MAT 2026 | Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Period | 1 month before each exam |
| Exam Date | Multiple sessions (February, May, September, December) |
| Result Date | Within 2 weeks |
| Application Fee (General) | ₹1,850 (PBT) / ₹1,850 (CBT) |
MAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 40 Qs | 40 marks |
| Mathematical Skills | 40 Qs | 40 marks |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 40 Qs | 40 marks |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 40 Qs | 40 marks |
| Indian & Global Environment | 40 Qs | Not counted in composite score |
Negative Marking: -0.25 for each wrong answer
College Cutoffs via MAT 2026
| College & Program | Required Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top MAT Accepting Colleges | MAT Score 600+ | Composite score out of 800 |
| Jagan Institute of Management (JIMS) | Score 550+ | Delhi NCR |
| IFIM Business School Bangalore | Score 500+ | Good private option |
| Alliance University Bangalore | Score 500+ | Growing B-school |
| Most regional B-schools | Score 400+ | Widely accepted |
FAQs | MAT 2026
Is MAT a good exam for MBA?+
MAT is accepted by 600+ management institutes across India. It is a good option if you could not appear in CAT or XAT. However, for top-tier IIMs and premier B-schools, CAT/XAT scores are preferred. MAT is ideal for students targeting good regional or mid-tier B-schools.
How many times can I appear in MAT?+
MAT is conducted 4 times a year | February, May, September, and December. You can appear in any or all sessions, and your best score is considered. This gives multiple attempts unlike CAT (once a year) or XAT (once a year).
What is the difference between MAT PBT and CBT?+
MAT PBT (Paper-Based Test) is a traditional offline OMR exam. MAT CBT (Computer-Based Test) is an online exam. MAT IBT (Internet-Based Test) is conducted from home. All three have the same syllabus, pattern, scoring, and are equally valid for admission.