The Management Aptitude Test (MAT), conducted by AIMA, is a widely accepted MBA entrance test used by over 600 B-schools across India. If you are planning MBA admissions for 2026, this page covers the MAT September 2025 session exact exam dates, registration deadlines, exam pattern, quick syllabus highlights, and an action-oriented study plan to help you apply and prepare on time.
Key dates — MAT September 2025
- MAT PBT (Paper-Based Test): 21 September 2025 (Sunday)
- Last date to register for PBT: 15 September 2025 (Monday).
- PBT admit card available from: 18 September 2025 (5:00 PM onwards).
- MAT CBT (Computer-Based Test): 28 September 2025 (Sunday).
- Last date to register for CBT: 22 September 2025 (Monday)
- CBT admit card available from: 25 September 2025 (5:00 PM onwards).
- MAT application process : Online ( mat.aima.in ).
Note: AIMA runs MAT multiple times a year (Feb / May / Sept / Dec). The dates above apply to the September 2025 session; keep an eye on the official MAT portal for December session updates.
Who can apply (eligibility snapshot)
Any candidate with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (minimum marks as required by participating institutes). Final-year students are eligible to apply provisionally (subject to meeting graduation requirements at the time of admission).
| MAT Exam Features | MAT Exam Details |
| MAT Full Form | Management Aptitude Test |
| Conducting Body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Multiple times a year |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Language | English |
| Exam Purpose | Admission to 800+ MBA Colleges in India (approx.) |
| No. of Test Cities for Exam | PBT Mode – 28 CBT Mode – 35 |
| MAT fees | for Paper Based Test (PBT)/Computer Based Test (CBT) fee is 2200 (individual) and For PBT+CBT fee is 3800 |
| Exam Website | https://mat.aima.in/ |
How to apply for MAT exam
Quick checklist (before you start): valid email & phone, scanned passport photo & signature, debit/credit card or net-banking, list of up to 5 colleges.
Quick steps
- Go to the official MAT portal → Register / Create Account.
- Enter name, email, phone, city/state → verify mobile with OTP.
- Log in → fill personal & academic details.
- Upload photo and signature (see specs below).
- Choose mode (PBT/CBT), test city and select colleges.
- Pay fee (₹2200) → submit → download confirmation/receipt.
After submit: keep receipt, watch for admit-card release, and follow official portal updates.
Photo & signature specs
- Photo: JPEG/JPG, 10–50 KB, colour passport photo (≤6 months).
- Signature: JPEG/JPG, 5–20 KB, black/blue ink on white paper.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wrong file format/size (no PNG/PDF).
- Incorrect email/phone (you’ll miss OTP/admit card).
- Forgetting to save payment confirmation.
Exam pattern what to expect
MAT is a time-bound management aptitude test that typically covers:
- Language Comprehension — grammar, vocabulary, verbal reasoning, 30 Questions.
- Mathematical Skills (Quantitative Ability) — arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data interpretation basics, 30 Questions.
- Data Analysis & Sufficiency — basic data interpretation and numerical analysis, 30 Questions.
- Intelligence & Critical Reasoning — logical reasoning, puzzles and analytical questions, 30 Questions.
- Economic & Business Environment (optional in some sessions) — basic business & current affairs awareness, 30 Questions.
The exact number of questions and time per section can vary slightly by mode and session — practice full-length timed tests in the same mode you will appear for (PBT or CBT) to build comfort.
Syllabus highlights
- Language: Reading comprehension, para-completion, sentence correction, vocabulary-in-context.
- Quant: Number system, percentage, ratio, averages, algebra, geometry basics.
- Data Analysis: Tables, bar/line/pie charts, basic statistics.
- Reasoning: Seating arrangements, arrangements, puzzles, logical sets.
Focus on speed and accuracy — MAT rewards quick, correct answers more than deep-but-slow problem solving.
Cutoffs & college targets
MAT scores are accepted by a broad range of institutes — top private and management colleges set varying cutoffs. Depending on program and college reputation, target a percentile that matches your aspirations; check specific institute past cutoffs before applying.
Compact 6-week preparation plan (actionable)
- Week 1: Diagnostic test to identify weak areas. Build a daily plan (60–90 minutes).
- Weeks 2–3: Topic drills — quantitative fundamentals + language practice.
- Weeks 4–5: Timed sectional practice and full-length mocks (1–2 per week). Analyse errors and maintain an error log.
- Week 6: Revision, light mocks, and strategy consolidation (time-saving techniques, negative marking management).
Daily: 60–120 minutes of focused study + 2–3 short topic tests.
Quick checklist (before you submit application)
- Photo & signature in required format.
- A scanned copy of category certificates (if applicable).
- Valid email & phone — admit card and result alerts are sent here.
- Mode selection (PBT or CBT) — choose the mode and test city carefully.
Don’t miss the registration deadline. If you want a personalized plan and help shortlisting colleges that accept MAT scores, book a free 15-minute counselling now. We’ll map target colleges to your expected percentile and create a focused study plan for the MAT mode you choose.
