The All India Management Association (AIMA) has announced the MAT September 2026 exam schedule and opened online registration for candidates seeking admission to MBA and PGDM programmes. The Paper-Based Test (PBT) will be held on September 13, 2026, and the Computer-Based Test (CBT) on September 20, 2026. Candidates can register at mat.aima.in, with the registration window closing on September 7 (PBT) and September 14 (CBT). This article covers everything you need to know - exam dates, fees, eligibility, application steps, exam pattern, and top colleges accepting MAT scores.
Direct Link to Download MAT September 2026 Exam Dates Here
MAT September 2026 Exam Dates - Quick Overview
Before diving into details, here is a snapshot of the most important dates for the MAT September 2026 session, so candidates can plan their registration and preparation timeline accordingly.
| Event | PBT Mode | CBT Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Status | Open | Open |
| Last Date to Register | September 7, 2026 | September 14, 2026 |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 | September 20, 2026 |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Official Website | mat.aima.in | mat.aima.in |
What Is MAT and Who Conducts It?
Candidates new to MBA entrance exams often ask what MAT actually is and why it matters. This section explains the exam's background, its recognition, and why it remains a popular choice among management aspirants.
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA), a body that has been administering the test since 1988. MAT is officially recognized by the Government of India and serves as an entry gateway to hundreds of B-schools across the country offering MBA and PGDM programmes. Unlike single-attempt exams such as CMAT, MAT is conducted four times a year - in February, May, September, and December - giving candidates repeated opportunities to appear and use their best score for admission within the same academic session.
MAT September 2026 Registration: How to Apply Online
Many first-time applicants are unsure how the online registration process works. This section breaks the MAT application process into simple, sequential steps so candidates can complete registration without errors.
Candidates can complete the MAT September 2026 application entirely online through the official AIMA MAT website. The steps are:
- Visit the official website - mat.aima.in
- Create a new account using your name, email ID, mobile number, and date of birth
- Fill in the application form with personal details, academic qualifications, and your preferred exam mode (PBT or CBT)
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format and size
- Pay the application fee online via debit card, credit card, or net banking
- Review and submit the application form carefully, as no correction window is typically provided afterward
- Download and print the confirmation page/application form for future reference
Candidates are advised to complete registration well in advance of the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues on the portal.
MAT 2026 Application Fee
A common question among applicants is how much the MAT exam costs, especially when choosing between one or both test modes. Here is a clear fee breakdown.
| Registration Option | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Single Exam Mode (PBT or CBT) | ₹2,300 |
| Both Exam Modes (PBT + CBT) | ₹4,000 |
Choosing both modes offers candidates a fee concession compared to registering for each mode separately, along with two chances to improve their score in the same session. The registration fee is non-refundable, and candidates who wish to re-register must pay the fee again.
MAT September 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before registering, candidates should confirm whether they meet the basic eligibility requirements. This section outlines the qualification and other criteria set for MAT 2026.
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree in any discipline (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, B.Tech, etc.) from a recognized university
- Final-Year Students: Candidates in their final year of graduation, awaiting results, are also eligible to apply
- Minimum Percentage: There is no minimum percentage requirement prescribed by AIMA, though individual participating institutes may set their own criteria
- Age Limit: There is no minimum or maximum age restriction for appearing in MAT
- Number of Attempts: No limit - candidates can appear in all four MAT sessions (February, May, September, December) in a year, and even in both PBT and CBT modes within the same session
MAT Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the exam structure helps candidates prepare a targeted study plan. This section explains the sections, number of questions, duration, and marking scheme for MAT.
MAT is an objective-type, multiple-choice test conducted over 120 minutes, with no sectional time limit, allowing candidates flexibility in managing their time across sections.
| 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 per Question | 4 |
The five sections broadly cover Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment - testing a mix of verbal, quantitative, analytical, and general awareness abilities.
MAT Test Modes and Test Cities
Candidates can choose between two formats depending on their comfort level, and this section clarifies the differences and city availability.
MAT September 2026 will be conducted in two modes:
- Paper-Based Test (PBT): A traditional offline test using OMR-based answer sheets
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): An online, computer-delivered test format
AIMA conducts the exam across 54 test cities in India. Since test cities may differ between PBT and CBT modes, candidates should check centre availability carefully before selecting their preferred mode and city during registration.
MAT Score Validity and Colleges Accepting MAT Scores
A key concern for aspirants is how widely MAT scores are accepted and for how long they remain valid. This section addresses both points.
MAT scores are valid for one year from the date of declaration and are accepted by 600+ B-schools across India for MBA and PGDM admissions. Some of the well-known institutes accepting MAT scores include:
- Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida
- Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad
- SIES College of Management Studies, Mumbai
- IBA, Bangalore
- Rajagiri Business School, Kochi
- NISM, Mumbai
As part of the base registration fee, AIMA also sends the MAT scorecard to a set number of institutes chosen by the candidate during the application process; additional college applications are made separately by the candidate using their best available score.
