Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024
Best Books for MAT Preparation 2025: Reasoning, Mathematical & Data Analysis
Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 22, 2025 12:25 PM IST | #MAT
Upcoming Event
MAT Application Date : 15 Sep' 2025 - 15 Sep' 2025
Are you preparing for the MAT 2025 examination and unsure about the most effective study materials? Selecting the right books is a critical step in ensuring a well-structured and result-oriented preparation. The Management Aptitude Test (MAT), conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) four times a year, is a national-level entrance exam accepted by over 600 MBA schools in India. MAT exam evaluates candidates on mathematical skills, reasoning ability, language comprehension, and data analysis.
This Story also Contains
- Best Books for MAT Preparation 2025
- Best Books for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Preparation
- Best Books for MAT Mathematical Skills Preparation
- Best Books for Data Analysis and Sufficiency Preparation
- MAT Preparation Books on Indian and Global Environment
- Importance of MAT Books
- Factors to Consider When Choosing MAT Books
- How to Use MAT Exam Preparation Books Effectively?
- MAT 2025 Ebooks by Careers360
Best Books for MAT Preparation 2025
The best books for MAT preparation 2025 help you understand each section clearly—Maths, Data Analysis, and Reasoning. These books explain concepts in a simple way and give lots of practice questions. If you use a MAT books PDF or go for a MAT books PDF download, you can study anywhere. Many MAT books for MBA also include MAT study material PDF with past papers and mock tests to practice better. You can use these books to prepare for CMAT/MAHCET/NMAT also
Best Books for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Preparation
For Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, the best books for MAT preparation include Disha’s reasoning series and Arun Sharma’s LR book. These MAT study material PDFs offer chapter-wise logic drills, mock tests, and solved examples ideal for focused MAT books PDF revision.
MAT Book | Overview of Content | Topics/Chapters Covered | Special Features & How to Use |
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT – Arun Sharma | Comprehensive book covering Logical Reasoning for CAT and other MBA exams like MAT. Includes theory, strategies, and a wide range of question types. Comes with online tests via McGraw Hill Edge. | Part 1: Seating, Ranking, Team Formation, Puzzles, Cubes, Tournaments, Venn Diagrams, etc. Part 2: Series, Blood Relations, Direction, Statement-Based Questions, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, etc. Part 3: Previous Year CAT Papers (2017–2022) with detailed solutions. | 30 Mock Tests (LOD 1–3), detailed solutions, CAT PYQs with analysis, MAT-level questions included. Use in chapter order; study theory, solve examples, then questions. Use mock tests and previous years' papers for practice and revision. Don't jump between topics. |
General Intelligence and Critical Reasoning – Disha | Student-friendly book ideal for beginners preparing for MAT, CMAT, NMAT, etc. Covers a broad range of reasoning types with simple explanations. | Analogy, Classification, Series, Blood Relation, Input-Output, Syllogism, Logical Venn Diagrams, Mathematical Operations, Statement-Based Questions, Critical Reasoning, Cause & Effect, etc. | Chapter-wise theory with topic-based questions and answers. Focused on non-CAT MBA exams. Study sequentially; solve examples and topic questions; revise frequently. |
Best Books for MAT Mathematical Skills Preparation
The best books for MAT Mathematical Skills preparation offer clear concepts and shortcut tricks. R.S. Aggarwal and Arun Sharma are top picks among MAT exam books 2025. You can also choose MAT books PDF download to revise arithmetic, algebra, and number systems on the go.
MAT Book | Overview of Content | Topics/Chapters Covered | Special Features & Usage Tips |
R.S. Aggarwal – Mathematics for MBA Entrance Exams | Contains a vast collection of objective questions with shortcut methods. Revised edition includes memory-based questions from SNAP, CMAT, XAT, etc. | Unit 1–7: Algebra, Arithmetic, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Statistics & DI. Covers everything from basic operations to sets, surds, profit-loss, SI/CI, speed-distance, permutations, probability, and graphs. | Strictly syllabus-based, loaded with solved MCQs, ideal for MAT, CMAT, etc. Clear basics first, then go topic-wise. Avoid jumping topics. Practice chapter-end questions by difficulty. Solve previous year papers after basics. Note and revise shortcuts regularly. |
Arun Sharma – How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude | Focused on cracking CAT and similar exams. Offers strategic methods to tackle QA. Includes concept training, LOD-based practice, and CAT-focused question types. | Arithmetic, Algebra, Numbers, Geometry, Modern Math, Data Interpretation, and CAT-based logical QA sets. Additional exercises for each concept. Topic-wise PYQs of CAT included. Chapters include CAT Scan: 7 Qs in 12 mins to simulate real test. | Offers difficulty-level-wise questions, CAT-focused practice. Includes CAT mocks, sectional tests, and past solved CAT papers via McGraw Hill Edge. Follow the chapter order, don’t skip types. Practice all levels: LOD 1 to 3. Learn shortcuts, solve unsolved types, and use online resources for time-based practice and revision. |
Best Books for Data Analysis and Sufficiency Preparation
For mastering Data Analysis and Sufficiency, the best books for MAT preparation include guides by Arihant and Arun Sharma. These MAT books for MBA cover data tables, graphs, and caselets extensively. Go through the table to learn more about these books.
