What is the Pattern of MAT EXAM?

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a premier management examination conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) since 1988. It is used by over 600 institutions, throughout the country, as a qualifying examination or entrance test for admission into Master of Business Administration (MBA) and similar courses. Since its inception, the MAT exam pattern has gone through several changes and tweaks to provide candidates with a professional experience. We bring the MAT 2021 pattern to you so that you don’t fall short of preparation before appearing the next time.

MAT 2021 Exam Pattern Overview

MAT exam consists of 200 objective type questions spread over five sections and a duration of 150 minutes. The exam holistically tests a candidate’s proficiency by having diverse areas like Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, and Indian & Global Environment. There are 40 questions from each section, and the test is conducted four times a year. All the questions carry equal marks, and there is negative marking for wrong answers. Historically, the MAT exam used to be conducted in a paper-pen mode. Still, due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, AIMA has come up with an innovative Remote Proctored Internet-Based Test (IBT) with the help of which candidates can appear in the examination without stepping out of their homes.

MAT 2021 Exam Pattern– Section Wise Breakup

• Language Comprehension: This section is drafted to test the candidate’s English comprehension skills and is divided into two parts: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Verbal Ability. Its syllabus includes Synonyms/Antonyms, Verbal Reasoning, Contextual usage, Syllogisms, Fill in the blanks, Jumbled Paragraphs, Idioms, etc. With good accuracy and practice, you can hop onto this scoring section and increase your tally.
• Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: The 40 questions under this section tend to test a candidate’s overall problem-solving abilities. You have to be mentally prepared and swift while choosing the correct option. The MAT exam pattern, under this section, is based on topics like Visual reasoning, critical reasoning, Statements, and assumptions, Identifying arguments, analogies, cause and effect, Assertions, and reasons, etc.
• Mathematical Skills: This section could prove vital while deciding your rank, for it is one of the most typical exam areas. Topics included are Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra, Profit & Loss, Percentages, Averages, Linear and Quadratic equations, Number System, Work and time, HCF & LCM, Geometric Progression, Mensuration, etc.
• Data Analysis & Sufficiency: As Data is what you get to work on later in life, this section puts to test your data analysis and interpretation skills. The topics included are Quantitative Comparison, Bar Graphs, Venn diagram, Pie chart, Column Graphs. Data Comparison, Line charts, etc. With the right amount of practice, this could also turn out to be a scoring section for you.
• Indian & Global Environment: It includes current affairs of National and International importance and is a unique aspect of the MAT examination compared to its counterparts. It can give you plenty of easy marks but, unfortunately, does not count when the merit list is prepared. The topics included are Business, Current Affairs, Books and Authors, History, Science, Geography, and anything falling under General Knowledge’s ambit.

In a nutshell, the MAT Exam Pattern is something that tests your overall knowledge basket with an emphasis on accuracy and speed. Recently included changes in its conduct will only increase the scope and reach of the MAT exam. It is through this test that the foundation stone of many successful and globally competitive managers gets laid.