MAT Exam for MBA 2024: Eligibility, Preparation Tips, and Top Colleges

Summary: If you are planning to sit for MAT Exam for MBA you may need to Know about each and every things that are required for these exams and they may have different eligibility criteria, exam patterns, and application fees. To know more about the entrance exam of MAT for MBA then sit back and read our blog! 

So, gear up and read on to make an informed decision and excel in all India MAT entrance exams!

WHAT IS MAT EXAM FOR MBA?

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardized exam for admission into various MBA programs in India. It assesses candidates' analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills. MAT scores are accepted by over 600 business schools nationwide, making it a popular choice among MBA aspirants.

Download Free Study Material for MAT Entrance Exams 2024 by SuperGrads

Entrance Exams for MBA Important Dates

Is entrance exam necessary for MBA? The academic year for ambitious MBA students has started with over 880+ MBA admission colleges in India, including national-level, state-level, and university-level exams.

Which entrance exam is best for MBA?

1. CAT (Common Admission Test)
2. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
3. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
4. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
5. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
6. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
7. NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test)
8. IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade)
9. TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test)
10. IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test)

These tests evaluate various abilities, including MBA entrance exams such as the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, CAT, CMAT, and MAT exam for MBA, assessing a range of skills including analytical, quantitative, verbal, reading, and writing abilities. These tests help admissions committees compare applicants and predict success in business school.

Check the approximate dates for the Entrance Exam for MAT :

Exam Month	Approximate Exam Date
February	Mid- Late February
May	Mid-Late May
September	Mid-Late September
December	Mid-Late December

The exam will be held in three different modes and will consist of 150 questions with a duration of 120 minutes. The exam will test the candidate's analytical, quantitative, verbal, reading, and writing abilities.

Check: MAT Exam Pattern 2024

CAT,XAT, MAT Exam for MBA Preparation

Exam	CAT	MAT	XAT
Conducting Body	IIMs	AIMA	XLRI, Jamshedpur
Exam Mode	Online	Online	Online
Marking Scheme	+3 for correct, -1 for incorrect	+1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect	+1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect
No. of Questions	66	200	100
Total Marks	198	200	100
Sections	VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude	Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Indian and Global Environment	Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Decision Making, General Knowledge, Essay Writing
Negative Marking for Un-attempted Questions	No	No	Yes
Time Duration	2 hours	2 hours 30 minutes	3 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty Level	Moderate to Difficult	Moderate	Moderate to Difficult
Goal	Admission to IIMs and other top B-schools in India	Admission to MBA and PGDM programs in various B-schools across India	Admission to XLRI and other XAMI members
Important Facts	- CAT is considered one of the toughest MBA entrance exams in India. - It is conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis.  - The exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude. - The syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams.	- MAT is conducted by AIMA four times a year.  - The exam consists of five sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment.  - The syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams.	- XAT is conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur for admission to their MBA programs and other XAMI members.  - The exam consists of five sections: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Decision Making, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing. - The syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams.

Check: MAT EXAM Preparation 2024

Top MBA Colleges for MAT Exam for MBA 2024

College Name	Average Placement Package	Fees
Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), New Delhi	INR 5-6 LPA	INR 5.5 Lakhs
Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad	INR 6-7 LPA	INR 12.5 Lakhs
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow	INR 4-5 LPA	INR 6.5 Lakhs
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida	INR 6-7 LPA	INR 10 Lakhs
Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), Mumbai	INR 5-6 LPA	INR 8.5 Lakhs
Christ University Institute of Management (CUIM), Bangalore	INR 4-5 LPA	INR 6 Lakhs
Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai	INR 6-7 LPA	INR 10 Lakhs
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore	INR 5-6 LPA	INR 8 Lakhs
Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa	INR 8-9 LPA	INR 14 Lakhs
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune	INR 12-14 LPA	INR 14 Lakhs

