MAT is a standardized test for admissions to MBA and allied programs to more than 600+ B Schools. It is conducted 4 times a year in the month of February, May, September and December. MAT 2020 Exam pattern comprises 5 sections with 40 questions in each. The duration of the exam is 150 minutes in which candidates have to attempt 200 questions.
Latest Update: Results for MAT February Session was released on February 29, 2020.
Management Aptitude Test Application Process for the May session will commence on March 9. The last date to apply for both the session is different. The online exam will take place on May 3 whereas Offline forms will be conducted on May 17, 2020.
AIMA prescribes MAT Syllabus into 5 sections namely Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills and Indian and Global Environment. The syllabus is quite similar to other management entrance tests. To ensure good rank in MAT 2020 Result candidates should ensure they prepare well as per the syllabus and sectional MAT 2020 Exam pattern.
Particular | Details |
---|---|
Name of Examination | MAT - Management Aptitude Test |
Conducting Body | AIMA |
Application Starts | March 9, 2020 (May session) |
Mode of examination | Online and Offline |
Number of Sections | 5 |
Number of Questions | 200 |
Total Marks | 200 |
Duration of Examination | 150 minutes ( 2 hours 30 minutes) |
Language | English |
Type of Questions | MCQs |
Score for each correct answer | +1 |
Score for each wrong answer | -0.25 |
All the sections are of equal marks in the MAT 2020 Exam Pattern. The candidates are allowed to switch between the sections. It is very important to properly manage your time properly in order to score good marks in MAT. Below mentioned are different sections along with the ideal time to complete each section.
Section | Number of Questions | Ideal Time (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 Marks | 150 Minutes |
This section contains a total of 40 questions. Candidates should ideally grant 35 minutes to this part of the question paper. Analyzing and articulation ability are put to test. An eye for interpretation from a given set of information is required from the candidate.
Following chapters are important from exam point of view. Topics wise analysis and the difficulty level are accumulated from previous year paper analysis. MAT 2020 Exam Pattern follows a trend of these topics for this section-
Bar Graphs
Graphs
Line Charts
Column Graphs
Pie Chart
Venn diagram
Analyzing the Graphs
Tables – Problems Passage or Individual Questions
Topic/ Chapters | Number of Questions Expected | Difficulty Level |
---|---|---|
Data Sufficiency | 5 | Easy |
Line Graph | 5 | Easy to Moderate |
Bar Graph, Expenditure, Profit | 5 | Easy to Moderate |
Multiple Graph | 5 | Moderate |
Pie Chart | 5 | Moderate to Difficult |
Data Comparison | 5 | Easy |
Quantitative Comparison | 5 | Easy |
Candidates must refer to the books that follow MAT Syllabus and MAT 2020 Exam Pattern. Here are a few important books which candidates should definitely consider while preparing for MAT 2020.
Book | Author/ Publisher |
---|---|
Accredited Guide to Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha |
Data Analysis & Interpretation Data Sufficiency | Think Tank of Kiran Prakashan |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for MAT | Arun Sharma |
The questions from the section can be solved using various tips and tricks. Try to memorize those tricks.
The key to scoring good marks in this section is time management. Try to manage your time accordingly.
Try to learn the concepts of Vedic Mathematics as they will help you to solve your sums in very less time.
MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for this section is similar to other exams. Check the MAT 2020 exam pattern for Language Comprehension below-
Verbal Reasoning
Using the same word with a different meaning
Syllogisms
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
Book | Author/ Publisher |
---|---|
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 |
Always read the comprehension passage properly before answering the question
Whenever you come across a new word, make it a point to know its meaning
Dictionary reading can be useful in solving this section.
This section is considered time-consuming if choice of question sets is not made thoughtfully. A short idea of the MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for this section is given below-
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 probably false
Study Material designed around CAT preparation is deemed sufficient to prepare for this section in MAT exam.
Book | Publisher |
---|---|
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 |
Try to implement methods that will help you to answer the questions quickly.
Never try to use your assumptions. Instead, analyze the question properly before answering it. Do not spend a lot of time on a single question.
Try to practice more questions in order to sharpen your logical skills.
