MAT is conducted for admission in post graduate management courses in over 600 business schools in India. Most of the institutes that accept MAT scores as the base of admission are privately owned universities. MAT is conducted four times every year by AIMA. Minimum eligibility criteria to appear in MAT is to pass/appeared/appearing graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or any recognized degree of equal value with minimum 50% marks (for unreserved category) and 45%(for reserved category-SC/ST/OBC).
There are five papers under MAT syllabus and all papers carry equal weightage in context to the number and marks of the questions. The five papers are Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematics Skill, Indian and Global Environment.
Language comprehension basically comprises reading comprehension and verbal ability and some parts of grammar. The marks will be equally divided for reading comprehension and verbal ability. Both the sections will carry 20 marks each. Important aspects of reading comprehension are mentioned below:
Important areas of Verbal Ability Questions are:
This part of the syllabus is comparatively short and less time consuming. The questions are not easy but moderate and it tests the logical and critical reasoning of the candidates. This section comprises 40 questions of 1 mark each and 0.25 mark will be deducted as a penalty for each incorrect answer. The topics for this section are mentioned below:
Reference Books suggested for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning:
How to prepare logical reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
Analytical and Logical Reasoning for CAT and other management entrance tests by Peeyush Bhardwaj
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit SInha
The mathematical skills test the quantitative aptitude of the candidates. It requires fast and mostly oral calculation to solve the questions quickly. It includes a large number of topics. The important topic for the syllabus of mathematical skills are as follows:
1. | LCM and HCF | 8. | Algebra |
2. | Percentage | 9. | Partnership |
3. | Profit and Loss | 10. | Speed, Distance and Time |
4. | Geometry | 11. | Work and Time |
5. | Trigonometry | 12. | Number System |
6. | Ratio and Proportion | 13. | Average |
7. | Quadratic Equations and Linear Equations | 14. | Geometric Progression |
Important Suggestions for Mathematical Skills:
The total number of questions will be 40 and 1 mark will be allotted for each question. There will be a penalty for incorrect answers as 0.25 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
Reference Books suggested for Mathematical Skills:
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit Sinha
A Complete Manual for the CAT by Trishna Knowledge System
This subject tests the ability of critical thinking of the candidate. There are 40 questions for this section of 1 mark each and 0.25 mark will be deducted as a penalty for incorrect answers. The important topic for the examination are mentioned below:
Reference Books suggested for Data Analysis and Sufficiency:
Accredited Guide to Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Anant Ashisha
How to prepare for Data Interpretation for MAT by Arun Sharma
Data Analysis, Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Kiran Publications
This section is basically framed to test the knowledge of candidates on current affairs of national and international importance. The question will be from polity, history, science and other papers of general science. There will be 40 questions of 1 mark each and 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. The important topics for examination are mentioned below:
Reference Books suggested for Indian and Global Environment:
Face to Face MAT with 19 years by BS Sijwali
Manorama Year Book by Mammen Mathew
The Mega YearBook: Current Affairs and General Knowledge for Competitive Exams by Disha Publications
Question: Can I take the exam for MAT in offline mode?
Ans. The exam can be taken in both online and offline mode.
Question: When should I start the preparation for MAT 2021?
Ans. Though it depends upon the capability but it is suggested to start the preparation one year prior to the examination date as more practice will help to boost the percentile.
Question: Which is the most important subject in the syllabus of MAT?
Ans. Every subject is of equal importance and necessary to be studied. However, marks secured in Indian and Global Environment are not considered while calculating the composite score and so it can be given less emphasis as compared to others but it is important to fetch the qualifying marks in all subjects.
Question: How should I prepare for current affairs?
Ans. Apart from the suggested books you can read newspapers and current affairs’ magazines regularly.
Question: Is there any difference between the syllabus of paper based test and computer based test?
Ans. There is no difference in the syllabus of CBT and PBT.
Question: Can I change the language for the examination?
Ans. The only language option available for MAT is the English language and so there is no option to change or select any other language.
Question: Can I take MAT 2021 in hindi language?
Ans. MAT shall be conducted in English language only and no other language option is available.
Question: What should be the minimum percentage in graduation to appear in MAT?
Ans. The minimum percentage in graduation must be 50% for General category and 45% for reserved category.
Question: Is there any negative marking in MAT?
Ans. For each incorrect answer 0.25 mark will be deducted as a penalty.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.