MAT exam — AIMA MAT information, registration and syllabus
Management Aptitude Test
The national management entrance test for MBA/PGDM admissions conducted by AIMA
- Conducting body
- All India Management Association (AIMA)
- Level
- National / Graduate-level
- Mode
- Paper-based Test (PBT) and Computer-based Test (CBT) and Remote Proctored Internet-based Test (IBT)
- Frequency
- Multiple sessions per year (periodic MAT cycles)
- Duration
- 150 minutes
Last updated: 27 Aug 2026
Summary
What is MAT?
MAT is the Management Aptitude Test conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA/PGDM and allied postgraduate management programmes. MAT provides PBT, CBT and IBT modes and is accepted by a network of participating management institutes across India. MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA).
- Conducted by
- All India Management Association (AIMA)
- Level
- National / Graduate-level
- Mode
- Paper-based Test (PBT) and Computer-based Test (CBT) and Remote Proctored Internet-based Test (IBT)
- Frequency
- Multiple sessions per year (periodic MAT cycles)
- Duration
- 150 minutes
Last updated
MAT at a glance
- What is MAT?
- MAT is the Management Aptitude Test conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA/PGDM and allied postgraduate management programmes. MAT provides PBT, CBT and IBT modes and is accepted by a network of participating management institutes across India.
- Who conducts MAT?
- MAT is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). AIMA publishes registration, admit cards, results and candidate information on the official AIMA website and the MAT portal.
- What is the MAT exam pattern?
- MAT is a time-bound objective test of 150 minutes comprising multiple sections that assess language comprehension, mathematical skills, data analysis, logical reasoning and general intelligence. AIMA provides official information on section names, number of questions and timing on the MAT portal.
- Which modes are available for MAT?
- MAT offers three modes: Paper-Based Test (PBT) at designated centres, Computer-Based Test (CBT) at AIMA test centres, and Internet-Based Test (IBT) taken remotely with proctoring. Candidates choose a mode during MAT registration.
- How are MAT scores used?
- MAT scores issued by AIMA are used by participating institutes for shortlisting candidates for further admission stages such as group discussion and interview. Each institute sets its own cutoffs and weightages for the MAT score.
- Where do I register for MAT?
- Candidates register for MAT on the AIMA MAT portal linked from the AIMA website (https://www.aima.in/) or directly via the MAT registration portal hosted by AIMA. All payments and admit-card downloads are handled through the MAT portal.
- When are MAT admit cards released?
- AIMA issues MAT admit cards on the MAT portal ahead of each session. Candidates must download the admit card for their chosen mode and centre; exact release dates vary by session and are published by AIMA on the official site.
- Is there an official MAT syllabus?
- AIMA provides the MAT test structure and topic areas on the MAT pages of the AIMA website. The MAT syllabus covers key topics in language comprehension, mathematical skills, data interpretation & sufficiency, intelligence & critical reasoning, and Indian & global environment/general awareness.
MAT highlights
Exam name
MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
Conducting body
All India Management Association
Official website
aima.in
Open official pageModes
PBT / CBT / IBT
Duration
150 minutes
Question type
Objective multiple-choice
Purpose
Admission to MBA/PGDM and allied PG management programmes
Score use
Accepted by participating institutes
Sessions
Multiple sessions annually
Registration portal
MAT portal on AIMA website
Result delivery
Scorecard on MAT portal
Test centres
Nationwide (PBT/CBT) and remote (IBT)
MAT important dates
| Event | Date | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBT last date for online registration (September session) | 7 September 2026 | Confirmed | As published in AIMA Information to Candidates for MAT September 2026 |
| PBT admit card availability (September session) | 10 September 2026 (5.00 PM Onwards) | Confirmed | Download from applicant dashboard at https://mat.aima.in/ |
| PBT test date (September session) | 13 September 2026 | Confirmed | Paper Based Test date as per AIMA schedule |
| CBT last date for online registration (September session) | 14 September 2026 | Confirmed | As published in AIMA Information to Candidates for MAT September 2026 |
| CBT admit card availability (September session) | 17 September 2026 (5.00 PM Onwards) | Confirmed | Download from applicant dashboard at https://mat.aima.in/ |
| CBT test date (September session) | 20 September 2026 | Confirmed | Computer Based Test date as per AIMA schedule |
| MAT September 2026 score availability | By last week of September 2026 | Estimated (per AIMA notice) | Candidates must download scores from https://mat.aima.in/ applicant dashboard |
| PBT admit card download window (general guideline) | 3 days before PBT test date (typical) | Guideline | AIMA issues admit card a few days before each session; follow the applicant dashboard |
| CBT admit card download window (general guideline) | 3 days before CBT test date (typical) | Guideline | AIMA issues CBT admit card a few days before the scheduled CBT session |
| MAT score validity start | Date of score declaration | Policy | MAT score is valid for one year from declaration as per AIMA FAQs |
Dates may be revised by the conducting authority — always cross-check the latest official notification.
