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. Find here key tips for MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning section.
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 2024 preparation plan for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning should be focused on observation and practice. MAT 2024 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?
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?
given below are some useful MAT preparation tips for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning. These tips will help MAT exam 2024 aspirants sharpen their critical reasoning skills.
How to Prepare for MAT Exam 2024: Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
As per MAT syllabus 2024, Intelligence & Crtiical Reasoning topics include 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.
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.
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?
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: What is the exam mode of MAT?
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
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.
MAT Mock Test Practice
MAT mock tests help in a great way in preparing 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 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 2024 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 keep a note of time to be able to solve maximum questions accurately. Relax and give your best with focused preparation. All the best!
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Student Forum
Answered 6 hours ago
The *MAT (Management Aptitude Test)* cutoff for *Neville Wadia Institute of Management Studies and Research (NWIMSR)* typically varies each year based on factors such as the number of applicants, overall exam performance, and the availability of seats. While the specific MAT cutoff is not always pub
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 13 hours ago
The MAT cutoff for MES Institute of Management and Career Courses can vary each year based on factors like the number of applicants, exam difficulty, and available seats. Generally, the cutoff for MAT scores required for admission to the MBA/PGDM programs may range between 60 to 80 percentile, but i
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 13 hours ago
Yes, it is possible to get admission to the MBA/PGDM course at MES Institute of Management and Career Courses without MAT, depending on the institute's admission policy. While many institutes use MAT or other national entrance exams for admission, MES Institute may also consider other entrance exams
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 14 hours ago
For admission to MBA at Nehru College of Aeronautics and Applied Sciences, candidates must have passed have passed Minimum 50% in graduation in any stream from a recognised university or institute. For final selection, the college accepts Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET).
Note: Regarding o
K
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 14 hours ago
Thus, the MAT cutoffs for this institute keep changing every year, depending on the overall performance of the applicants and number of seats available. While these things generally go hand in hand with a higher score giving a better chance of admission, the actual cutoff, however, may not be static
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 14 hours ago
The crucial schedule dates for MAT admission for MBA/PGDM courses at Matrix Business School are important events such as the registration closing date, exam dates and result declaration dates. Such dates may be altered; therefore it is best to check the official MAT website or contact the admissions
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 15 hours ago
BVP B-MAT 2025 result date has not been announced yet. To access the result, the candidates will have to log in using the required credentials. No other mode will be used to announce the results. Candidates will be able to check their scores and ranks thorugh the BVP B-MAT result.
N
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 15 hours ago
The dates and deadlines for the MAT 2024 registration and examination are as follows: - Computer-Based Test (CBT 1): Registration ends on November 30, 2024. The examination will take place on December 7, 2024. - CBT 2: The last date for registration is December 15, 2024. The examination is schedu
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 15 hours ago
Yes. BVP B-MAT answer key will be released online. Candidates will have to log in using the required credentials to access the provisional answer key of BVP B-MAT. No other mode will be used by the authorities to release the answer key. Once the answer key is displayed, the candidates can use it to
N
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 15 hours ago
BVP B-MAT 2025 answer key date has not been announced yet. The official link to check the BVP B-MAT answer key will be released online at the official website. Through the answer key, the candidates will be able to check the correct responses to the question paper. The authorities will not use any o
S
Beginner-Level 1
What is the MAT cutoff for Neville Wadia Institute of Management Studies and Research?