The MAT exam syllabus for MBA is designed to cover the fundamentals of the exam to give you success on the gateway MBA exam, which comprises five sections and 150 questions in MCQ format. As an experienced content creator, it is my pleasure to simplify the MAT 2026 syllabus for you. Covering the basics from management to finishing with Class 10-12. For those who do wish to aim for the higher-end MBA colleges that do accept a MAT score, for example, BIMTECH or Jaipuria, ensure you master the content covered in this syllabus to achieve a score of 700. For your convenience, we have broken it into sections concerning weightage, salient and crucial areas, and shortcuts to cover the syllabus. Also, remember to download the official syllabus from mat.aima.in to ensure utmost accuracy. Optimizing your prep in this manner will give you the greatest chance of success.
The exam consists of five sections, which include Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment, with a total of 30 questions for each section and no sectional cutoffs. The total time for the exam is 120 minutes. You can gain the most advantage by focusing 40% of your time on the Math and Data sections to achieve a quick win.
Language Comprehension (30 Questions) This consists of Reading Comprehension (2-3 passages), vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms, idioms), grammar (sentence correction, fill-in-blanks), and verbal reasoning (para jumbles, analogies). The weightage is 20% which is crucial to prep for your MBA interview. Aim to read The Hindu editorials and try to expand your vocabulary by 50 words for the week. You can achieve this with the help of Norman Lewis' "Word Power Made Easy." For Reading Comprehension, practice 20 sets with a time of 25 minutes. You should aim for 25 correct answers or more. For grammar, you can use Wren & Martin books as a study guide.
Mathematics Skills (30 Questions) Focus areas: arithmetic, percentages, ratios, profit-loss, and averages; algebra, equations and inequalities; geometry and mensuration, triangles, circles and volumes; number systems, LCM, HCF, sequences; and modern math, probability and permutations. Weightage: 20%, which is fundamental for particularly quant-heavy roles. Preparation Focus: For a core understanding, NCERT Class 9-10 should be revised. Practice 50 problems a day, for technique and time. For time efficiencies, which are called shortcuts, recommended R.S. Aggarwal's "Quantitative Aptitude" or M Tyra's "Magical Book on Quicker Maths". Target a 22+ score in 25 compared to weak areas like geometry.
Data Analysis & Sufficiency (30 Questions) Focus area: through a case, table and bar/line/pie charts data interpretation; data sufficiency through a two-statement problem; and quantitative comparison. Weightage: 20%, which reflects business analytics. Preparation Focus: for core understanding, practice DI sets from data analysis and interpretation from Arun Sharma's "How to Prepare for Data Interpretation." For core understanding, analyze 5 charts on a daily basis. Target 24+, for time crunch and prioritizing, focus on accuracy.
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning (30 Questions) Focus areas: Logical reasoning, syllogisms, blood relations, coding-decoding; Critical reasoning, assumptions, strengthening and weakening arguments; Arrangements of seating and puzzles; and Series, Number or Letters. Weightage: 20%, which reflects an aspect of business decision. Preparation Focus: puzzles from the daily newspaper, for which I recommend BS Sijwali's "A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning." The target should be 30 questions in 30 mins. For 25+, focus on pattern recognition, as it is the key.
Indian & Global Environment (30 Questions) Topics: GK: history, geography, polity, economy, current affairs (national/international events, awards, sports), business (companies, mergers, CEOs, stock markets). Weightage: 20%—least scoring but easy boosts. Prep Focus: Read Manorama Yearbook or Lucent GK; follow Business Standard for 6 months' affairs. Quiz 50 questions daily—aim 20+ via static + dynamic mix.
The MAT syllabus for MBA aligns with MBA real-life demands—analytical thinking for case studies, communications for presentations. It's moderate; 3-4 months prep yields 80+ percentile for MAT MBA colleges. No major changes from 2025; emphasis on speed over depth. Track via weekly mocks (Oliveboard/TIME) and analyze errors to hit 120+ attempts.
Prep Hacks to Ace the Mat Exam
Daily Routine: 2 hrs Math/Data, 1 hr each other; revise GK Sundays.
Mocks & Analysis: 15-20 full tests; focus on 60% accuracy.
Resources: Free PDFs on the AIMA site; apps like BYJU's for quizzes.
Common Pitfalls: Ignore GK? Lose easy marks—balance all.
For timelines, check the Dates tab; result strategies in the Results tab. You've got the tools—now execute! Updated October 4, 2025.