MAT 2025 Book | Overview of Content | Topics/Chapters Covered | Special Features |
Arihant – Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Covers basics of DI/DS. Divided into 8 chapters: theory + practice. Good for MAT, CAT, and other exams. | Introduction, Tables, Bar & Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Mixed Graphs, Case Studies, Data Sufficiency. Includes basic arithmetic and percentage techniques. | Chapter-wise theory, graded exercises, solved examples, DS focus, exam-type coverage (MAT, XAT, Bank PO). No digital access mentioned. |
Arun Sharma – How to Prepare for DI for CAT | CAT-focused. Divided into 3 sections: Traditional DI, Logical DI, and CAT archives. Includes how to think in DI, timed mocks, and archive-based prep. | Section I: Tables, Graphs, Caselets. Section II: Logical DI, Timed Tests. Section III: Solved CAT papers (2021, 2022). Includes strategy and practice segmentation (LOD-wise). | Detailed theory for each type, 84+ mock papers, 30 timed tests, CAT PYQs, LOD-based practice, online access via McGraw-Hill Edge (mocks + sectional tests + solved CAT sets). |
MAT Preparation Books on Indian and Global Environment
MAT books on Indian and Global Environment are important because these MAT exam preparation books give deeper insights into the topic. Moreover, Indian and Global Environment is an important topic as far as the MAT exam is concerned. Check out the MAT books 2025 for Indian and Global Environment below:
MAT preparation books | Authors |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit Sinha |
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
Analytical & Logical Reasoning For CAT & Other Management Entrance Tests | Peeyush Bhardwaj |
Importance of MAT Books
MAT exam books are essential for effective exam preparation. Here’s how they help:
Organised Study Plan: MAT books provide a well-organised study plan, covering all parts of the exam in a clear, structured way, ensuring thorough preparation.
Understanding Concepts: These books help you build a solid foundation by explaining key concepts, principles, and problem-solving methods needed to handle different types of questions effectively.
Practice Exercises: MAT books offer a wide range of practice questions, giving you the chance to apply what you've learned, spot weak areas, and improve through repeated practice.
Familiarity with the Exam: By including mock tests and sample papers, MAT books help you get used to the exam format, pacing, and question types you'll face during the test.
Boosting Confidence: With thorough preparation using MAT books, you'll gain the knowledge, strategies, and practice needed to approach the exam confidently and perform your best.
Factors to Consider When Choosing MAT Books
When selecting books to prepare for the MAT exam, keep these points in mind:
Complete Content: Make sure the book covers all parts of the MAT exam, including quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation.
Author’s Expertise: Choose books written or recommended by experts who have a solid background in test preparation and aptitude testing.
Practice Questions: Pick books that offer plenty of practice questions, both exercises and full-length mock tests, to help you understand concepts and practice under exam conditions.
Clear Explanations: Look for books that provide clear explanations, good examples, and easy-to-understand instructions, especially for difficult topics.
MAT Preparation Tips, Study Material & Mock Test
Candidates can download this eBook to check MAT 2025 section-wise preparation tips, latest exam pattern, previous year paper analysis & Important books.
Download EBookRecent Editions: Choose the latest editions or publications that match the current exam pattern, question trends, and syllabus to stay up-to-date with the test.
How to Use MAT Exam Preparation Books Effectively?
If you’re preparing for the MAT 2025 and feel overwhelmed with too many resources, PDFs, printed books, or apps take a step back and plan. Whether it’s a MAT books PDF download or the best books for MAT preparation, the key lies in how you use them smartly, not how many you collect.
Create a Hybrid Study Plan
Mix offline and online materials. Use your printed MAT exam books 2025 at your desk, and carry MAT study material PDFs on your phone for quick revision during commutes or breaks.
Build Your Own Question Bank
From every MAT book for MBA chapter you complete, write down 5–10 unique or tricky questions. By the end, you’ll have your own custom practice set tailored to your weak areas.
