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MAT Exam Pattern 2023: Section-wise Pattern, Marking Scheme, Syllabus, and Preparation Books

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Sachin Gupta

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MAT Exam Pattern 2023 is specified by AIMA in detail. MAT 2023 exam duration will be 150 minutes. Download MAT Question Paper PDFs

  • As per MAT Exam Pattern 2023, a total of 200 questions will be asked from 5 sections viz. Indian and Global Environment, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, and Intelligence & Critical Reasoning. Check MAT 2023 Syllabus
  • MAT 2023 May session registration has started. MAT CBT 1 exam is scheduled on May 14 and CBT 2 is scheduled on June 4, 2023. For PBT, the exam is on May 21 and the last date of registration is May 16, 2023.
  • A clear understanding of MAT Exam Pattern 2023 is essential to prepare well for the exam. Check MAT 2023 Preparation Strategy & Books
  • As per MAT marking scheme, candidates will be awarded 1 mark for each correct answer and there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.

Direct Link to Fill MAT 2023 Application Form

MAT Exam Pattern Highlights

MAT 2023 Exam Pattern Highlights

MAT Exam Pattern 2023
Particulars Details
Mode 

IBT (Internet Based Test)

CBT (Computer Based Test)

PBT (Paper Based Test)

MAT Sections

Indian and Global Environment

Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
Mathematical Skills
Language Comprehension
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
Medium of Exam English
Duration 150 minutes
Nature of Questions Objective (MCQs)
Number of Questions 200
Number of Answer Choices 4
Total Marks 200
Marks Awarded (+1) for every correct answer
Negative Marking (-0.25) for each incorrect answer

Must Read:

MAT Section-wise Exam Pattern

Section-wise MAT Exam Pattern 2023

MAT 2023 question paper will be divided into 5 sections. AIMA, the conducting body of MAT, is responsible for releasing the exam pattern. Candidates must note that MAT Exam Pattern has remained the same for the past few years. Here is a breakdown of all the sections of MAT 2023 based on the latest MAT test pattern:

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

Also Check MAT IBT Exam Mode Guidelines

MAT Exam Pattern 2023: Language Comprehension

MAT Language Comprehension section is included in MAT 2023 exam to test the candidate’s verbal reasoning and comprehension skills. Major highlights of MAT Exam Pattern for Language comprehension are:

  • MAT Language Comprehension Section will consist of 40 questions. 
  • Every right answer in the Language Comprehension section will get you 1 mark, and each wrong answer will cost you 0.25 marks.
  • Questions in MAT Language Comprehension are asked mostly from topics like:
    • Para jumbles
    • Verbal reasoning
    • Error detection
    • Reading comprehension passages.

MAT Exam Pattern 2023: Mathematical Skills

The primary focus of this section is on testing the basic mathematical and numeracy skills of the candidates.

  • MAT Mathematical Skills section will consist of 40 questions. 
  • Every correct answer in MAT Mathematical Skills section will award you 1 mark, and each wrong answer will cost you 0.25 marks
  • The Most Important Topics for this section of the paper are:
    • Algebra
    • Arithmetic
    • Geometry
    • Mensuration.

MAT Exam Pattern 2023: Data Analysis & Sufficiency

This section of MAT 2023 is designed to test the analytical and investigative skills of the candidates in interpreting a given set of data. As per the exam pattern of MAT 2023:

  • MAT Data Analysis & Sufficiency section will comprise 40 questions. 
  • Each correct answer in MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency section will award 1 mark, and 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
  • Questions are normally based on a given set of data or graphs:
    • Bar graphs
    • Pie charts
    • Line graphs
    • Caselet

MAT Exam Pattern 2023: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning is one of the most important sections for MAT exam as it holds a weightage of 25% in the final percentile calculation. It basically consists of questions related to logical reasoning and analysis. Some major points regarding MAT 2023 test Pattern for MAT ICR section are:

  • MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning section will have a total of 40 questions. 
  • 1 mark will be awarded for every correct answer, and each wrong answer will cost you 1/4th of the total marks allotted to the question
  • Major Topics from where questions are framed include:
    • Blood relations
    • Critical reasoning
    • Coding-decoding
    • Non-verbal reasoning

MAT Exam Pattern 2023: Indian and Global Environment

MAT Indian and Global Environment section is one of the most unique aspects of MAT exam. It tests the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs and important events happening nationally and internationally. There will be 40 questions that can come from anything including politics, history, etc. The biggest advantage of this section is that it can be solved within 15 minutes if you know the answers as there are no calculations or other thinking involved. 

