All about MAT (Management Aptitude Test)

Here is a thorough review of the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) as well as the relevant details.

What is the term MAT?

It is a test on a national scale that is conducted through AIMA (All Indian Management Association). From 1988 onwards, MAT has served as the entrance test for applicants to management and other related programs. It's held each year at least four times with more than 20,000 applicants appearing at every session. MAT is the gateway to over 600 B-schools and colleges all over India.

The difficulty of MAT is not as difficult as the CAT, XAT, IIFT, and other tests for management. In the past, MAT was administered in both CBT and PBT modes. Because of the COVID outbreak, the Remote Proctored Internet-based mode (IBT) was made available to conform with COVID guidelines. From 2020 onwards, applicants can opt to participate in any one of the modes. In each session, there are different dates for each mode. Additionally, applicants can choose to use an assortment of multiple modes. Due to the flexibility provided by MAT, the institute has seen an increase in the number of applicants each year.

What's the structure of the MAT exam?

The MAT exam is objective and comprises comprised of 200 questions that are designed to test the general abilities of applicants. The length of the test is 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes). There isn't a sectional time limit which means you need to efficiently manage time across the various sections. The exam is designed to assess your ability to solve problems as well as your ability to manage time. It is broken down into five parts:

·         Mathematical abilities

·         Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

·         Language Comprehension

·         Data Analysis and Sufficient

·         Indian & Global Environment

Each of these sections contains 40 questions and has an equal weightage of 40 marks. However, the MAT composite score is computed using an 800-200 scale. Additionally, there is a negative penalty with a 25% penalty for each incorrect answer.

the MAT exam structure has remained essentially identical over the decades, with just some minor adjustments to the amount of weight and the type of questions. To gain admission to a top B-school, applicants must pass the cut-off score specified or the percentile. In addition to the overall cut-off, a lot of institutions consider the sectional cut-off as a way of shortlisting applicants.

Additionally, there are some B-schools that are part of the consortium that do not take into consideration the marks earned for the Indian & Global Environment section. The score for Indian & Global Environment is separate from the other scores, but it is not considered to calculate the percentile score or merit on the MAT scorecard.

Syllabus for Mat 2022

The MAT test is designed to assess the candidate's skills in many areas, including reasoning math, data interpretation, and other important instances. The test is typically composed of both easy and moderately challenging questions in every section. There isn't any prescribed syllabus for MAT, we've outlined the key topics in each section according to the previous year's examinations:

·         The mathematical section of MAT is similar to the ability and quantitative aptitude of the other entrance tests. In addition, it focuses on mathematical concepts that are common to all students, such as algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and modern mathematics. This section is of a moderate level of difficulty and tests your understanding of the fundamental concepts.

·         Intelligence & Critical Reasoning assesses your analytical and logical thinking skills. It is based on a variety of topics like arrangements, series, blood relations, coding-decoding, analogies, statement assumptions, strong and weak arguments, etc.

·         It is a test in which you can demonstrate your language proficiency. Comprehension is the test that measures your English competence in subjects like Sentence Correction, Fill in the gaps, para-jumbles Idioms/Phrases Synonyms & Antonyms, Word Substitution, and more. Reading Comprehension (RCs) is the most essential part that is included in the section accounting for nearly 50% of the total weightage.

·         Data Analysis and Sufficiency is a set of calculations and tips to answer questions such as graphs and charts. In this case, you must examine the data presented in various visual formats and then be able to answer related questions.

·         Indian & Global Environment section comprises of questions that stem from an inactive GK and current happenings.

When will the MAT exam be conducted?

The MAT examination is held at least four times per year, during the months of February April, May, September, and December. The detailed notification is released on the official website (https://www.aima.in/), where you will get to know about all the important dates, application fees, MBA/PGP programs, and other essential information related to MAT. In 2018 AIMA ended the offline mode of application submission. Thus, the MAT application form must be completed online only.

This upcoming test will be held in CBT, PBT, and IBT formats on December 2022. The registration process is open and candidates are able to apply for the MAT exam on the official site. Please note that the dates to apply are different for the various types of examinations.

Admit cards for separate admits are given to candidates for offline and online versions of the test. The admit card is downloaded from the site seven days prior to the date of the test. Candidates who opt for both CBT/PBT as well as IBT can benefit by choosing two additional management institutions to send their scores, in addition to the standard choice of five institutes for management. If you choose to take two IBT MAT 2022 exams there is an additional benefit of selecting two Management Institutes to send you the MAT score, along with 5 institutions you have chosen. The MAT exam is held in over 30 cities throughout India. Since the introduction of the IBT exam format testing centers have decreased as a few aspirants have switched to remote mode.

Who is eligible to take part in a MAT test?

The test's eligibility requirements are fairly easy and are a bit more lenient than other entrance exams. Candidates who have a Bachelor's or equivalent degree and students in their final year can take the test.

There isn't a minimum percentage required to apply for MAT, however, admission to MBA colleges could require a minimum percentage or marks. Foreigners and non-natives from the United States can also take the MAT test.

Which universities and colleges accept the MAT score?

