MAT Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised): Sectional Weightage, Marking Scheme Explained & Paper Structure
Last year, AIMA introduced some changes in MAT 2025 exam pattern and syllabus, the total number of questions have been reduced from 200 to 150. Also, MAT exam duration have been reduced from 150 minutes to 120 minutes. MAT exam pattern 2025 is available in online mode on the official website of AIMA, mat.aima.in. Candidates appearing for the MAT exam must be familiar with the MAT paper pattern so that they can prepare for this national-level MBA entrance exam accordingly. This time, AIMA will conduct the MAT May session in two modes- Paper Based Test (PBT) and Computer Based Test (CBT).
This Story also Contains
- MAT Exam Pattern 2025: Key Highlights
- MAT Sectional Weightage of Questions
- MAT Marking Scheme 2025
- MAT Pattern 2025: Scoring Pattern and format of questions
- MAT Syllabus 2025
- MAT Preparation Tips 2025
MAT Exam Pattern 2025: Key Highlights
The MAT paper pattern specifies the overall structure of the exam such as the number of sections, questions, type of questions, MAT total marks, MAT exam time duration, sectional time limit etc. As per the MAT exam pattern for MBA, there will be 150 questions, and the total time duration of the exam will be 120 minutes. Continue reading for more details about the MAT syllabus and exam pattern, marking scheme, and section-wise distribution of questions.
MAT 2025 Paper Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Exam name | Management Aptitude Test (MAT) |
Exam conducting body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
Exam Level | National level Entrance Exam |
MAT Exam mode | PBT and CBT mode |
Total time duration | 2 hours (120 Minutes) |
Type of questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Negative marking | Yes (Scheme applicable) |
Total number of sections | Five sections with 30 questions in each of them |
Total number of questions | 150 |
Read more -
- MAT Preparation for Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability
- Top B-schools Accepting MAT Scores and Cutoffs
Top MBA Colleges accepting MAT scores - State-wise
MAT Sectional Weightage of Questions
The MAT question paper will be divided into five sections namely, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Language Comprehension, Indian and Global Environment, and Mathematics. According to the MAT exam pattern, in every section, there will be 30 questions.
Test Pattern of MAT 2025- Sectional Breakup of Questions
MAT Sections | Total number of questions |
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | 30 |
Data Analysis and Sufficiency | 30 |
Language Comprehension | 30 |
Economic and Global Environment | 30 |
Mathematical Skills | 30 |
MAT total marks | 150 |
Note - Some of the MAT participating institutes do not consider Indian and Global environment marks.
MAT Marking Scheme 2025
According to the MAT 2025 test pattern, the marking scheme is as follows -
- As per the marking scheme of MAT 2025, candidates will be awarded one mark for every correct answer
- There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each incorrect response
- The total scaled score is 800
- No marks are deducted for unanswered MAT questions
- Economic and Business Environment score is not considered for calculating MAT percentile
- Also, it is not mandatory to solve all 150 questions
Difficulty level as per MAT Pattern
As per the previous years' MAT papers, the level of the exam can be comprehended as easy to moderate. As compared to the IIM CAT test and other national-level MBA exams, AIMA doesn't set up tough questions for candidates.
MAT Pattern 2025: Scoring Pattern and format of questions
Section 1: Language Comprehension - 30
Part-1: Reading Comprehension in MAT Exam
- Sectional Weightage of RC in MAT Language Comprehension Section: 50%
- Type of passages in MAT Exam on RC: 4 Short passages of moderate difficulty level
- Division of questions: 5 questions based on each passage
- Type of Questions: All MCQ types with a penalty of ¼ negative marking
- Format of questions: Questions are based on information in the RC passage; Antonyms/synonyms of the words & phrases as used in the passage; True/false statements; the main idea of the RC passage
Part-2: MAT Verbal Ability
- Sectional Weightage in MAT Syllabus: 50%
- Type of Questions: All MCQ types with a penalty for the wrong answer
- Jumbled Paragraphs (3-4 questions)
- Error Correction of Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb, and other parts of speech in the Sentences.
