MAT 2023 Question Paper PDF Download Here [Official]

Overview: The journey to a top-tier B-school often begins with the Management Aptitude Test (MAT). As you prepare for the MAT 2026 exam, you might wonder why experts and toppers keep pointing back to the MAT 2023 question paper. Read on to know the key details!

The MAT exam 2026 for the Feb session will be conducted in two different modes:

• Paper-Based Test (PBT): 1st MARCH, 2026
• Computer-Based Test (CBT): 8th March 2026

Download Free Study Material for MAT Exam 2026 by Supergrads

To help you out with the MAT exam pattern, difficulty level and types of questions asked, we have provided the MAT question paper 2023 along with the other previous year papers here:

Read on to know all about MAT 2023 question paper with us!

Understanding the MAT 2023 Question Paper: Key Insights

The MAT exam 2023 exam was divided into five sections, each containing 40 questions. Candidates were given 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to complete the entire paper.

Section	Number of Questions	Suggested Time
Language Comprehension	40	30 mins
Mathematical Skills	40	40 mins
Data Analysis & Sufficiency	40	35 mins
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning	40	30 mins
Indian & Global Environment (GK)	40	15 mins
>Total	200	150 mins

Download MAT 2023 Question Paper PDF Now

Detailed Analysis of the MAT 2023 Question Paper

Analysing the 2023 paper reveals a clear trend: AIMA values conceptual clarity over rote memorisation. Let’s break down the 2023 experience section by section.

1️⃣Language Comprehension (Difficulty: Easy to Moderate)

In 2023, this section was the primary "time-saver."

✅Reading Comprehension (RC): The passages were typically 400-500 words. Themes ranged from environmental conservation to business ethics.

✅Verbal Ability: There was a significant weightage on Vocabulary-in-context. Instead of just asking for synonyms, questions often required understanding how a word functioned within a sentence.

✅Trend: Para-jumbles were logical but required a strong grasp of transition words (e.g., "however," "consequently").

2️⃣Intelligence and Critical Reasoning (Difficulty: Moderate)

This section is often the "make-or-break" for high percentiles.

✅Analytical Reasoning: 2023 saw complex Seating Arrangements (circular and linear) and Blood Relations.

✅Critical Reasoning: Questions on Statement-Assumption and Cause-Effect were tricky.

✅The 2023 paper emphasised identifying the "hidden premise" in an argument.

3️⃣Mathematical Skills (Difficulty: Moderate to High)

This remains the most time-consuming section.

✅Arithmetic Dominance: Nearly 50% of the questions in 2023 came from Arithmetic, specifically Time-Speed-Distance, Profit & Loss, and Percentages.

✅Geometry & Algebra: These were present but less dominant. The focus was on application-based word problems rather than pure theorem-based questions.

Download Free Arithmetic Formula PDF

4️⃣Data Analysis and Sufficiency (Difficulty: Moderate)

✅Data Interpretation (DI): Pie charts and mixed graphs were the highlights. In 2023, AIMA introduced sets where two graphs were interlinked, requiring candidates to derive data from one to solve the other.

✅Data Sufficiency: These questions tested your ability to decide if the given information was enough to solve a problem without actually doing the full calculation.

5️⃣Economic and Business Environment (Difficulty: Easy)

✅Focus: This section focused on the post-pandemic economic recovery, major mergers (like HDFC), and global summits.

✅Scoring Tip: While this section is not usually counted for the composite percentile in many B-schools, it is vital for your overall profile and GD-PI rounds.

Free VARC Important Vocab Study Material for MAT Exam

Importance of Practising the MAT 2023 Question Papers

I. Helps to understand the Exam Pattern

• AIMA doesn't reinvent the wheel every year. The logic used in a 2023 "Coding-Decoding" question is likely the same logic you will see in 2026.
• Practising the 2023 paper allows you to see the "real pattern" of the exam.

II. Understanding the Question Types 

• When you have 150 questions and only 120 minutes, you cannot answer them all.
• The 2023 paper is diverse enough to teach you which questions are challenging and which are easy to solve.

III. Strategic Time Allocation

• The 2023 paper serves as a stress test. If you can handle the 200-question pressure of 2023, the 150-question format of 2026 will feel manageable.
• It helps you decide your sectional orderfor example, starting with the 15-minute GK section to build momentum.

Step-by-Step Strategy: From MAT 2023 Question Paper

Phase 1: Start by Understanding Where You Stand (Months 1–2)

Begin by solving the MAT 2023 question paper without a timer. No pressure, no rush. This step is purely about awareness: how much can you solve just based on what you already know?

Think of it as a reality check, not a test. The goal here is confidence, not perfection.

Phase 2: Analyse Your Performance & Fix the Gaps (Months 3–5)

Once you’re done, sit with your paper and be honest with yourself. Your mistakes are your biggest clues.

✅Struggling with Maths: Go back to basics, Class 10 NCERT Arithmetic can work wonders.

✅Reading feels slow or tiring: Make a habit of reading editorials from The Hindu or The Economic Times. Even 20 minutes a day helps.

✅Logic feels confusing: Solve 5–10 reasoning puzzles daily with a timer. Small daily practice adds up fast.

This phase is all about steady improvement, no shortcuts, just smart work.

Phase 3: Experience the Real Exam Pressure (Months 6–8)

Now it’s time to raise the stakes. Solve the MAT 2023 paper again, but this time with a strict 120-minute timer.

Here’s where you learn a crucial lesson: attempting everything is not the same as scoring more.

Negative marking is real, and sometimes skipping a tough question is the smartest move. This phase trains your decision-making under pressure.

Phase 4: Focus on Maximising Your Composite Score

MAT percentiles are calculated using only the first four sections. Use the 2023 paper to identify where you can score the most with the least effort.

For most toppers, Language Comprehension and Intelligence & Reasoning are the real game-changers. Strengthen these areas, play to your strengths, and let your composite score do the heavy lifting.

Other Important Links

MAT Exam Preparation	Best Books for MAT	MAT Previous Year Papers
MAT Sample Paper	MAT GK Questions	MAT Aptitude Questions
MAT English Questions	Critical Reasoning for MAT	MAT Exam Analysis

Pro-Tips for MAT 2026 Aspirants

✅The "80-20" Rule: 80% of the Mathematical Skills section comes from 20% of the topics (Arithmetic). Master Percentages, Ratios, and Averages first.

✅Vocabulary Over Flashcards: Instead of memorising 5000 words, learn the roots, prefixes, and suffixes. The 2023 paper showed that "contextual meaning" is more important than "dictionary definitions."

✅Visual Reasoning: Don't ignore mirror images or paper-folding questions. These are "low-hanging fruit" that appeared frequently in 2023 and are expected in 2026.

✅The GK Buffer: Spend no more than 10-15 minutes on the Economic & Business Environment section. Use the saved time for Data Interpretation.

Also Check: MAT 2025 Question Paper with Answers

Conclusion

The MAT 2023 question paper is more than just a past record; it is a mirror of the challenges you will face in MAT 2026. By dissecting its difficulty levels and format, you move from "guessing" to "strategising."

Remember, MAT is not just a test of what you know, but a test of how fast you can think. Start your preparation today by downloading the 2023 paper and setting your baseline.