In addition to those listed on the official list of institutions that accept MAT which is listed at the top of the site, you can find a number of other institutions that provide MBA admissions through scores from the MAT. The number of institutions that accept MAT scores fluctuates each year. The top management schools that accept MAT scores include:

·         Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), New Delhi

·         Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai

·         Indus Business Academy, Bangalore

·         Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow

·         Birla Institute of Management and Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida

·         International School of Business & Media, Pune

·         Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad

·         Institute of Management Studies, Ghaziabad

·         Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Chennai

·         New Delhi Institute of Management, New Delhi

·         Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida

·         PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore

·         AIMS School of Business, Bangalore

·         IES Management College and Research Centre, Mumbai

·         SCMS Cochin School of Business

·         St. Joseph's Institute of Management (SJIM), Bangalore

·         Alliance School of Business, Alliance University, Bangalore

·         ITM Navi Mumbai, ITM Group of Institutions

·         Balaji Institute of Modern Management (BIMM), Pune

·         Asian School of Business Management (ASBM), Bhubaneshwar

·         Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), New Delhi

·         Apeejay School of Management, Dwarka, New Delhi

·         TAPMI School of Business, Jaipur

Notification: As per the latest announcement, private education institutes in Maharashtra have begun accepting MAT scores as a prerequisite for admission into MBA/MMS/PGDM programs.

Admission Process

The MAT selection process begins after the announcement of the MAT results and management institutes select candidates on the basis of their scores in the MAT cut-off. The candidates who are shortlisted have to take part in group discussions/group exercises, written aptitude tests as well as personal interviews, and other rounds of selection.

Since B-schools vary in their admissions procedure students need to visit their respective websites to be prepared accordingly.

ROI of programs offered by Institutes that accept MAT

Additionally, it is among the top-awaited programs, MBA also counts among the most expensive courses. Therefore, if you've chosen to study the route of an MBA or PGDM be sure to learn about the potential return on investment. Due to the high excellence of their educational programs and other favorable factors, some of the best B-schools in India are renowned for their excellent salary placement. In other words, you must assess the scope and prospects of MBA courses/specializations of specific B-schools before opting for one. Look through the data on placement and figures of the top institutions that accept MAT:

·         For 2020, JBIMS's most lucrative offer of placement at JBIMS was up to Rs. Rs. 34 LPA. This is with the average amount of Rs. 22 LPA. The highest number of offers came from the BFSI sector closely followed by Consulting as well as Technology sectors.

·         Around 200 offers of employment were made to MBA students of JIMS in 2020.

·         More than 380 recruiters participated in Alliance University's recruitment in 2020 and the most expensive package was awarded and the most expensive package at Rs.22 LPA.

·         More than 100 companies from reputed firms visit the IBA campus each year. The salary package in the region of Rs. 14 LPA in 2020.

·         A majority of B-schools with 90% cut-off MAT scores of 90 or more, have the most competitive placement packages, with a cost of around Rs. 10-15 LPA.

To get a decent ROI, students should consider the cost of tuition scores, placement numbers, and their standing before applying to an MBA/PGDM or selecting an institution that offers a B-school.

Strategies for Preparation of Mat 2022

Before beginning your preparation for the MAT test, you should examine the exam's pattern and go through the syllabus thoroughly. Once you are aware of the key topics then you can organize your study plan and create an appropriate plan for the test. Keep in mind the following suggestions when preparing for MAT 2022

·         Begin by developing an understanding that is clear of core concepts of grammar, reasoning, and math.

·         You can also take short notes of formulas that are difficult to understand and shortcuts to make last-minute adjustments.

·         After you've gone through the fundamental formulae and tips practice the same using chapter-wise or topic-specific tests. Alongside the mathematics section, try solving data interpretation/comparison/sufficiency sets and questions.

·         Create a routine of reading excellent books, newspapers magazines, newspapers, and similar websites. Additionally, you can make use of flashcards to learn the new words you come across. This can aid in enhancing your knowledge base and increase your comprehension.

·         In the middle stages of your study, it is recommended to begin taking sections of tests within the specified time frames. This will inform you of the progress you have made in each section.

·         Then, you can begin practicing the entire mock tests and past year papers for the MAT. Papers from previous years are useful in helping you understand the exact pattern of the test and the often-asked questions. In addition, ensure that you analyze your exam results after each test.

In general, MBA aspirants devote 3-6 months to preparing for the MAT. Because MAT is taken by students from all backgrounds, each needs a unique approach. Therefore, you must prepare your strategy based on what you are able to do and your weaknesses. Additionally, you'll need to modify the way you take tests according to your performance on test-like scenarios.

FAQs Concerning the MAT

Which is the value of the MAT score?

The score/percentile of MAT is valid for one year from the date of the announcement of results.

What is a great score on the MAT test?

The institutes that accept MATs differ in their cut-offs, which range from 400-700 scores. However, the top institutions accept candidates with scores of 600plus. Therefore, it is advised to aim for a MAT score of 600or more in the MAT.

Do you have any limitations on the age of MAT?

There are no age limits for MAT participation.

Do I have to appear multiple times in MAT during the same year?

Yes, you are able to participate in all four MAT sessions, i.e., four times throughout the year.

How much is the cost for MAT applications?

For the one testing mode (IBT/PBT) the application fee for MAT is the amount of Rs. 1850. If you'd like for the exam to be taken in double IBT (or PBT+IBT or Double CBT+PBT or PBT+IBT) You will need to pay the number of Rs. 2975.