What is MAT?
B School Buzz AIBeta
Get the gist fast — converts exam pages into crisp, actionable insights
Overview of MAT
MAT is the Management Aptitude Test conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) to facilitate admission to MBA, PGDM and allied postgraduate management programmes across India. MAT is offered in multiple sessions each year and in three delivery modes: Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT) at AIMA test centres, and Internet-Based Test (IBT) taken remotely under proctoring. The MAT exam evaluates candidates on multiple skill areas that business schools commonly use for shortlisting applicants for further rounds such as group discussion and personal interview. AIMA manages registration, admit cards, test administration, and results publication through the official MAT portal and the AIMA website (https://www.aima.in/).
PURPOSE AND ACCEPTANCE
MAT is specifically designed to provide a standardized, objective assessment that participating institutes can use as part of their admission processes. MAT scores are distributed to candidates as scorecards by AIMA; individual institutes decide whether and how to use those scores for shortlisting, final selection, and merit lists. AIMA maintains the testing platform and a list of participating institutes that accept MAT scores; prospective test takers should check institute-specific requirements and weightages in addition to MAT results.
TEST MODES AND CANDIDATE CHOICE
- PBT (Paper-Based Test): Conducted at designated centres with physically distributed question booklets and answer sheets.
- CBT (Computer-Based Test): Conducted at AIMA-designated test centres with candidates answering on computers; AIMA provides centre lists and sloting details per session.
- IBT (Internet-Based Test): Remote proctored test taken from the candidate's chosen location using the MAT IBT software or portal; AIMA publishes IBT guidelines and technical requirements on the MAT portal.
STRUCTURE, SECTIONS AND TIMING
MAT is administered as a timed objective test of 150 minutes. The MAT paper comprises multiple sections that evaluate language and verbal skills, mathematical ability, data analysis and interpretation, logical and critical reasoning, and general awareness or intelligence components. AIMA publishes the exact section names, recommended question counts and sectional directions on the MAT pages of the official website and the MAT portal. The objective format typically uses multiple-choice questions with a standard time allocation for the full test; candidates must familiarise themselves with session-specific instruction booklets made available by AIMA.
MARKING, SCORE AND VALIDITY
AIMA issues a scorecard after processing responses for each MAT session. MAT scores are used by participating management institutes for shortlisting candidates; the acceptance, cutoff and validity period of a MAT score for admission decisions are determined by each participating institute. AIMA provides downloadable scorecards on the MAT portal for candidates to forward to colleges during the admission cycle.
REGISTRATION, ADMIT CARD AND RESULT WORKFLOW
- Registration: Candidates register on the official MAT portal managed by AIMA, create a profile, select session and mode (PBT/CBT/IBT), choose centre or IBT slot and pay the required fees through the portal.
- Admit Card: AIMA issues admit cards on the MAT portal before each session; the admit card contains exam mode, date, time, centre (for PBT/CBT) or IBT instructions, and candidate details.
- Result: After the session, AIMA publishes results and downloadable MAT scorecards on the MAT portal. Candidates and institutes use the scorecards for further admission processing.
