MAT exam preparation 2025 can be done in 6 months as the syllabus is similar to top MBA entrance exams and the difficulty level is easy. Here is a 6-month MAT preparation strategy for aspirants aiming to appear for the exam in May 2025.
Ideally, MAT exam requires six months for preparation. It is an easy exam having same syllabus as other MBA entrance exams. It is conducted four times a year – February, May, September and December, which makes it easy for aspirants to plan their preparation.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Candidates can decide in which MAT phase they should appear for the exam and start preparation six months before that. Those who have appeared for MAT before or other MBA entrance exams, they may need lesser time. Freshers or first timers must keep about six months for MAT preparation. If you plan to purse MBA in 2025 through MAT, then you should prepare according to the exam month of your preference. Here's a comprehensive plan for MAT six-month preparation.
Q: How can I prepare for MAT in six months?
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?
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?
How to Prepare for MAT Exam 2025 in Six Months?
Within the six months, you can cover the MAT syllabus, practice mock tests and revise important chapters if the study plan is made with focused attention. Here we have laid down a six month preparation plan for MAT 2025. To prepare for MAT exam in six months, you must apply the following strategy:
- Understand MAT exam pattern, subjects and marking scheme
- Study all the topics included in the MAT syllabus in detail
- Practise sample questions, MAT mock tests and MAT question papers
- Revise important topics and formulae regularly until the last day before exam
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MAT 6-Month Prep Plan: Know Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2025
The first step towards MAT preparation 2025 is to know the MAT test structure – question paper, topics, type of questions, marks per section, etc. Check the key highlights of the latest MAT exam pattern, below:
| MAT exam features |
Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of exam |
Computer-Based Test, Paper-Based Test and Internet Based Test |
| Medium of exam |
English |
| Time allotted |
2 hours 30 minutes 2 hours |
| Subjects |
|
| Total questions |
200 questions 150 questions |
| Type of questions |
Multiple choices questions |
| Marks per section |
1 mark per question |
| Negative marking |
Deduction of 0.25 marks for every incorrect attempt |
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: How can I prepare for MAT exam without coaching?
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
MAT 6-Month Preparation Plan 2025: Know Sectional Weightage
Every section of MAT carries 30 questions. There is no sectional time-limit in MAT so candidates need to make their own time management strategy. Here we have mentioned estimated time that should be enough to complete each section of the exam. Check the section-wise break up of MAT question paper:
| MAT Sections |
No. of Questions |
Time in minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension |
30 |
20 |
| Mathematical Skills |
30 |
30 |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning |
30 |
30 |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency |
30 |
30 |
| Indian & Global Environment |
30 |
10 |
| Total |
150 |
120 |
Also Read:
MAT 6-Month Plan: Check MAT Syllabus 2025
The MAT question paper has questions from topics mentioned in the MAT syllabus. Take a look at the MAT syllabus 2025 and topics included in each subject. Begin MAT six month preparation with prime focus on topics that are your weak areas. Devote first two months for covering the MAT syllabus topic-wise.
| MAT Syllabus 2025 |
MAT Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension |
Parajumbles, Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Grammar, Vocabulary, Clauses, Idioms, Active & Passive Voice, Verbs, Sentences, Errors and Punctuation |
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency |
Statements, Table, Graphs, Data Sufficiency, Venn Diagram, Charts (Column, Bar, Pie) |
| Mathematical Skills |
Profit & Loss, Mean, Median, Number System, Mensuration, Time-Distance-Speed, Percentage, Vectors, Differential Equation, Trigonometry, Arithmetic Progression, Geometric Progression, Algebra |
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning |
Logical Reasoning, Statements & Conclusion, Judgment, Argument, Pie Chart, Blood Relations, Analogies |
| Indian & Global Environment Section |
Current Affairs, Politics, World Records, Books and Authors, Corporate Affairs |
Also Read: Best Books for MAT Preparation
Prepare for MAT in 6 Months with Previous Year Question Papers
After covering the MAT syllabus, move to the next phase of MAT six-month preparation 2025. Start practicing MAT mock tests and sample papers. Many mock test series are available online for MAT preparation. Practicing mock test will help you to develop speed and accuracy in solving questions, which is the core of a good performance in a time-bound test.
Cracking MAT exam is all about speed and accuracy. The more you practice mock tests and sample questions, higher the chances are of solving questions accurately in the MAT 2025 exam. You should also practice sectional mock tests so that you don’t over step the time-limit in the main exam.
In comparison to many other MBA entrance tests, MAT is an easy exam. Having said that, this fact should not influence the overall MAT preparation strategy. MAT is essentially a speed-based test and candidates will have to calibrate their skills to improve speed and accuracy to answer easy questions within a set time-period. For this, attempt as many MAT mock tests as well as sample papers without any slippage.
MAT 6-Month Plan 2025: Revision in the Last Month
In the last 15 days before the MAT exam, your plan should be to revise all the topics of MAT syllabus section wise. All the notes that you have prepared in the past five months will be handy now. Go through previous years' question papers for MAT and note the topics from which maximum questions are asked. Also, take note of the types of date sufficiency tables and pie charts feature in the MAT exam.
