MAT Exam Preparation 2025: Strategy, Books, Online Courses, PDF Download
MAT exam preparation requires understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, revising basic concepts and taking MAT Mock Tests to improve score. The MAT Exam is easier than the CAT or XAT exams. The exam pattern is divided into 5 sections with 150 total questions. Check Section-wise MAT May Exam Preparation Strategy, Books, Study Material, Tips for MAT Exam Preparation below. MAT exam 2025 will be held on December 13 and 21, 2025, and the MAT Registration 2025 is open.
MAT 2025 Exam Pattern
To start your MAT preparation, check the MAT Exam Pattern with the number of questions and the MAT Marking Scheme.
Read the complete details for the MAT Exam Pattern.
MAT 2025 Exam Pattern
| MAT Exam Components | No of Questions (All MCQs) | Sectional Time Limit (In Minutes) |
| Section 1: Language Comprehension | 30 | No Time Limit |
| Section 2: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | 30 | No Time Limit |
| Section 3: Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency | 30 | No Time Limit |
| Section 4: Mathematical Skills | 30 | No Time Limit |
| Section 5: Economic & Business Environment | 30 | No Time Limit |
| Total | 150 | 120 Minutes |
MAT Exam Pattern – Section Wise
The next step in your MAT preparation is to understand the MAT pattern for all five sections, as follows:
Section 1: Language Comprehension
Section 1 in the MAT exam is Language Comprehension, which is divided into two parts – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension.
- RC Passages on Current Affairs and Political Developments
- RC Passages on Science
- Jumbled Paragraphs
- Antonyms/Synonyms
- RC Passages on Business & Economics
- RC Passages in Abstract Topics and Fiction
- Error Correction of Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb and other parts of speech in the Sentences.
- Fill in the blanks
- RC passages from various English Literature Books
- RC Passages on Historical Events and Mythology
- Correcting the sequence of sentences in the paragraph, for example, correct use of conditionals, time clauses, reported speech, and passive writing
- Idioms/Phrases
Section 2: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
Section 2 on Intelligence & Critical Reasoning consists of two parts with Analytical and Logical Reasoning questions.
- Fact Inference Judgment
- Clocks
- Seating Arrangement
- Assumption
- Linear and matrix arrangement
- Input-Output
- Cubes
- Passage Conclusion
- Calendars
- Blood Relations (Family Tree)
- Premise
- Team Formation
- Series
- Rows
- Analogy
- Binary logic
- Logical Sequence
- Conclusion
- Direction Sense and Decision Making
- Syllogism
- Puzzles
Section 3: Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency
The section-3 in the MAT exam pattern consists of Data Analysis & Data sufficiency which also has two types of questions – the first type is on Data Analysis, which is closer to Data Interpretation, and the other type of questions are on Data Sufficiency.
Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency
This section is divided into two parts: Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency. Questions are asked from:
- Line Graph
- Pie Chart
- Bar Graph
- Data Comparison
- Caselet
- Quantitative Comparison and Data Sufficiency
Section 4: Mathematical Skills
Section 4in the MAT exam is the Mathematical Skills section. This section is basically the Quantitative Ability section. It is very wide and covers each and every topic in Mathematics with greater emphasis on Arithmetic.
Mathematical Skills
This Mathematical Skills of MAT Quantitative Aptitude section. In this section, questions are asked.
- Arithmetic
- Trigonometry
- Algebra
- Mensuration Modern Maths
- Geometry
Section 5: Economic & Business Environment
This section includes questions from both Current Affairs and Static GK. Although this section carries 30 marks, it is not taken into consideration to determine the candidate’s MAT score and percentile. So, this section is given low priority by students. The questions are asked from the following topics.
- Current Affairs
- Constitution of India
- Business & Economics
- Monetary & Fiscal Tools
- Who’s who
- Emblem & Logos
- Currency and Capitals
- Personalities
MAT Preparation: Overview
In the MAT exam, each section carries equal weightage in terms of both the number of questions and marks. To excel in MAT Exam Preparation and successfully clear the MAT exam, candidates should adopt section-wise preparation strategies.
For the MAT Language Comprehension section, focus on strengthening the basics, refining reading skills, and regularly practising reading comprehension exercises.
In the MAT Mathematical Skills and Data Analysis & Sufficiency sections, daily practice and building a solid foundation are crucial for performing well.
For the MAT Indian and Global Environment section, it is advisable to refer to a reputable GK book to prepare comprehensively.
To enhance your preparation further, consider utilising books authored by renowned experts such as Arun Sharma, as they come highly recommended for MAT preparation. Following these strategies will enable you to tackle each section effectively and increase your chances of success in the MAT exam.
