How to Prepare for MAT 2024 Exam in One Month?

Management Aptitude Test 2024 ( MAT )

8 mins read22.5K Views8.3K Comments

Registration: 24 Dec '24 - 2 Mar '25

Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Oct 25, 2024 12:29 IST

MAT exam preparation is possible in one month. How? Check tips on how to prepare for MAT 2024 in one month, here.

MAT preparation in one month

MAT preparation in 1-month: As compared to other MBA entrance exams, Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is easy. Having said that, one needs to work hard for a high score to get admission to one of the top MBA colleges. MAT exam is conducted four times a year, so candidates get ample number of attempts and ample time to prepare.

However, if a candidate decides to take the test just a month before the MAT exam date, they need to have a quick plan, which should be exhaustive at the same time. If you have got only one month to prepare for MAT 2024 exam, make a plan which covers key topics from the syllabus. The topics of focus in MAT are Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Modern Math, Pie Charts, Tables, Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Statement and Conclusion, Arrangements, Family Tree, etc.

Explore colleges based on MAT

Gurgaon
#11 NIRF
₹8.25 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Mumbai
#20 NIRF
₹9.5 L
Ranked in the top 50 by NIRF
Noida
#29 NIRF
₹6.4 L - 13.8 L
Ranked in the top 50 by NIRF
Jalandhar
#38 NIRF
₹8 L - 10 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Ghaziabad
#35 NIRF
NA
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Bangalore
#60 NIRF
₹4.8 L - 8.6 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Noida
#45 NIRF
₹14.75 L - 15.75 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Dehradun
#59 NIRF
₹7.17 L
Ranked in the top 100 by NIRF
Mumbai
#63 NIRF
₹11.69 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Bhubaneswar
#62 NIRF
₹3 L - 7 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
View allCollections

Cover these topics thoroughly by practicing a good number of sample questions and mock tests to crack MAT exam in one month. Shiksha has prepared a one-month MAT preparation plan for candidates. Read on.

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 2024 in One Month?

Preparing for MAT in one month requires selective study. Most of the topics included in the MAT syllabus are same as other MBA entrance exams which you would have appeared for at some point in time. So, all you need for the preparation of MAT exam 2024 is revision. Go through the topics and see which ones are your familiar area. Since one month is quite a less time, focus on only those topics that you know well. Also, check out MAT question papers of previous years for topic wise weightage. Focus on those topics more from which maximum questions are asked. 

Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates

XAT

LIVE
IRMASAT 2025 Last Date of Appl...

8 Jan '25

SNAP 2024 result announcement

8 Jan '25

XGMT registration

26 Aug '24 - 10 Jan '25

NMAT 2024 Registration Window ...

5 Jan '25 - 10 Jan '25

MICAT (II) registration process

25 Nov '24 - 11 Jan '25

CMAT 2025 city intimation slip

17 Jan '25

MU BAAT 2025 Round 2 Registration

11 Dec '24 - 21 Jan '25

BET 2025 Round 2 Submission De...

21 Jan '25

MAH CET 20245 registration process

25 Dec '24 - 25 Jan '25

Focused Strategy

With one month to go for the MAT, make a plan that is focussed on scoring high and not completing the syllabus. Look for past years' MAT question papers or check out online lectures to know which are the topics having high weightage. Study those topics through sample questions practice. MAT 2024 will have 150 questions but there is no need to solve all of them. In the time limit of 2 hours, one can solve maximum 100-110 questions, which is sufficient to score a high percentile if there is 80-100 per cent accuracy. So, check out which MAT topics to focus on and which ones too leave.  

We recommend joining Facebook, Telegram study groups to seek help and guidance from other aspirants and mentors. A mentor’s guidance always helps in exam preparation. The result of all the hard work put in for MAT 2024 preparation will depend on how you handle the exam day. Read below to know more on MAT preparation in one month.

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:   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!

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

 

What is MAT Exam Pattern?

As per MAT exam pattern 2024, duration of the exam is of two hours. The question paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions equally divided into five sections. Find more details of the pattern in the table below.

MAT Sections

No. of Questions

Suggested time (in minutes)

Reading Comprehension

30

30

Mathematics Skills

30

35

Data Interpretation and Analysis

30

25

Critical Reasoning

30

20

Indian and Global Environment

30

10

Total

150

120

Also read: MAT syllabus 2024

Best Books for MAT 2024 Preparation

Studying from books recommended for MAT exam preparation is the best option right now. Check the table below for best books for MAT preparation. These books are most popular among MBA aspirants as they offer topic wise discussion as well as a range of sample questions of easy, medium and high difficulty levels. 

MAT Books

Publications

MAT Entrance Exam Guide

RPH editorial

MAT 20-Year Topic-Wise Solved Papers

Disha Experts

Mission MBA: MAT Mock Test & Solved Papers

BS Sijwalii and Tarun Goyal

Mission MBA MAT Guide

Arihant Publications

Also read: Best Books for MAT Exam Preparation

Practice MAT Mock Test

Like most of the entrance test, MAT exam too is a speed based test. Candidates will face the challenge of time limit. For this, practicing full-length MAT mock test daily is essential. With enough practice of MAT mock tests, students can get into the habit of taking time bound entrance exams and this will make the actual exam a cakewalk. Check below free MAT mock test by Shiksha.

MAT_Mock_Test_1 MAT_Mock_Test_Solutions
MAT_Mock_Test_2 MAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

Section wise 30-Day MAT Preparation Plan 

Check below a section-wise plan to prepare for MAT exams in 30 days. This plan will also help you in ensuring that you are able to cover of the complete MAT syllabus.

MAT Sections

Area of Focus 1

Area of Focus 2

Area of Focus 3

 

Language Comprehension

Practice sample MAT RC passages

Work on your English grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning skills.

