ShortcutExam Preparation
MAT 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Complete section-wise syllabus for MAT 2026 covering all 5 sections. Know exactly what to study for your MBA admission in top B-schools.
Exam Overview
MAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Exam Sessions
MAT is conducted 4 times a year: February, May, September, and December. Candidates can appear in multiple sessions.
Mode of Exam
Available in CBT (Computer-Based), PBT (Paper-Based), and IBT (Internet-Based) modes. Choose as per convenience.
Total Questions
200 questions across 5 sections. Each correct answer carries 1 mark. Negative marking: -0.25 per wrong answer.
Total Marks
200 marks. Composite score out of 800. Percentile-based ranking used by B-schools for admission.
Duration
150 minutes (2.5 hours). No sectional time limit. Candidates can switch between sections freely.
Question Types
All MCQ format. 4 options per question. Easy to moderate difficulty level compared to CAT and XAT.
MAT 2026 Section-wise Syllabus
MAT tests five distinct areas through 200 objective-type questions. At Shortcut Maths in Jadavpur, Kolkata, we provide comprehensive coverage of all sections with shortcut techniques.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Mathematical Skills | 40 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Indian & Global Environment | 40 | 40 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 150 minutes |
Section 1: Language Comprehension (40 Questions)
- Reading Comprehension: 4-5 passages with questions on main idea, inference, vocabulary in context, and tone.
- Grammar: Error detection, sentence correction, fill in the blanks, phrase replacement.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, analogies, word usage in sentences.
- Verbal Reasoning: Statement-conclusion, statement-assumption, critical reasoning.
- Jumbled Paragraphs: Rearranging sentences to form coherent paragraphs.
Section 2: Mathematical Skills (40 Questions)
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixtures, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work.
- Algebra: Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Logarithms, Progressions.
- Geometry & Mensuration: Lines, Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, 3D shapes, Area & Volume.
- Number System: Divisibility, HCF-LCM, Remainders, Factors, Digits.
- Modern Math: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory.
- Commercial Math: Partnership, Stocks & Shares, Discount, Bills of Exchange.
Section 3: Data Analysis & Sufficiency (40 Questions)
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Caselets, Mixed DI.
- Data Sufficiency: Determining if given statements are sufficient to answer questions.
- Data Comparison: Comparing quantities and determining relationships.
- Puzzle-Based DI: Logical arrangement problems with data elements.
Section 4: Intelligence & Critical Reasoning (40 Questions)
- Analogy: Word analogy, number analogy, letter analogy.
- Series: Number series, letter series, figure series, mixed series.
- Coding-Decoding: Letter coding, number coding, symbolic coding.
- Blood Relations: Family tree problems, coded blood relations.
- Directions: Distance-direction problems, shadow-based problems.
- Arrangements: Linear, circular, and rectangular seating arrangements.
- Syllogism: Statement-conclusion, 2-3 statement syllogisms.
- Puzzles: Distribution puzzles, scheduling, selection-based problems.
Section 5: Indian & Global Environment (40 Questions)
- Current Affairs: National & international news, sports, awards, appointments (last 6-12 months).
- Static GK: History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science.
- Business & Corporate: Companies, CEOs, mergers, stock markets, business terminology.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology discoveries and inventions.
- Important Days & Events: National and international days, festivals, historical events.
MAT 2026 Preparation Strategy by Shortcut Maths
Month 1-2: Foundation Building
Cover all basic concepts in Mathematical Skills and Reasoning. Start reading English newspapers daily for Language Comprehension. Make GK notes from current affairs magazines.
Month 3: Skill Development
Practice DI sets daily (2-3 sets). Solve 20 reasoning questions and 20 maths questions daily. Take sectional tests to identify weak areas.
Month 4: Mock Test Phase
Take 2-3 full-length MAT mocks weekly. Focus on time management - Mathematical Skills (40 min), DI (35 min), Reasoning (30 min), Language (30 min), GK (15 min).
Need Expert MAT 2026 Coaching?
Join Kolkata's best MAT coaching at Shortcut Maths Jadavpur. Learn shortcut techniques, attempt 30+ mock tests, and get AIMA registration guidance.
📞 Call 9804490328 to EnrollFrequently Asked Questions
Q1. How is MAT different from CAT?
MAT is easier than CAT with 200 MCQs in 2.5 hours vs CAT's 66 questions in 2 hours. MAT has no sectional time limits and tests GK which CAT does not. MAT scores are accepted by 600+ B-schools.
Q2. What is a good MAT score for top B-schools?
A composite score of 700+ (percentile 90+) is considered good. Top colleges like Christ University, XIME, and Alliance University accept 80+ percentile. IMT Ghaziabad and BIMTECH require 90+ percentile.
Q3. How many times can I attempt MAT in a year?
You can attempt MAT up to 4 times a year (Feb, May, Sep, Dec). There is no limit on total attempts. Best score among all attempts is considered by B-schools.
Q4. Is calculator allowed in MAT?
No calculator is allowed in PBT mode. Some CBT centres may provide an on-screen calculator. We recommend mastering mental calculation shortcuts for all modes.
Q5. Which section is most scoring in MAT?
Indian & Global Environment is the most scoring if you prepare current affairs well. Mathematical Skills is also scoring if you know shortcuts. Data Analysis can be tricky for beginners.
Last updated: June 1, 2026. For MAT coaching and doubt clearing, contact Shortcut Maths, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032. Call +91-9804490328.