MAT Exam Marking Scheme

MAT 2023 Marking Scheme

Candidates must note the following points regarding the marking scheme as per MAT Exam Pattern 2023:

  • A total of 200 questions will be asked.
  • Each section of MAT 2023 exam will have 40 questions.
  • Every correct answer will award you 1 mark.
  • Negative Marking to the extent of 25% is applicable as per MAT exam pattern 2023.
Particulars Detail
Number of Questions 200
Marks awarded for every correct answer +1
Marks deducted for every wrong answer -0.25
Marks deducted for unattempted questions No

Quick Links:

MAT Syllabus

MAT Exam Difficulty Level Analysis

MAT exam is generally of moderate difficulty level. Based on previous years’ analysis, given below are the section-wise difficulty level and the minimum number of attempts considered good for clearing MAT exam:

Section Difficulty Level Good Attempts
Language Comprehension Moderate 25-26
Mathematical Skills Moderate-Difficult 22-24
Data Analysis & Sufficiency Moderate-Difficult 19-21
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Moderate 24-26
Indian and Global Environment Easy-Moderate 25-26

MAT 2023 Syllabus

MAT 2023 Syllabus is very vast and covers a lot of subjects. MAT 2023 exam will test the candidate's competence in Mathematics, General Intelligence, Reasoning, and Language Skills. To start preparation, each candidate has to be thorough with all the subjects and topics. 

Section Important Topics
Language Comprehension Verbal Reasoning, Using the same word with a different meaning, Analogies, Contextual Usage, One-word substitution, Antonyms, Idioms, Fill in the blanks, Odd man out, Jumbled Paragraphs, Sentence Correction, Sentence Completion, Foreign language words used in English
Mathematical Ability Geometry, Trigonometry, Ratios and Proportion, Percentages, Quadratic and linear equations, Algebra, Profit & Loss, Averages, Partnership (Accounts), Time-Speed-Distance, Work and time    Number system, HCF & LCM, Geometric Progression
Data Analysis & Sufficiency Column Graphs, Bar Graphs, Line charts, Pie Chart, Graphs representing Area, Venn diagram, combination graph, line graphs, Quantitative Comparison, Multiple Graph, Data Caseletes, Data Comparison, Quantitative Comparison
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, Blood Relations, Critical reasoning, Visual reasoning, Assumption-Premise-Conclusion, Assertion and reasons, Statements and assumptions, identifying valid inferences, Identifying arguments, Statements and conclusions, Cause and Effect, Identifying Probably true and probably false.
Indian and Global Environment Current Affairs, Business, the tag line of companies, top officials of big companies, Major corporate events, Famous award and prizes, World Records, Books and Authors, Science, History, Geography, International organizations, Important quotations, Social issues, Sports, Finance, Automobiles, Entertainment

Must Read:

MAT Recommended Books

MAT Exam 2023: Books for Preparation

Subject Name of Book Publisher/Author
Language Comprehension How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT COMMON ADMISSION TEST Ajay Singh
CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Gautam Puri
Mathematical Skills Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Sarvesh Verma
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT Nishit Sinha Trishna
A Complete Manual for the CAT Knowledge System
Vedic Mathematics: Secrets Skills for Quick, Accurate Mental Calculations Sumita Bose
Data Analysis & Sufficiency Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency Ananta Ashisha
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for MAT Arun Sharma
Data Analysis & Interpretation Data Sufficiency Think Tank of Kiran Prakashan
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT Arun Sharma
Analytical & Logical Reasoning For CAT & Other Management Entrance Tests Peeyush Bhardwaj
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT Nishit Sinha
Indian and Global Environment The Mega Yearbook Disha Experts
Face To Face MAT With 19 Years (1997-2016) BS Sijwali
MAT General Complete Guide For Mat And Other Mba Entrance Exams Disha Experts
Mat Score Accelerator Disha Experts
Mat Solved Papers Disha Experts

MAT Preparation Tips

MAT Exam 2023: Preparation Tips

  • Focus on attempting sectional mock tests within the stipulated time to prepare thoroughly for MAT 2023 exam.
  • Improve your speed and accuracy by solving full-length MAT mock tests and sample papers.
  • Focus on solving easy questions first, and then move on to the hard questions. 
  • Clear all the basic concepts at least 2 months before MAT 2023 exam date.
  • Solve at least 30-40 questions every day during the last month before the exam.
  • Devote equal time to each section since every section has been allotted equal weightage as per MAT 2023 Exam Pattern.

