MAT 2025 Exam Format: CBT, PBT, or IBT— Which One Should You Choose?

Introduction

Accepted by over 600 colleges across India, the MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is among the most important exams for admission to the Master of Business Administration or Post Graduate Diploma in Management program. Being aware of the MAT exam’s format and choosing the suitable mode and type is crucial if you are to appear for the exam.

 

The MAT exam takes place four times a year, with options regarding the modes and type you wish to choose. In this article, we have covered the MAT 2025 exam format and a relative comparison between its different types and modes.

Exam Format of MAT 2025

The MAT exam is administered by the AIMA (All India Management Association) every year in February, May, August, and December. The structure of the MAT exam is as follows:

• Question Paper Pattern:

The question paper comprises 5 sections with 30 multiple-choice questions in each section, making it a total of 150 questions.

• Duration of the Exam:

120 minutes (2 hours)

• Marking Structure:

(i) 1 mark awarded for each correct answer.

(ii) 0.25 mark deducted for each incorrect answer.

(iii) No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.

• Sections:

(i) Language Comprehension

(ii) Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

(iii) Mathematical Skills

(iv) Data Analysis and Sufficiency

(v) Economic and Business Environment

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Which is the Best Type of MAT Exam: CBT, PBT, or IBT?

The MAT exam is conducted in 3 types: CBT (Computer-Based Test), PBT (Paper-Based Test), and IBT (Internet-Based Test). Based on the nature of the exam you wish to opt for, you can choose from among CBT vs PBT vs IBT MAT exam types.

A comparative analysis of the 3 types is given below:

• CBT 

The CBT exam is right for you if you are more comfortable navigating options on a computer screen. This type allows you to take the test from an allotted centre via online mode. You are required to log in to the allotted computer using the credentials already provided.

 

It is a convenient exam mode as you can switch between questions from the question palette to change your response.

• PBT

If you are someone who prefers the traditional PBT exam method, then you can appear for MAT via this format. In this exam type, you are required to mark your responses on an Optical Mark Reader (OMR) sheet.

 

This exam type also allows you to attempt sections at your convenience. However, you cannot change your responses once they are marked on the sheet.

• IBT

If you find appearing for exams virtually from a remote location more convenient, then you can choose the IBT exam mode. It is a popular exam type, as you are required to answer the questions from your place of comfort while keeping your camera and microphone turned on. 

However, it requires certain additional system requirements. Just like CBT, this exam type also allows you to choose the section that you wish to answer first.

Here’s a quick MAT exam-type comparison to help you make the right choice:

Also Read:- Top Entrance Exams to Watch Out for in 2025: How They Affect Admissions?

Exam Modes of MAT 2025

The MAT exam is conducted four times a year in two modes: online and offline. During the application process, each session offers the opportunity to choose the mode. The online modes include the CBT and IBT exam types, while the offline mode comprises the PBT exam type.

As per the latest information from the AIMA, the following types are available for the MAT 2025 exam modes:

• PBT
• CBT
• PBT+CBT

The PBT+CBT exam type allows you to appear for both PBT and CBT exam modes on two different dates. You can opt for this option by paying an additional Rs. 1500 in addition to the usual application fees of Rs. 2100 during registration. It is an ideal choice if you prefer attempting both the MAT online and offline modes.

Qualifying MAT 2025

Unlike other exams, the MAT exam does not have fixed qualifying marks, as it varies by college and year. However, once you get your score, you can check if you are eligible for admission to your preferred management institute. Additionally, you need to select a few colleges to which your scores are sent automatically. If selected, the colleges will contact you for the next steps.

You also need to check if your desired institution accepts MAT scores. If the cut-off mark is achieved, some colleges may also have an additional GD (group discussion), PI (personal interview) round, or even a combination of both.

At Amity University Online, however, you do not strictly require a MAT score for admission to the online MBA program, but it is accepted too. The eligibility criteria for joining an online MBA at Amity University Online requires only a graduation degree with a minimum of 40% and a few other simple requirements.

Conclusion

Be it CBT, PBT, or IBT, choosing the right MAT exam mode based on your convenience is essential. Once this is ensured, qualifying for the MAT exam should be the next strategy. It becomes even easier when familiar with the MAT 2025 exam format, types, and sections in the question paper. Hence, deciding the topics you wish to prioritise first and choosing the suitable mode like Offline or Online Education. it will enable you to succeed in your upcoming MAT exams with ease.

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