MAT September 2026 guide covering PBT and CBT dates, registration deadlines, fees, eligibility, syllabus, pattern and colleges accepting MAT scores.
MAT September 2026: Complete Guide for MBA Aspirants
If you are planning MBA or PGDM admission and do not want to depend on a single entrance examination, the MAT Exam September 2026 deserves serious consideration.
The All India Management Association (AIMA) is conducting the September MAT through two formats — Paper Based Test (PBT) and Computer Based Test (CBT). According to AIMA’s live MAT September 2026 page, the PBT is scheduled for 13 September 2026, while the CBT will be conducted on 20 September 2026. Registration closes separately for the two modes.
There is another development that makes this MAT cycle particularly interesting. AIMA has highlighted several recent additions to its MAT participating-institution ecosystem, including Alliance School of Business, Amrita School of Business, BIMTECH, CHRIST University, IISWBM, IEM Kolkata, JAIN University, NIT Surathkal, NDIM, NICMAR University, PSG Institute of Management, Shiv Nadar University Chennai and XIME Chennai.
However, appearing for MAT and securing admission are two separate things. Each institution has its own programme, eligibility requirements, score expectations, application deadline and selection procedure.
This guide explains the complete process.
MAT September 2026 at a Glance
| Particular | MAT September 2026 Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Management Aptitude Test |
| Conducting Body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Exam Level | National-level management entrance examination |
| September Test Modes | Paper Based Test (PBT) and Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| PBT Registration Last Date | 7 September 2026 |
| PBT Admit Card | 10 September 2026 |
| PBT Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| CBT Registration Last Date | 14 September 2026 |
| CBT Admit Card | 17 September 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | 20 September 2026 |
| Single Mode Fee | ₹2,300 |
| PBT + CBT Fee | ₹4,000 |
| Questions | 150 |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 5 |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 mark for an incorrect answer |
| Score Validity | One year |
The examination dates, fees and current test structure above are taken from AIMA’s official MAT information pages.
MAT September 2026 Important Dates
For students applying now, these are the dates that matter most.
MAT PBT September 2026
- Registration closes: 7 September 2026
- Admit card release: 10 September 2026
- Exam date: 13 September 2026
MAT CBT September 2026
- Registration closes: 14 September 2026
- Admit card release: 17 September 2026
- Exam date: 20 September 2026
AIMA currently displays these dates on its September MAT registration page.
Students should nevertheless check the official MAT website again before making travel arrangements because administrative schedules can be revised.
MAT September 2026 Registration Last Date
One common mistake is assuming that MAT September 2026 has one registration deadline.
It does not.
For the current cycle:
PBT registration closes on 7 September 2026, while CBT registration closes on 14 September 2026.
This difference can help students who miss the PBT deadline. Subject to seat availability and AIMA’s registration portal remaining open as scheduled, they may still have an opportunity to register for CBT.
Do not deliberately wait until the final evening, though. Application problems such as payment failure, photograph rejection or incorrect personal details are easier to resolve when you register early.
MAT September 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The basic MAT eligibility requirement is comparatively straightforward.
According to AIMA, candidates with a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent recognised degree can appear for MAT. Final-year undergraduate students can also appear provisionally.
This means students from backgrounds such as:
- B.Com
- BBA
- B.A.
- B.Sc.
- B.Tech
- BCA
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Commerce
- Science
can potentially take MAT.
AIMA also states that there is no age bar and work experience is not compulsory for appearing in MAT.
MAT eligibility is not the same as MBA college eligibility
This distinction is very important.
You may be eligible to sit for MAT but still fail to satisfy the graduation-percentage, programme-specific or other requirements of a particular B-school.
For example, individual universities may ask for 50%, 60% or another minimum graduation percentage. Some may also evaluate Class 10, Class 12, work experience, interviews or other parameters.
Always check the programme’s official eligibility notice separately.
MAT September 2026 Application Fee
AIMA currently lists the following registration charges:
| Test Option | Registration Fee |
| PBT only | ₹2,300 |
| CBT only | ₹2,300 |
| PBT + CBT | ₹4,000 |
Candidates choosing the combined PBT + CBT option therefore pay ₹4,000 rather than paying the two individual registration charges separately.
