How is MAT different from CAT?

MAT is much easier than CAT. Despite having more number of questions and more sections, than CAT, MAT is easy to crack. CAT is held annually but one can appear for MAT multiple times in the same academic session. CAT has three sections only – VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. MAT has five sections – Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Sufficiency and Business & Economic Environment. CAT has sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section. MAT does not have sectional time limit.

Will it be enough to prepare for MAT with mock tests only?

If you have appeared for MAT before and are thoroughly familiar with the exam syllabus and topics then you can prepare for it with the help of MAT mock tests only. However, if you are appearing for it for the first time, you will need to cover the MAT syllabus first and then practice mock tests. Mock tests are useful for increasing speed and accuracy. With conceptual clarity, mock tests won't help much in preparation.

Which is the best session for appearing in MAT?

MAT is conducted in February, May, September and December. You can appear for it whenever ready and confident of scoring high. However, it is seen that maximum applications are done for December and February sessions as that's the main season of all other national level MBA entrance exams and admission.

It is compulsory to attempt MAT GK section?

It is not compulsory to attempt MAT GK section as the score in not considered for percentile calculation but it is not recommended to skip it all together as it may dent your chances in colleges that look at candidates' sectional scores too.

How much time do I need to cover MAT syllabus for Economic and Business Environment section?

To cover the Economic and Business Environment section of MAT syllabus will not take much time if you keep yourself abreast with current happenings of the business world. This section is basically a GK section but the emphasis is more on the knowledge of business and economy. So, candidates must follow these fields for major events of the past and present. They must also study from GK year books at least a month before the MAT exam.

Can I appear for MAT from home?

Yes, candidates can appear for MAT exam from home. For that, they need to opt for the Internet Based Test or IBT mode option in the MAT application form. In IBT mode, candidates can appear for the test from home or any location by using a laptop or desktop with a functional webcam and internet connection. Given below are some guidelines for MAT IBT: The candidates must have a stable internet connection with proper speed throughout the exam duration A proxy for this is if they can login into their email accounts without difficulty. Upload Speed: Minimum speed should be 512 kbps Browser to use are: Chrome version 63 and above and Firefox version 52 and above Operating system to use are: WindowsOS (Version7 and above) Dot NETframework: MSB requires dot net framework. The minimum supported version is 4.5.1. NETframework Memory: 65MB permanent free space on the default hard drive.

How to crack MAT in first attempt?

To crack MAT exam in first attempt, start preparation early; at least a month six months in advance. Cover each topic of the MAT syllabus thoroughly and attempt 40+ mock tests to have complete control on all possible types of questions asked. In the exam, avoid negative marking by skipping questions you are not sure of. Try to maintain average scoring by solving 17-20 questions in each section.

Is MAT easier than CMAT?

MAT and CMAT both are moderately difficulty exam, but have their own challenges. While, CMAT has one extra section Innovation and Entrepreneurship, MAT has a separate section for Data Interpretation having 30 questions. With focused preparation, you can crack either of the two that you choose.

Which MAT exam phase is the easiest to crack?

MAT exam of every phase is easy to moderate in terms of difficulty level. It depends upon the candidate's preparation whether they find their test form easy or tough. Meaning, candidates should register and appear for MAT in only that phase by which they are full prepared and have started scoring 90 plus in mock tests. If they are well prepared, they will find any MAT session easy.

How should I prepare for Data Analysis and Sufficiency section of MAT?

For Data Analysis and Sufficiency of MAT test takers should constantly revise the topics and practice sample questions as this section can be cracked only by enough practice of all types of questions. It is also important to strengthen basic calculations of Maths. Candidates must memorise Tables up 20, Cubes, Cube roots, square, square roots, percentage, pie value, etc. For quick multiplication and division, Practicing adequate number of MAT mock tests and sample papers will prepare you for the main exam, so you should practice 30-35 mock tests. To improve percentile score, focus on maximizing accuracy of every question that you solve in mock tests and sample papers. Candidates must attempt questions of all types and all difficulty levels to master this section of MAT exam. They should also practice every MAT sample question 2-3 times, to gain speed and accuracy.

