MAT September 2026 registration is now open for both Paper-Based Test (PBT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) modes at mat.aima.in. The Management Aptitude Test, conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA), is a national-level MBA entrance exam accepted by over 600 B-schools across India. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline can register before the deadline, September 7, 2026, for PBT and September 14, 2026, for CBT. This article is based on the official notification released by AIMA.
MAT remains one of India’s most accessible MBA entrance exams because AIMA conducts it four times annually, allowing candidates multiple chances to improve their scores within the same academic session. Unlike single-attempt exams, you can appear in both PBT and CBT modes in September 2026 and use your best score for college admissions.
Understanding MAT September 2026
The Management Aptitude Test is a 120-minute, objective-type entrance exam designed to assess your verbal, quantitative, analytical, and general awareness skills. The exam does not prescribe a minimum percentage or age limit, making it accessible to graduates from any discipline and at any career stage. AIMA has been conducting MAT since 1988, and the exam is officially recognised by the Government of India. Your MAT score remains valid for one year from the date of result declaration and is accepted by 600+ participating B-schools for MBA and PGDM programme admissions. If you score well, you can apply to a range of institutes, from national-level business schools like Jaipuria Institute of Management and IPE Hyderabad to regional leaders like SIES Mumbai and Rajagiri Kochi.
Key Highlights of MAT September 2026
- Registration is open for both PBT (closes September 7, 2026) and CBT (closes September 14, 2026) modes at mat.aima.in
- The exam fee is ₹2,300 for a single mode or ₹4,000 for both modes in the same session
- The exam consists of 150 questions across 5 sections, to be completed in 120 minutes with no sectional time limit
- Candidates with any bachelor’s degree are eligible; final-year students awaiting results can also apply
- There is no minimum percentage requirement, age limit, or restriction on the number of attempts
- MAT scores are accepted by 600+ B-schools, including Jaipuria, IPE Hyderabad, SIES Mumbai, IBA Bangalore, and others
- AIMA conducts the exam across 54 test cities in India
Important Dates
| Event | PBT Mode | CBT Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Status | Open | Open |
| Last Date to Register | 07/09/2026 | 14/09/2026 |
| Exam Date | 13/09/2026 | 20/09/2026 |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
MAT September 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, B.Tech, etc.) from a recognised university |
| Final-Year Candidates | Eligible to apply while awaiting graduation results |
| Minimum Percentage | No minimum percentage requirement set by AIMA; individual colleges may have their own cut-offs |
| Age Limit | No minimum or maximum age restriction |
| Number of Attempts | No limit; candidates may appear in all four MAT sessions (February, May, September, December) per year and in both PBT and CBT modes in the same session |
Application Fee Structure
| Registration Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single Exam Mode (PBT or CBT) | ₹2,300 |
| Both Exam Modes (PBT + CBT) | ₹4,000 |
The registration fee is non-refundable. Candidates who register for both modes receive a cost concession and gain two separate attempts to achieve their target score in the same session.
How to Register for MAT September 2026
- Visit the official MAT registration portal at mat.aima.in
- Click on the registration link for MAT September 2026
- Create a login account by providing your email address and setting a password
- Fill in your personal details, including name, date of birth, contact number, and educational qualifications
- Select your preferred exam mode (PBT, CBT, or both) and test city from the available options
- Choose the colleges where you want your MAT scorecard sent automatically (included in the base registration fee)
- Review all details carefully before proceeding to payment
- Pay the registration fee using a debit card, credit card, or net banking facility
- After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your registration number and login credentials
- Download and save your registration confirmation; you will need it to download your admit card closer to the exam date
Before You Register
- Ensure you hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or are currently in your final year of graduation, with exam results expected before the exam date
- Keep your academic certificates, photo ID, and a recent passport-sized photograph (digital format) ready for reference
- Confirm your email address and mobile number are correct and accessible; all official communications will be sent to these addresses
- Identify your preferred test city and check if the centre is available in your chosen mode (PBT or CBT) before registering
- Have a functional debit card, credit card, or net banking access ready for fee payment; ensure sufficient balance is available
What You Should Do Right Now
- Visit mat.aima.in and review the complete registration timeline for your preferred mode (PBT closes September 7, CBT closes September 14)
- Calculate the total cost-₹2,300 for one mode or ₹4,000 for both-and decide whether registering for both modes fits your preparation plan
- Verify your educational eligibility: if you have a bachelor’s degree or are awaiting final-year results, you are eligible to apply
- Shortlist 2-3 B-schools you wish to target and check if they accept MAT scores for admission; confirm via their official websites
- Begin your MAT preparation by understanding the exam pattern: 150 questions across 5 sections (Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment) in 120 minutes
MAT Exam Pattern Overview
| Exam Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Number of Sections | 5 |
| Questions per Section | 30 |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer; -0.25 for incorrect answer |
| Answer Options | 4 options per question |
| Sectional Time Limit | None; candidates manage time across sections freely |
Test Modes and Test Cities
MAT September 2026 is available in two formats:
Paper-Based Test (PBT): A traditional offline format using OMR-based answer sheets. You receive a printed question booklet and mark your answers on a separate sheet.