AIMA also states that candidates choosing both modes get additional Management Institute score-selection options. A double-mode candidate can select seven institutes for score transmission instead of the standard five. Additional institute choices can be purchased separately subject to AIMA’s applicable fee.
PBT or CBT: Which MAT Mode Should You Choose?
Academically, neither mode should be treated as automatically superior.
The more useful question is: which format suits your test-taking style?
Choose MAT PBT if:
You are more comfortable reading questions on paper, marking answers physically and managing a conventional examination environment.
Choose MAT CBT if:
You regularly practise computer-based mock tests and are comfortable reading long passages, analysing charts and switching questions on a screen.
Consider PBT + CBT if:
You want two opportunities in the September cycle and the additional fee fits your budget.
AIMA explicitly promotes the dual-mode option as a way for candidates to use their better MAT performance for MBA/PGDM admissions.
However, taking two tests only makes sense if you can prepare properly for both. Paying for two attempts without analysing mistakes from the first attempt does not automatically improve your admission prospects.
How to Register for MAT September 2026
MAT registration is completed online through the official AIMA MAT portal.
AIMA recommends keeping the following ready:
- Valid email address
- Mobile number
- Recent scanned photograph
- Scanned signature
- Personal details
- Educational qualification information
- Debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI/payment facility
Step 1: Create your MAT account
Register using a valid email address and mobile number and complete OTP verification.
Step 2: Select your test mode
Choose:
- PBT
- CBT
- PBT + CBT
Step 3: Upload photograph and signature
AIMA currently requires photographs and signatures in JPG/JPEG format within prescribed file-size limits. Candidates should follow the specifications displayed on the registration portal rather than resizing documents casually.
Step 4: Select Management Institutes
Choose the institutions to which you want your MAT score transmitted.
Do this strategically.
Instead of selecting institutions simply because you recognise the names, compare programme, location, eligibility, fees and current admission status.
Step 5: Pay the application fee
AIMA supports online payment methods including cards, UPI and net banking.
Step 6: Complete personal and academic information
Double-check spellings, date of birth and qualification information against your official documents.
Step 7: Preview and submit
Review the completed application before final submission and keep a copy for your records.
MAT September 2026 Exam Pattern
AIMA’s current MAT structure contains 150 questions divided across five sections, with 30 questions in each section.
Candidates receive 120 minutes to attempt the paper.
| Section | Questions |
| Language Comprehension | 30 |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 30 |
| Mathematical Skills | 30 |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 30 |
| Economic & Business Environment | 30 |
| Total | 150 |
AIMA’s September page states that all five sections count towards the MAT score and specifies -0.25 negative marking for incorrect answers.
With 150 questions in 120 minutes, the average time available is less than one minute per question. This makes question selection and time management particularly important.
MAT September 2026 Syllabus
AIMA structures MAT around five broad aptitude areas.
1. Language Comprehension
Preparation should focus on areas such as:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary in context
- Grammar and usage
- Sentence arrangement
- Verbal reasoning
- Para-based questions
Reading business and editorial content regularly can improve both comprehension speed and vocabulary.
2. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
Expect aptitude-based reasoning involving areas such as:
- Logical sequences
- Arrangements
- Statements and conclusions
- Relationships
- Coding and patterns
- Analytical reasoning
- Critical reasoning
Do not prepare this section by memorising formulas alone. Timed practice is more useful.
3. Mathematical Skills
Common preparation areas include:
- Arithmetic
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Profit and loss
- Time and work
- Time, speed and distance
- Simple and compound interest
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number systems
- Basic quantitative problem solving
Students from non-engineering backgrounds should not be discouraged. MAT mathematics can be improved substantially through systematic practice of fundamentals.
4. Data Analysis & Sufficiency
Preparation may cover:
- Tables
- Bar charts
- Pie charts
- Line graphs
- Data comparison
- Caselets
- Data sufficiency
The real challenge is often calculation speed rather than conceptual difficulty.
5. Economic & Business Environment
Students should follow major developments related to:
- Indian economy
- Business and industry
- Corporate developments
- Banking and finance
- Government economic initiatives
- International business
- Important business personalities and organisations
For the exact test structure and sample questions, candidates should use AIMA’s official MAT resources.