Let’s now review section wise MAT preparation plan.
MAT Preparation: Language Comprehension
MAT 2025 Syllabus for Language Comprehension section in MAT is divided into 2 parts: Reading Comprehension passages and Grammar & other parts of Verbal Ability.
MAT Syllabus for Reading Comprehension Passages
- RC Passages on Current Affairs and Political Developments
- RC Passages on Science
- RC Passages on Business & Economic
- RC Passages in Abstract Topics and Fiction
- RC passages from various English Literature Books
- RC Passages on Historical Events and Mythology
MAT Syllabus for Verbal Ability
- Jumbled Paragraphs
- Antonyms/Synonyms
- Error Correction of Verb, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb and other parts of speech in the Sentences.
- Fill in the blanks
- Correcting the sequence of sentences in the paragraph for example correct use of conditional sentence, time clauses, reported speech, passive writing
- Idioms/Phrases
To be able to solve questions on above topics, experts have recommended following MAT Preparation tips for Language Comprehension Preparation section.
- Read the newspaper daily: Regular reading helps in improving comprehension skills and staying updated with current affairs.
- Make reading a daily habit: Consistent reading habits aid in familiarizing yourself with various writing styles and vocabulary.
- Remember the moderate difficulty level of the section: Be prepared for the moderate difficulty level of questions in this section and allocate sufficient time for practice.
- Enhance vocabulary using flashcards and apps: Utilize flashcards and vocabulary-building apps to expand your word bank, improving comprehension and answering skills.
- Subscribe to YouTube channels for language improvement: Explore educational YouTube channels focused on language and comprehension improvement for additional learning resources.
- Select the right topic in reading comprehension: Choose topics that interest you and align with your strengths to maximize understanding and retention.
- Understand the main idea of the passage for easier answering: Grasp the central theme or idea of the passage before delving into specific questions, aiding in more efficient answering.
- Master grammar basics: Utilize trusted grammar resources like the Wren and Martin Grammar Book to solidify your understanding of grammar rules, enhancing overall comprehension skills.
MAT Preparation: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
MAT Syllabus for the Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section includes questions on the following topics
- Fact Inference Judgment
- Clocks
- Seating Arrangement
- Assumption
- Linear and matrix arrangement
- Input-Output
- Cubes
- Passage Conclusion
- Calendars
- Blood Relations (Family Tree)
- Premise
- Team Formation
- Series
- Rows
- Analogy
- Binary logic
- Logical Sequence
- Conclusion
- Direction Sense and Decision Making
- Syllogism
- Puzzles
To excel in the MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section, consider these expert tips:
- Carefully read and understand the question type before solving: Take the time to comprehend the nature of each question and the reasoning required to solve it. Familiarise yourself with different question formats and their corresponding strategies.
- Avoid making guesses or assumptions: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the question. Avoid guessing or making assumptions, as this can lead to incorrect responses.
- Remember, the correct answer is among the provided options: Eliminate improbable choices and focus on selecting the most logical option among those provided. Remember that the correct answer is always present among the given choices.
- Don’t panic or overthink; stay composed during the challenging section. Maintain a calm and composed mindset, especially when faced with challenging questions. Panicking or overthinking can cloud your judgment and hinder your performance.
- Focus on speed and time management to avoid getting stuck: Allocate an appropriate amount of time to each question and prioritise efficiency. If you encounter a particularly difficult question, consider skipping it temporarily and revisiting it later if time allows.
- Practice multiple mock tests and sample papers to build confidence: Regular practice is key to improving your skills and confidence in intelligence and critical reasoning. Utilise mock tests and sample papers to familiarise yourself with different question types and hone your problem-solving abilities.
MAT Preparation: Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency
This section is divided into two parts: Data Analysis and Data Sufficiency. Questions are asked from:
- Line Graph
- Pie Chart
- Bar Graph
- Data Comparison
- Caselet
- Quantitative Comparison and Data Sufficiency
To excel in the MAT Data Analysis & Sufficiency section, consider these MAT expert preparation tips:
- Carefully read questions before attempting them: Take time to thoroughly understand each question before proceeding to solve it. Pay attention to the provided data and the specific requirements of the question.
- Avoid skimming through questions: Skimming can lead to overlooking crucial details or misinterpreting the problem. Read each question attentively to grasp its context and requirements accurately.
- 3Use provided information; avoid assumptions: Rely solely on the information provided in the question and avoid making assumptions or adding external information. Stick to the data given to derive conclusions and solve the problem effectively.
- Solve questions in the order of Easy > Medium > Hard: Begin with questions that appear more straightforward to build confidence and momentum. Gradually progress to more challenging questions, utilising the skills and strategies developed along the way.