- Correcting the sequence of sentences in the paragraph for example correct use of conditional sentences, time clauses, reported speech, and passive writing (3-4 questions)
- Antonyms/Synonyms (5-6 questions)
- Fill in the blanks (3-4 questions)
- One-word substitution (1-2 questions)
- Idioms/Phrases (2-3 questions)
Section 2: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
The MAT question paper has tricky questions in this area. The section in the MAT exam pattern is divided into 2 parts – Intelligence Reasoning and Critical Reasoning. In other exams like CAT, critical reasoning questions are also asked in the Verbal Ability section. Here are the key details on the section in the MAT exam:
- Questions in the Reasoning section can be individual or can be in a set of 3-4 questions.
- Weightage of Reasoning Section in MAT exam: 20%
- Weightage of Reasoning Section in MAT Percentile calculation: 25%
- Total Reasoning questions in MAT syllabus for an exam: 30
- Type of Questions: MCQs
- Past trend of topics in MAT Reasoning Syllabus: Questions were based on Family relations, Statements-Cause & Effect, Clocks & Calendars, Statements – Assumptions, Reasons, analogies, direction, series, and Incorrect Terms.
Section 3: Mathematical skills
MAT exam pattern for Mathematical skills refers to the Quant topics on which MAT questions are based. MAT Exam pattern for Quant consists of everything in Mathematics that you may or may not expect. MAT exam pattern on Quant is based on questions on different topics on Arithmetic, Algebra, Modern Math, Geometry, Mensuration, and Trigonometry among others. Here are the key details of the Mathematical Skills section in the MAT exam pattern
- Number of Questions: 30.
- Sectional weightage in MAT Exam: 20%
- Sectional Weightage in Percentile calculation: 25%
- Type of Questions: MCQs
- The past trend in the MAT exam pattern for Mathematics shows that there is more emphasis on Arithmetic with a number of questions going in the range of 15 to 16.
- Questions are based on Interest, Percentages, Time and Work, Profit, Loss, and Partnership.
- Other questions are based on topics like Equations, Ratio, Proportion & Variation, Geometry & Mensuration, Permutation and Combinations, and Probability among others.
Section-4: Data Analysis and Sufficiency
MAT exam pattern for Data Analysis and Sufficiency covers more topics on Data Interpretation. The key details of the section in the MAT exam pattern are:
- Number of Questions: 30
- Type of questions: MCQs
- Sectional weightage in MAT Exam: 20%
- Sectional Weightage in MAT Percentile Calculation: 25%
- The past trend of topics in the MAT exam for Data Analysis shows that questions on Data Analysis are based on text, tables, graphs (line, area), charts (column, bar, pie), and Venn diagrams.
- Data could be given in the form of tables, charts, or graphs.
- This section tests how candidates can interpret the given data and answer questions based on it.
- This section has more questions on data interpretation
- Data comparison time remains the major hurdle to solving these questions with speed and accuracy
- Questions on Data Interpretation (DI) occupy more than 50% of the section, the rest of the part covers questions on data sufficiency and data comparison
- The questions in this section of the MAT question paper can be expected in sets as well as individual ones
Section-5: Economic and Business Environment
Indian and Global Environment section in the MAT exam refers to the GK section. It expects you to know everything under the Sun on Business & Economy, Who’s who, current affairs, and static GK among others.
- Number of Questions: 30
- Type of questions: MCQs
- Sectional weightage in MAT: 20%
- Sectional Weightage in Percentile Calculation: Nil
- Past trend of topics in MAT Syllabus for Indian & Global Environment reveals that the Questions are formed on Film Awards, taxation & duties, Indian constitution, Who’s who, States of India, Sports, Recent events
- The suggested time limit by AIMA to answer the 30 questions in this section is 15 minutes but 10 minutes are enough to attempt this section
- The questions are based on conventional GK, business and economics, current affairs, international affairs
- This section is not counted for percentile calculation in the MAT exam
- Many Candidates skip or answer very few questions in this section to save time for other sections
MAT Previous Year Question Papers
| Download year-wise MAT exam question paper |
| MAT 2020 Sample Paper |
MAT Syllabus 2025
MAT 2025 syllabus consists of all the chapters and topics from which questions will be asked in the entrance exam. By knowing all the sections and topics, candidates will get to know their stronger and weaker sections or topics. Check the table which contains all the chapters pertaining to the MAT syllabus.