Can I prepare for MAT in 3 months?

Yes, you can prepare for MAT exam in three months, but you will have to work on it in a very focused manner and dedicate quality time. You should follow a three-month MAT preparation plan that should include syllabus coverage and practice sessions. Since you have less time, you can’t wait to finish the MAT syllabus first and then start practicing sample questions and mock tests. You will need to do both side by side. So, make a list of topics from which maximum questions are asked in the MAT exam. Focus on them first. Study the topics and solve some sample questions the same day to ensure that you have understood theory and application both. This way, you will have enough practice as well. In the last one month focus on MAT mock tests, to gain speed and accuracy in solving the paper. Read more: MAT 3-month preparation plan

Are CAT books enough to cover MAT syllabus?

Candidates can refer to CAT books for MAT preparation but they should also study from books and study material specifically designed for MAT. The Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation and English topics are same for CAT and MAT. But to prepare for Economic and Business Environment section of MAT, one will need books and study material specific to it.

Is MAT syllabus difficult?

MAT syllabus is not very difficult but it is not easy either. The topics included in MAT syllabus are same as that of other MBA entrance exams like English, Quants, Reasoning, DI and GK. So, if you find these subjects tough MAT syllabus will be difficult for you and if you find the easy, the exam syllabus will be easy.

What is the MAT syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning?

The important topics included in the MAT syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning include Family Tree, Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments, Multi-Dimensional Arrangements, Course of Action, Puzzles, Visual Reasoning, Arrangement, Series, Numeric Grid, Pie Chart, Blood Relations, Critical Reasoning, Calendars, Coding & Decoding, Syllogisms, Statement Conclusions, Column Graphs, Graphs Representing Area. Candidates must note that covering MAT syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning is tough because it is not Mathematics. There is no concept to be understood, there is no formula to be memorized. It is also not like General Knowledge, where facts are to be memorized. This section of MAT requires developing intelligence and reasoning skills. Most of the questions in this section are based on puzzles and patterns so one needs to develop the skill of identifying key details. Practice of several types of questions from all the topics is one of the best ways to cover the syllabus of this section of MAT.

What are the best books for MAT Mathematical Skills?

The Mathematical Skills section of MAT carries 40 questions and which belong to Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration Algebra and Number System. To crack this section of MAT one needs study all the topics included five Mathematical sub sections. To prepare for these topics, CAT Quantitative Aptitude books are useful. Candidates can also refer to MAT specific books. Mathematics for MBA by RS Aggarwal Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M Tyra Arithmetic and Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R Goal Speed Mathematics: Do it quick, Do it right by Rajesh Kumar Thakur Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal Vedic Mathematics: Secrets Skills for Quick, Accurate Mental Calculations by Sumita Bose The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude by Dinesh Khattar How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma.

When should I start preparing for MAT?

Ideal time to start MAT preparation is 6 months before the exam session. But if you have appeared for it before, you will need less time to prepare. So, plan your preparation accordingly.

Can I crack MAT without Maths?

MAT has 2 sections which are completely Maths based – Mathematical Skills and Data Interpretation, so it is not possible to crack MAT without having a good control over this subject.

How many RC passages are there in MAT exam?

MAT exam usually has 4 Reading Comprehension passages in MAT exam. The passages are easy to read and have questions with direct answers. They belong to Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, Culture, Society, Business & Management, Current Affairs, History, Philosophy and Abstract topics.

Are MAT RC passages as tough as CAT RC passages?

MAT RC passages are easier than CAT RC passages. They are shorter in length and easy to understand. Candidates preparing for MAT, must practice MAT RC passages in good number as even though the passages are short, one will still need speed to read them in a limited time and note down the important points for answering the related questions.

What is a good score in MAT exam?

MAT scoring is done between 200 to 800, so a nearly 650 or 700 will get you 90 to 95 percentile. A score of 600 is also good as it converts into percentile between 80 to 85.

What is the MAT syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning?