6-Month MAT Preparation Plan: Section-Wise Tips
It is important to master each section of the MAT exam so that the overall score is good. The score of Indian and Global Environment section is not taken into consideration for MAT percentile calculation so your main focus areas should be – Language Comprehension, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Intelligence and Critical Reasoning. Check a few tips for section-wise MAT preparation 2024 below:
Language Comprehension: Start early for this MAT section. To score well in this section, candidates should invest two to three hours of the day in reading. Apart from this, they need to improve English vocabulary and grammar as grammar-based questions make up for 50 per cent of this section.
Data Analysis & Sufficiency: To crack this section of MAT, candidates need to have good problem solving skills. To acquire that, watch YouTube video tutorials by coaching experts. Also learn, easy methods and shortcuts to analyse data. If one has prepared well for Data Analysis & Sufficiency in the past four-five months, it will hardly take a week to master tricks to solve the questions.
Mathematical Skills: With right implementation of formulae and theorems, it is a lot easier to solve Mathematical Skills questions quickly. Therefore, the candidate's entire focus should be on understanding and memorising formulae and theorems of the topics included in this section of MAT syllabus. Strengthen your memory and calculation skills. Also develop the skill of mental calculation to save time in the actual exam.
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning: In this section of MAT, focus on revising Analytical Skills topics such as Coding-Decoding, Ranking, Series, Arrangements, Sequencing, Directions, Puzzles, etc. Solve as many sample questions as you can. Practising brain teasers and puzzles in free time can be a good help.
Indian and Global Environment: Get year-books for General Awareness and Current Affairs to revise the events of national and international importance. Also, focus on topics like Economics, Politics, Telecom Industry, Sports and National & International Awards, etc.
Free Shiksha MAT Mock Tests for Practice
| MAT_Mock_Test_1 | MAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| MAT_Mock_Test_2 | MAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Read More:
- MAT Exam Preparation Tips 2025
- How to Prepare for MAT in last 3 Months?
- How to prepare for MAT in one month?
- MAT Preparation tips for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
- MAT preparation tips for Indian & Global Environment
- MAT preparation tips for Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability
- MAT preparation tips for Data Analysis & Sufficiency
- Last Week Preparation Tips for MAT
- Is MAT tougher than CMAT?
- Last Minute Tips to Crack MAT Exam
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 15 hours ago
If you are expecting 20-50 percentiles on MAT, then entry to elite B-schools may become highly challenging. But there are so many good colleges, absorbing the low percentage MAT score, which also provides an excellent experience of growth as well. Here are the colleges which you can target:
# Low MAT
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week 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
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week 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
V
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a week 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,
s
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a week ago
MAT 2024 registration for August is over. The next phase of exams will be held in December 2024. The schedule of MAT 2024 registration for December phase has started at the AIMA, official website. Candidates who plan to appear for the MAT exam this year can apply for any phase of the as per their pr
T
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a week ago
MAT 2025 exam schedule has been announced for February session. In February MAT will be conducted in CBT and PBT mode. Registration process for the same began from December 24, 2024. Check MAT 2025 exam dates below:
MAT 2025 February PBT (PAPER BASED TEST) | |
|---|---|
PBT registration last date | March 2, 2025 |
MAT PBT admit card release | March 5, 2025 (5.00 PM Onwards) |
MAT PBT Date | March 9, 2025 |
MAT 2025 February CBT (COMPUTER BASED TEST) | |
|---|---|
CBT registration last date | March 9, 2025 |
MAT CBT admit card release | March 17, 2025 (5.00 PM Onwards) |
MAT CBT date | March 23, 2025 |
M
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, VIT Bhopal does offer scholarship based on MAT score. The waiver percentage depends on the score of the candidates in MAT. Below is the criteria:
| Criteria | Total Tuition Fee | Fee After Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| MAT with a score of 791 to 800 | INR 6.97 lakh | 100%-INR 0 |
| MAT with a score of 760 to 790 | INR 6.97 lakh | 50%-INR 3.48 lakh |
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Depending on the admissions policies of the MES Institute of Management and Career Courses it is possible to get admitted to the MBA/PGDM programme without taking the MAT. MES Institute may take into account additional entrance examinations like CAT, XAT or their own entrance test even though many i
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you can get admission to the MBA/PGDM course at Pratibha Institute of Business Management (PIBM) without the MAT exam. PIBM accepts scores from several other entrance exams, including MAH MBA CET, CAT, CMAT, GMAT, and XAT.
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
The result of MAT (Management Aptitude Test) usually comes out in 3-4 weeks after the test conducted for Aruna Manharlal Shah Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai under the umbrella of SGSJK. MAT scores for the December 2024 session are expected to be out by mid January 2025. Every candidate
K
Contributor-Level 9
I am expecting 20-50% in MAT result. What are the best college options for me?