MAT- Management Aptitude Test

MAT stands for Management Aptitude Test. All India Management Aptitude Testing Service (AIMATS), New Delhi conducts a Management Aptitude Test (MAT) on a national basis every year. MAT is usually conducted 4 times in a year in February, May, September and December. MAT Has been approved by National Entrance Test for admission to MBA and equivalent programmes. Institutes offering recognised PG programmes in management and allied fields can participate in MAT. MAT is necessary for admission into the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology & Management (PGDITM) and equivalent programmes offered by All India Management Association (AIMA-CME) or other Management Institutes (MI). Centre for Management Education (CME), the education wing of AIMA, was established in 1993 as a full-fledged autonomous business school. All management institutes that participate in MAT are either AICTE (All Indian Council for Technical Education) approved or affiliated to universities

The Management Aptitude Test helps evaluate critical thinking skills which are typically relevant to management positions, including the ability to make smart business decisions, analyze and solve situational problems, monitor a budget and supervise and communicate effectively with others. The MAT assessment is used to help select management and supervisory personnel, to help identify training needs and to help assess skill and business knowledge for promotion possibilities

Q.1: When & how many times MAT is conducted in a year? Qualification & percentage needed for it.
A.1: MAT is usually conducted 4 times in a year in February, May, September and December. The minimum qualification for appearing in MAT is graduation in any discipline from any recognized University or equivalent recognized degree. A final year student in any undergraduate (i.e. B.A, B.Sc., B.Com., B.Tech., etc) can also appear provisionally. Usually, there is a minimum percentage requirement in graduation, which is different for different MIs/University. For this refer to the prospectus of the particular MIs/University.

Q.2 : What is the mode of test?
A.2: Candidate can choose any one of the two options to take the test: Paper Based Test Or Computer Based Test.

Q.3 : What are the test dates and timings of the test?
A.3 : The Paper Based Test is being conducted on the first Sunday of the February, May, September and December from 1000-1230 hours. Whereas the Computer Based Test is being conducted from Saturday onwards (6 days after the Paper Based Test date) and in different Time slots.

Q.4 : How many MIs participate in MAT? Do they keep on changing or remain the same? Is there a same admission criterion for each & every Institute? Are they recognized, by AICTE? Do they have hostel facility? What about the total fee?
A.4 : The number of participating MI’s may vary. The number of MI’s keeps on changing from test to test. Admission criteria for every institute is different. All MIs participating in MAT are either AICTE, DEC approved; University affiliated College, University Department. For further information you may contact the MIs/Universities of your choice. The list of various MIs/Universities is available in MAT bulletin along with the admission notification. It may be worthwhile to go through the brochure of the MIs for detailed information.

Q.5 : What is the cost of the Bulletin / CD with registration Form?
A.5 : Candidate can choose any one of the three modes to apply/purchase the Bulletin/CD with Registration Form. Against cash payment of Rs 980/- from listed branches of Bank of Baroda, listed Study Centres of AIMA or from AIMA, New Delhi . Or Register online at website www.aima-ind.org alongwith the Demand Draft of Rs 1050/- in favour of ‘All India Management Association’ payable at Delhi from any Bank details. Detailed procedure is given on the website link. Or Register online at website link www.aima-ind.org with Credit Card payment. Detailed procedure is given on the website link.

Q.6 : What is the validity of MAT score?
A.6 : Validity of the MAT score is for that particular session for most MI’s is one year.

Q.7:   What is the last date of submitting filled in MAT Registration Form?
A.7 : Last date for submission is mentioned in the MAT bulletin. The last date also appears in the notification released by AIMA in various national & regional newspapers.

Q.8 : Do applicant has to buy the prospectus of the MI’s opted by him/her?
A.8 : For applying to MI’s it is suggested that the prospectus of the MI’s opted should be bought.

Q.9 : Is MAT held all over the country what about a person living abroad? Can he/she apply for it?
A.9 : MAT is conducted in all major cities in the country and in leading cities abroad. For further clarification, see MAT bulletin or contact our information centre. Test Venues for Paper Based Test and Computer Based Test are different. If the number of candidates registered for Computer Based Test is few/limited, these candidates appears for the paper Based Test on first Sunday of the test month only. One candidate can appear only for one date for the MAT.

Q.10 : Do we get a separate Admit Card for appearing in MAT?
A.10 : All provisionally registered candidates can down load their Admit Card from AIMA website link: www.aima-ind.org/matcentre.asp 7 days before the Paper Based Test date. Specific Admit Card will be generated both for the candidates opted for the Paper Based Test and for the Computer Based Test. Admit Card would be having Candidate Name, Form No, Roll NO, Test Date, Test Time and Test Venue Address. Candidate has to strictly follow the date and time allotted to them in the case of Computer Based Test. This Admit Card contains Test Centre Address with Center Code, Form No and Roll no of the test. No separate special card is issued. Also, activation of a test centre depends upon the minimum no of registration.

Q.11 : Is there any difference between Computer Based Test and Paper Based Test?
A.11 : Computer Based Test means the candidate sits in front of a computer and the questions are presented on the computer monitor and the candidate submits the answers through the use of keyboard or mouse. Each computer is connected to a server, which prepares the question set and delivers it to the candidate on the computer. This is unlike the Paper Based Test, which is generally offered on a single day to all candidates. MAT is offered over a period of time and the candidate can choose the center, the day and time of his/her convenience to take the test. Computer Based Test assumes that the candidate has basic familiarity with use of computers like use of keyboard and mouse operation. It is the responsibility of the candidate to acquire these skills before appearing in the test and AIMA cannot take responsibility for the same. In traditional Paper Based Test, Candidate is supposed to bring Pen, HB-Pencils, Erasers and Sharper with him/her whereas the Question Paper & OMR Answer Sheet is provided at the Test Centre.

Q.12 :    Is there any age bar for it? Any Job experience required to appear in MAT?

A.12 :  There is no age bar. Job experience is not necessary.

Q.13 : Is appearance in MAT necessary for getting admission into PGDM/ MBA programme?

A.13 :  Yes, MAT is necessary for admission into PGDM/equivalent programmes offered by AIMA or other MIs who participate in it.

Q.14 :     What is the nature of MAT test?

A.14 : It is an objective type test with multiple-choice answers. The test is designed to measure a person’s general aptitudes as the following table indicates: