Management Aptitude Test or MAT is a national test, conducted by the All India Management Association. It is conducted at many locations in the country. In addition, students are given an option either to take the Paper based Test or the Computer Based Test. This test takes place four times in a year in February, May, September and December. This is a multiple-choice test with 200 questions divided in 5 sections of 40 marks each. Moreover, for each correct answer, candidates are awarded one mark and there is no negative marking.
Appearance in MAT is essential if you want to take admission into management courses offered by AIMA such as PGDM/equivalent and courses offered by other management institutes that participate in it. However, the number of participating institutes may vary for each test. Some of them may change their admission criterion. The list of participating Management institutes is available in MAT bulletin that comes along with admission notification. MAT score is valid for one year for AIMA-CME’s PGDM & PGDITM programs. However, particular institutes may consider it only a particular session.
Some features of MAT
MAT is an ISO 9001:2000 certified by DNV and is accredited to RVA and Quality Council of India. This is an entrance test to get admission in many recognized management programs offered by many institutes. It employs the time-tested techniques, latest technology for evaluating and result processing.
What does MAT assess?
MAT score helps assess various skills required for a candidate considering a career in management. Let us get an idea about what does it assess.
Problem Solving: It checks the ability to evaluate and analyze information, use relevant information when making decisions, interpret data and react to the situation accordingly.
Communication skills: It is the ability to grab ideas and information written formally and informally and communicate that in effective way to peers, supervisors, customers and staff.
Planning and Organizing: It is the ability to planning and organizing short-term and long-term plans to achieve business objectives.
Managerial skills: It is about taking initiative about the responsibility for work performance and job advancement.
Apart from it, this test assesses the supervisory skills, administrative skills, managerial potential among others.
Books to help preparation for MAT
Mastering some books can help you get a top rank. There are different books for different sections. These books include. Barron's, 501 Word Analogy Questions, Kaplan, Master the MAT, MAT Secrets, and Princeton Review.
Armed with the required preparation, you can be confident of achieving a top rank in the MAT exam.