TEST ADMINISTRATION AND SECURITY
AIMA is responsible for administering MAT securely across all modes. For PBT and CBT, AIMA manages physical centres, invigilation, question paper security and answer-sheet receipt. For IBT, AIMA prescribes remote-proctoring standards, system requirements and candidate authentication measures. AIMA publishes detailed candidate instructions, test-day rules and prohibited items on the MAT portal ahead of each session and enforces policies to ensure test integrity.
PREPARATION RESOURCES AND OFFICIAL MATERIALS
AIMA provides information bulletins, sample questions and candidate guidance on the MAT pages of the AIMA website and the MAT portal. MAT aspirants should rely on AIMA-authorised materials and the official MAT information bulletin for authoritative format, instructions, sample items and recommended practices. Official guidance includes sectional topic lists, permitted calculators or devices for specific modes, and instructions for remote proctoring in IBT sessions.
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND ADMISSION STEPS
Colleges and management institutes that accept MAT scores conduct their own admissions processes, including application filing, shortlisting, group exercise, interview and final selection. AIMA lists MAT-related information and links on the testing and assessment section of the AIMA website; candidates must verify college-specific application timelines, intake seats and cutoffs directly with the institutes.
FREQUENTLY UPDATED INFORMATION
AIMA updates session-specific dates, registration windows, fees, test centre lists and IBT technical requirements on the MAT portal and the official website. MAT aspirants should consult https://www.aima.in/ and the MAT registration portal for the latest, authoritative session notices, announcements and downloadable information bulletins published by AIMA.
Top institutions accepting MAT
Institutes that use the MAT score for admission.
| Institution | Location | Course | Cutoff | Fees | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All India Management Association (AIMA) - List of Participating Institutes | Pan-India (various cities) | MBA / PGDM / Allied programmes | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | AIMA's MAT score is used by over 600 B-Schools across India; acceptance and further selection rounds are decided by each institute. |
| Participating Private Management Institute (example membership group) | Various cities | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | Admission decisions based on institute-specific cutoffs, group discussions, interviews and other criteria as applicable. |
| University Departments accepting MAT (group) | Various states | MBA / Master programmes | Varies by university; check university notifications | Varies by university | MAT score may be accepted for initial shortlisting; final admission depends on university rules and approval. |
| Regional B-Schools accepting MAT (collective examples) | Metro and Tier II cities | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | Candidates shortlisted on MAT scores proceed to institute-level selection processes. |
| State-level Management Institutes (participants) | State capitals and cities | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | MAT score validity is one year; institutes may use MAT scores per their admission timelines. |
| Private University Business Schools (participants) | Private university campuses | MBA / Allied programmes | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | Use MAT scores as part of multi-stage admission (shortlist, GD/PI). |
| Government-aided Colleges (participants) | Across India | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | Admission as per institute/university policy; verify recognition and acceptance. |
| Industry-affiliated Management Institutes (participants) | Multiple cities | MBA / Executive MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | MAT score used for shortlisting; final offer subject to institute criteria. |
| Distance and Online Management Programmes (accepting MAT scores) | Off-campus / Online | MBA / IMBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | Some institutes accept MAT for admissions; confirm programme recognition and acceptance with the institute. |
| New and Emerging B-Schools (periodic participants) | Pan-India | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | MAT score acceptance changes; candidates should verify with the institute before applying. |
MAT eligibility criteria
MAT eligibility is set and administered by the All India Management Association (AIMA) and applies to all candidates seeking to register for MAT. Candidates from any recognised discipline who meet AIMA's minimum educational criteria are eligible to apply; professional degree holders and final-year students in undergraduate programmes are typically allowed to register subject to institute-specific admission rules. AIMA provides detailed eligibility instructions and any session-specific clarifications on the MAT portal.
Mere fulfilment of AIMA's MAT eligibility conditions allows a candidate to take the MAT exam; admission to a participating institute depends on that institute's criteria and shortlisting process. Candidates must check both AIMA's eligibility guidance and individual colleges' eligibility requirements before applying.
AIMA may publish clarifications for special categories such as foreign nationals, sponsored candidates or persons with disability; such category-specific instructions and any supporting-document rules are available on the official MAT pages of the AIMA website and the MAT portal.
