MAT Exam Pattern 2024 (Revised): Total Marks, Paper Pattern, Time Duration, Marking Scheme

MAT Exam Pattern 2024 (Revised): Total Marks, Paper Pattern, Time Duration, Marking Scheme

Edited By Himanshu Shekhar | Updated on Nov 06, 2024 11:34 AM IST | #MAT

AIMA have made some changes in MAT 2024 exam pattern and syllabus, the total number of questions has been reduced from 200 to 150. Also, MAT exam duration have been reduced from 150 minutes to 120 minutes. MAT exam pattern 2024 is available in online mode on the official website of AIMA, mat.aima.in. Candidates appearing for the MAT exam must be familiar with the MAT paper pattern so that they can prepare for this national-level MBA entrance exam accordingly. This time, AIMA conducts the MAT December session in two modes- Paper Based Test (PBT) and Computer Based Test (CBT). As per MAT 2024 December session exam date, PBT mode will be held on December 14 and CBT 1 and 2 will be held on December 7 and 22, 2024.

MAT Exam Pattern 2024: Key Highlights

The MAT paper pattern specifies the overall structure of the exam such as the number of sections, questions, type of questions, MAT total marks, MAT exam time duration, sectional time limit etc. As per the MAT exam pattern for MBA, there will be 150 questions, and the total time duration of the exam will be 120 minutes. Continue reading for more details about the MAT syllabus and exam pattern, marking scheme, and section-wise distribution of questions.

MAT 2024 Paper Pattern

ParticularsDetails

Exam name

Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

Exam conducting body

All India Management Association (AIMA)

Exam Level

National level Entrance Exam

MAT Exam mode

PBT and CBT mode

Total time duration

2 hours (120 Minutes)

Type of questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Negative marking

Yes (Scheme applicable)

Total number of sections

Five sections with 30 questions in each of them

Total number of questions

150

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MAT Sectional Weightage of Questions

The MAT question paper will be divided into five sections namely, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Language Comprehension, Indian and Global Environment, and Mathematics. According to the MAT exam pattern, in every section, there will be 30 questions.

Test Pattern of MAT 2024- Sectional Breakup of Questions

MAT Sections

Total number of questions

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

30

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

30

Language Comprehension

30

Economic and Global Environment

30

Mathematical Skills

30

MAT total marks

150

Note - Some of the MAT participating institutes do not consider Indian and Global environment marks.

MAT Marking Scheme 2024

According to the MAT 2024 test pattern, the marking scheme is as follows -

  • As per the marking scheme of MAT 2024, candidates will be awarded one mark for every correct answer
  • There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each incorrect response
  • The total scaled score is 800
MAT Preparation Tips, Study Material & Mock Test
Candidates can download this eBook to check MAT 2024 section-wise preparation tips, latest exam pattern, previous year paper analysis & Important books.
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Difficulty level as per MAT Pattern

As per the previous years' MAT papers, the level of the exam can be comprehended as easy to moderate. As compared to the IIM CAT test and other national-level MBA exams, AIMA doesn't set up tough questions for candidates.

MAT Pattern 2024: Scoring Pattern and format of questions

Section 1: Language Comprehension - 30

Part-1: Reading Comprehension in MAT Exam

  • Sectional Weightage of RC in MAT Language Comprehension Section: 50%
  • Type of passages in MAT Exam on RC: 4 Short passages of moderate difficulty level
  • Division of questions: 5 questions based on each passage
  • Type of Questions: All MCQ types with a penalty of ¼ negative marking
  • Format of questions: Questions are based on information in the RC passage; Antonyms/synonyms of the words & phrases as used in the passage; True/false statements; the main idea of the RC passage
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Part-2: MAT Verbal Ability

  • Sectional Weightage in MAT Syllabus: 50%
  • Type of Questions: All MCQ types with a penalty for the wrong answer
  • Jumbled Paragraphs (3-4 questions)
  • Error Correction of Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb, and other parts of speech in the Sentences.
  • Correcting the sequence of sentences in the paragraph for example correct use of conditional sentences, time clauses, reported speech, and passive writing (3-4 questions)
  • Antonyms/Synonyms (5-6 questions)
  • Fill in the blanks (3-4 questions)
  • One-word substitution (1-2 questions)
  • Idioms/Phrases (2-3 questions)

Section 2: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

The MAT question paper has tricky questions in this area. The section in the MAT exam pattern is divided into 2 parts – Intelligence Reasoning and Critical Reasoning. In other exams like CAT, critical reasoning questions are also asked in the Verbal Ability section. Here are the key details on the section in the MAT exam:

  • Questions in the Reasoning section can be individual or can be in a set of 3-4 questions.
  • Weightage of Reasoning Section in MAT exam: 20%
  • Weightage of Reasoning Section in MAT Percentile calculation: 25%
  • Total Reasoning questions in MAT syllabus for an exam: 30
  • Type of Questions: MCQs
  • Past trend of topics in MAT Reasoning Syllabus: Questions were based on Family relations, Statements-Cause & Effect, Clocks & Calendars, Statements – Assumptions, Reasons, analogies, direction, series, and Incorrect Terms.

