MAT 2023 Preparation Tips

Management Aptitude Test
MAT   Online & Offline
Exam Dates: 9th Dec 2023 - 16th Dec 2023

By: Avantika Bhardwaj on Oct 30, 2023

Latest Update: Registration for the MAT 2023 December session of the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) will conclude on 5 December and 28 November and 11 December for CBT 1, and CBT 2 respectively. AIMA has announced the MAT Exam Dates for PBT and CBT in 2023. To gain more insights into the MAT 2023 examination, refer to the provided article.

  • Effective preparation for MAT 2023 requires a comprehensive grasp of the MAT 2023 Exam Pattern & Syllabus, as well as an analysis of previous year's questions and their difficulty levels. 
  • Candidates must develop a well-planned strategy to cover the entire syllabus for MAT Preparation 2023. Additionally, it is advisable to review MAT Question Papers.
  • MAT Question Paper consists of 200 questions divided amongst 5 sections with 40 questions in each section. The questions are to be attempted in 150 minutes and each question is timed individually.
  • Preparing for MAT Exam can be considered easy when compared to other MBA entrance examinations such as CAT, SNAP, XAT, etc.

What is MAT Exam? How to Prepare?

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is conducted multiple times throughout the year. The initial installment of the MAT 2023 examination took place in February, followed by the second phase in May. For this year, aspiring candidates have the opportunity to participate in the MAT exams scheduled for September and December. Registration for the MAT 2023 September session is now open. You will find information regarding the MAT exam's structure, syllabus, test format, question paper, month-by-month study plan, section-specific study guidelines, and valuable tips for the day of the examination.

MAT 2023: Exam Structure

  • The MAT examination is designed as an objective assessment comprising five sections. Candidates have the flexibility to opt for the PBT, CBT, or IBT mode for taking the test. The fundamental characteristics of the MAT exam pattern for the year 2023 are outlined below:
  • The test consists of a total of 200 questions, each offering four answer choices.
  • Each of the five sections contains 40 questions.
  • While the overall test duration is 2.5 hours, there are no specific time constraints imposed on individual sections.
  • Incorrect answers result in a deduction of 0.25 marks, whereas a correct response earns the candidate 1 mark.

Want To Know More About Exam Structure? Read: MAT Exam Pattern

MAT Exam Syllabus

In accordance with expert recommendations, it is highly advisable to thoroughly review the MAT syllabus, which serves as the foundation for the entire MAT exam pattern. While the subjects derived from the MAT syllabus may remain consistent, the manner in which questions are presented could vary.

  • The MAT exam syllabus primarily encompasses multiple-choice objective type questions (MCQs). Although the MAT Exam Syllabus is not specifically delineated, a look at the historical trend of MAT questions suggests that the MAT 2023 Syllabus and exam pattern encompass inquiries related to the following domains: Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Indian and Global Environment.

Read More On: MAT Exam Syllabus 

MAT Exam Pattern 2023: Section-wise Weightage

Each section of the MAT exam contains an equal number of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). Despite the fact that the Indian and Global Environment section score is not used in the MAT percentile calculation, it is worth 40 points. The weightage of the five sections of the MAT exam syllabus is shown in the table below:

MAT Sections

Number of Questions

Total Marks

Language Comprehension

40

40

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

40

40

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

40

40

Mathematical Skills

40

40

Indian and Global Environment

40

40

Total

200

200

Know more about MAT Exam Pattern

MAT General Preparation Tips

If maintaining focus and studying for extended durations proves challenging, consider employing the Pomodoro Method for your study regimen. Set a timer for 25 minutes, constituting a single 'Pomodoro,' during which you study without interruptions, followed by a brief 5-minute respite. Repeat this cycle as needed.

  • Incorporate the practice of taking a mock test every four days. Don't be discouraged by initial lower scores; over time, your performance will enhance, resulting in improved scores.
  • Consistency serves as the linchpin of achievement, making it imperative to establish a fixed schedule for MAT Preparation 2023.
  • During your breaks, engage in reading. Explore compelling novels from your preferred genres and make it a habit to jot down unfamiliar words for later review.
  • Prioritize sections that demand more attention and improvement.
  • Ensure you acquire ample quality sleep, aiming for a minimum of 7-8 hours each day, without exception.
  • Integrate regular physical activity into your preparation routine; refrain from dedicating all your time to studying, as this could lead to exhaustion and potential physical repercussions.

Subject-Wise Preparation for MAT Exam

1. Language Comprehension

Language comprehension section primarily focuses on analyzing candidates' knowledge of English language including Vocabulary and Grammar. Candidates must analyze their strength and weakness in order to perform well in every section.This section intends to define candidates' vocabulary and verbal abilities. Candidates must spend enough time in diverse reading. Previous years' question paper may become useful while preparing.