Minimum educational qualification
Graduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university or equivalent; final-year students may apply as per AIMA guidance
Age limit
No upper or lower age limit specified by AIMA for MAT
Nationality
Indian nationals and others may apply; foreign nationals should follow AIMA's IBT and overseas-centre instructions
Attempt limits
No limit on number of attempts published by AIMA
Category certificates
Candidates from reserved categories must produce valid certificate as per institute requirements (OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, PwD)
Work experience
Work experience is not mandatory for MAT registration; it may be considered by admitting institutes
Exam-specific eligibility
AIMA may provide session-specific instructions for IBT/overseas candidates on the MAT portal
ID and document requirements
Valid photo ID and documents required at registration and to be carried to exam centre as per admit-card instructions
Can I apply?
MAT registration & application
- 1
Create AIMA account
Visit the AIMA website or the MAT registration portal and create a candidate account with a valid email address and mobile number as required by AIMA for MAT registration.
- 2
Login and start application
Login to the MAT portal using the created credentials, select the desired MAT session and exam mode (PBT/CBT/IBT), and proceed to fill the application form with personal, educational and contact details as required for MAT.
- 3
Select test mode and centre/slot
Choose MAT mode (PBT/CBT/IBT). For PBT/CBT, select preferred test centre and city from the options provided by AIMA; for IBT, select the preferred test date/slot within the session window where applicable.
- 4
Upload photograph and signature
Upload scanned passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format and dimensions as instructed on the MAT portal; follow AIMA's photo and signature specifications for successful upload.
- 5
Pay application fee
Pay the MAT examination fee online through the MAT portal using the available payment modes. AIMA accepts the session-specific fee for MAT which must be paid to complete registration.
- 6
Confirm and submit
Verify all information on the MAT application, accept declarations, and submit the form. Note the application number and transaction reference provided by the MAT portal for future correspondence.
- 7
Download admit card
When AIMA publishes admit cards for the MAT session, download the admit card from the MAT portal and check mode, date, time and centre/IBT instructions for the exam day.
- 8
Appear for MAT
Attend the MAT exam in the chosen mode (PBT/CBT/IBT) following the instructions on the AIMA-issued admit card; carry required ID documents and follow AIMA's examination day rules.
Photo & signature specifications: AIMA requires a recent passport-size colour photograph and a scanned signature uploaded in the formats and pixel dimensions specified on the MAT portal. Images should be clear, on plain background, and meet the file size limits published by AIMA for the MAT application.
Correction window: AIMA may provide a limited correction facility for certain fields after submission for MAT; candidates should refer to session-specific instructions on the MAT portal. Corrections, where allowed, are typically limited to non-sensitive fields and available only for a short window published by AIMA.
Common mistakes to avoid: entering incorrect name or ID details that do not match the photo ID, uploading wrong image dimensions or blurred photos/signatures, selecting an incorrect MAT mode without understanding IBT technical requirements, missing payment or using an unverified payment instrument, and not downloading the admit card after it is issued. Candidates should keep transaction receipts and confirmation emails provided by the MAT portal.
Documents required
- Passport-size photograph (scanned) as per AIMA specifications
- Signature (scanned) as per AIMA specifications
- Graduation degree/diploma certificate or provisional certificate
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets (if required by institute)
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar card/Passport/PAN/Driving Licence/Voter ID) for MAT
- Category certificate (OBC-NCL/EWS/SC/ST) if applicable
- PwD certificate if seeking scribe/accommodation
- Work experience certificate (if claiming experience-weight in institute admissions)
- Passport (for overseas/foreign-national candidates) where applicable
- Bank card/transaction proof for fee payment
MAT application fee
Category-wise MAT registration fee, accepted payment modes and refund rules.