Check detailed MAT Preparation Strategy

MAT Exam Pattern FAQs

MAT Exam Pattern 2023 FAQs

Ques. Is there any negative marking in MAT exam?

Ans. Yes, there is a negative marking of 25% for incorrect responses. So, as per MAT exam pattern, 1 mark is awarded for every correct answer, and 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.

Ques. As per MAT 2023 Exam Pattern, how many questions will be asked in the exam?

Ans. As per MAT exam pattern, 200 questions will be asked. There will be 5 sections comprising 40 questions each. The total duration of the exam will be 150 minutes (2.5 hours).

Ques. In Which Mode will MAT 2023 exam be conducted?

Ans. MAT 2023 will be conducted in three modes. These are Computer-based Test (CBT) mode, Paper-based test mode, and Internet-Based Test (IBT) modes. Candidates can choose any one of the modes at their convenience. Also, in a particular session, candidates can appear for 2 modes by paying an additional fee of INR 1150.

Ques. What are the major differences between paper-based and computer-based MAT tests?

Ans. MAT exam is conducted in both PBT and CBT modes at various exam centers. Candidates can choose the exam mode, center, and date at their convenience. MAT PBT (Paper-based test) is generally conducted on a single day for the candidates. Candidates are provided with the question paper booklet and OMR sheet at the exam center. They need to darken the circles on the OMR sheet with a pen/ pencil to mark the answers.

MAT CBT (computer-based tests) is conducted on 2 days. The candidates need to visit the allocated test center where they are allocated a computer system. The questions will appear on the screen and candidates need to click on the option that they feel is correct. Unlike PBT mode, only 1 question is visible on the screen in CBT mode exam.

Ques. What should be my exam strategy to attempt maximum questions in MAT 2023 exam?

Ans. Candidates have to attempt 200 questions in 150 minutes in MAT 2023 exam, hence devising a clear strategy becomes important. To be able to attempt maximum questions, candidates must try to get adequate exposure to different models of questions, and solve MAT previous year papers, sample papers, and mock tests.

Ques. Is there any fixed syllabus for MAT 2023 exam?

Ans. No, there is no fixed syllabus in MAT exam. Candidates have to go through the analysis of the previous year's papers. There are certain topics that will be asked in all sessions of MAT 2023 exams which have been mentioned in the article above. Candidates should go through these topics to secure high marks in the MAT exam.

Ques. How many times is MAT conducted in a year?

Ans. MAT is conducted 4 times a year in the months of February, September, September, and December. 

Ques. I got 50% of the marks in my Undergraduate degree examinations. Am I eligible for MAT exam?

Ans. Yes, you are eligible. Some colleges or schools have fewer cut-offs in graduation. You can select those colleges for their graduation.

Ques. What are the different sections in MAT exam?

Ans. MAT 2023 exam will have 5 major sections as Language comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data analysis and sufficiency, Indian and Global Environment, and Intelligence and critical reasoning. Based on these sections, questions will be asked.

Ques. What is the basic qualification to apply for MAT 2023 exam?

Ans. Candidates who have completed their bachelor's degree in any stream or an equivalent degree from any recognized institute are eligible to apply for MAT 2023 exam.

Ques. Will MAT 2023 be conducted all over the country? Can a foreign resident apply?

Ans. MAT 2023 exam will be conducted in all major cities in India. A foreign candidate can also choose to appear in any Indian exam city as per their convenience. 

Ques. What is the validity of MAT score?

Ans. The validity of MAT score is 1 year, after which candidates have to attempt the exam again to get admissions. 

Ques. Is there any age limit for writing MAT exam?

Ans. No, there is no age limit for attending MAT exam. However, candidates need a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

Ques. I have a backlog in the final year of graduation. Can I appear for MAT 2023 exam?

Ans. Yes, candidates who have a backlog in their graduation can also attend MAT exam. However, they should clear all papers before final admission process for MBA/ PGDM begins.

Ques. Which section has the highest weightage in MAT 2023 exam?

Ans. All 5 sections in MAT 2023 exam will have equal weightage in the question paper. All sections will have 40 questions carrying 1 mark each. However, while calculating the final percentile scores for admission, the scores of Indian & Global Environment section are not considered.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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