MAT Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised): Sectional Weightage, Marking Scheme Explained & Paper Structure

MAT Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised): Sectional Weightage, Marking Scheme Explained & Paper Structure

Edited By Himanshu Shekhar | Updated on Apr 07, 2025 11:31 AM IST | #MAT
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Last year, AIMA introduced some changes in MAT 2025 exam pattern and syllabus, the total number of questions have been reduced from 200 to 150. Also, MAT exam duration have been reduced from 150 minutes to 120 minutes. MAT exam pattern 2025 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 will conduct the MAT May session in two modes- Paper Based Test (PBT) and Computer Based Test (CBT).

This Story also Contains
  1. MAT Exam Pattern 2025: Key Highlights
  2. MAT Sectional Weightage of Questions
  3. MAT Marking Scheme 2025
  4. MAT Pattern 2025: Scoring Pattern and format of questions
  5. MAT Syllabus 2025
  6. MAT Preparation Tips 2025
MAT Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised): Sectional Weightage, Marking Scheme Explained & Paper Structure
MAT Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised): Sectional Weightage, Marking Scheme Explained & Paper Structure

MAT Exam Pattern 2025: 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 2025 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

Read more -

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Top MBA Colleges accepting MAT scores - State-wise

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 2025- 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 2025

According to the MAT 2025 test pattern, the marking scheme is as follows -

  • As per the marking scheme of MAT 2025, 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 2025 section-wise preparation tips, latest exam pattern, previous year paper analysis & Important books.
Download EBook

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 2025: 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 2025

MAT 2025 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 2025 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 2025

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 2025 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.

Also read -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the mode of exam?

MAT 2025  will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) and Paper-Based Test (PBT) mode.

2. Is there any age limit for MAT 2025?

There is no age bar prescribed by the authorities for MAT 2025.

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 2025?

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 ?

Hello,

with a MAT score of 482, you can consider MBA colleges in Bangalore such as Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, St. Joseph's Institute of Management(SJIM), and Indus Buiseness Academy (IBA), which have cutoffs around 65-70 percentile. admission chances depend on factors like academic background and interview performance. it's advisable to check each college's official website for specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

Hello there,

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) program sets specific criteria for awarding scholarships, including minimum qualifying marks in both the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

General Eligibility Criteria:

  • Mental Ability Test (MAT): Minimum 40% marks.

  • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): Minimum 40% marks.

  • SC/ST Categories: Minimum 32% marks in both MAT and SAT.

In the case of the MBC (Most Backward Classes) student from Kallakurichi district who scored 52 in MAT and 49 in SAT, the combined total is 101. However, the selection for the NMMS scholarship is not solely based on the total score; it also considers the individual performance in MAT and SAT.

According to the NMMS guidelines, candidates must meet the minimum qualifying marks in both tests. Therefore, despite the overall score, if the student did not achieve the required minimum in either MAT or SAT, they would not be selected for the scholarship.

It's important to note that selection lists are prepared based on district-wise cutoffs, which can vary each year. These cutoffs depend on factors such as the number of applicants and the overall performance in the district.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

The student might not have been selected for the NMMS scholarship due to a few possible reasons. Although the scores of 52 in MAT and 49 in SAT are decent, the selection for the scholarship depends on various factors such as the cut-off marks, overall performance, and availability of scholarships for the MBC category in the specific district. Each district may have different cut-offs, and if the student's scores did not meet the district's requirements, they may not have been selected.

For more details you can visit the link given below

https://www.careers360.com/college-predictor


THE MAT AND SAT PAPER DON’T HAVE OFFICIAL “passing marks” .

ADMISSION IS BASED ON MERIT AND CUTOFFS SET BY INDIVIDUAL UNIVERSITIES. SO YOUR SCORE SHOULD NEED TO BE HIGH ENOUGH TO MEET THE CUTOFF OF COLLEGES / COURSE YOU ARE APPLYING FOR.  CHECK THE PREVIOUS YEARS CUTOFFS FOR YOUR TARGET COLLEGE/COURSE TO ESTIMATE WHAT SCORE YOU SHOULD AIM.

Hi aspirant,

Finding the "best" ROI (Return on Investment) institutions accepting MAT scores entails weighing tuition prices against the average placement package provided by the institution. Here is a list of some of the top Colleges with good ROI accepting MAT scores:

  • PUMBA (Department of Management Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University)
  • NITs (National Institutes of Technology) like NIT Warangal, NIT Jalandhar, NIT Rourkela
  • JIMS (Jagan Institute of Management Studies), Delhi (Rohini)
  • BIMTECH (Birla Institute of Management Technology), Greater Noida
  • XIME (Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship), Bangalore
  • Jaipuria Institute of Management (Noida)

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/top-b-schools-accepting-mat-scores-and-cutoffs

All the best!

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