Computer-Based Test (CBT): An online, computer-delivered format where questions appear on screen and you select answers using a mouse or keyboard.
Both modes cover identical content and are scored on the same scale. The exam is conducted across 54 test cities in India. Test centre availability may differ between PBT and CBT modes, so verify your chosen city’s availability in your preferred mode during registration.
MAT Score Validity and College Acceptance
Your MAT score is valid for one year from the date of result declaration and is accepted by 600+ B-schools across India for MBA and PGDM programme admissions. Well-known institutes accepting MAT scores include Jaipuria Institute of Management (Noida), Institute of Public Enterprise (Hyderabad), SIES College of Management Studies (Mumbai), IBA (Bangalore), Rajagiri Business School (Kochi), and NISM (Mumbai).
When you register, AIMA automatically sends your scorecard to a set number of colleges you select during the application. Additional college applications must be made separately using your best available MAT score. This gives you the flexibility to apply to multiple institutions based on your performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the difference between MAT, PBT and CBT, and which should I choose?
Ans. PBT is a paper-based offline exam using OMR sheets, while CBT is an online computer-delivered exam. Both cover identical content and are scored on the same scale. Choose based on your comfort level-if you prefer traditional pen-and-paper testing, select PBT; if you are comfortable with computers and want faster result declaration, choose CBT.
Q2. Can I appear in both PBT and CBT modes for MAT September 2026?
Ans. Yes, you can register for both modes in the same session by paying ₹4,000, which gives you two attempts and a cost concession compared to registering for each mode separately.
Q3. I am a final-year student awaiting my graduation results. Can I register for MAT September 2026?
Ans. Yes, final-year students are eligible to apply, provided they will complete their degree before the college admission process begins. However, most B-schools require your graduation certificate during counselling, so ensure your results are declared by the time you participate in college admissions.
Q4. Is there a minimum percentage requirement or age limit for MAT 2026?
Ans. AIMA does not prescribe any minimum percentage requirement or age limit for appearing in MAT. However, individual participating B-schools may have their own eligibility cut-offs, so check the admission criteria of your target colleges.
Q5. What happens if I miss the registration deadline (September 7 for PBT or September 14 for CBT)?
Ans. If you miss the September 2026 registration deadline, you will not be able to appear in the September session. However, AIMA conducts MAT four times a year-in February, May, September, and December-so you can register for the next available session. Check mat.aima.in for the December 2026 registration dates.
Q6. My bachelor’s degree is from an institution not recognised by the Government of India. Can I still apply for MAT?
Ans. MAT requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. If your degree is not from a recognised institution, you may face rejection during the college admission process even if you score well on the MAT. Verify your institution’s recognition status on the UGC or DEB website before registering.
Q7. How are MAT scores calculated, and when will I receive my result?
Ans. Your MAT score is calculated as (+1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer). The final score is normalised across different test sessions to ensure fair comparison. Result dates vary by mode. PBT results are typically released within 10-15 days of the exam, while CBT results are faster. Check mat.aima.in for exact timelines after the exam date.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| MAT September 2026 Official Registration Portal | Visit mat.aima.in |
Your Next Step
Complete your registration at mat.aima.in before your chosen deadline-September 7, 2026, for PBT or September 14, 2026, for CBT-and decide whether registering for a single mode or both modes, aligns with your preparation readiness and budget. After registration closes, focus on your MAT preparation covering all five sections, and monitor the official website for admit card release, typically 2-3 weeks before your exam date. Stay updated with MyNaukriAlert for notifications on MAT result dates, participating college announcements, and counselling schedules across India’s top B-schools.
