Logo Icon

MAT 2026 Exam Dates, Notification, Eligibility, Seats & Admission Process

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

February 2, 2026

SHARE

Overview: MAT February 2026 registration is open. PBT registration closes on 23 February 2026 and CBT registration closes on 2 March 2026. The PBT is on 1 March 2026 and CBT is on 8 March 2026.

Latest MAT Exam 2026 Updates:

  • MAT Feb 2026 PBT last date: 23 February 2026; Admit card: 26 February 2026 (5 PM onwards); Exam: 1 March 2026.
  • MAT Feb 2026 CBT last date: 2 March 2026; Admit card: 5 March 2026 (5 PM onwards); Exam: 8 March 2026.
  • Exam format: 150 questions in 120 minutes with -0.25 negative marking

Continue reading to know more about MAT exam 2026!


What Is the MAT Exam?

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a popular national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) since 1988. 

Endorsed by the Ministry of Education, MAT is the gateway to admission in over 600 reputed B-Schools across India

Unlike other exams held once a year, MAT offers the flexibility to appear four times annually in February, May, September, and December through paper-based, computer-based, or Internet-based formats. 

This flexibility allows you to plan better and improve your scores if needed. Choosing MAT can broaden your MBA options and increase your chances of success. To start your journey, explore the detailed MAT exam overview.

Start Your MAT 2026 Registration [Official Link]

MAT February 2026 Exam Dates (Official Schedule)

Mode Registration Last Date Admit Card Release Exam Date
PBT 23 February 2026 26 February 2026 (5:00 PM onwards) 1 March 2026
CBT 2 March 2026 5 March 2026 (5:00 PM onwards) 8 March 2026

Source: All India Management Association (AIMA) MAT schedule.

What is the MAT Exam Pattern 2026?

MAT has five sections, each with thirty questions. A total of 150 questions are to be attempted over 120 minutes. Here is the MAT 2026 exam pattern:

Section No.

Section Name

No. of Questions

I

Language Comprehension

30

II

Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

30

III

Mathematical Skills

30

IV

Data Analysis & Sufficiency

30

V

Economic & Business Environment

30

Note: There will be a Negative Marking (-0.25 marks) for every incorrect answer. The overall score is based on all five sections of MAT.

MAT 2026 Syllabus

The MAT syllabus focuses on testing overall managerial aptitude.

1 Language Comprehension

  1. Reading comprehension
  2. Vocabulary
  3. Grammar and sentence correction
  4. Para jumbles

2 Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

  1. Logical puzzles
  2. Coding-decoding
  3. Syllogisms
  4. Series and analogies
  5. Statement-based questions

3 Mathematical Skills

  1. Arithmetic (percentages, averages, ratios)

  2. Algebra
  3. Geometry
  4. Number systems
  5. Probability

4 Data Analysis & Sufficiency

  1. Tables and graphs
  2. Charts and caselets
  3. Data sufficiency problems
  4. Quantitative comparisons

5 Economic & Business Environment

  1. Indian economy
  2. Business awareness
  3. Current economic events
  4. Corporate developments

MAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

MAT follows simple and inclusive eligibility conditions.

Candidates must fulfill the following:

  1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
  2. Final-year graduation students are eligible to apply
  3. No minimum percentage is prescribed by AIMA
  4. No age limit for appearing in the exam
  5. No restriction on number of attempts

Note: Individual institutes may have additional eligibility requirements during admission.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for the MAT Exam?

MAT welcomes graduates from all disciplines, including final-year students awaiting graduation.

It’s crucial to confirm you meet the MAT exam eligibility criteria before registering.

Preparing your documents and understanding qualification requirements early ensures smooth application processing and avoids last-minute issues.

Knowing you are eligible will boost your confidence to take the exam step by step.

What are the Different Modes to take the MAT exam 2026?

You can appear for the MAT exam in the following modes:

  • Paper-Based Test (PBT)
  • Computer-Based Test (CBT)
  • A combination of both, Paper-Based Test and Computer-Based Test (PBT+CBT)

Important Note

  • If you wish to take an additional test (PBT+CBT), you will need to pay an additional fee of ₹1600, in addition to the standard fee of ₹2200.
  • By opting for the additional test, you will have the option to select 2 additional Management Institutes to send your scores.
  • This means you can send your scores to 7 institutes in total instead of just 5.