Mathematics or Aptitude is important for all exam patterns. MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for Mathematical Skills can be understood from the following points-
Geometry
Trigonometry
Ratios and Proportion
Percentages
In-equations
Quadratic and linear equations
Algebra
Profit & Loss
Averages
Partnership (Accounts)
Time-Speed-Distance
Work and time
Number system
HCF & LCM
Geometric Progression
Some of the important books which the students must go through to prepare for this section are:
Book | Author/ Publisher |
---|---|
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma |
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Nishit Sinha Trishna |
A Complete Manual for the CAT | Knowledge System |
Try to focus on the basic concepts of mathematics.
Some of the most important topics which require special attention are Profit and Loss, Mean Median, Mode, Mensuration and Speed, Distance, Time.
You should start to practice the important topics at least three months before the date of the examination.
Do not invest a lot of time on a particular question.
The key to scoring good marks in the section is practice, practice, and practice.
The MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for Indian and Global Environment is vast and is not limited to a book. You can get a brief idea from the points given below-
The syllabus for the Indian and Global Environment Section include the following topics:
Current Affairs Business
Punch lines 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
Book | Author/ Publisher |
---|---|
Face To Face MAT With 19 Years (1997-2016) | BS Sijwali |
The Mega Yearbook 2016: Current Affairs & General Knowledge For Competitive Exams | Disha Experts |
MAT 18 Years Topic-wise Solved Papers (1997-2014) | Disha Experts |
This is quite a broad section and students need to start preparing for it at least one year prior to the date of the examination.
Reading the newspaper on a regular basis will help you to solve this section.
Keep a watch on all the important events which are taking place all around the world.
Spending an hour a day on social media sites will also help you to keep you updated on the various happenings of the world.
Watching debate sessions on YouTube or TV channels can also be helpful at times.
Make a note of everything you find important.
Answer | Marks |
---|---|
Correct Answer | +1 |
Incorrect Answer | -0.25 |
Unattended Question | 0 |
Here are a few important tips for you which will help you to secure a good score in MAT 2020:
Start your preparations at least a year before the examination date.
Always make it a point to read the questions properly before answering it.
Appear for mock tests to be well accustomed to the MAT 2020 Exam pattern and the type of questions that are generally asked.
Solving the last 20 years' questions will definitely boost up your preparation and your confidence.
Ques: What are the topics that are asked in the MAT 2020 test?
Ans: MAT test is an objective type test which will have multiple-choice answers; the test is conducted to judge a person’s general aptitudes in the following sections:
Ques: Which all subjects do I need to prepare for the MAT 2020 Exam Pattern?
Ans: There is a total of five test areas where 40 questions from each section will be asked in MAT 2020. The description of the individual test area is:
Indian and Global Environment: This will have a total of 40 questions. Questions will be asked from various topics of general and current affairs. Major topics are politics, history and geography.
Ques: Do I need to prepare for Global environment as well?
Ans: Yes, MAT has General Awareness section as a part of the paper where the questions related to the current issues and/or past issues will be asked in the exam. Some other questions in general awareness section include economic related issues and cover topics such as History, Polity, Geography, Indian Economy, Global Economy, Sports etc.
Ques: Is there any fixed syllabus for MAT 2020?
Ans: No there is no such fixed syllabus for MAT exam. However, according to the analysis of the last year papers, it was disclosed that there are some topics that hold more weightage as compared to other areas. The students are advised to go through the analysis of the previous year papers so that they can stay informed as complete and accurate information on this will be helpful from the point of view of developing the strategy as far as cracking the exam is concerned.
Ques: Will there be any difference in the MAT 2020 exam pattern between PBT and CBT mode?
Ans: No there is no difference in the MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for PBT and CBT mode. The only difference is that the students who opted for CBT mode will sit in front of the computer to give the test while the ones who choose PBT mode will give the exam using pen and paper. Rest, the MAT 2020 Exam Pattern and style of MAT exam will remain the same.
Ques: What is the overall and sectional time duration of MAT 2020 as per the MAT 2020 exam pattern?
Ans: There is no sectional time-limit in MAT exam; however, the candidates must allot a time limit to each section so that they can finish writing all the answers within that time limit. The candidates can adhere to the mentioned below time limit to solve each section of MAT 2002.
Ques: What is the marking scheme of the MAT 2020?
Ans: For each correct answer, one mark will be given to the candidates while 0.25 marks will be deducted on every wrong attempt. Each section of the MAT question paper carries an equal weightage of 40 marks.
Ques: Will there be any deduction in my marks in case I don’t attempt any question?
Ans: No marks will be deducted for the questions that are left unanswered.