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How to Prepare For MAT: The MAT Exam is the easiest MBA entrance exam in India. Candidates are allowed to attempt it multiple times in the same academic year. Over 800 MBA colleges in India accept the exam score. The syllabus of the MAT Exam is similar to other MBA entrance exams like XAT, CAT, GMAT, etc. All candidates during MAT 2024 exam preparation have to take care of their speed and accuracy in solving the questions.
Although MAT is a popular choice among students candidates need a minimum score of 90-95 percentile to get a good college. So, if candidates are planning to appear for the MAT exam in 2024, must target scoring high. Let us read this article to learn about how to prepare for the MAT Exam, tips, and strategies that will be helpful for MBA aspirants.
| MAT Exam | Details |
| Conducting Body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam frequency | Four times a year – February, May, September, December |
| Exam mode | PBT, CBT, IBT |
| Exam Duration | 150 minutes |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any stream from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply. Candidates with CA, CS, or ICWA degrees. |
| Exam fees | INR 2,100 |
| No. of test cities, | PBT Mode – 28CBT Mode – 35 |
| Courses offered | MBA/PGDM |
| Exam helpdesk no. | 011 – 24645100 / 011 – 24617354 / 011 – 43128100 |
| Exam website | https://www.aima.in/ |
Table of Contents
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How to Prepare for MAT Exam 2024?
The first and foremost step of MAT Exam preparation is getting familiar with the exam pattern. There are three different modes of MAT exam:
- Computer Test (CBT),
- Paper Based Test (PBT), and
- Internet Based Test (IBT).
Applicants can select any of the modes of the exam during the application process. The structure of the MAT test is similar to other MBA entrance exams, in which candidates have to solve a certain number of MCQs in a limited period. Candidates need to prepare all the important sections included in these MAT subjects.
- Language Comprehension Section
- Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section
- Data Analysis and Sufficiency Section
- Mathematical Skills Section
- Indian and Global Environment Section
Also Read: How to Prepare for Competitive Exams
Section-Wise Guidance for MAT Preparation 2024
Candidates should aim to score high in every section to crack the MAT 2024 exam with a high percentile. Marks of all four sections will be considered for overall percentile calculation except Indian and Global Environment. So, candidates have to focus accordingly on the main four subjects. Let us go through the key insights of section-wise MAT preparation 2024.
How to prepare for MAT 2024 Language Comprehension?
The Language Comprehension section consists of different topics of verbal ability and English grammar. The section also consists of reading comprehension passages which are usually easy.
| Language Comprehension Section | Details |
| No. of total questions | 40 MCQ’s |
| Time to be delivered for this section | 25-30 min |
Bonus Tips for the Language Comprehension Section
Reading Skills: Candidates have to focus on improving reading comprehension and speed. The passage-based questions will be easy, but reading takes time. Candidates can start reading newspapers, books, and magazines to improve their reading speed. They can practice sample papers to improve their speed in solving Reading Comprehension questions.
English Grammar: Most of the English grammar questions are asked about vocabulary, active and passive voice, punctuation, clauses, idioms, verbs, and sentence construction. Candidates need to improve their fundamentals of English grammar and they can sail through this section of the MAT exam.
Verbal Ability: Candidates can master Verbal Ability questions by practising sample questions with different difficulty levels. Since there are no formulas or concepts to master the Verbal Ability, concepts thus practising sample questions is the best way to handle this section.
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How to Prepare for Mathematical Skills for MAT Exam 2024?
This section is based on testing the Quantitative Ability of candidates. This section consists of topics from advanced-level Mathematics that candidates have studied in Class 9 and 10. Conceptual clarity is a must here for cracking this section of MAT 2024.
| Mathematical Skill Section | Details |
| No. of total questions | 40 MCQ’s |
| Time to be delivered for this section | 40 min |
Bonus Tips on How to Prepare for the Mathematical Section of MAT 2024
Formulas and Theorems: Candidates require a good command of concepts and theorems. Even those who have not studied Mathematics after 10th can also score well if they practice concepts by devoting proper time to it. Therefore, it is advisable to start with from basics. Candidates must prepare notes on formulae and fundamentals, try to understand them well, and practice as many questions based on them as possible.
Calculation: Candidates have to solve Mental Math exercises to enhance their calculation speed. Topics like Number System, Profit & Loss, Mensuration, Time, Distance & Speed, and Percentages are easy but require sufficient time in calculation.