| Category | Application fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General (PBT or CBT) | INR 2,300 | Fee for single mode (PBT or CBT) as published by AIMA |
| General (PBT+CBT) | INR 4,000 | Combined fee for both PBT and CBT (includes the extra Rs 1,700 over single mode per AIMA notice) |
| OBC‑NCL (PBT or CBT) | INR 2,300 | Same as standard single‑mode fee per AIMA published schedule |
| EWS (PBT or CBT) | INR 2,300 | Same as standard single‑mode fee per AIMA published schedule |
| SC (PBT or CBT) | INR 2,300 | AIMA publishes a uniform registration fee for PBT/CBT; any institute concessions are separate |
| ST (PBT or CBT) | INR 2,300 | AIMA publishes a uniform registration fee for PBT/CBT |
| PwD (PBT or CBT) | INR 2,300 | AIMA published fee for test registration |
| Female / Transgender (PBT or CBT) | INR 2,300 | AIMA published fee for test registration |
| Late fee (if applicable) | INR 1,700 | AIMA indicates an extra amount of Rs 1,700 is charged to opt for additional test mode (PBT+CBT); check portal for session‑specific late fee policies |
| Per additional programme / institute option | Included in mode fee | Selection of additional institutes up to the limits published (5 for single mode; 7 for PBT+CBT) is tied to the chosen mode and fee |
| Overseas / international centre fee | INR 4,000 | Candidates taking both PBT and CBT pay INR 4,000 as published; overseas centre fee specifics are published on the MAT portal when applicable |
| GST / taxes | Included in published fee | MAT registration fees published by AIMA (INR 2,300 / INR 4,000) are the amounts candidates should refer to on the portal; any applicable taxes are included as per AIMA payment flow |
Fees are as published by the conducting authority — verify on the official portal before paying.
Accepted payment modes: AIMA accepts online payments for MAT through the MAT portal using net banking, debit card, credit card and UPI as displayed at the time of application. Candidates must complete payment on the MAT portal to confirm registration.
Refund & non-refundable policy: The MAT examination fee paid to AIMA is generally non-refundable and non-transferable across sessions unless AIMA specifies a refund policy in exceptional cases; candidates should consult session-specific terms on the MAT portal before payment.
Payment-failure handling: In case of transaction failure during MAT registration, candidates should check transaction status on the MAT portal and bank statements. AIMA provides transaction references on successful payments; failed or pending transactions may be retried. For unresolved payment issues, candidates should contact AIMA helpdesk via the official MAT portal contact options.
Fee-waiver rules: Any concessions or fee waivers for MAT (for categories such as SC/ST/PwD or female/transgender candidates) are published by AIMA on the MAT portal per session where applicable; candidates should consult official MAT session notices for such provisions.
MAT exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks per question | Total marks | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 40 | 1 | 40 | 30 |
| Mathematical Skills | 40 | 1 | 40 | 40 |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 40 | 1 | 40 | 35 |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 40 | 1 | 40 | 30 |
| Indian & Global Environment (GK) | 40 | 1 | 40 | 15 |
| Total | 200 | 1 | 200 | 150 |
MAT is a 200-question objective multiple-choice test administered by the All India Management Association (AIMA). The MAT exam pattern above reflects the standard five-section structure used by AIMA for the MAT paper and the total duration of 150 minutes for the paper-based and computer-based tests; AIMA also conducts a remote proctored (IBT) mode with the same syllabus and question-count structure. Section timings are indicative of typical recommended time allocation by MAT aspirants and many test-prep sources; AIMA provides the definitive time limit as 150 minutes for the full MAT paper.
