The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA/PGDM programs at over 600+ B schools in India. The exam is held four times yearly, in February, May, September, and December.
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) eligibility criteria are that the candidate must graduate from any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognised university. Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply.
The MAT question paper consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering English, Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Each question carries one mark and a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The total time duration of the MAT exam is 150 minutes. The exam is conducted in three modes:
Paper-based Test (PBT),
Computer-based Tests (CBT), and
Internet-based proctored test (IBT).
| Exam Name | MAT 2024 |
| Conducting Body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Type | PG Level |
| Full-Form | Management Aptitude Test |
| Courses Offered | Management |
| Application mode | Online |
MAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The MAt 2024 exam pattern gives candidates an idea of the questions that will be asked in the exam and helps them plan their study time effectively. Exam pattern allows candidates to focus on the areas where they need to improve and helps them get familiar with the exam format and procedures. Here we have provided the exam pattern of the MAT 2024 examination:
- Modes of Examination: The MAT 2024 exam will be conducted through three different modes:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): Candidates will take the exam on a computer, digitally interacting with the questions and options.
- Paper-Based Test (PBT): This traditional mode involves candidates marking their answers on an OMR sheet using a pen or pencil.
- Internet-Based Test (IBT): With a secure online interface, candidates will take the exam remotely from their computers.
- Duration: Candidates will have 2 and a half hours (150 minutes) to complete the examination. This timeframe includes the time needed to attempt all the sections and questions.
- Sections: The MAT 2024 question paper will consist of a total of 5 distinct sections, each assessing a specific skill set or knowledge domain. These sections are designed to comprehensively evaluate candidates’ abilities across different subject areas.
- Total Questions: The 200 questions will be presented in the MAT 2024 exam. These questions will be spread across the 5 sections, each containing various questions.
- Type of Questions: Candidates can expect to encounter multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in the MAT 2024 exam. MCQs provide candidates with a question and options to select the correct answer. This format assesses candidates’ knowledge, reasoning, and decision-making skills.
- Marking Scheme: For every correct answer a candidate provides, they will be awarded 1 mark. This positive marking system encourages candidates to answer to the best of their abilities, rewarding their accuracy and knowledge.
- Negative Marking: MAT 2024 incorporates a negative marking scheme. 0.25 marks for every wrong answer will be deducted from the candidate’s total score. This aspect encourages candidates to answer only when reasonably confident about their response, aiming to avoid unnecessary deductions.
| Section | Subject | No. of Question |
| I | Language and Comprehension | 40 |
| II | Mathematical Skills | 40 |
| III | Data Analysis and Sufficiency | 40 |
| IV | Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | 40 |
| V | Indian & Global Environment | 40 |
| Total | 200 |
MAT 2024 Exam Syllabus
The MAT exam covers the same topics as other MBA entrance exams, such as English, data interpretation, quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and current affairs. The MAT 2024 syllabus provides a clear overview of the topics covered in the exam. This allows candidates to focus their studies on the most relevant areas and develop a study plan tailored to their needs. The syllabus also includes sample questions, which can help candidates better understand the types of questions they will be asked. Here we provide the MAT syllabus 2024 below in the given section:
| Subjects | Topics |
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency | Data tables, data charts, bar diagrams, and charts including simple, stacked, composite bar, pie charts, Graphs, Data Analysis, Data Comparison among others, caselet-based data, Venn diagram, data sufficiency. |
| Indian and Global Environment | Business and Economics, Current GK, Basic on the current reading newspaper and periodical, Devaluation and up the valuation of the rupee, business, national and international events. |
| Mathematics Skills: | Arithmetic, Interest, Speed, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Averages, Number system, Mixture and Allegation, Unitary Method, Commercial math, permutation and combination, ratio and proportion, Number system, Elementary mathematics, etc. |
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | Fact interference, passage, conclusion, analogy, statement argument, clocks, calendars, binary logic, premise, conclusion, linear and matrix arrangement, team formation, cubs, rows, network diagrams, quantitative reasoning, Puzzles, Logical Reasoning, critical reasoning. |
| English | Comprehension of Passage, Synonyms, Proverb, Sentence Correction, Antonyms, Punctuations etc. |
Language Comprehension
This section tests the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written material. It includes vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and sentence correction questions.
- Vocabulary: This includes questions on words’ meaning, synonyms and antonyms, and sentence usage.
- Grammar: This includes speech, sentence structure, and punctuation questions.
- Reading comprehension: This includes questions on the main idea of a passage, the author’s purpose, and the supporting details.
- Sentence correction includes questions on correctly using words and phrases in sentences.
Mathematical Skills
This section tests the candidate’s ability to solve mathematical problems. It includes questions on number properties, algebra, geometry, and measurement.
- Number properties: This includes questions on basic arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Algebra: This includes questions on equations, inequalities, functions, and graphs.
- Geometry includes questions on shapes, angles, and properties of lines and planes.
- Measurement includes questions on shapes’ area, volume, and surface area.
Data Analysis And Sufficiency
This section tests the candidate’s ability to analyse and interpret data. It includes questions on tables, charts, graphs, and data sufficiency.
- Data analysis: This includes questions on summarising and interpreting data.
- Data sufficiency: This includes questions on whether or not the information given in a problem is sufficient to solve the problem.
Intelligence And Critical Reasoning
This section tests the candidate’s ability to think logically and solve problems. It includes questions on logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, puzzles and problem-solving, visual reasoning, and critical thinking.
- Logical reasoning includes questions on syllogisms, analogies, and other logical reasoning problems.
- Analytical reasoning: This includes questions on how to break down a problem into smaller parts and solve it.
- Puzzles and problem-solving: This includes questions on puzzles, riddles, and other problem-solving problems.
- Visual reasoning: This includes questions on how to interpret visual information.
- Critical thinking: This includes questions on how to evaluate arguments and make sound decisions.
India And The Global Environment
This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, general knowledge, social issues, economic issues, and environmental issues in India and the world.
- Current affairs: This includes questions on recent events in India and the world.
- General knowledge: This includes questions on various topics, such as history, geography, science, and culture.
- Social issues: This includes questions on social problems, such as poverty, hunger, and illiteracy.
- Economic issues: This includes economic problems, such as inflation, unemployment, and trade deficits.
- Environmental issues: This includes questions on environmental problems, such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation.
Recommended Books for MAT
MAT Preparation Books for Language Comprehension
| Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Nishit K Sinha |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
| 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis |
MAT Preparation Books for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
| Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
| How to Prepare For Logical Reasoning For CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Verbal Ability And Logical Reasoning For The CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R. S. Aggarwal |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Gajendra Kumar |
| Critical Reasoning Guide | CrackVerbal |
MAT Preparation Books for Mathematical Skills
| Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
| How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K Verma |
| The Pearson Guide To Quantitative Aptitude And Data Interpretation | Nishit Sinha |
| Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha |
| Magical Book On Quicker Maths | M Tyra |
MAT Preparation Books for Data Analysis and Sufficiency
| Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
| Data Interpretation for The CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT & other MBA exams | Nishit K Sinha |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | Arun Sharma |
| Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency | Arihant Experts |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT | Pearson |
| Kiran’s Text Book of Data Interpretation & Analysis and Data Sufficiency | Kiran Prakashan |
MAT Preparation Books for Indian and Global Environment
| Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
| Manorama Year Book | Mammen Mathew |
| Lucent’s GK | Lucent |
| Mega Yearbook | Disha Experts |
| General Knowledge | Arihant Publications |
