MAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Latest): Check Marking Scheme & Weightage Distribution Structure

Overview: To ensure success in any of the MBA entrance exam, a solid understanding of the MAT exam pattern, marking scheme, and total marks is essential. This blog deeply analyses the MAT exam paper pattern with the distribution of MAT total marks.

MAT Exam Pattern Snapshot

Total Questions	150
Total Duration	120 minutes
Sections	5 sections (30 questions each)
Question Type	MCQs
Negative Marking	-0.25 for each incorrect answer

• Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardized National Level test to facilitate B-Schools to screen candidates for admission to management programs.
• MAT is now a new-age entrance test with streamlined MAT exam pattern, exam sections, updated content focus, and concise exam duration.
• The largest test of its kind in the nation, MAT will continue to be your passport to over 600 B-schools across India.

Download FREE Study Material for MAT Exam 2026 by SuperGrads

Watch our video below to get in-depth insights into the MAT 2026 exam pattern, including section-wise details, marking scheme 

What is MAT Exam Pattern 2026?

MAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Latest): The MAT is an objective (MCQ-based) aptitude test with 150 questions to be attempted in 120 minutes. The question paper is divided into 5 sections with 30 questions each: Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, and Economic & Business Environment. Negative marking applies: -0.25 for each incorrect answer.

Overview of MAT Exam Pattern 2026

• MAT exam is conducted online and offline.
• The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions in five sections- Sections are Language Comprehension, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence, Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment.
• Each section has 40 questions carrying a total of 150 marks.
• The exam is conducted four times a year.
• MAT 2026 Syllabus includes Grammar, Vocabulary, Data Analysis, Algebra, Geometry, Logical reasoning, and Current Affairs. 

Know more: MAT exam registration dates

Download Free Subject-wise MAT 2026 Syllabus PDF Now

MAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Distribution

Section	Number of Questions	MAT Exam Total Marks
Language Comprehension	30	40
Mathematical Skills	30	40
Data Analysis & Sufficiency	30	40
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning	30	40
Economics & Business Environment	30	40
Total	150	200

MAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2026

• Each MAT 2026 exam pattern section carries an equal weightage of 40 marks, and for every correct answer,1 mark will be rewarded.
• However, for every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
• The total number of questions in the MAT 2026 exam pattern has been revised to 150, and the MAT exam total marks are now 200.
• The exam duration is 120 minutes.

Also read: How to download MAT exam admit card

Download 50+ Quantitative Aptitude Questions for MAT – Free Download

MAT Exam Pattern and Total Marks 2026

The MAT 2026 exam pattern total marks typically consist of 200. These marks are distributed across various sections of the exam, each designed to assess different aptitudes crucial for a career in management.

Section	Marks Allotted
Language Comprehension	40
Mathematical Skills	40
Data Analysis & Sufficiency	40
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning	40
Economic & Business Environment	40
Total	200

MAT Exam Pattern 2026: Qualifying Marks  

MAT exam qualifying marks refer to the minimum score, out of the total marks in the MAT exam pattern, that a candidate must achieve to qualify and move to the next stage of the admission process. This criterion ensures that only those candidates who meet the predefined standards proceed further in the selection process

Also check: MAT Exam Criteria for MBA

Note: You have to score at least 85-90% for the qualification in MAT Exam.

MAT Exam Marks vs MAT Exam Percentile 

Understanding MAT Exam Marks

MAT exam marks represent a candidate's raw scores out of the MAT pattern exam total marks across distinct sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Economic & Business Environment. They encapsulate the proficiency demonstrated by candidates in each domain, offering a granular view of their strengths and areas for improvement.

These scores are further evaluated against the MAT Cut Off set by participating institutions, which determines a candidate’s eligibility for the next stages of the admission process, such as Group Discussion, Written Ability Test, and Personal Interview.

Interpreting MAT Exam Percentile

On the other hand, percentiles provide a comparative metric, elucidating a candidate's position within the cohort of test-takers. A percentile denotes the percentage of candidates whose scores fall below a particular candidate's. In essence, it delineates where one stands in the performance hierarchy, offering valuable insights into competitiveness and relative proficiency.

Also Check: MAT Exam Fees

Downloa List of Best Books for MAT GD and WAT

MAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026

Section	Topics
Language Comprehension	Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Phrases/Idioms, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, One Word Substitution, Antonyms/Synonyms
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning	Analytical Reasoning, Statements and Assumptions, Statements and Arguments, Statements and Conclusions, Critical Reasoning, Sequencing, Coding and Decoding, Blood Relations
Mathematical Skills	Elementary Mathematics, Arithmetic, Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Modern Mathematics
Data Analysis and Sufficiency	Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency, Data Analysis, Graphs, Charts, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagrams, Puzzles, Tables
Indian and Global Environment	Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Geography, History, Sports, Entertainment, Politics, Science, Business

Read More: MAT Exam Eligibility

MAT Exam 2026 Dates 

Event	Date
Registration Deadline	Paper-Based Test (PBT) is February 23, 2026, and for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) is March 2, 2026
Admit Card Availability	Paper-Based: Febrauary 26, 2026 Computer-Based: March 5, 2026
Examination Date	Paper-Based: March 1, 2026 Computer-Based: March 9 2026
Result Declaration	To be announced (tentative)

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MAT Exam 2026 Highlights

MAT Exam 2026 Particulars	Exam Details
Exam Name	Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
Conducting Body	All India Management Association (AIMA)
Exam Level	National
MAT Exam Date 2026	PBT: March 1, 2026, CBT: March 8, 2026
Duration	120 minutes
Exam Frequency	Four times a year (February, May, September, December)
Mode of Application	Online
Application Fees	UR Male: Rs. 2000 UR Female: Rs. 1000 Gen-EWS/SC/ST/PWD/OBC-(NCL) Male: Rs. 1000 Gen-EWS/SC/ST/PWD/OBC-(NCL) Female: Rs. 1000 Third gender: Rs. 1000
Age Limit	No age limit
Eligibility	Graduates in any discipline
Number of Applicants	Over 75,000
Number of Test Cities	Over 110
Exam Timing	To be announced later on the website
MAT Exam Pattern	Language Comprehension,
	Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
	Mathematical Skills
	Data Analysis & Sufficiency
	Economics
	Business Environment
Courses Offered	MBA/PGDM programs and other allied courses

Learn more: MAT Exam Preparation Tips 

Join the Best MAT Online Coaching – Start Your Prep Today

Conclusion

To succeed in any of the MBA entrance exam it necessary that you have the full in-depth knowledge about the entrances you are preparing for starting with its MAT paper pattern.

MAT exam pattern is something which has remain constant for years now. You must prepare yourself to take an advantage of this by starting your preparation based on this year's MAT exam paper pattern. Enroll in our CAT online coaching with SuperGrads to get comprehensive guidance and boost your preparation for all MBA entrance exams.

Check: Full-Length MAT Mock Tests