MAT 2026 Exam Pattern Explained: What's New This Year?

TL;DR

• The MAT examination is a national-level entrance exam in the country. 
• The examination is ideal for learners who are interested in PGDM/MBA programmes.
• The exam has five sections, each with 30 questions, for a total of 150 questions. 
• To apply for the exam, learners must visit the official AIMA website. 

The MAT exam is a national entrance examination conducted by the AIMA. The examination enables learners to gain admission to MBA and allied programmes at more than 600 B schools in India. The entrance examination is ideal for learners who want to join PGDM or MBA in the country.

Since 1988, MAT has been a well-known screening test for admission, and it is held 4 times each year with more than 20,000 candidates appearing for every session. However,  before applying for this entrance examination, it is important to have good knowledge about the MAT exam pattern 2026 and what it has in store.

Eligibility to Pursue MAT

The eligibility criteria for MAT registration are:

●     Graduation in any field from a recognised institute.

●     Candidates in their final year of a graduate degree are also eligible. 

Modes of MAT 2026 Examination

The MAT 2026 examination can be given online or offline. Below are the modes:

1.    Paper-Based Test (PBT):

This mode is convenient for candidates who are comfortable with the traditional examination setting. They must reach the exam premises and fill in the answers on the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) sheet provided.

2.    Computer-Based Test (CBT):

Here, candidates take tests on the computer at the designated examination centers. This mode of examination is recommended for candidates who are familiar with digital technology.

3.    Paper-Based Test and Computer-Based Test:

This hybrid mode can be chosen if the candidate wants to take both tests. However, candidates have to pay an additional fee for this mode of test.

Know More About Our Online Programs

When Will the MAT 2026 Examination be Conducted?

Usually, the MAT Examination happens four times a year in February, May, August, and December. The expected MAT exam update for 2026, as per the AIMA schedule, is as follows:

CBT (Computer-Based Test):

MAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The MAT 2026 Exam Pattern and marking scheme are as follows:
  

• Total questions asked: 150 questions.
• Time limit: 120 minutes.
• Marks for each correct answer: +1.
• Negative marking for each incorrect answer: (-0.25).

Detailed MAT Syllabus 2026

The section names and the topics covered in the MAT exam syllabus and pattern​ are:

Fee Structure for Pursuing MAT 2026

The fee details for MAT 2026 are:

How to Apply For the MAT 2026 Examination?

Before registration, it is necessary to have the required documents ready for uploading.

Necessary Documents:

The documents that the candidates need for the application of the MAT exam 2026 are:

• A valid email ID that has been active for a year.
• A valid mobile number
• A scanned image of a passport-size photograph (10 to 50 kb).
• A scanned image of the signature (5 to 20 kb).
• Class 10th mark sheet.
• Class 12th mark sheet
• Graduation mark sheet (if already passed).
• Category details.
• Date of birth details or documents having personal information.
• A valid and active credit card/debit card or net banking details for payment.

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

Registration Process:

Once you know the MAT paper pattern, here is the registration process for the MAT exam 2026:

• Visit the official website of AIMA: https://mat.aima.in.
• Register with an active email ID and a registered mobile number.
•  After successful registration, log in with the credentials received and fill out the application form.
• Select modes of test in the application form.
• Upload a scanned photograph and signature.
• Choose the Management Institution (MI).
• Make fee payments according to the test modes opted.
• Fill in the personal details, education qualifications, and experience, if any.
• Preview and check the application particulars and submit them successfully.

Points to Remember During the Application Process

Apart from knowing the MAT negative marking and examination pattern, it is important that candidates also go through the following pointers:

• Candidates must check that all the details, such as name, email address, contact number, and residential address, are filled in correctly.
• Candidates must check the specifications like size, dimensions, and quality of the scanned images are proper.
• Candidates must ensure their payment is successful and that they have received a confirmation message or email.

Conclusion

MAT is a standardized entrance exam that assesses a student's ability to pursue a management career through offline and online education. It tests skills like reasoning, decision-making, and critical and analytical thinking. It also enriches candidates with enhanced business management theories and concepts. 

Understanding the 2026 MAT question paper pattern, exam modes, MAT 2025 format, MAT syllabus 2026, fee structure, and registration process is equally important for a hassle-free experience.

Check Out Our Top Online Degree Programs