MAT Exam Date 2026: Complete Schedule, City Intimation

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) remains one of the most accessible pathways for MBA aspirants in India, with over 600 business schools accepting its scores. For the 2026 academic session, the All India Management Association (AIMA) will conduct the exam in four distinct phases: February, May, September, and December. Understanding the MAT Exam Date 2026 and the timeline for the City Intimation Slip is crucial for candidates who need to manage travel and preparation simultaneously. Whether you prefer the Paper Based Test (PBT), Computer Based Test (CBT), or the remote Internet Based Test (IBT), staying ahead of the official deadlines is the first step toward securing a seat in a premier B-school.

MAT Exam 2026: Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Exam Name	Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2026
Conducting Body	All India Management Association (AIMA)
Exam Frequency	4 Times a Year (Feb, May, Sept, Dec)
Exam Modes	PBT (Paper), CBT (Computer), IBT (Remote)
Application Fee	₹2,100 (One Mode) \| ₹3,300 (Two Modes)
Official Website	mat.aima.in

MAT Exam Date 2026: Schedule for All Cycles

AIMA follows a consistent quarterly pattern for the MAT exam. While official notifications are typically released 6-8 weeks before each cycle, candidates can plan their preparation based on these projected timelines. The flexibility of MAT allows you to take the exam multiple times a year to improve your score.

February 2026 Cycle

Registration Starts: Fourth week of December 2025
Last Date to Apply (PBT): Second week of February 2026
PBT Exam Date: Third Sunday of February 2026
CBT Exam Date: Multiple slots in February and March 2026

May 2026 Cycle

Registration Starts: Second week of March 2026
Last Date to Apply (PBT): First week of May 2026
PBT Exam Date: Third Sunday of May 2026
CBT Exam Date: Scheduled across mid-to-late May 2026

September 2026 Cycle

Registration Starts: First week of July 2026
Last Date to Apply (PBT): Last week of August 2026
PBT Exam Date: First Sunday of September 2026
CBT Exam Date: Various dates throughout September 2026

December 2026 Cycle

Registration Starts: First week of October 2026
Last Date to Apply (PBT): First week of December 2026
PBT Exam Date: Second Sunday of December 2026
CBT Exam Date: Mid-December 2026

What is the MAT 2026 City Intimation Slip?

The City Intimation Slip is a preliminary document released by AIMA before the actual admit card. Its primary purpose is to inform candidates of the city where their exam center is located. This is particularly vital for the PBT and CBT modes, where candidates may need to book trains or buses to reach their designated test city. The City Intimation Slip for MAT 2026 is usually released 7 to 10 days before the scheduled exam date.

Note that the City Intimation Slip is not the admit card. It does not contain the specific name of the test center or the seat number. It only provides the city name to facilitate travel planning. You must still download the final admit card, which is released 3-4 days before the exam, to gain entry into the examination hall.

How to Download MAT 2026 City Intimation Slip & Admit Card?

The process for downloading both documents is centralized on the AIMA MAT portal. Follow these steps to access your details:

Visit the official AIMA MAT website at mat.aima.in.
Click on the "Login" button located on the homepage.
Enter your Email ID and Password generated during registration.
On the candidate dashboard, look for the link "Download City Intimation Slip" or "Download Admit Card."
Verify all details, including your name, photograph, and the assigned city.
Download the PDF and take a printout for your records.

If you find any discrepancy in the city allocation or personal details, contact the AIMA helpdesk immediately at mat@aima.in or call their helpline numbers. For more updates on hall tickets, check our /admit-card section.

MAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

One of the reasons for MAT's popularity is its inclusive eligibility criteria. Unlike some other national-level exams, MAT does not impose an upper age limit, making it a preferred choice for working professionals looking to return to academia.

Educational Qualification: You must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, etc.) from a recognized university.
Minimum Marks: Most participating institutes require at least 50% marks in graduation (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). However, AIMA itself does not set a minimum percentage for appearing in the exam.
Final Year Students: If you are in the final year of your graduation, you are eligible to apply, provided you can submit proof of completion at the time of admission.
Work Experience: While not mandatory, work experience is valued by many B-schools during the final selection process.

MAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The MAT 2026 exam pattern is designed to test a candidate's general aptitude for management studies. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into five equal sections. Candidates are given 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the test.

Section Name	Number of Questions	Suggested Time
Language Comprehension	40	30 Minutes
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning	40	30 Minutes
Mathematical Skills	40	40 Minutes
Data Analysis and Sufficiency	40	35 Minutes
Indian and Global Environment	40	15 Minutes
Total	200	120 Minutes

Marking Scheme: Each correct answer awards 1 mark. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. It is important to note that the "Indian and Global Environment" section score is usually not included in the final merit percentile by most institutes, but it is still part of the scorecard.

Detailed MAT 2026 Syllabus: Section-wise Breakdown

To score above the 90th percentile, you must master the specific topics covered in each section. Here is a breakdown of the core areas you should focus on:

1. Language Comprehension

This section tests your English proficiency. Focus on Reading Comprehension (RC) passages, Syn

MAT Exam 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the validity of the MAT 2026 score? The MAT 2026 score is valid for one year from the date of the exam declaration. Can I change my test city after submitting the MAT 2026 form? No, the test city cannot be changed after the final submission of the application form. What is the difference between MAT CBT and PBT modes? CBT is computer-based, while PBT is paper-based. The syllabus and difficulty are the same. How many times can I take the MAT exam in 2026? You can take the MAT up to four times a year, once in each testing window. Is there negative marking in the MAT 2026 exam? Yes, 1/4th mark is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective-type questions.

How to follow this exam update

Staying updated with the MAT 2026 exam dates and procedures is key to a stress-free application process. Bookmark this page and regularly check the official AIMA website for the latest notifications to ensure you never miss a deadline for your MBA journey.

MAT Exam Date 2026: Complete Schedule, City Intimation — Explained

MAT Exam 2026: Quick Overview