MAT Exam 2025 Syllabus (Topics)
Section name | Topics |
English Language |
|
Mathematical Skills |
|
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning |
|
Economic and Global Environment |
|
Data Analysis and Sufficiency |
|
Top MBA Colleges accepting MAT scores - City-wise
MAT Preparation Tips 2025
Any entrance exam requires active preparation if one wants to ace it in one go. Similarly, like every competitive exam, the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) also demands preparation and focus. Before starting their MAT preparation journey, one should go through the MAT 2025 exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly and start practising accordingly.
There are certain factors that one needs to keep in mind while preparing a preparation plan for MAT such as timely completion of the MAT syllabus, time management, what are the best books that the candidates must study, solving question papers, and taking mock tests.
Also read -
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
MAT 2024 will be held in Computer-Based Test, Paper-Based Test, and Remote Proctored Internet-Based Test (IBT) mode.
There is no age bar prescribed by the authorities for MAT 2024.
AIMA conducts MAT four times a year i.e. February, May, September, and December.
Yes, 0.25 marks will get deducted for every incorrect answer.
Popular Courses and Specializations
List of colleges accepting MAT
Browse Bschool Colleges by State
Questions related to MAT
On Question asked by student community
Two papers make up the Class 8 NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship) exam:
The Mental Ability Test (MAT) measures a person's capacity for critical thought, reasoning, and problem-solving. It covers topics such as pattern recognition, numerical series, classifications, analogies, and more.
The Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT, assesses a candidate's general knowledge as well as their proficiency in science, math, and social studies. It centres on the academic material that students have studied.
While every state may have a unique curriculum and format, both exams usually feature multiple-choice questions (M CQs).
The applicability of a caste certificate from another state (West Bengal) for MAT admissions in Hyderabad colleges depends on the specific college's policy.
MAT itself doesn't have specific requirements regarding caste certificates. It's a national-level entrance exam.
Each college sets its own admission criteria, including the format and validity of caste certificates for claiming reservation benefits.
Some colleges in Hyderabad might accept caste certificates from other states like West Bengal, provided they are issued by the competent authority and meet their format requirements. Other colleges might require a caste certificate issued by the competent authority within Telangana (the state where Hyderabad is located).
The best way to know for sure is to directly contact the admissions office of the specific colleges you're interested in Hyderabad. They can clarify their policy on accepting caste certificates from other states for MAT admissions.
Some colleges might mention their reservation policy and required documents on their websites. Check the admissions section for details.
https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/mat
I hope it helps!
There could be several reasons why you're facing difficulty downloading your HPU MAT 2024 result:
- Website Issues: The HPU website might be experiencing technical glitches or high traffic. Try accessing it later or from a different device.
- Incorrect Credentials: Ensure you're entering the correct application number and password. Double-check for any typos or errors.
- Result Not Yet Released: Verify if the results have been declared officially. Check the HPU website for any updates or announcements.
- Browser Compatibility: Try using a different web browser to access the result page. Sometimes, compatibility issues can hinder downloads.
If the problem persists, consider these steps:
- Contact the HPU MAT exam cell directly for assistance. They can provide specific guidance and troubleshoot the issue.
- Check the HPU MAT result-related FAQs or help section on the website.
- Look for any official notifications or updates on the HPU website or social media channels.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully downloading your HPU MAT 2024 result.
Hello aspirant,
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardised examination designed to help Business Schools (B-Schools) evaluate applicants before accepting them into their MBA and related programmes. Solving mat sample papers immensely helps in its preparation.
To download sample papers you can visit our website by clicking on the link given below.
https://bschool.careers360.com/download/sample-papers/mat-sample-paper
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Hello aspirant,
The MAT's GK Section is not taken into account while determining the composite score or final percentile. However, if you score well in the MAT GK Section, you will have an advantage during the GD/PI procedure. So General Knowledge is also important for the interview perspective.
Thank you
Hope it helps you.