Test your knowledge by solving MAT question papers.

Mathematical Skills

Study Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration and Trignometry and gain clarity on basic concepts.

Keep solving previous year MAT question papers and sample papers to know what's in store for you in the exam.

Develop the skill of mental calculation to save time during the exam.

Check your performance after every mock test and and analyse your progress.

 

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Understand the concept and pattern of different types of reasoning questions - verbal, visual, critical, etc.

Learn methods and tricks of solving reasoning question swiftly.

Practice multiple MAT mock tests to know the types of reasoning questions asked in MAT.

 

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

Learn tricks of understanding graphs and tables in least amount of time. Learn shortcuts of interpreting data accurately.

Learn to solve questions without a calculator or an app.

Practice mock test and online data sufficiency series to get an idea of different kind of questions.

 

Economic and Business Environment

Follow business and current affairs news. Study static GK from recommended books.

Make notes on current affairs, national and global issues.

Take up general knowledge-based quizzes and online tests to improve your knowledge in this area.

MAT Preparation in One Month: Toppers Tips

Vidhan Agrawal scored 99.92 percentile in MAT 2019. His advice to the MAT aspirants is, "Before going for mock tests, you should be thorough with all the topics of Quant, DI, LR and Verbal sections. Once, an aspirant has touched everything and has come to understand how questions are framed in these exams, they can take mock tests and evaluate their performance." To know his advice in detail as well his personal strategy to score high in MAT, read more.

Jay Sonar scored 99.99 percentile in MAT 2019. He said, “Practice on harder exams, then MAT will not feel as difficult. Of course, take mocks (of NMAT, SNAP, MAH-CET) as practice is most important part for preparation of speed-based exam or any exam really.” To know his advice in detail as well as personal strategy to score high in MAT, read More.

Ayush Saxena scored 99.93 percentile in MAT 2018. His advice to the MAT aspirants is, “to focus on the goal and the exam day is the crucial thing.” To know his MAT preparation strategy, read more.

Shubham Khule scored 99.99 percentile in MAT 2019. His advice to the future MAT aspirants is, “Practice as many mock tests as possible. Try to avoid mistakes in subsequent mocks. Constant practice and perseverance are the keys to succeeding at these tests.” To know his MAT preparation strategy, read more.

Abhishek Jha scored 99.90 percentile in MAT 2019. His advice to the future MAT aspirants is, "I would advise fellow aspirants to focus on quality practice rather than quantity practice. More than the no. of hours, they should evaluate their learnings from each study session." To know his MAT preparation strategy, read more

V.Varun scored 99.99 percentile in MAT 2019. His advice to the all the MAT aspirants is, "I believe sincerity is the most important trait for cracking any exam. I would advise aspirants to stay focused through their prep period and to never give up on their goal." To know his detailed MAT preparation strategy, read more.

Shubham Kanwar Rajawat scored 99.92 percentile in MAT 2019. Her advice to the future aspirants is, “Practice is the key, so practice as much as you can.” To know her MAT preparation strategy, read more.

Sumit Bhattacharya scored 99.87 percentile in MAT 2018. His advice to the future aspirants is, "Do not delay your exam. Attend the exam on your final year of college or within a year of passing out." To know her MAT preparation strategy, read more.

MAT 2024 Preparation in One Month: Bottomline

To be able to crack MAT exam with only one month preparation, one needs to have the clarity of target score and college. Check the MAT cut offs for admission of the MBA colleges that you are targeting. Then prepare from the MAT syllabus accordingly. By the day before exam, you should be able to score the same as admission cut offs in the MAT mock tests.

On the exam day, focus only on those questions that are from topics which are your strength areas. Focus on maximizing your score and not getting penalized for wrong answers. The scores Economic and Business Environment section is not considered for MAT percentile calculation, so you can skip or deprioritize it during preparation. Focus on important topics that have potential to get you high score in these 30 days that you've got. 

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
About the Author
author-image
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

Download Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

5 Jan '25

XAT 2025 Exam

Jan '25

XAT 2025 response sheet releas...

5 Jan '25 -

10 Jan '25

NMAT 2024 Scheduling Window (s...

5 Jan '25 -

10 Jan '25

NMAT 2024 Registration Window ...

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

17 Jan '25

CMAT 2025 city intimation slip

20 Jan '25

CMAT 2025 admit card download

8 Jan '25

SNAP 2024 result announcement

21 Dec '24

SNAP 2024 session 3

25 Dec '24 -

25 Jan '25

MAH CET 20245 registration pro...

Mar '25

MAH MBA CET 2025

25 Nov '24 -

11 Jan '25

MICAT (II) registration proces...

22 Jan '25

MICAT (II) admit card download

17 Oct '24 -

5 Dec '24

IIFT 2025 registration and app...

Jan '25

TANCET Registration Dates

Feb '25

TANCET Admit Card Download

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 5 days 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

...more

H

Hanshika Baswal

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

...more

V

Vijay S

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,

...more

s

subrat nanda

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

...more

T

Taru Taneja

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

Manisha Singh

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:

CriteriaTotal Tuition FeeFee After Scholarship
MAT with a score of 791 to 800INR 6.97 lakh100%-INR 0
MAT with a score of 760 to 790INR 6.97 lakh50%-INR 3.48 lakh

N

Nishtha Shukla

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

...more

L

Lakshmi Sudhakar Siriguba

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

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 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

...more

K

Kunal Lalwani

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks ago

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) result date for Pillai Institute of Management Studies and Research (PIMSR) depends on the session. Here are some general MAT result release dates:

May phase: Results are released in June–July

September phase: Results are released in October

December phase: Results ar

...more

A

Anurag Shivam

Contributor-Level 10