The All India Management Association (AIMA) has announced the complete schedule for the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) December 2026 session. As per the official notification, the Paper Based Test (PBT) will take place on 20 December 2026, while the Computer Based Test (CBT) will be conducted on 27 December 2026. Online registration is currently active on the official examination portal at mat.aima.in.
MAT is a national-level entrance test administered four times every year in February, May, September, and December. It facilitates admissions into Master of Business Administration (MBA), Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), and allied management programs across more than 600 business schools throughout India. Candidates can check below for the full event timetable, test structure, eligibility norms, application steps, and official access links.
MAT December 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Management Aptitude Test (MAT) - December 2026 |
| Conducting Body | All India Management Association (AIMA) |
| Testing Mode | Paper Based Test (PBT) and Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Academic Session | December 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Total Questions | 150 Multiple Choice Questions (across 5 sections) |
| Exam Duration | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 Mark Deducted per Incorrect Answer |
| Scorecard Validity | 1 Year from Declaration of Result |
| Exam Cities | 54 Test Cities across India |
| Official Website | mat.aima.in |
MAT December 2026 Important Dates
The application deadlines and admit card issuance dates differ between the paper-based and computer-based testing modes. Candidates must adhere strictly to the following official calendar:
| Event / Activity | Paper Based Test (PBT) | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
|---|---|---|
| Online Registration Closes | 14 December 2026 | 21 December 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 17 December 2026 | 24 December 2026 |
| Examination Date | 20 December 2026 | 27 December 2026 |
| Declaration of Results | To be announced officially | To be announced officially |
Eligibility Criteria for MAT December 2026
Candidates intending to sit for the December 2026 session must meet the following academic prerequisites:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute.
- Final Year Students: Candidates in the final year of their graduation program are also eligible to apply provisionally.
- Age Limit: There is no upper or lower age restriction for appearing in MAT.
- Number of Attempts: There is no limitation on the total number of attempts.
MAT December 2026 Exam Pattern
The test structure consists of 150 objective-type questions distributed equally across five distinct functional sections:
| Section Name | Number of Questions | Suggested Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 30 | 30 |
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematical Skills | 30 | 30 |
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency | 30 | 30 |
| Indian and Global Environment | 30 | 15 |
| Total | 150 Questions | 120 Minutes |
Each correct answer earns 1 mark, while an incorrect response results in a penalty deduction of 0.25 mark. The Indian and Global Environment score is reported separately and is not generally included in the composite percentile by most business schools.
Documents Required for Online Registration
Before beginning the online application form, keep the following items ready in scanned digital format:
- A valid and active personal email address and mobile phone number.
- Scanned recent passport-size photograph on a light background.
- Scanned signature in black ink on white paper.
- Educational qualification documents (10th, 12th, and graduation marks cards).
- Valid government photo ID card (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport).
- Net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI access for payment of the registration fee.
How to Apply for MAT December 2026
Follow these straightforward steps to complete your registration online:
- Visit the official MAT examination portal at mat.aima.in.
- Locate and click on the link for MAT December 2026 Registration.
- Register by entering your full name, email address, mobile number, date of birth, and setting a secure password.
- Verify your email ID and mobile number using the OTP sent to your credentials.
- Log in with your registered email ID and password.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information.
- Select your preferred test mode: Paper Based Test (PBT), Computer Based Test (CBT), or both.
- Choose your preferred test cities and select the management institutes where your scores should be sent.
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature strictly as per prescribed dimensions and file size limits.
- Pay the applicable registration fee online via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Submit the application form and download a PDF copy of the confirmation page for your records.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Verify all information thoroughly before the final submission, as details such as test mode, city preference, and personal identity cannot be modified after fee payment.
- Download the admit card as soon as it is released on 17 December 2026 (for PBT) or 24 December 2026 (for CBT) from mat.aima.in.
- Hard copies of admit cards will not be dispatched via postal mail.
- Candidates must bring a clear printout of the admit card along with an original government-issued photo identity card to the allotted examination centre.
- Check the official AIMA portal on a regular basis for any schedule revisions or operational updates.
Direct Official Links
| Resource / Portal | Direct Official Link |
|---|---|
| MAT December 2026 Registration Portal | mat.aima.in |
| AIMA Official Website | Visit Official Site |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the exam dates for MAT December 2026?
The Paper Based Test (PBT) is scheduled for 20 December 2026, while the Computer Based Test (CBT) will be held on 27 December 2026.
2. What is the last date to apply for MAT December 2026?
The registration deadline for the Paper Based Test (PBT) is 14 December 2026. For the Computer Based Test (CBT), the registration closes on 21 December 2026.
3. When will the MAT December 2026 admit cards be released?
Admit cards for PBT candidates will be released on 17 December 2026, and CBT admit cards will be available on 24 December 2026 on the official portal at mat.aima.in.
4. What is the marking scheme for the MAT exam?
Candidates receive 1 mark for every correct response, while 0.25 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. Unattempted questions carry zero penalty.
5. Can a candidate register for both PBT and CBT modes in December 2026?
Yes. Candidates have the flexibility to opt for both PBT and CBT modes in the same session by paying the applicable fee, which gives them two separate testing opportunities in December.