MAT Preparation 2025: Tips for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Management Aptitude Test 2024 ( MAT )

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Registration: 24 Dec '24 - 2 Mar '25

Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Dec 13, 2024 16:31 IST

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning often poses chanllenges at the time of preparation because it does not have formulas to memorise or concepts to understand. But if you like to solve puzzles then you can score well in this section. If you are preparing for MAT 2025, find here key tips for MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning section.

MAT preparation

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section is a test of candidate's reasoning ability in various types of situations. It has questions on coding-decoding, series, blood relation and verbal reasoning, etc. Solving puzzles and choosing a correct option in a few seconds is not easy, thus, the preparation strategy for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning has to holistic.

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Your MAT 2025 preparation plan for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning should be focused on observation and practice. MAT 2025 exam’s Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section covers 1/5th part of the question paper with 30 questions. Each question carries 1 mark and there is negative marking of -0.25. IFor an ideal MAT score, candidates must attempt at least 2/3 of the total questions in this section. So, it is critical to attain accuracy in this section. An ideal MAT preparation plan for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning should include practice questions of all variety and difficulty levels. 

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.

Given below are some useful MAT preparation tips for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning. These tips will help MAT exam 2025 aspirants sharpen their critical reasoning skills.

How to Prepare for MAT Exam 2025: Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

As per the official MAT syllabus, Intelligence & Crtiical Reasoning topics include the following:

  • Family Tree
  • Course of Action
  • Arrangement
  • Pie Chart
  • Calendars
  • Statement-Conclusion
  • Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments
  • Puzzles
  • Series
  • Blood Relations
  • Coding and Decoding
  • Column Graphs
  • Multi-Dimensional Arrangements
  • Visual Reasoning
  • Numeric Grid
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Syllogisms and Graphs

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Check MAT previous year's questions papers to understand the pattern of questions related to these topics. You will understand the types and patterns of questions asked in the MAT exam. Practice sample questions of similar nature to master critical reasoning. 

Also Read:

MAT exam pattern

MAT question paper PDFs

MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: How to Practice Sample Questions

If you are new to critical reasoning concepts, then you will have to practice MAT sample questions to understand the concepts and their application. If you have appeared for the MAT exam before, you may not need to practice too many sample papers. Whatever be the case, you will need to practice Reasoning questions daily. Your aim should be to be able to solve questions swiftly and improve your score day by day.

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

Scores in the Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section of MAT improves only with practice. The best way to prepare for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section of MAT exam is by considering it more as a riddle than as a subject. If you develop interest in this section, you will be able to crack any type of reasoning question.

While sovling MAT sample questions, time yourself to see how many minutes you take for solving what type of questions. With practice, the time duration should come down. 

MAT Mock Test Practice

MAT mock tests are a great source of preparation for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning. MAT mock tests are available with varied difficulty levels. Start with easy mock tests. After you've started scoring well, move to moderate and then to high difficulty level MAT mock tests. At first, you might find it challenging to solve tough questions however, once you get clarity on structure, flow, logic and the connection, you would be able to solve the problems quickly.

In the Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section of MAT exam, following a systematic approach plays a decisive role in building skills and improving analytical and reasoning aptitude. It also helps to inspect the series strategically and understand concepts faster.

Check out free Shiksha Mock Test-

MAT_Mock_Test_1 MAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
MAT_Mock_Test_2 MAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

Best Books for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Check below recommended books for preparation of Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section of MAT 2025 exam:

MAT Books

Publication/ Authors

The Hand on Guide to Analytical Reasoning & Logical Reasoning

Arihant publication

Logical Reasoning Ability and General Mental Ability

Sanjeev Joon, RA Sharma

Also read: Best Books for MAT Exam Preparation

MAT, like any other MBA entrance exam, is a speed based test so focus on speed and accuracy. There is negative marking too. Relax and give your best with focused preparation. All the best!

Read more:

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Vipra Shrivastava
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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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Student Forum

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

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

...more

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

...more

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

...more

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

...more

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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H

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

...more

V

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,

...more

s

subrat nanda

Beginner-Level 4