Use the “Explain It Back” Technique
After finishing a chapter from your best book for MAT preparation, explain the concepts aloud (or to a friend). If you can teach it, you’ve learned it well.
Create a Digital Resource Folder
Keep all your books PDF download files, formula sheets, and MAT mock tests in one folder, properly named and sorted by section (Quant, Reasoning, Verbal, GK). This makes revision lightning-fast.
Schedule “Revision Sundays”
Don’t just solve once and forget. Every Sunday, go back to one section of your MAT study material PDF and re-solve the questions without peeking at notes. Track what you forgot and revise again.
MAT 2025 Ebooks by Careers360
Careers360 offers helpful MAT 2025 eBooks that you can download in PDF format. These eBooks include tips for each section, the latest exam pattern, solved questions, and sample papers. If you're looking for MAT books PDF download options, this is a good place to start. The content is easy to understand and useful for anyone preparing seriously for the MAT exam.
Title | Download Link |
MAT Sample Paper 2024 | |
MAT 2024 Preparation Tips, Study Material, Sample Paper & Mock Test | |
MAT 2018 Sample Paper | |
MAT 2014 Question Paper | |
MAT 2013 Question Paper | |
MAT 2012 Question Paper | |
MAT 2012 Solved Paper | |
MAT 2010 Question Paper | |
MAT Previous Year Solved Paper |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many times is MAT conducted every year?
AIMA conducts MAT four times a year - February, May, September, December.
2. Is there any negative marking in MAT?
Yes. There is a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer. So, be careful while marking your answers.
3. How many sections are there in MAT?
There are 150 questions across five sections in MAT namely -
1. Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
2. Data Analysis and Sufficiency
3. Language Comprehension
4. Indian and Global Environment
5. Mathematics
4. Which section of MAT has maximum weightage?
All the sections of MAT have equal weightage. There are five sections of 30 marks each.
5. Does MAT have a sectional time limit?
No. There is no sectional time limit in MAT.
6. Which book is best for MAT exam preparation?
Books by Arun Sharma, R.S. Aggarwal, and Disha Publications are among the best for MAT exam preparation, offering clear concepts, practice sets, and previous year questions.
7. Can I crack MAT in 1 month?
Yes, with focused study, a proper timetable, and regular practice using mock tests and MAT books, cracking the MAT exam in 1 month is possible for well-prepared candidates.
8. Is MAT easier than CAT?
Yes, MAT is generally easier than CAT. MAT has a simpler question pattern, no negative marking in some modes, and is ideal for students targeting Tier 2 and Tier 3 B-schools.
9. Is 700 a good score in MAT?
Yes, a score of 700 in MAT is considered very good and can help you get shortlisted for top B-schools like Christ University, JIMS, and other reputed institutions.
10. How many B-schools consider the MAT Exam?
The MAT Exam considers the results of over 600 business schools.
11. Is the MAT Exam more difficult than CAT?
The CAT often contains more complicated problems and better time management standards. Hence, CAT is harder
12. How practicing the mock tests affect MAT scores?
Taking practice exams may help you boost your MAT results in a variety of ways. First, they familiarize you with the exam pattern and various types of questions, allowing you to feel more comfortable on exam day. Mock examinations can help you discover your strengths and limitations, allowing you to concentrate on areas for progress.
Articles
Certifications By Top Providers
Online MBA Business Analytics
Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Anna University, Chennai Online MBA
Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Anna University, Chennai Corporate Law
Via National Law University, New Delhi Management of Commercial Banking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Marketing Management
Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore Online MBA
Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQOxford Brookes University, Oxford
Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UKNorthumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8STCardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YBUniversity of Reading, Reading
Whiteknights PO Box 217 Reading Berkshire RG6 6AHBristol Baptist College, Bristol
The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJCost of Living in Singapore 2025 for Indian Students
12 min ⋆ Jul 04, 2025 05:07 AM ISTGMAT Registration 2025: Dates, Exam Fees in India, How to Book Slot
16 min ⋆ Aug 07, 2025 06:08 AM ISTCheapest Universities in Melbourne For International Students 2025
11 min ⋆ Aug 07, 2025 06:08 AM ISTStudy In Japan for Indian and International Students 2025
16 min ⋆ Jul 14, 2025 10:07 AM ISTLetter of Recommendation (LOR) for PhD Students with Sample: Need, Parts, Qualities
14 min ⋆ Jun 05, 2025 09:06 AM ISTLevel 1 Universities in Australia For Indian Students 2025
12 min ⋆ Aug 06, 2025 11:08 AM ISTPopular Courses and Specializations
List of colleges accepting MAT
Browse Bschool Colleges by State
Questions related to MAT
Have a question related to MAT ?
