MAT 2026: Exam Dates, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility, Admit Card, Cutoff

Course: MBA

MAT is a little different from most other MBA entrance exams on this list — instead of one shot a year, AIMA gives you four chances: February, May, September, and December. So if you missed an earlier session or want to improve your score, there's almost always another window coming up soon. Right now, as of August 2026, the September session is the one open for registration, with the December session to follow later in the year. Here's the complete, updated picture.

What is MAT?

MAT, or the Management Aptitude Test, is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) since 1988. It's accepted by over 800 B-schools across India for admission to MBA, PGDM, and other allied management programmes, and roughly 20,000 management seats get filled through MAT scores every year.

MAT 2026 — Exam Modes

MAT is conducted in up to three modes depending on the session:

• PBT — Paper-Based Test
• CBT — Computer-Based Test
• IBT — Internet-Based Test (remote proctored, from home)

You can choose to appear in just one mode, or in both PBT and CBT within the same session — in which case your best score is considered for admissions.

MAT September 2026 Session — Key Dates

This is the session currently active:

If you're planning to appear for both PBT and CBT, remember the PBT registration window closes first — miss that, and you'll only be able to register for CBT in this session.

MAT 2026 — Upcoming December Session

For those who'd rather wait or want another attempt after September, the December 2026 session is expected to follow the usual AIMA pattern, with registration opening around October–November 2026 and the exam itself typically held in the first two weeks of December. Exact dates will be announced by AIMA closer to the time — this page will be updated once they're out.

Registration Fee (September 2026 Session)

• Single mode (PBT or CBT): ₹2,300
• Both PBT and CBT: ₹4,000
• Fee once paid is non-refundable, so double-check your mode selection before you pay

How to Register

1. Visit the official website — mat.aima.in
2. Click on "Register" and create your login using name, date of birth, mobile number, and email
3. Verify your mobile number using the OTP sent to you
4. Fill in personal and academic details
5. Choose your preferred exam mode (PBT, CBT, or both) and test city
6. Upload your photograph and signature in the specified format
7. Pay the registration fee online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI
8. Download and save your confirmation receipt

Do note — AIMA does not offer a correction window after submission, so review every detail carefully before hitting submit.

Eligibility Criteria

• A bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university
• Final-year students can also apply
• No specified age limit

Exam Pattern

Attempting all questions isn't compulsory, so a bit of smart section-wise time allocation goes a long way, especially given the negative marking.

Admit Card

Admit cards are released separately for each mode and each session — generally a few days before the respective exam date. You'll need to carry a printed copy to the test centre, along with a valid photo ID.

Result

MAT scorecards for both PBT and CBT are released on the same day, downloadable from your applicant dashboard using your login credentials. MAT scores remain valid for one year from the date of declaration, and AIMA automatically sends your scores to up to five B-schools of your choice.

Quick Recap — MAT September 2026 Key Dates