  • Reading Comprehension: Enhance your comprehension and speed by engaging in exercises that involve reading passages and responding to associated questions.
  • Vocabulary: Strengthen your lexical repertoire by perusing newspapers, books, and utilizing vocabulary-enhancing applications.
  • Grammar and Verbal Ability: Revisit grammar regulations, undertake sentence correction tasks, and complete fill-in-the-blanks exercises. A significant portion of English grammar questions revolves around vocabulary, clauses, idioms, verbs, active and passive voice, punctuation, and sentence structure. Elevating your foundational grasp of English grammar will pave the way for success in this facet of the MAT examination
  • Following are the vital topics one must possess a good command over:
    • Analogy
    • Synonyms and Antonyms
    • Sentence Correction
    • Sentence Completion
    • Jumbled Paragraphs and Sentence

2. Mathematical Skills

This is one of the trickiest sections and it analyzes and evaluates candidates' mathematical skills. It examines their ability to solve questions in the minimum given time. Candidates are advised to possess conceptual clarity of vital or important topics.Consistent practice of questions from each area may help students qualify the exam. It is important to find out the topics and questions that have been frequently asked over previous year question papers. Following are the topics one must study before appearing for the exam:

  • Arithmetic: Concentrate your efforts on subjects such as ratios, percentages, profit and loss, as well as time and distance.
  • Algebra: Dedicate time to solving equations, inequalities, and quadratic equations.
  • Geometry: Review fundamental geometric principles and engage in problem-solving exercises rooted in geometry.
  • Data Interpretation: Hone your skills in scrutinizing and comprehending data displayed through diverse formats, including tables, graphs, and charts.
  • Additionally, prioritize essential topics like Profit & Loss, Mean, Median, Number System, Mensuration, Time, Distance & Speed, and Percentages

3. Data Analysis and Sufficiency

This section comprises of questions given in the form of graphs or charts. Students are judged based on their ability to infer correct information from this given data. The data is represented in the form of graphs or points hiding the required information. Consistent attempts and regular practice help students qualify this section. Candidates are advised to focus on question type and nature of questions.

  • Practice interpreting data and drawing logical conclusions to improve your analytical skills.
  • Focus on solving problems related to data sufficiency, which tests your ability to decide if the given information is enough to answer a question.
  • Getting ready for the Data Analysis and Sufficiency section in MAT involves understanding basic multiplication and division, practicing various question types. You should also grasp the basics of data representation to tackle the questions in this part.
  • Topics one must study while preparing:
    • Bar Graphs
    • Pie Charts
    • Line Graphs
    • Data Tables
    • Data Sufficiency
    • Data Comparisons

4. Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

While attempting this section, the candidates are advised to keep calm and use simplest methods to solve these questions as the difficulty level of this section is moderate. Candidates are judged based on their ability to deduce data from the given information. It is important to practice different types of verbal and non-verbal questions. This in turn enhances their efficiency and ability to obtain correct answers.

  • Strengthen your logical and critical reasoning skills through practice.
  • Solve puzzles, seating arrangement problems, and questions based on analogies and series.
  • Candidates should carefully view the questions based on three parameters – the fact – the obvious truth, logic – verification of statement with reasons and opinion/ intellect – your view. 
  • The essential topics you must prepare for are:
    • Number Series
    • Direction Questions
    • Verbal Reasoning
    • Enciphering and Deciphering
    • Relationships

5. Indian and Global Environment

  • Stay updated with current affairs, business news, and general knowledge.
  • Read newspapers, magazines, and follow reliable news sources to enhance your knowledge.
  • The Indian and Global Environment section is all about testing general awareness of candidates with straightforward questions on topics below:
    • Current Affairs and Events at national as well as international events
    • Awards, film festivals and celebrities
    • Political events and affairs
    • Science, technology and research

Best books for MAT Preparation

Since there are few common core sections in MAT and other exams, the books to prepare for MAT and other exams are also very much similar. A few of the best books for MAT preparation recommended by toppers are:

MAT Sections

MAT Books

Verbal Ability

  • Verbal Ability & Comprehension for CAT/XAT/GMAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT/Bank PO/SSC by Bharat Patodi and Aditya Chowdhary
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Gautam Puri

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

  • Data Analysis & Sufficiency by Arun Sharma
  • Accredited Guide to Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

  • Analytical & Logical Reasoning For CAT & Other Management Entrance Tests by Peeyush Bhardwaj
  • Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha

Mathematical Skills

  • Speed Mathematics: Do it Quick, Do it Right by Rajesh Kumar Thakur C
  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R S Aggarwal

Indian and Global Environment

  • The Mega Yearbook: Current Affairs & General Knowledge For Competitive Exams by Disha Experts

MAT Exam Study Materials for MAT Preparation

  • Latest RC Passages and practice questions provided by Study centres like TIME, CL among others 
  • Editorial and short articles published in English news papers 
  • ‘Word Power Made Easy' – by Norman Lewis
  • ‘High School English Grammar & Composition' – by Wren & Martin
  • Regularly solve the Verbal Ability questions from your XAT study material especially on Para summary, Jumbled Paragraphs

MAT Mock Test

In addition to solving past year question papers of MAT, candidates should also engage in a substantial amount of MAT mock tests. Engaging in online mock tests will aid candidates in becoming acquainted with the real exam environment, comprehending the test pattern, and enhancing their speed and accuracy in solving questions. Shiksha offers a complimentary MAT mock test for practice.

Best Online Apps for MAT Preparation 2023

In the current era, candidates have a plethora of choices for preparing for MAT in 2023, with online MAT preparation apps being the preferred study resources. Listed below are the leading MAT preparation apps:

  • BYJU's- The Learning app
  • Unacademy
  • Gradeup
  • Oliveboard 

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