The MAT exam is a relatively easier one, especially as compared to CAT. Another reason behind this perception is that the MAT exam pattern has remained similar over the past many years. So, it is easier to predict the pattern of the actual exam. there is no change in the number of questions or exam pattern in any of the three testing modes – Paper-based, Computer-based, and Internet-based proctored tests (IBT).
Hence, creating a well-made study plan and referring to reliable MAT exam study resources can really help you crack this exam with flying colours. The best strategy to prepare well for the exam and crack it with a high percentile is to start early.
Also Read: CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria: All You Need to Know
- Start Early. The MAT exam contains 5 sections. So, starting the preparation at least 5-6 months earlier is feasible. Doing so will give you ample time to invest in each section and practice mocks. The mantra to score high in MAT is to answer as many questions correctly as possible within the stipulated time of 120 minutes. Also, you must save time to revise each section before submitting the paper. Undertaking mock tests can teach you all these aspects of MAT.
- Get familiar with the MAT exam pattern, which contains five sections:
- Language Comprehension
- Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
- Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency
- Mathematical Skills
- Economic & Business Environment (this section does not get counted for the percentile)
- Refer to YouTube videos to get a clear understanding of the MAT syllabus and exam pattern interestingly and interactively. You can also refer to MAT preparation books.
- Make a study plan to serve as a road map for your MAT preparation. The study plan should include section-specific preparation plans, SMART goals, time slots for each segment, and a structured study timetable, among other things. Ensure that the study plan is thorough and covers the complete MAT course. It should also be adaptable, allowing for changes in response to changing circumstances.
- Referring to top-class study resources holds the key to success in MAT. There is nothing better than MAT preparation books to assist you prepare for the exam. MAT preparation books have value since they offer a systematic and comprehensive approach to studying for the test along with mock test papers and solved or unsolved MAT previous year papers.
- Sign up for MAT prep classes. You may register for online MAT test preparation classes. Sites like Unacademy, Time4education, and CATKing, among others, provide some of the most student-friendly MAT courses. Alternatively, you can enrol in coaching classes to receive individual mentorship and advice.
- Follow a schedule for studying. Divide each month into weekly segments and create a plan to ensure that every part of the MAT syllabus receives adequate time regularly. Make sure the timeline is flexible, allowing for changes as needed. Create an agenda for every day and review it regularly to track your progress.
- Practice Mocks. Mock tests are quite useful in preparing for management exams. After studying around 70% of the syllabus, begin taking one mock exam each week, eventually increasing to two as your preparation progresses. Combine mock exam papers with previous years’ question papers for a more complete practice.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to GMAT 2025: Exam Dates, Registration, Eligibility & More
MAT Exam Pattern
MAT is a two and a half hours objective type choice test with the following format: –
- There are 200 questions in all with four choices per question
- 0.25 marks per question are deducted for a wrong response, while 1 mark is awarded for a correct response
The test is structured into five sections as under: –
- Language Comprehension (40 Questions)
- Mathematical Skills (40 Questions)
- Data Analysis & Sufficiency (40 Questions)
- Intelligence & Critical Reasoning (40 Questions)
- Indian & Global Environment (40 Questions)
Preparation Strategy
The paper can be split into three parts: concept-driven, practice intensive and environment sensitive. Mathematical Skills & select areas of Language Comprehension are concept driven where the questions are critically dependent on the test taker’s conceptual clarity with respect to core fundamentals; Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Sufficiency and select areas of English Language Proficiency are practice intensive; Indian & Global Environment is environment sensitive where an awareness with respect to current affairs is the winning stroke. Given below is the preparation strategy for each of the MAT sections along with essential topics.
Indian & Global Environment
In this section, you are required to stay abreast of the latest happenings across the world. Apart from the current GK, learn about the basics of banking sector and business terminologies. For a good score, it is important to brush up your general knowledge daily. Majority of the questions in this section are from the following areas: –
- Current Events & Happenings
- Banking & Business
- Sports
- General Political Information
Mathematical Skills
This section evaluates your mathematical abilities in some of the basic topics. Before you start practicing this part of exam, make sure that you gain enough conceptual clarity of the fundamental topics. The important areas in this section are: –
- Number Systems
- Percentage, Profit & Loss, Mixtures
- Averages, Ratios, Interest
- Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance
- Geometry, Trigonometry
For MAT Exam one doesn’t prepare for it separately. MAT Exam syllabus basic concepts get covered when a candidate is preparing for other MBA Entrance Exams such as CAT, NMAT, CMAT, SNAP, etc. But if a candidate wants to prepare for MAT Exam separately then they can prepare from following best books for MAT Exam:
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Quantitative ability by RS Aggrawal
- Quantitative ability (LOD-1) by Sarvesh Verma
- Quantitative ability (LOD-1) by Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning:
Logical Reasoning LOD-1 by Arun Sharma
Language Comprehension:
- How to prepare for Reading Comprehension by Arun Sharma
- Pearson publication and newspapers for Reading Comprehension passages.
General Knowledge:
GK section is very vast. It’s better to study from some books rather than having zero knowledge during the Exam. Following are just some of the resources to prepare for GK. You need to study as much as you can for GK Section.
- Manorama Yearbook is one of the most advised books by the experts for General Knowledge section.
- Read Newspapers such as ‘The Hindu’, ‘Financial Express’, ‘Business Standard’, ‘The Economist’, ‘Economic Times’, etc.
All the Best!! Hope so this helps you!!
Ms. Rachna Anand – Assistant Professor: I Business Institute
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