Essential Documents You Need to Keep Ready for MAT Exam 2026

Before starting your MAT registration, make sure you have the following documents and details ready. This will help you complete the process smoothly without interruptions:

✅Valid Email ID – You will need this for registration, receiving important updates, and all further communication regarding the exam.

✅Scanned Photograph – Keep a clear, recent passport-size photo in digital format ready. The file size should be between 10 KB to 50 KB.

✅Scanned Signature – A digital copy of your signature will be required. Ensure it is neatly done on white paper and scanned with a file size between 5 KB to 20 KB.

✅Payment Details – Keep your credit card, debit card (ATM card), or net banking details handy for paying the application fee quickly and securely.

MAT 2026 Registration Dates

Event Paper‑Based Test (PBT) Computer‑Based Test (CBT)
Last Date to Register 23 February 2026 (Monday) 2 March 2026 (Monday)
Admit Card Release 26 February 2026 (from 5 PM) 5 March 2026 (from 5 PM)
Exam Date 1 March 2026 (Sunday) 8 March 2026 (Sunday)

MAT Exam 2026 Registration Process

Here are the steps to apply for the MAT exam 2026:

Step 1: Select Test Mode

You will first be asked to select your test mode. You can choose at least one mode and a maximum of two modes while filling the form.

Step 2: Upload Photo and Signature

1️⃣ Instructions for Photograph Upload:

  • Upload a recent passport-size colour photograph.
  • Use a light-coloured background (preferably white), avoid harsh shadows, and ensure your ears are visible.
  • If you wear glasses, make sure there’s no glare.
  • Caps, hats, and dark glasses aren’t allowed (except religious headwear that doesn’t cover your face).
  • The photo must be in .jpg or .jpeg format, between 10KB and 50KB in size.

2️⃣ Instructions for Signature Upload:

  • Sign on white paper using a black ink pen, scan only the signature area, and upload it in .jpg or .jpeg format.
  • The size should be between 5KB and 20KB.
  • Remember, this signature will appear on your admit card and must match during the exam and interview process.

Step 3: Choose Management Institutes (MIs)

You can select up to 5 MIs to send your MAT scores. If you opt for Double Test Modes, you can choose 2 additional MIs (7 in total).

For each extra MI, you will need to pay INR 118 (including 18% GST).

Step 4: Make Payment

Once you’ve selected your MIs, proceed to pay the application fee. You can use a Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or Wallets.

Step 5: Fill in Personal, Academic, and Work Details

Carefully enter your personal information, educational qualifications, and work experience. Make sure all details are accurate, as your eligibility will be verified based on this information.

Step 6: Preview and Submit Application

Before submitting, preview your application form to make sure everything is correct. Take a printout of the final submitted form for your records.

When and How Will You Get Your Admit Card?

As a provisionally registered candidate for the PBT or CBT exam, you must download your Admit Card from the MAT official website https://mat.aima.in/ through your Applicant Dashboard according to the schedule mentioned above.

Your Admit Card will include important details such as your Name, Form Number, Roll Number, Test Date, Test Time, and Test Venue Address. It is essential that you strictly follow the date and time assigned to you in the Admit Card for your exam.

Make sure to carry the Admit Card with you on the exam day for entry into the exam hall.

What Is the Format of the MAT Exam and Which Subjects Should You Prepare For?

MAT consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within 120 minutes. The questions are divided equally into five key sections:

  • Language Comprehension
  • Mathematical Skills
  • Data Analysis and Sufficiency
  • Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
  • Indian and Global Environment (covering current affairs and general awareness)

Each section tests essential skills valued in management programs. Every correct answer earns 1 mark, but a wrong answer incurs a penalty of 0.25.

To understand the detailed syllabus and subject-wise breakdown, visit the MAT exam subjects and MAT exam syllabus pages.

CAT & OMETs Products by Supergrads To Boost Your Prep

Here are the exclusive CAT & OMETs products that will help you improve your preparation. Check them now!