MAT September 2026 Admit Card
AIMA currently schedules:
PBT admit card: 10 September 2026
CBT admit card: 17 September 2026.
The admit card contains information such as the candidate’s name, form number, roll number, test date, test timing and examination venue.
After downloading it, check:
- Name
- Photograph
- Roll number
- Test mode
- Date
- Reporting time
- Test centre
- Test-centre instructions
Do not discover a centre-location problem on the morning of the examination.
MAT Score Validity
AIMA states that a MAT score is valid for one year.
That does not mean every institution will accept every MAT session for every admission cycle.
A university may specify which MAT sessions it accepts. Therefore, a valid AIMA score and an acceptable score for a particular college’s current admission round are not always the same thing.
Verify the institution’s admission notification before applying.
Recently Added and Other Notable Colleges Accepting MAT
AIMA’s September 2026 MAT page currently highlights recent additions including Alliance School of Business – Alliance University, Amrita School of Business, BIMTECH, CHRIST University School of Business and Management, Delhi School of Business, IISWBM, IEM Kolkata, JAIN University, NIT Surathkal, NDIM, NICMAR University Pune, PSG Institute of Management, Shiv Nadar University Chennai and XIME Chennai.
The table below is therefore not a ranking. It is intended to help students identify institutions worth researching.
Importantly, being shown by AIMA as a participating/recently added institution does not mean that every programme at that institution will accept the September 2026 MAT score for every admission round.
Colleges to Explore Through MAT
| Name of Institution | Location | Programme Offered | Entrance Exam | Expected Cut-off/Eligibility | Approximate Course Fee | Official Website |
| Alliance School of Business, Alliance University | Bengaluru | MBA | MAT and other accepted management tests | Bachelor’s degree eligibility applies; current programme-specific MAT requirement should be checked | Check official admission notice | Official Website |
| Amrita School of Business | Multiple campuses including Coimbatore | MBA | MAT/CAT/XAT/CMAT/GMAT and other accepted tests depending on campus | Official 2026 admission information states academic and entrance-score requirements vary by campus | Around ₹8.20 lakh total tuition in the cited 2026 fee structure for applicable MBA category before other expenses/waivers; verify campus | Official Website |
| BIMTECH | Greater Noida | PGDM programmes | CAT/XAT/GMAT/CMAT/MAT | Graduation eligibility and programme-specific selection criteria apply | Check latest 2027 admission fee notice | Official Website |
| CHRIST University | Bengaluru and other campuses | MBA | MAT/CAT/XAT/CMAT/ATMA/GMAT/GRE as specified | Bengaluru 2026 eligibility information specified 50% UG aggregate and MAT 600+ for the relevant admission cycle; future cycle may change | Check campus-specific fee structure | Official Website |
| JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) | Bengaluru | MBA | MAT/CAT/CMAT/XAT/GMAT and others | 2026 admission page specified 50% graduation and MAT 550+ for the cited cycle; recheck for next intake | Check official programme fee page | Official Website |
| IISWBM | Kolkata | Selected MBA programmes | MAT/CAT/CMAT/JEMAT and others depending on programme | Programme-specific; some courses also have work-experience requirements | Indicative programme fees vary; check latest prospectus | Official Website |
| Institute of Engineering & Management | Kolkata | MBA | MAT listed by AIMA among current additions; institution-specific criteria apply | Check official MBA 2027 admission notice | Check official admission notice | Official Website |
| New Delhi Institute of Management | New Delhi | PGDM | MAT/CAT/XAT/CMAT/ATMA/GMAT and others | Institute has historically published MAT-based selection criteria; use latest admission notice | ₹13.75 lakh total PGDM course fee for 2026–28 when paid annually; hostel/international tour excluded | Official Website |
| NICMAR University | Pune | MBA/PG programmes | MAT plus other approved tests; NICMAR selection requirements apply | Admission policy should be checked programme-wise | Check programme-specific fee notice | Official Website |
| PSG Institute of Management | Coimbatore | MBA | MAT/CAT/ATMA/TANCET as specified | Bachelor’s degree required; accepted MAT sessions are specified for each intake | Check official admission notice | Official Website |
| Shiv Nadar University Chennai | Chennai | MBA | MAT/CAT/XAT/CMAT and other tests as specified | Shortlisting considers academic and entrance-test performance | ₹3 lakh tuition per annum for Indian nationals for 2026, plus specified university/CDC charges; tuition may rise annually | Official Website |
| XIME Chennai | Chennai | PGDM | MAT and other accepted management examinations | Bachelor’s degree and valid entrance score; selection requirements apply | ₹9.90 lakh programme fee for Chennai in the currently published structure | Official Website |
AIMA itself cautions that the number of participating management institutes can change from one MAT session to another and that each institution has its own admission criteria.