MAT marking scheme
Question type
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with four options
Marks per correct answer
1 mark
Negative marking
0.25 mark deducted for each wrong answer
Unattempted questions
No marks awarded or deducted
MAT syllabus
Official downloads & resources
MAT previous year papers
MAT difficulty analysis
| Section | Typical difficulty (qualitative) |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | Moderate |
| Mathematical Skills | Moderate to Difficult |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | Moderate |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | Moderate |
| Indian & Global Environment (GK) | Easy to Moderate |
How to prepare for MAT
Score, percentile & college prediction tools
MAT cutoffs
| Institute | Programme | Typical MAT Percentile Cutoff (approx) | Last-year reference / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIMA Participating B-Schools (top tier examples) | MBA / PGDM | INFORMATION NOT PUBLISHED BY AIMA | AIMA publishes participating institutes list; cutoffs vary by institute and year. Candidates must check institute prospectus. |
| University Departments accepting MAT | MBA / PGDM | INFORMATION NOT PUBLISHED BY AIMA | Cutoffs and minimum percentages are determined by the individual University/MI. |
| Private Management Institutes (typical acceptors) | MBA / PGDM / Allied programmes | INFORMATION NOT PUBLISHED BY AIMA | Participating MIs may change each test; check the AIMA MAT website for the current list. |
| State / Central University affiliated colleges | MBA / PGDM | INFORMATION NOT PUBLISHED BY AIMA | AIMA advises candidates to verify approval/recognition status and cutoffs with institutes directly. |
The MAT organising authority (AIMA) does not publish uniform cutoff percentiles for admission; each participating Management Institute (MI) or University sets its own MAT score/cutoff and admission criteria. MAT candidates should consult the specific MI/University prospectus or admission office for exact cutoffs and seat-wise norms. AIMA provides a list of participating institutes on the official MAT portal where candidates can confirm whether a given institute accepts MAT scores.
Institutions you can target at different MAT scores
Use the shortlister to map your expected score to safe, target and reach institutes.
| Institution | Location | Course | Cutoff | Fees | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All India Management Association (AIMA) - List of Participating Institutes | Pan-India (various cities) | MBA / PGDM / Allied programmes | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | AIMA's MAT score is used by over 600 B-Schools across India; acceptance and further selection rounds are decided by each institute. |
| Participating Private Management Institute (example membership group) | Various cities | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | Admission decisions based on institute-specific cutoffs, group discussions, interviews and other criteria as applicable. |
| University Departments accepting MAT (group) | Various states | MBA / Master programmes | Varies by university; check university notifications | Varies by university | MAT score may be accepted for initial shortlisting; final admission depends on university rules and approval. |
| Regional B-Schools accepting MAT (collective examples) | Metro and Tier II cities | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | Candidates shortlisted on MAT scores proceed to institute-level selection processes. |
| State-level Management Institutes (participants) | State capitals and cities | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | MAT score validity is one year; institutes may use MAT scores per their admission timelines. |
| Private University Business Schools (participants) | Private university campuses | MBA / Allied programmes | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | Use MAT scores as part of multi-stage admission (shortlist, GD/PI). |
| Government-aided Colleges (participants) | Across India | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | Admission as per institute/university policy; verify recognition and acceptance. |
| Industry-affiliated Management Institutes (participants) | Multiple cities | MBA / Executive MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | MAT score used for shortlisting; final offer subject to institute criteria. |
| Distance and Online Management Programmes (accepting MAT scores) | Off-campus / Online | MBA / IMBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | Some institutes accept MAT for admissions; confirm programme recognition and acceptance with the institute. |
| New and Emerging B-Schools (periodic participants) | Pan-India | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | MAT score acceptance changes; candidates should verify with the institute before applying. |
| National-level Private Universities (participants) | Major cities | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | MAT scores may be part of composite admission criteria including academic record and interviews. |
| Autonomous Institutes accepting MAT (participants) | Various locations | MBA / PGDM | Varies by institute; check institute prospectus | Varies by institute | MAT score used for screening; each autonomous institute defines its own selection process. |
Compare institutions
MAT vs Other national management entrance tests
| Parameter | MAT | Other national management entrance tests |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting body | All India Management Association (AIMA) | Other exams: different bodies (e.g., CAT by IIMs, XAT by XLRI) |
| Score usage | MAT scorecard issued by AIMA used by participating institutes | Other exams' scores used by their respective participating institutes |
| Centralised cutoffs | No centralised AIMA‑published college cutoffs; colleges publish their own | Some exams have commonly published cutoffs by consortiums or well-known institute lists, but most institutes publish their own for each exam |
| Registration & admit card | MAT registration and admit cards are handled on the official MAT portal (mat.aima.in) | Other exams have their own official portals for registration and admit cards |
MAT (AIMA) vs Institute-level selection
| Parameter | MAT (AIMA) | Institute-level selection |
|---|---|---|
| Result issuer | AIMA issues MAT scorecards and publishes results on mat.aima.in | Institutes issue admission offers and final selection lists |
| Counselling | AIMA does not conduct centralised counselling for MAT; institutes manage admissions | Some other tests may have centralised counselling through a consortium (depends on the exam) |
MAT admission & counselling process
- 1
Check MAT scorecard on AIMA portal
MAT candidates must first download their MAT scorecard from the official AIMA MAT portal (https://mat.aima.in/) after results are published; the MAT scorecard is required for institute applications.