CAT & OMETs 2026 Batches
CAT & OMET 2026 Study Material and Test Series by Supergrads
MAT 2026 Mock Test Series by Supergrads

MAT 2026 Cut-Off

MAT does not have a centralized cut-off. Each participating institute decides its own MAT cut-off based on factors such as exam difficulty, number of applicants, seat availability, and institute reputation.

Expected MAT 2026 Cut-Off (Percentile Range)

Category Expected Percentile Range
General 80 – 95
OBC 70 – 85
EWS 70 – 85
SC/ST 50 – 70
PwD 50 – 70

Indicative Cut-Offs for Some MBA Colleges

Institute Type Approximate MAT Percentile
Top-tier private institutes 90+
Mid-level institutes 75–85
Emerging / regional colleges 60–70

These figures are indicative and may vary each year.

List of Participating B-schools for MAT Exam 2026

Here are the major institutes for MAT exam 2026:

MAT Exam Participating B Schools: East ZONE 

MI Code

MI Name

City

7004

Adamas University

Kolkata

7512

ASBM University

Bhubaneswar

7013

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Institute of Management Science

Kolkata

7543

Birla Global University

Bhubaneswar

7402

Calcutta Business School

Kolkata

8009

Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna

Patna

8403

Development Management Institute

Patna

7109

Durgapur Institute of Advanced Technology & Management

Durgapur

7006

EIILM

Kolkata

7028

Future Institute of Engineering & Management

Kolkata

7201

Haldia Institute of Technology

Haldia

7022

Heritage Business School

Kolkata

7030

Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management

Kolkata

7029

Institute of Business Management and Research

Kolkata

7010

Institute of Engineering & Management

Kolkata

7505

Institute of Management & Information Sciences

Bhubaneswar

7041

Institute of Management Study

Kolkata

7019

International Management and Analytics School Kolkata

Kolkata

7015

International School of Business & Media

Kolkata

8007

International School of Management Patna

Patna

7020

JIS University, JIS School of Business Management

Kolkata

7511

KIIT- School of Rural Managenment

Bhubaneswar

7403

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, School of Management Sciences 

Nadia

7111

MCKV Instt of Engineering

Howrah

7804

NERIM Group of Institutions

Guwahati

8306

Netaji Subhas University

Jamshedpur

7025

Pailan College of Mgmt &Technology

Kolkata

7538

Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University

Bhubaneswar

7017

Sister Nivedita University

Kolkata

7108 

Supreme Knowledge Foundation

Hooghly

8101

T M Bhagalpur University, Department of Commerce & Business Administration

Bhagalpur

7048

Techno India Group

Kolkata

MAT Exam Participating B Schools: North Zone 

MI Code

MI Name

City

2049

Accurate Institute of Management & Technology

Greater Noida

1101

AIMA-Centre for Management Education

New Delhi

2023

Asian Business School

Noida

2111

Birla Institute of Management Technology

Greater Noida

1704

Chitkara University

Rajpura

2027

Christ University - School of Business and Management

Ghaziabad

1114

Delhi School of Business (VIPS-TC)

New Delhi

2003

Dr Gaur Hari Singhania Institute of Management & Research

Kanpur

1112

EMPI Institutions

New Delhi

1113

Fortune Institute of International Business

New Delhi

2038

Galgotias University

Greater Noida

1200

GD Goenka University

Gurugram

2014

GL Bajaj Institute of Management & Research

Greater Noida

2047

GNIOT Institute of Management Studies (GIMS)

Greater Noida

2081

I Business Institute

Greater Noida

2016

I.T.S - School of Management

Ghaziabad

2224

IILM Academy of Higher Learning

Lucknow

1123

IILM Institute for Higher Education

New Delhi

1202

IILM University

Gurgaon

1171

IILM University Greater Noida

Greater Noida

2051

Institute of Management Studies

Ghaziabad

1120

Institute of Marketing & Management Business School

New Delhi

1131

International Institute of Health Management Research

New Delhi

1117

Jagan Institute of Management Studies

New Delhi

1128

Jagannath International Management School

New Delhi

1219

Jagannath University

Bahadurgarh

2026

Jaipuria Institute of Management

Ghaziabad

2234

Jaipuria Institute of Management

Lucknow

2043

Jaipuria Institute of Management

Noida

2054

Jaipuria School of Business

Ghaziabad

2079

Jaypee Business School

Noida

1210

JK Business School, Gurugram

Gurugram

1424

Lovely Professional University

Phagwara

1154

Maharaja Agrasen Business School

New Delhi

1124

Management Education & Research Institute (MERI)