The examples above are therefore intended for shortlisting, not as guarantees of admission.
Fees, MAT cut-offs, accepted test sessions, programme names and admission requirements can change. Always verify the latest admission brochure and official institution website before paying an application fee.
A Practical Way to Shortlist MAT Colleges
Do not shortlist an MBA college only by asking, “Does it accept MAT?”
Use at least five filters.
1. Programme
Confirm whether the institution offers:
- MBA
- PGDM
- MBA Business Analytics
- MBA Finance
- MBA Marketing
- MBA International Business
- another specialised management programme
An institution accepting MAT does not necessarily use MAT for every programme.
2. Total Cost
Look beyond tuition.
Your actual expenditure may include:
- Hostel
- Mess
- Examination fees
- Security deposits
- Books
- Laptop
- Transport
- Study tours
- Personal expenses
A ₹10 lakh tuition programme may cost considerably more when residential expenses are included.
3. Admission Threshold
Do not confuse MAT eligibility with a competitive admission score.
A university might specify a minimum MAT score, but merely crossing that score may not ensure selection.
4. Selection Process
Some institutions consider:
- MAT score
- Academic record
- Personal interview
- Group discussion
- Written assessment
- Work experience
- extracurricular achievements
AIMA itself states that admission criteria differ among participating institutions.
5. Career Outcomes
Instead of asking only for “average package”, examine:
- batch size
- placement-report methodology
- recruiting sectors
- job profiles
- internships
- geographic placement spread
- median compensation where available
Use official placement reports wherever possible.
How Much MAT Score Do You Need?
There is no single MAT cut-off applicable to every MBA college.
Some institutions publish a score threshold, some publish a percentile criterion and others conduct holistic shortlisting.
For example, CHRIST University’s published 2026 MBA eligibility page stated a MAT score of 600 and above for the relevant Bengaluru admission cycle. JAIN University’s 2026 MBA information specified a MAT score of 550 and above for its cited cycle.
These figures should not automatically be treated as the cut-offs for September MAT 2026-based 2027 admissions.
Admission requirements can change between admission sessions.
Treat previous or current-cycle thresholds only as indicative unless the institution specifically publishes them for the programme and intake you are targeting.
MAT September 2026 Preparation Strategy
If you are starting close to the examination date, your priority should be efficiency.
First, diagnose your level
Take one full-length timed MAT mock.
Then classify questions into:
- Comfortable
- Solvable but slow
- Conceptually weak
- Frequently incorrect
Your preparation should attack the second and third categories.
Strengthen arithmetic first
For many students, arithmetic offers a practical way to improve Mathematical Skills quickly.
Revise:
- Percentages
- Ratios
- Averages
- Profit and loss
- Simple and compound interest
- Time and work
- Speed and distance
Practise reasoning every day
Twenty to thirty focused reasoning questions daily can be more useful than reading theory for several hours.
Build reading speed
Read one editorial or business article daily and summarise its argument in two or three sentences.
This can support both Language Comprehension and Economic & Business Environment preparation.
Take timed mocks
Since MAT requires 150 questions to be handled in 120 minutes, accuracy alone is insufficient.
Your mock-test review should ask:
“Which questions consumed time without producing marks?”
That is often more revealing than the raw mock score.
Common MAT Preparation Mistakes
Trying to attempt every question
Negative marking makes random guessing risky.
Spending too long on Mathematics
One difficult quantitative problem should not consume the time needed for several manageable questions elsewhere.
Ignoring Economic & Business Environment
AIMA’s current structure states that all five sections count towards the MAT score.
Prepare accordingly.
Preparing without full-length mocks
Sectional preparation does not reproduce the time pressure of a 120-minute paper.
Waiting for results before researching colleges
College applications and admission processes may run on separate timelines.