Check: HOW MANY TIMES MAT EXAM CONDUCTED IN A YEAR

Important Dates for MBA Entrance Exam

Exam	Date
LPUNEST 2024	April 30, 2024 and May 1, 2024
Jain University JET MBA 2024	April 30, 2024 and May 1, 2024
PESSAT 2024	April 20 to May 12, 2024
MGU CAT Exam	May 17 and 18, 2024
CMAT Exam	May 15, 2024
TS ICET	June 4 – 5, 2024
AP ICET	May 6 and 7, 2024
IIHMR MBA Admission	Till July 31, 2024

MAT Exam Syllabus 2024

Section	Topics
Language Comprehension	Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Verbal Ability
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning	Syllogisms, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Blood Relations, Series, Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Input-Output, Direction Sense, Seating Arrangement
Mathematical Skills	Arithmetic, Algebra, Modern Math, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry
Data Analysis and Sufficiency	Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency
Indian and Global Environment	Business & Economy, Who’s who, current affairs, static GK

Check: MAT Exam Syllabus 

MAT Exam for MBA Syllabus: Key Areas of Focus

Here's a breakdown of the MAT Exam for MBA syllabus:

• The MAT (Management Aptitude Test) for MBA assesses candidates' aptitude in various areas.
• Syllabus includes five key sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment.
• Language Comprehension tests reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and grammar.
• Mathematical Skills covers topics like arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, and algebra.
• Data Analysis and Sufficiency evaluates data interpretation and quantitative reasoning abilities.
• Intelligence and Critical Reasoning assesses logical reasoning and analytical abilities.
• Indian and Global Environment focuses on current affairs, general knowledge, and business awareness.
• Preparation includes practice tests, mock exams, and thorough revision of these subjects.

MAT Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the MAT exam for MBA is as follows:

• The candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent.
• The candidate must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in the Bachelor's degree (45% for reserved categories).
• The candidate in the final year of the Bachelor's degree can also apply, but the admission will be subject to the completion of the degree with the required percentage of marks.
• There is no age limit for appearing in the MAT exam.
• The candidate can take the MAT exam any number of times.

Know more: How to download MAT Admit Card

Preparation Strategy for MBA Entrance Exams in India For MAT

1. Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the MAT syllabus and exam pattern. This will help you to plan your preparation and focus on the important topics.
2. Create a Study Plan: Make a study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus. Allocate sufficient time for each section and stick to the plan.
3. Gather Study Materials: Collect study materials such as textbooks, sample papers, and online resources. Make sure the materials are up-to-date and cover the entire syllabus.
4. Practice Regularly: Regular practice is key to success in the MAT exam. Practice with sample papers, online tests, and mock tests. This will help you to improve your speed and accuracy.
5. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and focus on improving them. Spend extra time on these areas and practice until you are confident.
6. Stay Updated: Stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge. This will help you to perform well in the Indian and Global Environment section.
7. Take Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to assess your progress. This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments to your preparation.
8. Revise Regularly: Regular revision is important to retain what you have learned. Make a revision plan and stick to it.
9. Stay Healthy: Take care of your health during the preparation. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
10. Stay Positive: Stay positive and motivated throughout the preparation. Believe in yourself and your abilities.

Note: This is a general preparation strategy 

Check: MAT EXAM RESULT

Syllabus Breakdown: Section-Wise Breakdown Of The MAT Exam for MBA

The MAT syllabus is divided into five sections, each with its own set of key topics. Here is a section-wise breakdown of the MAT syllabus:

1. Language Comprehension:

• Reading Comprehension
• Verbal Ability with Grammar
• Sentence Completion
• Verbal Reasoning
• Critical Reasoning

2. Mathematical Skills:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Modern Math

3. Data Analysis and Sufficiency:

• Data Interpretation
• Data Sufficiency
• Data Analysis
• Graphs and Charts

4. Intelligence and Critical Reasoning:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-verbal Reasoning
• Critical Reasoning
• Analogies
• Classification
• Series
• Coding-Decoding
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense

