The MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is a popular entrance exam for students who want to do an MBA or PGDM course in India. It is conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association) and is accepted by many business schools across the country. The exam is held in two modes: offline (PBT) and online (CBT).
The MAT Exam Syllabus 2025 includes five main sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Economic & Business Environment.
In this blog, we will explain these topics in simple words to help you understand the syllabus. We’ve also shared details about the exam pattern and some preparation tips.
What Is The MAT Exam
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a popular entrance exam for students who want to study an MBA or PGDM in India. It has been conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association) since 1988 and is approved as a national-level exam by the Government of India.
More than 600 business schools across India accept MAT scores. Some other institutes may also accept MAT scores based on their own rules and cut-offs.
The MAT exam is held four times a year – in February, May, August, and December. Students can appear in one or more sessions. The exam is conducted in two formats:
- PBT (Paper-Based Test) – you write the exam using a pen and paper
- CBT (Computer-Based Test) – you take the exam on a computer at a test centre
MAT Exam 2025: Overview
Full Form | Management Aptitude Test |
Conducting Body | AIMA (All India Management Association) |
Official Website | |
Accepted By | 600+ B-Schools across India |
Duration of Exam | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
Number of Questions | 150 questions (30 from each section) |
Eligibility | Graduate in any stream or a final year student |
Score Validity | 1 year (Best score is considered if taken multiple times) |
MAT Exam Syllabus 2025 – Section-Wise Breakdown
MAT has five sections, each with thirty questions. A total of 150 questions are to be attempted over 120 minutes.
Section No. | Section Name | No. of Questions |
1 | Language Comprehension | 30 |
2 | Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 30 |
3 | Mathematical Skills | 30 |
4 | Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 30 |
5 | Economic & Business Environment | 30 |
1. Language Comprehension
This section checks how well you understand and use the English language. It includes grammar, vocabulary, reading skills, and sentence structure.
Topics to cover:
- Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb
- Antonyms & Synonyms
- Reading Comprehension (passages with questions)
- Parts of Speech
- One Word Substitution
- Vocabulary (word meanings, usage)
- Sentence Correction
- Idioms and Phrases
- Grammar (basic rules and application)
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Verbal Ability (general language usage and understanding)
2. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
This section tests how logically and quickly you can think. It includes puzzles, patterns, and decision-making questions. You don’t need formulas, but you do need good observation and thinking skills.
Topics to cover:
- Family Tree
- Strong & Weak Arguments
- Multi-Dimensional Arrangements
- Course of Action
- Puzzles
- Visual Reasoning
- Arrangements (Linear, Circular, etc.)
- Series Completion (Number & Letter series)
- Numeric Grid
- Pie Charts
- Blood Relations
- Critical Reasoning
- Calendars
- Coding & Decoding
- Syllogisms
- Statement & Conclusions
- Column Graphs
- Graphs Representing Area
3. Mathematical Skills
This section is all about quantitative ability. It tests how well you can solve math-based problems, including basic to advanced concepts.
Topics to cover:
- LCM and HCF
- Commercial Mathematics
- Complex Numbers
- Percentages
- Permutations and Combinations
- Binomial Theorem
- Profit and Loss
- Sequence and Series
- Surds and Indices
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Heights and Distance
- Inequalities
- Speed, Time and Distance
- Triangles
- Set Theory
- Number System
- Circles
- Mixtures and Alligations
- Elementary Mathematics (Basic Arithmetic)
- Geometry
- Venn Diagrams
- Trigonometry
- Equations (Linear & Quadratic)
- Linear Programming
4. Data Analysis & Sufficiency
This section tests your ability to understand, compare, and interpret data. You’ll be asked to analyse numbers, patterns, and figures using charts, graphs, and tables.
Topics to cover:
- Tables
- Pie Charts
- Caselet-based Data (paragraphs with data to analyse)
- Charts
- Graphs – Line and X-Y Graphs
- Venn Diagrams
- Bar Diagrams
- Data Analysis and Data Comparison
- Data Sufficiency
5. Economic & Business Environment
This section tests your general awareness, especially about the economy, business world, current affairs, and general knowledge. Although this section is not counted in the final composite score, it is still important for GD-PI rounds and shortlisting in some B-schools.
Topics to cover:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- World Records
- Business & Corporate News
- Famous CEOs
- Awards and Winners
- Books and Authors
- Company Punchlines (Taglines/Slogans)
- History
- International Organisations (like IMF, UN, WTO, etc.)
- Important Statements & Quotations
- Social Issues
- Geography (basic facts)
- Sports (events, winners, records)
- Finance & Economy
- Science & Technology
- Entertainment (films, awards, etc.)
- Politics & Government Policies
MAT Exam Pattern 2025
Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Sections |
|
Medium of Examination | English |
Examination Mode | PBT (Paper-Based Test), CBT (Computer-Based Test) |
Total Questions | 150 |
Total Marks | 150 (30 marks for each section) |
Marking Scheme |
|
Duration of Examination | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
Exam Frequency | 4 times a year – February, May, August, and December |
Top Tips to Prepare for MAT Exam 2025 Syllabus
Preparing for MAT requires a mix of planning, regular practice, and smart strategies. Here are some useful tips to help you prepare effectively:
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly
Start your preparation by clearly knowing what topics are included in each section. This helps in better planning. - Create a balanced study plan
Divide your daily schedule to cover all sections. Focus more on the areas where you feel less confident. - Practice previous year question papers and mock tests
Solving past papers and taking mock exams regularly will help you understand the type of questions and improve your time management. - Improve speed and accuracy
Try to solve questions faster without making mistakes. Avoid wild guesses, as there is negative marking for wrong answers. - Strengthen your basics in maths
Revise important formulas, theorems, and concepts regularly, especially for topics in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. - Read newspapers and current affairs regularly
For the General Knowledge section, stay updated with national and international news, especially business-related topics. - Take sectional practice tests
Focus on one section at a time to build clarity and confidence. This helps in improving individual section performance. - Use quality study material
Choose standard MAT preparation books and reliable online resources. Avoid collecting too many study materials. - Stay consistent and revise regularly
Study a little every day instead of cramming everything at once. Regular revision helps in long-term retention. - Stay calm and confident
Don’t panic if you make mistakes while practicing. Stay focused and keep improving gradually.
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Conclusion
The MAT 2025 exam is a good chance for students who want to do an MBA or PGDM from top colleges in India. If you understand the syllabus well and prepare regularly, you can easily do well in the exam.
Start your preparation on time, focus on each section, and practice mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Keep your basics strong and revise often.
We hope this blog helped you understand the MAT exam syllabus, pattern, and tips. Keep working hard and stay confident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the syllabus for the MAT exam 2025?
Ans: The MAT syllabus includes five sections – Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, and Economic & Business Environment.
Q2. Is there any negative marking in the MAT exam?
Q3. Is the GK section counted in the MAT final score?
Ans: No, the Economic & Business Environment (GK) section is not counted in the composite score used for admission. But some colleges may consider it during interviews.
Q4. How many questions are there in the MAT exam?
Ans: There are a total of 150 multiple-choice questions – 30 questions from each of the five sections.
Q5. How should I start preparing for the MAT syllabus?
Ans: Begin with understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. Then, make a study plan, focus on your weak areas, and practice with previous papers and mock tests.