New Delhi

1127

New Delhi Institute of Management

New Delhi

2403

Uttaranchal University

Dehradun

MAT Exam Participating B Schools: South Zone 
 

MI Code

MI Name

City

5658

ABBS School of Management

Bengaluru

5686

Acharya Bangalore B-School

Bengaluru

5629

Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies

Bengaluru

5641

Acharya Institute of Technology

Bengaluru

5031

Administrative Staff College of India

Hyderabad

5681

AIMS IBS Business School Bengaluru

Bengaluru

5612

AIMS Institutes (Acharya Institute of Management and Sciences)

Bengaluru

5604

Alliance School of Business , Alliance University

Bengaluru

6411

Amrita School of Business

Coimbatore

5633

Azim Premji University

Bengaluru

5005

Badruka School of Management

Hyderabad

5627

CB Bhandari Jain College

Bengaluru

5639

Christ University - School of Business and Management

Bengaluru

5608

CMR University, School of Mgmt

Bengaluru

6025

Crescent School of Business,

Chennai

5001

Dhruva College of Management

Hyderabad

5674

East Point College of Higher Education

Bengaluru

6427

Firebird Instt of Research in Management

Coimbatore

5017

ICBM School of Business Excellence

Hyderabad

5691

Indus Business Academy

Bengaluru

5692

Institute of Health Management Research

Bengaluru

5003

Institute of Insurance and Risk Management

Telangana

5019

Institute of Public Enterprise

Hyderabad

5670

International Institute of Business Studies

Bengaluru

5615

International School of Business & Media, Bangalore

Bengaluru

5668

ISBR Business School

Bengaluru

5601

Jagdish Sheth School of Management

Bengaluru

5660

Jain University

Bengaluru

5721

Kirloskar Institute of Management

Harihar

6011

MCC Boyd Tandon School of Business 

Chennai

5622

MP Birla Institute of Management

Bengaluru

5609

MS Ramaiah Institute of Management

Bengaluru

5717

National Institute of Technology, Surathkal

Surathkal

5634

NITTE School of Management

Bengaluru

5672

NSB Academy

Bengaluru

5621

PES University

Bengaluru

5607

Presidency University

Bengaluru

6008

Rajalakshmi School of Business

Chennai

5679

Ramaiah Institute of Management Studies

Bengaluru

5628

Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences

Bengaluru

6203

RL Institute of Management Studies

Madurai

5653

RV Institute of Management

Bengaluru

5719

Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management

Mangalore

5009

School of Innovation & Management (for Women)