5. Indian and Global Environment:

• Business Environment
• Indian Economy
• International Economics
• Who’s who
• Current Affairs
• Static GK

Read more: MAT Exam Question and Answers

Other Options Rather Than MAT Exam For MBA

1. Specialized Masters of Science or Arts (MSc or MA) programs: Many universities and business schools offer specialized MSc or MA programs in various fields of business, such as finance, marketing, or management. These programs often share courses with MBA degrees but have lower tuition fees.
2. Specialized Business Masters degrees: These degrees focus on a specific area of business, such as finance, marketing, or management. They are usually more theoretical and less hands-on than MBA degrees.
3. Masters in Management (MIM) programs: MIM programs are placed between classical MBA and specialized Masters degrees. They offer a general management education and are often less expensive than MBA degrees.
4. Professional certifications: Professional certifications such as CFA, CPA, or CIMA can boost your career and are usually more focused on specialized areas of business than MBA degrees.
5. Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs: These programs focus on public affairs and government and are a good option for those planning a career in public service or government.
6. Work experience: Gaining work experience through consulting, joining a company's graduate program, or starting your own company can provide you with valuable hands-on experience and skills.

Also check: MAT Selection Process

How to prepare for MAT if you are a switcher (from another career)

1. Understand the MAT exam format: Familiarize yourself with the MAT exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme. This will help you to plan your preparation and focus on the important topics.
2. Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Assess your skills and identify areas where you need improvement in your MAT Exam for MBA preparation. This will help you to create a study plan that targets your weak areas and builds on your strengths.
3. Create a study plan: Make a study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus. Allocate sufficient time for each section and stick to the plan.
4. Gather study materials: Collect study materials such as textbooks, sample papers, and online resources. Make sure the materials are up-to-date and cover the entire syllabus.
5. Practice regularly: Regular practice is key to success in the MAT exam. Practice with sample papers, online tests, and mock tests. This will help you to improve your speed and accuracy.
6. Focus on your weak areas: Identify your weak areas and focus on improving them. Spend extra time on these areas and practice until you are confident.
7. Stay updated: Stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge. This will help you to perform well in the General Knowledge section.
8. Take mock tests: Take mock tests regularly to assess your progress. This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments to your preparation.
9. Revise regularly: Regular revision is important to retain what you have learned. Make a revision plan and stick to it.
10. Stay positive: Stay positive and motivated throughout the preparation. Believe in yourself and your abilities.

Check: Management Courses after 12th

Preparation Tips for MBA Entrances

• Start Early: Begin your preparation as early as possible, ideally a year before the exam. This will give you enough time to cover all the topics and take multiple mock tests.
• Understand the Syllabus: Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern for each exam you plan to take. This will help you focus your preparation efforts and avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus and allocate time for each section. Stick to the plan and track your progress regularly.
• Practice Regularly: Regular practice is key to success in MBA entrance exams. Practice with previous years' papers and mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and focus on improving them. Spend extra time on these areas and practice until you are confident.
• Stay Updated: Stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge. This will help you perform well in the General Knowledge section.
• Take the Help of Online Coaching or Tuition: If required, take the help of online coaching or tuition to improve your preparation.
• Revise Regularly: Regular revision is important to retain what you have learned. Make a revision plan and stick to it.
• Stay Healthy: Take care of your health during the preparation. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
• Stay Positive: Stay positive and motivated throughout your MAT Exam for MBA preparation, believing in yourself and your abilities.

Check: CAT Entrance Exam Preparation

Conclusion

As you prepare for your MAT Exam for MBA , remember to understand the exam pattern, practice regularly, and stay updated with current affairs.

Focus on improving your English language skills, quantitative ability, reasoning, and general knowledge. Stay confident, maintain a positive attitude, and seek guidance when needed. You can increase your chances of exam success with thorough preparation and dedication. Best of luck!

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