The important topics included in the MAT syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning include Family Tree, Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments, Multi-Dimensional Arrangements, Course of Action, Puzzles, Visual Reasoning, Arrangement, Series, Numeric Grid, Pie Chart, Blood Relations, Critical Reasoning, Calendars, Coding & Decoding, Syllogisms, Statement Conclusions, Column Graphs, Graphs Representing Area. Candidates must note that covering MAT syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning is tough because it is not Mathematics. There is no concept to be understood, there is no formula to be memorized. It is also not like General Knowledge, where facts are to be memorized. This section of MAT requires developing intelligence and reasoning skills. Most of the questions in this section are based on puzzles and patterns so one needs to develop the skill of identifying key details. Practice of several types of questions from all the topics is one of the best ways to cover the syllabus of this section of MAT.

What is the marking scheme of MAT exam?

Total marks of MAT exam is 150. Every question carries one mark for correct attempt and there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. No marks is deducted for skipping questions. The MAT question paper has 150 questions equally divided into five sections - Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Economic and Business Environment. Language Comprehension: 30 questions 2. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: 30 questions 3. Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency: 30 questions 4. Mathematical Skills: 30 questions 5. Economic and Business Environment: 30 questions Every section therefore has 30 questions which means every section carries 30 marks. The scores of GK section is not considered for MAT percentile calculation. So candidates can keep GK section as their last priority.

What is the MAT syllabus for Mathematical Skills?

Some of the main topics included in the MAT syllabus for Mathematical Skills are LCM and HCF, Percentages, Commercial Maths Complex Numbers, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Permutation and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequence and Series Surds and Indices, Interest (Simple and Compound), Heights and Distance, Inequalities, Speed, Time and Distance, Triangles Set Theory, Number System Circles, Mixtures and Alligations, Elementary Mathematics, Geometry, Venn Diagrams, Trigonometry Equations and Linear Programming. Candidates need to study all these topic thoroughly this section of MAT carries 40 questions and in every session there can be more questions from any topic. So, start preparing for Mathematical Skills section of the MAT exam at least six months before you intend to appear for it. To cover the entire syllabus of this section thoroughly, you will need at least six months.

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, in February, May, September and December. If a candidate is not satisfied with their score of first attempt, they can choose any upcoming session to appear for it again.

How can I prepare for MAT without coaching?

If you don't wish to opt for coaching to prepare for MAT then join online study groups to get recommended study material and guidance from mentors/peers. Refer to MAT specific preparation books. Watch YT videos on MAT prep, practice mock tests and sample questions in a large number. Focus on all important topics from which most of the questions are asked.

MAT Exam Syllabus 2026 (Available): Download Free AIMA MAT Syllabus PDF

8.1K Students Q&A

Registration - 1 Apr '26 - 25 May '26

Updated on Mar 17, 2026 16:55 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

MAT exam syllabus 2026 has been announced by AIMA. There is no change in the syllabus from last year. Candidates have to prepare five subjects - Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Economic and Business Environment. The topics included in MAT syllabus 2026 are common to all three MAT exam modes - IBT, PBT and CBT.

The syllabus for MAT 2026 can be covered in three months. One needs to dedicate 4 to 6 hours for MAT exam syllabus coverage daily and refer to recommended books for the same. Those planning to appear for the MAT 2026 exam in March, must prepare the syllabus in a focussed manner, i.e. selective study but in a comprehensive manner. Check latest MAT exam syllabus shared below.

Table of contents

MAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Weightage
MAT Syllabus for Language Comprehension
MAT Syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
MAT Syllabus for Mathematical Skills
MAT Syllabus for Data Analysis & Sufficiency
MAT Syllabus for Economic and Business Environment
Best Books for MAT Preparation 2026
MAT Exam Preparation Tips and Strategy 2026

MAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Weightage

MAT has 150 questions in total, divided into 5 sections. Since the weightage of all the sections is equal, the pressure to prepare all is equally high. Thus candidates must ensure they pay attention to all the topics of the syllabus. Check the latest section-wise weightage of MAT exam syllabus below:

MAT 2026 Sections	Number of Questions	Total Marks
Language Comprehension	30	30
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning	30	30
Data Analysis and Sufficiency	30	30
Mathematical Skills	30	30
Economic and Business Environment	30	30
Total	150	150

MAT Syllabus PDF Download

For the benefit of candidates, we have provided free MAT syllabus PDF. They can download it and make a study plan accordingly.