Section 3: Mathematical skills

MAT exam pattern for Mathematical skills refers to the Quant topics on which MAT questions are based. MAT Exam pattern for Quant consists of everything in Mathematics that you may or may not expect. MAT exam pattern on Quant is based on questions on different topics on Arithmetic, Algebra, Modern Math, Geometry, Mensuration, and Trigonometry among others. Here are the key details of the Mathematical Skills section in the MAT exam pattern

  • Number of Questions: 30.
  • Sectional weightage in MAT Exam: 20%
  • Sectional Weightage in Percentile calculation: 25%
  • Type of Questions: MCQs
  • The past trend in the MAT exam pattern for Mathematics shows that there is more emphasis on Arithmetic with a number of questions going in the range of 15 to 16.
  • Questions are based on Interest, Percentages, Time and Work, Profit, Loss, and Partnership.
  • Other questions are based on topics like Equations, Ratio, Proportion & Variation, Geometry & Mensuration, Permutation and Combinations, and Probability among others.

Section-4: Data Analysis and Sufficiency

MAT exam pattern for Data Analysis and Sufficiency covers more topics on Data Interpretation. The key details of the section in the MAT exam pattern are:

  • Number of Questions: 30
  • Type of questions: MCQs
  • Sectional weightage in MAT Exam: 20%
  • Sectional Weightage in MAT Percentile Calculation: 25%
  • The past trend of topics in the MAT exam for Data Analysis shows that questions on Data Analysis are based on text, tables, graphs (line, area), charts (column, bar, pie), and Venn diagrams.
  • Data could be given in the form of tables, charts, or graphs.
  • This section tests how candidates can interpret the given data and answer questions based on it.
  • This section has more questions on data interpretation
  • Data comparison time remains the major hurdle to solving these questions with speed and accuracy
  • Questions on Data Interpretation (DI) occupy more than 50% of the section, the rest of the part covers questions on data sufficiency and data comparison
  • The questions in this section of the MAT question paper can be expected in sets as well as individual ones

Section-5: Economic and Business Environment

Indian and Global Environment section in the MAT exam refers to the GK section. It expects you to know everything under the Sun on Business & Economy, Who’s who, current affairs, and static GK among others.

  • Number of Questions: 30
  • Type of questions: MCQs
  • Sectional weightage in MAT: 20%
  • Sectional Weightage in Percentile Calculation: Nil
  • Past trend of topics in MAT Syllabus for Indian & Global Environment reveals that the Questions are formed on Film Awards, taxation & duties, Indian constitution, Who’s who, States of India, Sports, Recent events
  • The suggested time limit by AIMA to answer the 30 questions in this section is 15 minutes but 10 minutes are enough to attempt this section
  • The questions are based on conventional GK, business and economics, current affairs, international affairs
  • This section is not counted for percentile calculation in the MAT exam
  • Many Candidates skip or answer very few questions in this section to save time for other sections

MAT Previous Year Question Papers

MAT Syllabus 2024

MAT 2024 syllabus consists of all the chapters and topics from which questions will be asked in the entrance exam. By knowing all the sections and topics, candidates will get to know their stronger and weaker sections or topics. Check the table which contains all the chapters pertaining to the MAT syllabus.

MAT Exam 2024 Syllabus (Topics)

Section name

Topics

English Language

  • Fill in the blanks
  • Idioms
  • Synonyms and Antonyms
  • Odd one out
  • Jumbled words and sentences
  • Para Jumbles
  • Sentence correction

Mathematical Skills

  • Partnerships
  • Profit and Loss
  • Ration
  • Percentages
  • Time and work
  • Time-speed and distance
  • Profit and loss
  • Averages

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

  • Statement-Conclusion
  • Analogy
  • Series
  • Assertion Reason
  • Coding and Decoding
  • Family Tree/ Revelation
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Directions
  • Cause and Effect

Economic and Global Environment

  • Entertainment
  • Business Awareness
  • Sports
  • Politics
  • Social Issues

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

  • Bar graph
  • Caselet
  • Line graph
  • Pie chart
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Mixed charts and graphs
  • Table
  • Data Comparison

Top MBA Colleges accepting MAT scores - City-wise

MAT Preparation Tips 2024

Any entrance exam requires active preparation if one wants to ace it in one go. Similarly, like every competitive exam, the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) also demands preparation and focus. Before starting their MAT preparation journey, one should go through the MAT 2024 exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly and start practising accordingly.