Hi,
MAR stands for Marks and Academic Record. This is a summary of your academic performance, especially during admission or counselling. It includes the list of subjects studied like Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Maths, English etc , marks obtained in each subject, total marks, percentage, year of passing, and board name (CBSE, State Board, ISC, etc.). MAR helps authorities verify that you meet the eligibility criteria for the course you're applying to, and it’s often required at the time of document verification during admissions.
Nikita shahi 04 August,2025
If you’ve given the MAT exam and want admission in an MBA program through government colleges in Kolkata, here’s what you need to know:
Several government or government-aided institutes in Kolkata accept MAT scores for MBA admission. However, most top government colleges in West Bengal prefer CMAT, CAT, or JEMAT scores. That said, some colleges may consider MAT scores in specific quotas or for leftover seats.
Though you can consider:
-
Bengal Institute of Business Studies (semi-government)
-
NSHM Knowledge Campus (Kolkata)
-
Institute of Engineering and Management (IEM) – sometimes considered semi-govt/private
-
Army Institute of Management (for defense background)
For purely government institutes like Calcutta University (Dept. of Business Management) or IISWBM, MAT is usually not accepted — they require CAT or JEMAT.
OISHEE BANERJEE 30 July,2025
Hello Rohit, it's great that you're looking into PGDM programs after completing your BBA. It's a good step for career advancement.
Based on your interest in a PGDM program in Hyderabad with a total fee under 2 lakhs, and your successful qualification in ICET and MAT, here are a few colleges you can consider, along with their associated fees
Cheapest colleges accepting TS ICET IN HYDERABAD
Good luck with your college search! If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
sadafreen356 28 July,2025
With a MAT score of 584.5 and 64.9 percentile , you are eligible for admission into mid-tier MBA colleges across Tamil Nadu and India.
In Tamil Nadu, you can apply to colleges like Rajalakshmi School of Business (Chennai) and other private institutions in Coimbatore, Trichy, and Chennai that accept scores in the 60–70 percentile range .
You can also explore colleges like St. Joseph’s Institute of Management (Bangalore) and GITAM School of Business in nearby states.
Pradeepa P 05 July,2025
Dear Candidate ,
- Visit the official MAT portal .
- Click on " Register " or " Login " .
- Enter your details .
- Upload documents .
- Pay the fee .
- Submit the form , the download and save your application acknowledgment .
- Download the admit card on / after July 17 , using your login credentials.
- Appear for the exam on July 20 at your allotted center .
Vasundhra 29 June,2025
Explore Career Options (By Industry)
Marketing Director
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
4 Jobs Available
Business Development Executive
A Business Development Executive identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive company growth. They generate leads, build client relationships, develop sales strategies, and analyse market trends. Collaborating with internal teams, they aim to meet sales targets. With experience, they can advance to managerial roles, playing a key role in expanding the company’s market presence and revenue.
3 Jobs Available
Content Marketing Specialist
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
3 Jobs Available
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.
2 Jobs Available
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
2 Jobs Available
SEO Analyst
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
2 Jobs Available
Digital Marketing Executive
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
2 Jobs Available
Business Analyst
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
2 Jobs Available
MBA/PGDM Admissions OPEN
Great Lakes PGPM & PGDM Admissions 2026
ApplyAdmissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024
IBSAT 2025-ICFAI Business School MBA/PGPM 2026
ApplyIBSAT 2025-Your gateway to MBA/PGPM @ IBS Hyderabad and 8 other IBS campuses | Scholarships worth 10 CR
Amity University Noida MBA Admissions 2025
ApplyAmongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings) | Ranked among top 10 B-Schools in India by multiple publications
XAT- Xavier Aptitude Test 2026
Apply75+ years of legacy | #1 Entrance Exam | Score accepted by 250+ BSchools | Apply now
Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) Admissions 2025
ApplyNAAC A+ Grade | Among top 100 universities of India (NIRF 2024) | 40 crore+ scholarships distributed
Symbiosis MBA - SNAP 2025
Apply1 Exam accepted by 17 Top Symbiosis Institutes for 29 MBA programmes.
News and Notifications
March 17, 2025 - 06:40 PM IST
September 06, 2024 - 08:16 PM IST
August 15, 2024 - 07:05 PM IST
June 25, 2024 - 10:45 AM IST
June 22, 2024 - 01:06 PM IST
May 30, 2024 - 05:43 PM IST
May 28, 2024 - 02:09 PM IST
Stay up-to date with MAT News
Back to top