Weak areas: Topics like Algebra, Vectors, Differential Equations, Trigonometry, etc. are a bit difficult, so candidates should start studying these topics in advance approximately three months before their exam. If candidates are unable to prepare these topics well, it is advisable to skip questions based on these topics in the MAT exam. However, it is always recommended that early engagements for a greater chance of scoring well.
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How to Prepare for Data Analysis and Sufficiency Section?
This section is based on analytical questions related to the interpretation of data, calculations, and statements. Candidates have to read, understand, and try to interpret the closest and the best outcome from the given data. The data represented in the form of tables, charts, and graphs sometimes turns out to be tricky to solve even if the candidates have prepared well for it.
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency Section | Details |
| No. of total questions | 40 MCQ’s |
| Time to be delivered for this section | 35 min |
Tips to Prepare for Data Analysis and Sufficiency Section
Practice: Data Analysis and Sufficiency for MAT is based on knowing all about basic multiplications/divisions and practice of each type of question.
Understanding Charts, Graphs, and Tables: A basic understanding of data representation IS important to understand the questions of this section. A question will consist of data based on demographics or economics which will be presented in the form of tables, pie charts, and graphs. The key tip to solving such questions is to break down the question into parts and then analyze the data.
Data Analysis: The Data Analysis and Sufficiency section is full of data. Candidates have to first, analyze the data, then interpret the data, and then select the right answer. If it takes a longer time than usual then leave such questions for review and attempt for the end.
Also Read: Is MAT Tougher than CAT? Difference Between CAT and MAT
How to Prepare for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning?
The questions in this section are based on logical reasoning skills. Important topics that are included in this section are Analogies, Series, Blood Relations, Statement & Conclusion, and Matching Statements, Coding and decoding. It is a completely reasoning-based section and questions may appear easy but are always tricky.
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section | Details |
| No. of total questions | 40 MCQ’s |
| Time to be delivered for this section | 30 min |
Tips to Prepare for Questions on Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
Must Consider Logic, Fact, and Opinion: Candidates can analyze the questions based on these parameters the fact, the obvious truth, the logic that includes the proper verification of the statement with reasons and opinion and lastly their view. Candidates must apply these methods to solve questions quickly.
Critical thinking: The best way to arrive at a correct answer is to analyze the question, contradictory statements, and conclusion. Candidates have to keep speed and accuracy in their minds while solving questions from this section. They are not allowed to give more than one minute on any questions. Candidates can increase their speed and accuracy by practising questions from Intelligence and Critical Reasoning sample questions.
Also Read: MAT Cutoff 2023
Tips for MAT Indian and Global Environment Section
The Indian and Global Environment Section is not a very time-consuming section as it does not involve calculations and any analytical thinking. This section involves the testing of the general awareness of candidates with straightforward questions on the following topics.
- national as well as international events based on current affairs
- Current affairs based on awards, celebrities, and film festivals
- Current affairs related to politics
- Current affairs related to Science& Technology and research made
| Indian and Global Environment Section | Details |
| No. of total questions | 40 MCQ’s |
| Time to be delivered for this section | 15 min |
It is advisable to read the following things to score good marks in this section.
- Watch political and business shows
- Try to memorize static GK topics from Books, magazines, newspapers, and blogs and make notes alongside
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Best Books for MAT Preparation 2024
MAT Exam requires good planning and It is advisable to begin your preparation in advance for optimum results. Some of the best MAT books for preparation are given in the table below:
| Books | Author Name |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 8, 9 and 10 | NCERT publications |
| The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | Dinesh Khattar |
| “Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency” | Arun Sharma |
| “How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT” | Arun Sharma |
| “Manorama Yearbook” for G.k | Mammen Mathew (Editor) |
Must Read: PGDM vs MBA – An Unbiased Comparison [2023 Edition]
Related Posts
| KMAT Reservation Criteria 2024 | KMAT Selection Process 2023 |
| How to Prepare for KMAT Kerala 2024 | KMAT FAQs 2024 |
| KMAT Sample Papers 2024 | KMAT Exam Dates 2024 |
FAQs
MAT stands for the Common Management Aptitude Test, a national-level entrance exam for candidates who want to pursue a management course in their higher education.
MAT Exam sections comprise equal weightage i.e. 40 marks each.
The Common Management Admission Test is divided into five sections
Language Comprehension Section
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section
Data Analysis and Sufficiency Section
Mathematical Skills Section
Indian and Global Environment Section
This was all about “ How to prepare for the MAT Exam”. For more informative blogs, check out our Management Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.