- 2
Identify participating institutes accepting MAT
MAT aspirants should compile a list of institutes that accept MAT scores by visiting individual institute websites; AIMA provides information about MAT on https://www.aima.in/testing-and-assessment#mat but institute participation and seat availability are published by the institutes themselves.
- 3
Apply separately to institutes
For admission, MAT candidates must submit applications to each participating institute as per that institute's application schedule and process; MAT registration does not substitute for individual institute application for admission.
- 4
Institute shortlisting
Institutes shortlist candidates for further rounds (group discussion, personal interview, micro-presentation) using their own weightage for MAT score, academic record, work experience and other criteria as published by the institute.
- 5
Attend institute counselling/selection rounds
MAT candidates must attend institute-conducted counselling, GD/PI or other selection rounds on the dates and venues specified by each institute; institutes will verify documents and inform candidates of selection.
- 6
Document verification and fee payment to institute
After selection, candidates must complete document verification and pay admission fees directly to the institute as per that institute's instructions; MAT scorecards from AIMA are used as part of verification.
- 7
Final admission and onboarding
Institutes will issue the final admission offer after successful completion of all selection formalities, after which candidates follow institute-specific onboarding and programme commencement schedules.
AIMA's role for MAT is to conduct the MAT exam, issue MAT admit cards and MAT scorecards on the official MAT portal (https://mat.aima.in/) and publish results; AIMA does not conduct centralised counselling for MAT. Candidates must follow each participating institute's official admission and counselling process. For authoritative MAT exam and scorecard information use AIMA's MAT portal and the AIMA main website: https://mat.aima.in/ and https://www.aima.in/.
MAT admit card
MAT candidates must download the MAT admit card from the official MAT portal (https://mat.aima.in/) using their applicant dashboard; AIMA issues separate admit cards for Paper Based Test (PBT) and Computer Based Test (CBT) registrations. MAT admit card will contain candidate name, form number, roll number, test date, test time and the test venue address with centre code. MAT candidates must follow the date and time allotted on the MAT admit card; for CBT candidates the specific date/time must be strictly followed as stated on the MAT admit card. Activation of a MAT test centre depends upon minimum number of registrations; candidates should therefore confirm their centre from the admit card.
To download the MAT admit card candidates need their application credentials on the MAT portal; ensure the email ID used during MAT registration is active. AIMA instructs candidates to carry the printed MAT admit card to the test centre along with any photo ID specified by the centre (as per institute/centre instructions). Candidates should check all details on the MAT admit card immediately on download and contact the AIMA helpdesk (mat@aima.in or official helpline numbers) for discrepancies. Admit cards for MAT PBT and CBT are made available on the MAT website as per the schedule published in the Information to Candidates for each MAT window.
Exam day guidelines
Before the exam
- Bring printed MAT admit card downloaded from https://mat.aima.in/ and original photo ID as specified in the MAT instructions on the official AIMA portal.
- Reach the MAT test centre at the reporting time printed on the MAT admit card; follow the check‑in procedure described on the official MAT portal.
- Carry only permitted items to the MAT test centre as described in the MAT instructions on the official MAT portal; prepare printed copies of any required documents for verification.
At the centre
- Present the MAT admit card and original photo ID for verification to the centre officials as per instructions on the official MAT portal.
- Follow the MAT centre staff instructions for seating, biometric/photograph capture (if used) and test administration as per AIMA-specified procedures.
