep buffer time for revision and solving mock test papers. Start with your verbal and quantitative practice in parallel. Time management is very important at every single point of time till the final day and even on the day. Be positive. Solve questions in a specified time frame as this will help you in doing questions in time. Maintain a good balance between your accuracy and solving time. You can refer to the below link for complete information on MAT: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/exams/mat/preparation-tips

Q:   What is the difficulty level of MAT exam?

A:

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?

A:

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 make another attempt at MAT exam, if I score low in first attempt?

A:

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

 

Q:   Can I prepare for MAT in 1 month?

A:

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

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:

Check MAT Cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting MAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all MAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict MAT Admission Calls
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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

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Answered 6 days ago

Yes, admissions are possible to the BTech course without the MAT. The various other accepted entrance exams are XAT,  CAT,  CMAT, ATMA, GPAT, and others. Candidates applying through other accepted entrance exams must first visit the official website. Then click on the Apply Now tab. Then select the

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M

Manpreet Sharma

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 6 days ago

Yes, admission in Udaybhansinhji Regional institute of Cooperative Management PGDM without MAT scores is possible. The other accepted entrance examinations are XAT,  CAT,  CMAT,  ATMA, and others. To get admission, students must first visit the official website of the college. Then select the requir

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R

Raj Kumar

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 6 days ago

St. Xavier's University Kolkata accepts various national-level entrance test including MAT. Thus, canddiates seeking admission to the MBA programme can apply via valid MAT score. As per official sources, the 2025 session of MAT exam is schedueled to be held on Mar 9, 2025. Interested students can a

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S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, admissions are possible without MAT through other accepted entrance exam scores. The other accepted entrance exam scores are XAT, CAT, CMAT, ATMA, MAH CET, and others. Hence, students have the option to easily get admission through other accepted entrance exams if they have missed the MAT or sc

...more

I

Ishita B

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

Hey,

With a MAT score in the 92.98 percentile, you have a variety of excellent options for applications, including prestigious management institutions such as the Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB), Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), and

...more

n

neha dhumal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

No, MAT IBT is not easier that PBT or CBT. The difficulty level of all exam modes of MAT is same. One needs to be prepared equally well for every section and every topic of the MAT syllabus, irrespective of the exam mode they choose. One may find MAT IBT more convenient, as it can be taken from any

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N

Nitesh Vimal

Beginner-Level 2

Answered 2 weeks ago

The leading entrance examinations for MBA programs comprise CAT and MAT, both of which are recognised by nearly all MBA colleges across India. While there are slight variations in the exam formats for CAT and MAT, it's important to note that only CAT scores are accepted by IIMs.

ParameterCATMAT
Number of SectionsThreeFive
Duration180 minutes150 minutes
No. of Questions100200 (40 from each section)
No. Of Papers11
Test CentreCandidates can choose four cities as per the choicesCandidates can choose three cities
Level of DifficultyHighModerate
Marking SchemeCorrect Answer: +4 Incorrect Answer: -1Correct Answer: +1 Incorrect: -.25
No. of Exams conducted yearlyOnce a YearFour times a year
Major CollegesAll IIMs, IITs, FMS, MDI, IMTChrist College Institute of Management, IMS, BIMTECH (Noida)

P

Pallavi Rai

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

The MAT cutoff to join MBA programs at N.M.D College is always different year after year, which depends upon the number of students who appear for the test and the number of seats in the respective program. Typically, one who scores between 60-70 percent or more in MAT can be taken into consideratio

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Hanshika Baswal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

The college accept many entrance exams like MAT, XAT GMAT, CAT, CMAT etc. admission process is conducted through the centralised admission process of the directorate of technical education.

For MAT 2025 exam, registration deadline is March 2.

For XAT 2025 exam, exam date is on Jan 5th. 

For CMAT 2025 e

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Vijay S

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

No, you cannot join the Adani Institute of Digital Technology Management (AIDTM) PGDM programme without an entrance exam, including the MAT: 

Entrance exams

AIDTM accepts national-level management entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, MAT, and ATMA. 

Selection process-:

Admission is based on merit,

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subrat nanda

Beginner-Level 4