An Interview with Mr. Daljeet Singh (Director-Centre for Management Services & IT, AIMA)

AIMA Centre for Management Education Delhi is an accredited centre for management education which was set up in year 1957 under the All India Management Association (AIMA). AIMA Centre for Management Education, Delhi courses include three under the postgraduate and doctorate levels. In this exclusive interview with Careers360, Mr Daljeet Singh, the (Director-Centre for Management Services & IT, AIMA), shares why MAT has become one of the most relevant management entrance exams.

Careers360: Please share some insights about MAT (Management Aptitude Test).

Mr. Daljeet Singh: ‘MAT 2.0 has become the most relevant management entrance exam’: Director, AIMA’.

MAT is the most trusted and popular national-level management entrance exam for MBA/ PGDM admissions. MAT has a legacy spanning over 35 years and 30 lac+ MAT participants to date. MAT continues to be aspiring candidates’ passports to over 600+ B-Schools. Conducted 4 times a year, the MAT exam witnesses 100,000+ registrations every year. MAT is conducted by AIMA, India’s national apex body of management.

Careers360: What are the key changes introduced in MAT 2.0, and how do they reflect the evolving trends in management education?

Mr. Daljeet Singh: Encapsulating the qualitative feedback shared by key stakeholders (B-schools & academia), AIMA introduced MAT 2.0 in May 2024. It is an evolved version aligned with contemporary industry practices and growing educational requirements.

Positioned as the new age entrance test, MAT 2.0 brings a sharper focus on assessing the test taker’s skill, aptitude and knowledge of various aspects. With the introduction of the Economic & Business Environment section that focuses on current economic trends and technological interventions in businesses, MAT has become the most relevant management entrance examination.

Careers360: How does the revamped MAT entrance exam align with the educational requirements of leading B-Schools in India?

Mr. Daljeet Singh: With an objective of preparing future business managers who adapt to the growing business needs of enterprises, B-schools prefer aspiring management students who understand new technologies, emerging sectors, and changing business landscape.

MAT 2.0 reflects the progressing needs of the business world and assesses test takers on their aptitude, knowledge, and skills that are in line with the industry’s current demand.

Leaner & fitter version of MAT, now has 30 questions in each of the 5 sections, for a total of 150 questions on language, critical reasoning, data sufficiency and knowledge of economic & business environment to be attempted within 120 minutes. With the above changes, MAT 2.0. assess test takers on not only their agility and accuracy but more importantly on their understanding of economic & business matters. A combination of these attributes in the management aspirants helps B-schools to select such meritorious candidates who are ready to be groomed into future business managers

Careers360: Exploring MAT test modes: Can you explain the different testing formats available for candidates and how they can select the most suitable one?

Mr. Daljeet Singh: MAT was the first test to be introduced as an Internet-Based Test (IBT) during the pandemic to bridge the imposed geographical restrictions.

Starting from December’24, MAT goes back to conventional test modes: Paper-based test (PBT) and Computer-based test (CBT), with an increased number of test cities.

Additionally, candidates registering for multiple modes benefit from a concession in registration fees, and the score validity of one year allows them to take the exam multiple times, using the best score for admissions.

Careers360: How does scoring well in MAT enhance career opportunities for management graduates?

Mr. Daljeet Singh: Scoring well in MAT is the first step for students to pursue management studies from the top B-Schools of their choice. Learning from the best, students get opportunities to learn and hone their skills while stepping into the professional world.

Careers360: Which renowned institutions accept MAT scores for admissions?

Mr. Daljeet Singh: MAT scores are accepted by 600+ B-Schools across India and MAT serves as a gateway to 20,000+ prestigious management seats in top-tier B-Schools including:

• Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore

• School of Business and Management, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru

• Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Bengaluru

• PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore

• Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore

• PAARI School of Business SRM University, Andhra Pradesh

• Dr. DY Patil B-School, Pune

• Institute of Management Development and Research (IMDR), Pune

• Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal

• Xavier Business School, Kolkata

• Development Management Institute, Patna

• Bhavan’s Centre for Communication & Management, Bhubaneswar

• Lovely Professional University, Phagwara

• Birla Institute of Management & Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida

• Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida

• Delhi School of Business (VIPS-TC), New Delhi

• New Delhi Institute of Management, New Delhi

• University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun

Disclaimer: This content has been published as a part of a marketing initiative between AIMA and Careers360.