Start creating your shortlist before the examination.
MAT vs CAT: Should You Take Both?
For many MBA aspirants, the sensible approach is not MAT versus CAT.
It can be MAT and CAT.
CAT may be central to admission at the IIMs and several other highly competitive management institutions. MAT, meanwhile, broadens the range of MBA and PGDM institutions to which you can potentially apply.
AIMA currently states that MAT connects candidates with more than 600 B-schools nationwide.
A student targeting a diversified college portfolio can therefore use different examinations for different admission opportunities.
What Should You Do After MAT September 2026?
Once the examination is over:
1. Download your scorecard
Use the official MAT candidate portal.
2. Check the score and percentile carefully
Understand the college’s stated requirement rather than comparing your performance only with friends.
3. Review your college shortlist
Divide it into:
- ambitious options
- realistic options
- safer options
4. Check applications independently
Sending a MAT score to an institute does not necessarily replace the college’s own admission application.
5. Prepare for GD/PI
Your entrance examination may only be the first stage.
Prepare:
- Tell me about yourself
- Why MBA?
- Why this college?
- Academic background
- Work experience
- Career plans
- Business/current-affairs questions
Is MAT September 2026 Worth Taking?
MAT September 2026 can be particularly useful if:
- you want multiple MBA admission options
- you missed another entrance-exam window
- you want to improve on an earlier MAT attempt
- you prefer having both PBT and CBT possibilities
- your shortlisted institutions accept MAT
- you are preparing for multiple management entrance examinations
The September cycle has become more interesting because AIMA’s current page highlights a number of newly added institutions, including Alliance, Amrita, BIMTECH, CHRIST, IISWBM, IEM, JAIN, NIT Surathkal, NDIM, NICMAR, PSGIM, Shiv Nadar University Chennai and XIME Chennai.
But the value of MAT ultimately depends on the colleges that fit your budget, profile and career objective.
An entrance examination should serve your college strategy — not define it.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT September 2026
What is the MAT September 2026 PBT exam date?
AIMA currently schedules the MAT September 2026 Paper Based Test for 13 September 2026.
What is the MAT September 2026 CBT exam date?
The Computer Based Test is scheduled for 20 September 2026.
What is the last date to register for MAT September 2026?
The PBT registration deadline is 7 September 2026, while CBT registration closes on 14 September 2026, according to AIMA’s current schedule.
What is the MAT 2026 registration fee?
AIMA lists ₹2,300 for either PBT or CBT individually and ₹4,000 for the PBT + CBT combination.
How many questions are there in MAT?
MAT currently contains 150 questions across five sections, with 30 questions in each section.
How long is the MAT examination?
The examination duration is 120 minutes.
Is there negative marking in MAT September 2026?
Yes. AIMA’s current September page specifies -0.25 mark for an incorrect answer.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes. AIMA states that final-year undergraduate students can appear provisionally.
Is work experience compulsory?
No. AIMA states that job experience is not required to appear for MAT.
What is the age limit for MAT?
AIMA states that there is no age bar for MAT.
How long is a MAT score valid?
AIMA states that a MAT score is valid for one year.
Does every MAT college have the same cut-off?
No. Participating institutes have separate admission criteria, and AIMA itself advises candidates to check the individual institution’s prospectus.
Does appearing for MAT guarantee MBA admission?
No. MAT is an entrance examination. Admission may additionally depend on eligibility, the institution’s score requirement, academics, interview performance, work experience and other selection parameters.
Final Takeaway
The MAT Exam September 2026 gives MBA aspirants two immediate testing opportunities: the PBT on 13 September 2026 and CBT on 20 September 2026. Registration closes on 7 September for PBT and 14 September for CBT respectively.
The current registration fee is ₹2,300 for one mode or ₹4,000 for PBT + CBT. MAT contains 150 questions across five sections and is completed in 120 minutes.
More importantly, AIMA has highlighted several recent additions to the participating B-school list, giving students more institutions to investigate. That does not remove the need for careful college research.
Before submitting any MBA application, check the institution’s latest programme, accepted MAT session, eligibility conditions, total fee, selection process and placement information from official sources.
Need help comparing MBA colleges, entrance exams, fees and admission options? Explore MBA4U.in for practical MBA and Integrated MBA guidance.