Get here free PDF of MAT syllabus for exam preparation. The PDF contains section wise important topics to study for scoring high marks in MAT.

Download MAT Syllabus PDF

MAT Marking Scheme

MAT marking scheme is fairy simple and there is no marks normalization for result preparation.

MAT Total Marks: 150
- +1 mark for each correct answer
- −0.25 marks for each incorrect answer
- 0 marks for unattempted questions
Number of questions: 150 (not mandatory to attempt all)
Exam duration: 120 minutes, no sectional time limit

MAT Syllabus for Language Comprehension

Language Comprehension syllabus of the MAT exam includes passages, grammar and vocabulary. The Reading Comprehension passages of MAT short and easy to read. The questions are also mostly doable. Unlike CAT or XAT, this section of MAT has more verbal ability questions than RC questions. Difficulty level of the questions is low. Check below important topics of MAT exam syllabus Language Comprehension:

MAT 2026 Syllabus: Language Comprehension
Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb	Antonyms & Synonyms	Reading Comprehension
Parts of Speech	One Word Substitution	Vocabulary
Sentence Correction	Idioms/Phrases	Grammar
Fill in the Blanks	Para Jumbles	Verbal Ability

MAT Language Comprehension: Key Points

MAT RC passages are short and straightforward
Out of 30 questions in this section, about 10-12 will be based on RC
Candidates must focus on vocabulary and grammar to get good score in this section
Format of the questions in MAT Language Comprehension will be MCQ

Also Read: MAT preparation tips for Language Comprehension

MAT Syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

MAT exam syllabus for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning includes topics like puzzles, blood relations, coding-decoding, syllogisms, etc. Check out all the topics included in the Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section of MAT syllabus 2026.

MAT 2026 Syllabus: Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
Family Tree	Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments	Multi-Dimensional Arrangements
Course of Action	Puzzles	Visual Reasoning
Arrangement	Series	Numeric Grid
Pie Chart	Blood Relations	Critical Reasoning
Calendars	Coding & Decoding	Syllogisms
Statement Conclusions	Column Graphs	Graphs Representing Area

Key Aspects of MAT Reasoning Section

The difficulty level of MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning is low.
To prepare for this section of MAT, one needs to practice a lot of sample and mock questions.
Most of the times it has been seen that Coding & Decoding, Arrangement and Syllogisms dominate this section of MAT.
MAT Critical Reasoning questions are easy and quick to solve.

Also Read: MAT preparation tips for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

MAT Syllabus for Mathematical Skills

Mathematical Skills syllabus of MAT comprises topics from Geometry, Algebra and Mensuration. It has been seen in the previous sessions that Arithmetic and Algebra dominate this section, so do not miss out on covering these two topics.To crack this section of MAT candidates have to be thorough with concepts and formulae as well as their application. Check the table below for topics included in MAT syllabus 2026:

MAT 2026 Syllabus: Mathematical Skills
LCM and HCF	Commercial Maths	Complex Numbers
Percentages	Permutation and Combinations	Binomial Theorem
Profit and Loss	Sequence And Series	Surds and Indices
Interest (Simple and Compound)	Heights and Distance	Inequalities
Speed, Time and Distance	Triangles	Set Theory
Number System	Circles	Mixtures and Alligations
Elementary Mathematics	Geometry	Venn Diagrams
Trigonometry	Equations	Linear Programming

Key Points for MAT Mathematical Skills

The topics are moderately tough and so are the questions
There will be 30 questions in this section and only 2-3 will be time consuming
Focus on Arithmetic and Algebra
To cover the topics, candidates must practice a lot of MAT sample questions
In the exam, they should aim to attempt 18-22 questions accurately

Also Read: MAT preparation tips for Matematical Skills

MAT Syllabus for Data Analysis & Sufficiency

MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency questions are calculation based and you need to apply basic Mathematical calculations to solve them. If your Mathematical concepts and calculations are strong, you can clear this section with basic practice. Check the table below for important topics included in this section of MAT exam syllabus for Data Analysis & Sufficiency:

MAT Syllabus 2026: Data Analysis & Sufficiency Syllabus
Tables	Pie Charts	Caselet-based Data
Charts	Graphs – Line X-Y Graphs	Venn Diagram
Bar Diagrams	Data Analysis and Data Comparison	Data Sufficiency

Also Read: MAT preparation tips for Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency

Key Aspects of MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency
This section requires more of practice than theoretical knowledge.
Having studies the basics of advance level Mathematical calculation, you can crack it with ample practice sessions

MAT Syllabus for Economic and Business Environment

Earlier known as Indian and Global Environment, the Economic and Business Environment section of MAT exam carries 30 MCQs on General Knowledge and Current Affairs. Preparation of this section can be done with the help of Current Affairs Year Books and Static GK books. One month is enough to prepare for this section. Check below MAT syllabus 2026 for Economic and Business Environment:

MAT 2026 Syllabus: Economic and Business Environment
Current Affairs	World Records	Business
CEOs	Awards and Winners	Books and Authors
Company Punchlines	History	International Organisation
Statements & Quotations	Social issues	Geography
Sports	Finance	Corporate News
Science	Entertainment	Politics

Also Read: MAT preparation tips for Economic and Business Environment

Best Books for MAT Preparation 2026

MAT exam preparation requires complete understanding of the basic concepts of the topics included in the syllabus. Before praticing sample questions, aspirants must refer to books that cover MAT topics extensively. Given below are MAT books for preparation recommended by experts.

MAT Books for Language Comprehension	Author/ Publisher
Verbal Ability & Comprehension for CAT/XAT/GMAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT/Bank PO/SSC	Bharat Patodi and Aditya Choudhary
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT	Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension	Gautam Puri
MAT Books for Mathematical Skills and Data Analysis & Sufficiency	Publisher/ Writer
Accredited Guide to Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha
Data Analysis & Interpretation Data Sufficiency	Kiran Prakashan
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for MAT	Arun Sharma
Quantum CAT	Sarvesh K Verma
The Pearson Guide To Quantitative Aptitude And Data Interpretation	Nishit Sinha
MAT Books for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning	Publisher/ Writer
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT	Nishit Sinha
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT	Arun Sharma
Analytical & Logical Reasoning For CAT & Other Management Entrance Tests	Peeyush Bhardwaj
MAT Books for Economic and Business Environment	Publisher/ Writer
Face To Face MAT With 19 Years	BS Sijwali
MAT 18 Years Topic-Wise Solved Papers	Disha Experts
The Mega Yearbook: Current Affairs & General Knowledge For Competitive Exams	Disha Experts

MAT Exam Preparation Tips and Strategy 2026

MAT is an easy exam so six months of preparation will be enough to score 95+ percentile. If you have appeared for MAT previously, then you will require lesser time as you'll only need revision and practice. Here's what you need to do for MAT preparation 2026:

Make an overall MAT study plan keeping in mind the date/month when you wish to appear.
Thereafter, check the MAT exam syllabus and pattern to understand the requirements for preparation.
List down MAT topics you are familiar with and start with those.
This will help you gain confidence and you'll be able to handle unfamiliar topics without getting nervous.
Make daily, weekly and monthly plans to cover various topics of MAT.
These three plans will help in covering the MAT syllabus 2026 in a phased manner.
For English section, focus on word meaning and grammar rules. For RC passages read extensively and practice MAT passages.
Mathematical Skills is all about concepts and theorems. Understand the fundamentals and practice rigorously.
Data Interpretation and Reasoning have to be handled through practice questions and sectional mocks, as there are no formulas or theorems.
Start preparing for MAT Economic and Business Environment (GK) after you have completed main four topics.
MAT GK is a memory based section, so you can prepare for it in a few days.
Also, in the exam, you should always take up MAT GK at the last as its score is not taken into consideration for percentile calculation.
Solving MAT sample papers, practice tests and revisions should be the main focus of your preparation in the last phase.
Practice MAT mock tests in a good number. Once you complete the syllabus, get on to mock test practice and problem solving sessions.