MAT 2020 Exam Pattern: Syllabus, Sectional Exam Pattern, Important Books and Preparation Tips

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. 

MAT 2020 Exam Pattern: Highlights

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.

MAT 2020 Exam Pattern

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.

MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for Data Analysis and Sufficiency 

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. 

MAT 2020 Syllabus for Data Analysis and Sufficiency 

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

Important Books for Data Analysis and Sufficiency 

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.

Preparation Tips for the Data Analysis and Insufficiency Section 

• 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 Language Comprehension

MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for this section is similar to other exams. Check the MAT 2020 exam pattern for Language Comprehension below- 

• The Language Comprehension section is basically meant to test the reading skills of the students.
• This section will contain a passage which the students will have to go through and answer questions related to the passage.
• The section consists of 40 questions and the students are advised to solve this section within a time limit of 30 minutes.

MAT 2020 Syllabus for Language Comprehension 

• 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

Important Books for Language Comprehension Section

Preparation Tips for the Language Comprehension Section

• 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.

MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

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-

• The Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section is the most challenging section of the question paper.
• It is meant to test the logical reasoning ability of the candidates.
• This section has a total of 40 questions.
• Candidates are advised to solve this section within a maximum time of 30 minutes.

MAT 2020 Syllabus for the Intelligence and Critical Reasoning 

• 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

Important Books for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning 

Study Material designed around CAT preparation is deemed sufficient to prepare for this section in MAT exam. 

Preparation Tips for the Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section

• 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.

MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for Mathematical Skills

Mathematics or Aptitude is important for all exam patterns. MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for Mathematical Skills can be understood from the following points-

• This section is meant to test the oral calculation ability of the students.
• A total of 40 questions are asked which should be answered within 40 minutes.
• Basic Mathematical questions are asked in the section.

MAT 2020 Syllabus for the Mathematical Skills

• 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

Important books  for the Mathematical Section

Some of the important books which the students must go through to prepare for this section are:

Preparation Tips  for the Mathematical Section

• 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.

MAT 2020 Exam Pattern for Indian and Global Environment

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-

• This section mainly focuses on the important events and current affairs of the nation as well as of the world.
• Some of the important static topics are politics, science and history.
• This section also has 40 questions and the suggested time to complete this section is 15 minutes.

MAT 2020 Syllabus for the Indian and Global Environment 

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

Important books  for the Indian and Global Environment 

Preparation Tips  for the Indian and Global Environment 

• 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.

MAT 2020 Marking Scheme

MAT 2020: Things to Keep in Mind

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.

Frequently Asked Questions