- Skip lengthy questions if time is limited: If faced with time constraints, prioritise completing questions efficiently over attempting every question. Skip lengthy or complex questions temporarily and return to them later if time permits, focusing on maximising your overall score within the allotted time frame.
MAT Preparation: Mathematical Skills
In this section, questions are asked:
- Arithmetic
- Trigonometry
- Algebra
- Mensuration Modern Maths
- Geometry
- Other areas
To excel in the MAT Mathematical Skills section, experts have recommended the following MAT preparation tips:
- Clear basics using high school textbooks: Ensure a strong foundation by revisiting fundamental concepts through high school textbooks, reinforcing your understanding of core mathematical principles.
- Practice regularly for this section: Regular practice is key to mastering mathematical skills. Dedicate consistent time to solving problems from various topics covered in the MAT syllabus.
- Improve speed and accuracy: Focus on enhancing both speed and accuracy by gradually increasing the difficulty of practice problems while maintaining precision in your calculations.
- Begin mock tests with easy questions and progress to harder ones: Start your mock test sessions with easier questions to build confidence and gradually transition to more challenging problems. This approach helps in developing problem-solving strategies for a wide range of difficulty levels.
- Display important formulae on a visible wall for passive memorisation: Create visual aids such as posters or flashcards displaying key mathematical formulas and concepts. This passive memorisation technique can reinforce retention and aid in quick recall during exams.
- Master shortcuts and Vedic math for quicker problem-solving: Explore shortcuts and techniques from Vedic math and other mathematical methodologies to streamline problem-solving processes. Efficient use of shortcuts can save time and improve your overall performance in the MAT exam.
MAT Preparation: Economic & Business Environment
This section includes questions from both Current Affairs and Static GK. Although this section carries 40 marks, it is not taken into consideration to determine the candidate’s MAT score and percentile. So this section must be given low priority by students. To excel in the MAT Indian and Global Environment, consider these tips:
- Daily newspaper/ news-website reading: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers regularly. Focus on national and international news to broaden your understanding of various topics.
- Organise notes based on relevance: Keep your study materials organised by prioritising important information and arranging it in a structured manner. This will help you easily review and revise key points.
- Use flashcards for factual information: Use flashcards to memorise and recall important factual details such as dates, events, and statistics related to Indian and global affairs.
- Watch news suitable for entrance exams: Explore news channels or programs specifically designed for entrance exam preparation. These resources often highlight relevant topics and provide insights into current affairs from an exam-oriented perspective.
- Familiarise yourself with the economy, banking and business sector: Develop an understanding of key concepts and developments in the banking and business sectors, as these topics are frequently covered in Indian and global affairs sections of the MAT exam.
- Refer to magazines, newspapers, and articles on the Indian government, international developments: Explore a variety of sources such as magazines, newspapers, and online articles to gain insights into diverse topics, including Indian government policies, international affairs, business trends, and sports events. This comprehensive approach will broaden your knowledge base and enhance your performance in the Indian and Global Environment section of the MAT exam.
MAT Exam Preparation Books
MAT exam pattern and syllabus are similar to the CAT exam, although the difficulty level of questions is lower. So, if you use the best CAT preparation books by Arun Sharma or other good authors. Details are given below. If you don’t want to use CAT preparation books, you can buy the best MAT preparation books, listed below. Click on the buy link to purchase the best books at big discounts.
MAT Exam Study Material for MAT Preparation
Book Title | Mission MBA MAT Mock Tests and Solved Papers |
|---|---|
Author | BS Sijwalii & Tarun Goyal |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs. 825.00 Save: Rs. 17 (2%) Rs. 808.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link |
Apart from books, you can also use MAT study material by coaching institutes like TIME, CL, IMS, which prepare students for CAT and other MBA Entrance exams. MAT preparation online material is available on YouTube channels of CAT coaching institutes. MAT preparation books in PDF are sometimes available online for old edition books. If you can afford it, buy the latest edition of books, as exam patterns keep changing.