Hyderabad

6801

SCMS Cochin School of Business

Kochi

6802

SCMS School of Technology & Management

Kochi

5708

Siddaganga Institute of Technology

Tumakuru

5015

Siva Sivani Institute of Management

Secunderabad

6065

SSN School of Management

Chennai

5665

St Joseph's Institute of Management

Bengaluru

6202

Thiagarajar School of Management

Madurai

5016

Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management

Hyderabad

5018

Vishwa Vishwani Institute of Systems & Management

Secunderabad

6032

Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Chennai

Chennai

6852

Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Kochi

Kochi

MAT Exam Participating B Schools: West Zone 

MI Code

MI Name

City

4011

ATLAS SkillTech University

Mumbai

4134

Christ University - School of Business and Management 

Pune

4167

Dr D Y Patil B School

Pune

3804

Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India

Gandhinagar

3007

Hari Shankar Singhania School of Business, JK Lakshmipat University

Jaipur

4122

IIEBM, Indus Business School

Pune

3003

IIHMR University

Jaipur

3022

IILM Academy of Higher Learning

Jaipur

3001

Institute of Rural Management

Jaipur

4129

International Institute of Management Studies

Pune

4118

International School of Business & Media, Pune

Pune

4154

ITM Skill University

Mumbai

4911

ITM University

Raipur

3909

ITM Vocational University

Vadodara

3034

Jaipuria Institute of Management

Jaipur

4512

Jaipuria Institute of Management

Indore

4104

Kirloskar Institute of Management

Pune

4103

Lexicon Management Institute of Leadership & Excellence

Pune

4115

Mulshi Institute of Business Management

Pune

4171

NICMAR University

Pune

3046

Poddar Business School

Jaipur

3815

Shanti Business School

Ahmedabad

3805

St Kabir Institute of Professional Studies

Ahmedabad

4138

Suryadatta Institute of Management

Pune

4139

Suryadatta Institute of Management & Mass Communication

Pune

Best Books for MAT 2026 Preparation – 

Selecting the right books plays an important role in preparing for the MAT 2026 exam. Since MAT evaluates candidates on verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and business awareness, aspirants should use MAT books that explain concepts clearly and provide sufficient practice. A balanced mix of section-wise books and comprehensive MBA entrance exam guides helps in building strong fundamentals, improving speed, and increasing accuracy.

Recommended Books for MAT 2026 Preparation

Section Book Name Purpose
Language Comprehension Word Power Made Easy Vocabulary building
Language Comprehension Verbal Ability for MBA Entrance Exams Grammar and verbal practice
Mathematical Skills Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations Core mathematics concepts
Mathematical Skills Mathematics for MBA Entrance Exams Quantitative aptitude practice
Logical Reasoning A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning Logical reasoning fundamentals
Data Analysis Data Interpretation for MBA Exams Data interpretation practice
Logical Reasoning & DI Logical Reasoning and Data Sufficiency Mixed practice questions
Business Awareness Manorama Year Book General knowledge and current affairs
Business Awareness Objective General Knowledge Business and economy awareness
Comprehensive Guide Mission MBA MAT Complete MAT syllabus coverage

CLAT Maths Syllabus”

Conclusion

Preparing for the MAT exam is a comprehensive journey that requires dedication, strategy, and continuous learning. Stay disciplined, practice regularly, and stay updated on important announcements on the official MAT website.

By leveraging the resources and links provided, you can confidently navigate each step from registration to admission. Your MBA dreams are well within reach. Start preparing today with focus and determination, and take the next big step toward a successful career in management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MAT exam?

Expand Faq Icon

How many B-schools accept MAT scores?

Expand Faq Icon

How many times is MAT conducted in a year?

Expand Faq Icon

What are the modes of the MAT exam?

Expand Faq Icon

What is the MAT exam pattern (sections, questions, time)?

Expand Faq Icon

What are the five sections in MAT?

Expand Faq Icon

Is there negative marking in MAT?

Expand Faq Icon

Who is eligible to apply for MAT?

Expand Faq Icon

What documents/details should I keep ready for MAT registration?

Expand Faq Icon

What are the MAT February 2026 exam dates (PBT & CBT)?

Expand Faq Icon

Can I take MAT in both PBT and CBT? What’s the benefit?

Expand Faq Icon

What is the MAT application fee, and what if I choose the double-test option?

Expand Faq Icon

How many institutes can I choose to send my MAT score to?

Expand Faq Icon

Does MAT have a centralised cut-off? What is the expected cut-off range?

Expand Faq Icon

About the Author

Faculty
Lalita Vishwakarma

Content Writer

Lalita Vishwakarma is a professional content writer with 3 years of experience, distinguished by her ability to transform raw ideas into polished, high-impact content. She masterfully combines creative storytelling with strategic execution, ensuring that her work not only captures attention but also drives desired outcomes.... more

Chat to Toprankers Team

ABOUT TOP RANKERS

Founded in 2016, Toprankers is India’s leading platform for counselling and preparation in careers beyond engineering and medicine. Our mission is to create awareness and boost success rates for high-potential career paths after Class 12. We provide top-notch learning methods and comprehensive support for students aiming for entrance exams in management, humanities, law, judiciary, and design.

E

: support@toprankers.com

P

: +91-6363286363

Social Channels

App Badge

Google Play Icon