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Vipra Shrivastava
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Updated on Dec 2, 2024 15:03 IST

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.

MAT preparation in six months

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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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?

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.

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:

  1. Understand MAT exam pattern, subjects and marking scheme
  2. Study all the topics included in the MAT syllabus in detail 
  3. Practise sample questions, MAT mock tests and MAT question papers
  4. 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

  • Language Comprehension
  • Data analysis & Sufficiency
  • Mathematical Skills
  • Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
  • Indian and Global Environment

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?

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 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

Q:   How can I prepare for MAT exam without coaching?

A:
I am telling you some books and you can check last year's question papers that will help you to crack it without coaching List of 10 best books for MAT are given below : 1. Mission MBA MAT Guide by B S Sijwali and Tarun Goal (Arihant Books) 2. MAT (Management Aptitude Test) Entrance Exams with Practice CDby GKP (G K Publications Pvt. Ltd. ) covers, 3. The Pearson MAT Super Course with CD (Pearson) 4. Study Package For Management Aptitude Test by Arun Sharma (Tata McGraw-Hill) 5. 10 Challengers MAT 10 Mock Tests for Management Aptitude Testby Dharmendra Mittal (Arihant Publications) 6. MAT Score Accelerator (Odisha Publication) 7. MAT Solved Papers by Odisha Experts (Odisha Publication) 8. 10 Mock Test Papers MAT by Career Launchers (Oswaal Books) 9. R S Aggarwal for Class XI and XII Maths 10. Barrons Guide to GMAT by Eugene D. Jaffe and Stephen Hillbert (Galgotias Publication Pvt. Ltd. ) good luck!

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:

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Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content

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 2 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

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 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

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Sreetama Tyagi

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 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

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Jasleen Dixit

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 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.

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Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 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

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ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 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.

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nikhil garg

Beginner-Level 2

Answered a week 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

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Amit Saini

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The latest cutoff information for the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2024 indicates that the scores required for top-tier MBA colleges range from 85 to 95 percentile. For instance,  BIMTECH Noida,  XIME Bangalore, IPE Hyderabad,  Amity Business School,  SOIL Gurgaon,  Christ University Bangalore, an

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ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week 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

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Ishita Sharma

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Yes, if candidates are planning to get admission into an MBA course at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering. They are required to appear and score well in the MAT entrance exam. However, not only MAT scores are compulsory for admission to the MBA at DSCE. The college accepts the scores of other en

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Kartik Sharma

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