MAT Preparation Books by Arun Sharma
CAT Books by Arun Sharma
Book Title | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude |
|---|---|
Author | Arun Sharma |
Edition | 12th Edition Paperback (15 June 2025) |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs.1,050.00 Save: Rs.355.00 (34%) Rs.695.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link | |
Book Title | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
Author | Arun Sharma |
Edition | 12th Edition | VARC Paperback (15 June 2025) |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs.1,020.00 Save: Rs.305.00 (30%) Rs.715.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link | |
Book Title | How to Prepare For Data Interpretation |
Author | Arun Sharma |
Edition | 9th Edition Paperback (15 June 2025) |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs. 885.00 Save: Rs. 266.00 (30%) Rs. 619.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link | |
Book Title | How to Prepare For Logical Reasoning |
Author | Arun Sharma |
Edition | 8th Edition Paperback (15 June 2025) |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs. 885.00 Save: Rs. 266.00 (30%) Rs. 619.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link | |
Book Title | CChapter-WiseSolved Previous Years’ Papers for CAT |
Author | Arun Sharma |
Edition | 3rd Edition Paperback (5 August 2024) |
Price | M.R.P.: Rs. 795.00 Save: Rs. 233 (29%) Rs. 562.00 incl. GST |
Buy Now Link |
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
CAT Exam pattern is divided in three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Each section can be further divided into sub-sections. Since CAT exam is held in three slots, there are minor changes in the exam pattern for each slot. Also, from year to year, there are minor changes in CAT pattern, but the overall structure has remained the same.
Overall, the exam pattern has become more focused on conceptual clarity, time efficiency, and reasoning ability. Over the last five years, the CAT pattern has undergone several notable changes in its pattern, number of questions, and difficulty level. Check key changes in exam pattern below.
1. Total Number of Questions:
- In 2019 and 2020, CAT had 100 questions (VARC: 34, DILR: 32, QA: 34).
- From 2021 onwards, the number of questions was reduced to 66 (VARC: 24, DILR: 20, QA: 22), making the test shorter but more intense.
- This pattern has continued through CAT 2023 and is expected to remain in CAT 2025.
2. Time Duration:
- Until 2019, CAT had a 3-hour duration (60 minutes per section).
- From 2020 onwards, the exam duration was reduced to 2 hours, with 40 minutes per section, which increased the pressure on time management.
3. Sectional Pattern & Difficulty Level:
- The VARC section has seen a greater emphasis on Reading Comprehension, with fewer Verbal Ability questions like Odd One Out and Para Summary.
- DILR has become more reasoning-focused, with tougher logic-based sets and fewer straightforward data interpretation questions.
- QA has shifted towards Arithmetic, making it more accessible for non-engineering background candidates.
4. Question Types – MCQ vs. TITA:
- The TITA (Type in the Answer) questions have fluctuated but generally make up 25-30% of the total paper.
- The number of MCQs has reduced, making the paper more unpredictable, as TITA questions do not have negative marking.
5. Slot-wise Variations & Normalization:
- Since CAT is conducted in multiple slots, the level of difficulty has varied across different slots, requiring score normalization to ensure fairness in percentile calculations.
CAT 2025 Exam pattern (expected) and CAT previous year paper pattern is given below.
MAT Exam Preparation Tips 2025
Here are effective MAT Exam Preparation Tips that can help you score high in the MAT exam.
- Create a Study Plan: You should have a dedicate specific time slots to each section daily. Ensure regular breaks to avoid burnout.
- Solve Mock Tests and Practice Papers: Mock tests are very important for understanding the exam pattern and managing time effectively. Remember to analyse your performance to identify strengths and weaknesses. Familiarise yourself with question types that are frequently repeated.
- Focus on Speed and Accuracy: If you have time, develop shortcut methods for quantitative problems. You should also practice mental math to save time during the exam.
- Enhance General Knowledge: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers and magazines regularly.
Last Minute Tips for MAT Preparation: How to Prepare in a Few Days
As the exam date approaches, focus on fine-tuning your strategy rather than starting new topics that you are not familiar with. Here are MAT’s last-minute tips on how to prepare in a few days.
1. Revise Key Concepts
– Review formulas, grammar rules, and reasoning techniques
– Avoid learning new information at the last moment.
Take Mock Tests in Test-Like Conditions
– While taking Mocks, simulate the exam environment in your home to get accustomed to time pressure.
Prepare a Quick MAT Revision Guide
-Summarise key formulas, vocabulary words, and reasoning tricks in one place for quick reference.
MAT Exam Day Tips
Here are effective MAT exam day tips, and MAT exam dos and don’ts to help you perform well on exam day.
1. Plan Your Exam Day Well
– Arrive at the centre well in advance with all necessary documents like the MAT admit card and ID proof.
– Stay calm in case of any delays, and avoid last-minute panic.
– Dress well to avoid any last-minute issues with hot/cold weather.
Manage Time During the Exam
– Attempt easy questions first to build confidence.
– Divide time across sections based on your strengths.
Stay Positive and Confident
– Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions.
– Remember, every mark counts, so maintain accuracy
In summary, MAT December Exam Preparation 2025 requires a combination of consistent practice, strategic planning, access to the right learning material and mental strength. Follow the above MAT 2025 December Exam Preparation strategy to score well in the MAT exam.
Frequently Asked Questions on MAT Preparation
Request call back