- Do not use electronic devices inside the MAT test hall unless explicitly permitted by AIMA; follow invigilator instructions at all times.
Not allowed
- Electronic devices (mobile phones, smart watches), study materials, notes and calculators are not allowed inside the MAT test hall as per MAT instructions on AIMA portals.
- Any form of malpractice or violation of MAT test centre rules will be handled according to AIMA's test administration policies; follow the official MAT portal instructions and centre invigilator directions.
MAT exam centres
| City | State | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Delhi | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Mumbai | Maharashtra | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Kolkata | West Bengal | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Bengaluru | Karnataka | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Hyderabad | Telangana | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Pune | Maharashtra | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Ahmedabad | Gujarat | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Nagpur | Maharashtra | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Kochi | Kerala | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Vishakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Guwahati | Assam | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Patna | Bihar | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Raipur | Chhattisgarh | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Srinagar | Jammu & Kashmir | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Dehradun | Uttarakhand | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Trivandrum | Kerala | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Dispur | Assam | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Meerut | Uttar Pradesh | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Kota | Rajasthan | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Baroda (Vadodara) | Gujarat | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Udaipur | Rajasthan | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
| Shillong | Meghalaya | Candidates choose from centres listed on the official MAT registration portal during MAT registration; centre availability depends on session and seat allocations. |
MAT result
AIMA publishes MAT results and MAT scorecards on the official MAT portal (https://mat.aima.in/). Candidates can view and download their MAT scorecard from the AIMA MAT portal using their login credentials after results are declared. Institutes use the MAT scorecard issued by AIMA for shortlisting and admission processes.
What after MAT?
After the MAT exam candidates should immediately download their MAT scorecard from the official MAT portal (https://mat.aima.in/) when results are published; MAT scorecards are available through the applicant dashboard and must be saved and printed for institute applications. MAT scores are valid for one year and many participating B-Schools use the MAT score for initial shortlisting; final admission depends on institute-level selection processes such as group discussion and personal interview. Candidates should check the list of participating Management Institutes on the MAT website and contact institutes directly to confirm whether MAT scores are accepted for the specific programme and intake. AIMA advises candidates to verify recognition/approval status and specific eligibility (minimum graduation percentage, work experience) with each institute, because cutoffs and admission criteria are institute-specific and change from test to test. For any discrepancies in scorecards, admit cards, or centre allocation contact AIMA at mat@aima.in or the helpline numbers listed on the official MAT portal. Keep multiple soft and hard copies of the MAT scorecard, and comply with institute timelines for applications and document submission; retain proof of MAT registration and payment for future correspondence with AIMA or participating institutes.
Latest MAT updates
MAT registration link featured on AIMA website
AIMA lists a registration link for upcoming MAT sessions on the AIMA portal and the dedicated MAT microsite, directing aspirants to mat.aima.in for candidate actions.
Official sourceMAT Result (May 2024-August 2024) referenced on AIMA site
AIMA references past MAT result announcements covering the May 2024–August 2024 window on the official MAT section of the AIMA site.
Official sourceAIMA highlights MAT on its Testing & Assessments page
The AIMA Testing & Assessments section includes MAT as one of its key testing services, providing candidate information and links back to the MAT microsite.
Official sourceAIMA publishes events and flagship activities alongside MAT notices
AIMA continues to publish national events and flagship activity pages where MAT promotional banners and registration calls appear on the main website.
Official sourceAIMA social channels list MAT news and registration prompts
AIMA's official social channels (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube) are used to share MAT-related updates and reminders linking back to AIMA's official pages.
Official sourceMAT FAQs
Sources & editorial information
Last updated: 27 Aug 2026
Reviewed by: MBA Compass Editorial Team
- MAT official website
- Management Aptitude Test Online Registration Form & Mat ...
- FAQs - Management Aptitude Test
- UGAT | Under Graduate Aptitude Test
- 6TH AIMA–ICRC CASE WRITING COMPETITION & ...
Information on this page is compiled from official notifications and authoritative sources and should be verified against the latest official announcement before applying.