What is MAT?
MAT stands for Management Aptitude Test. It is a standardized management entrance test conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association) to help B-schools filter out suitable students for management programs. In 2003, the test had been approved as a national level test by Govt. of India, Ministry of HRD. The MAT scores are considered for both national and international management schools.
MAT is one of the most recognized MBA entrance tests in India. The test is conducted in two different modes – Paper Based Test or Computer Based Test. Generally, it is conducted 4 times in a year – February, May, September and December.
Eligibility for Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
-
Candidates who have completed their graduation in any of stream from a recognised institute or university are eligible to apply.
-
Final year graduates from any discipline including, science, humanities, commerce or engineering stream from a recognised institute or university are eligible to apply.
-
Age limit There is no age limit for those taking up MAT 2018.
-
There are no restrictions on the number of attempts for taking up the MAT.
-
No job experience is required to apply for the exam.
-
A candidate can apply for the exam as many times as he/she wants to.
-
The final year graduate students who clear MAT 2018 need to submit proof of the completion of their graduation. If you fail to do so will result in the cancellation of their admission to a respective institute.
Career opportunities
Clearing the MAT exam opens the door of management learning opportunities for students and later for employment in reputed establishments around the world. Students who clear the MAT test with high scores stand a higher chance of getting into reputed management schools. Management courses are in great demand, as it equips students with necessary skill sets which are useful at work.
MAT exam pattern
The MAT test consists of 200 objective questions, carrying a total of 200 marks. Each question is of 1 mark. The total time limit for the exam is 150 minutes. There will be 5 sections and each section will have 40 questions. Following are the five sections of MAT exam:
-
Language Comprehension
-
Mathematical Skills
-
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
-
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
-
Indian and Global Environment
There is no Negative Marking for wrong answers, so leave no question unanswered even if it means you are making educated guesses.
MAT 2018 Important Dates
Paper Based Test Date– 09th December 2018
Computer Based Test Date– 15th December 2018
MAT Preparation Strategies
Following are the few essential tips to crack the MAT exam:
-
Concept clarity
Whether it is Math, Reasoning or Grammar, have total clarity on the core concepts of each of these subjects. Often, students find it hard to crack the math problems due to lack of basic concept clarity. If you are not clear, take help from MAT trainers or your friends well before the exam.
-
Study plan
No exam preparation is complete without having a specific study plan in place. When you plan your MAT preparation, you will be able to focus on each section. You can also allot more time for sections you find tougher than the others.
-
Current affairs
Staying updated about the happenings in India and around the world is important from any entrance exam’s point of view. This will help you to score higher in the Indian and Global Environment section. Extensively read national and international dailies, magazines and read the news on the Internet to brush up your General knowledge.
-
Solve question papers
Solve previous question papers on a regular basis to understand the question patterns. When you understand what kind of questions are asked in the MAT exam in each of the sections, you will be able to crack the management entrance test with a higher score.
-
Time management
Time management is crucial when you are appearing for a competitive entrance test like MAT. Always keep a track of time and try to solve mock or sample question paper within 120 minutes. This will build your speed to complete the test well before time so that you can relook at your answers.
-
Accuracy is important
Even though there is no Negative Marking in MAT test, still you should aim at solving all questions with 100% accuracy. When your answers are correct, you can score well. And accuracy develops in you the habit of finding solutions to questions accurately.
-
Work on analytical and critical reasoning
Brush up your speed and accuracy in Analytical and Critical reasoning skills. It is little tougher to score higher in these questions if you are not well-prepared. Practice is key to solving more questions quickly as well as accurately.
-
Stay positive and fit
When you are appearing for a tough entrance exam like MAT. It is important that you stay positive regarding your preparation for the exam. Don’t sit for hours together studying, rather take breaks and exercise even if it means for a few minutes in between your study schedules.
