MAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). It is used for admission to MBA and PGDM courses in more than 800 business schools across India.
The MAT exam is held four times in one academic year. Students can choose how they want to take the exam. There are two main exam modes:
Paper Based Test (PBT) – offline exam
Computer Based Test (CBT) – online exam at a test center
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AIMA introduced the Internet Based Test (IBT), which allowed students to take the exam from home with online monitoring. AIMA was the first exam body in India to introduce a remote proctored exam. However, the IBT mode was discontinued in 2025.
MAT is a time-bound exam. Students have to answer 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The questions come from the following subjects:
English Language
Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude (Mathematical Skills)
Data Interpretation
General Knowledge
Upcoming Exam Dates:
23 Feb ' 26 - MAT Feb 2026 PBT Registration last date
26 Feb ' 26 - MAT Feb 2026 PBT admit card
01 Mar ' 26 - MAT Feb 2026 PBT
02 Mar ' 26 - MAT Feb 2026 CBT Registration last date
05 Mar ' 26 - MAT Feb 2026 CBT admit card
08 Mar ' 26 - MAT Feb 2026 CBT
MAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
MAT minimum eligiblity criteria have been fixed as per the AICTE guidelines. Check below eligibility criteria for MAT exam 2026:
- Graduation or an equivalent degree from a UGC recognised university.
- Final year graduation students awaiting their results are also eligible to apply. They will have to submit passing certificate by the due date to the MBA college.
- There is no minimum score requirement for MAT. However, MAT accepting colleges have minimum score criteria of 50 percent (45 percent for reserved category).
- There is no age limit to appear in MAT. Fresh graduates as well as working professionals can appear for the exam.
- Candidates who have completed a professional degree such as CA, CS or ICWA are also eligible to apply for the MAT exam.
MAT Registration Process 2026
1. Go to AIMA-MAT website: https://mat.aima.in/
2. Click on 'register' option
3. Enter name, date of birth, email ID, mobile phone number, state, city, test mode and a password
4. Use the MAT ID shared in email and phone for authentication
5. In the next page, select preferred test mode (CBT, PBT) test cities and five preferred B-Schools
6. Make fee payment via debit/credit card, net banking or e-wallet
7. Enter academic and other details in the MAT 2026 application form
8. Upload a recent passport size photo and scanned signature
9. Complete the process by hitting submit button
10. An acknowledgement regarding MAT form submission will be shared in email
Note: MAT PBT and MAT CBT are conducted in different cities. Thus, when selecting a test mode, do check if it is available in your city or not. MAT test city choice cannot be edited once after form submission. Thus, candidates must select their options carefully.