There are certain factors that one needs to keep in mind while preparing a preparation plan for MAT such as timely completion of the MAT syllabus, time management, what are the best books that the candidates must study, solving question papers, and taking mock tests.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the mode of exam?

MAT 2024  will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) and Paper-Based Test (PBT) mode.

2. Is there any age limit for MAT 2024?

There is no age bar prescribed by the authorities for MAT 2024.

3. How many times is MAT conducted in a year?

AIMA conducts MAT four times a year i.e. February, May, September, and December.

4. Is there any negative marking in MAT 2024?

Yes, 0.25 marks will get deducted for every incorrect answer.

5. What is the duration of MAT exam?

The duration of MAT exam is 120 minutes.

6. How many questions in MAT exam?

The MAT question paper has 150 questions equally divided into five sections - Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Indian & Global Environment.

7. Which section of MAT exam has maximum weightage?

Each section of the MAT exam has an equal weightage of 30 questions and 30 marks. Each question carries one mark for a correct attempt.

8. What is the marking scheme of MAT exam?

Each question will carry one mark and there will be a negative marking scheme is applicable i.e. 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.

9. Will there be different pattern for CBT and PBT mode?

No, the MAT exam pattern for both mode is same.  

10. What are the section name for MAT exam?

There will be a total of five sections namely- Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency, and Indian & Global Environment.

11. What is MAT exam?

MAT exam is conducted for admission into MBA course.

12. Which MAT section has maximum weightage?

Each section of the MAT exam has an equal weightage of 30 questions and 30 marks.

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Questions related to MAT

Have a question related to MAT ?

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Hello,

Many educational institutions and web portals provide credit cards through which the candidate can opt for the MBA program without any MAT credit. The courses are mostly available from private universities or web portals through which flexibility regarding methods of admission is available. Besides the common method of entrance exams, admissions might be granted based on prior academic performance, professional experience, or interviews.

Such programs require a lot of student research to ascertain whether one's MBA degree will be valued in the job market. Inconvenience by using a credit card to finance education only matters less when one thinks of interest rates and repayment terms since it may be financially straining. Other institutions also offer the advantage of installing payments for easy access. However, the career prospect and networking exposure could be taken on by going through an MBA from a well-recognized institution with proper entrance requirements like MAT.

Two papers make up the Class 8 NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship) exam:


The Mental Ability Test (MAT) measures a person's capacity for critical thought, reasoning, and problem-solving. It covers topics such as pattern recognition, numerical series, classifications, analogies, and more.


The Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT, assesses a candidate's general knowledge as well as their proficiency in science, math, and social studies. It centres on the academic material that students have studied.


While every state may have a unique curriculum and format, both exams usually feature multiple-choice questions (M CQs).

Juee 21 September,2024

The applicability of a caste certificate from another state (West Bengal) for MAT admissions in Hyderabad colleges depends on the specific college's policy.

MAT itself doesn't have specific requirements regarding caste certificates. It's a national-level entrance exam.

Each college sets its own admission criteria, including the format and validity of caste certificates for claiming reservation benefits.

Some colleges in Hyderabad might accept caste certificates from other states like West Bengal, provided they are issued by the competent authority and meet their format requirements. Other colleges might require a caste certificate issued by the competent authority within Telangana (the state where Hyderabad is located).

The best way to know for sure is to directly contact the admissions office of the specific colleges you're interested in Hyderabad. They can clarify their policy on accepting caste certificates from other states for MAT admissions.

Some colleges might mention their reservation policy and required documents on their websites. Check the admissions section for details.

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There could be several reasons why you're facing difficulty downloading your HPU MAT 2024 result:

  1. Website Issues: The HPU website might be experiencing technical glitches or high traffic. Try accessing it later or from a different device.
  2. Incorrect Credentials: Ensure you're entering the correct application number and password. Double-check for any typos or errors.
  3. Result Not Yet Released: Verify if the results have been declared officially. Check the HPU website for any updates or announcements.
  4. Browser Compatibility: Try using a different web browser to access the result page. Sometimes, compatibility issues can hinder downloads.

If the problem persists, consider these steps:

  • Contact the HPU MAT exam cell directly for assistance. They can provide specific guidance and troubleshoot the issue.
  • Check the HPU MAT result-related FAQs or help section on the website.
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By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully downloading your HPU MAT 2024 result.

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