Executive summary
The MAT February 2026 session conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA) has two centre-based modes only: Paper Based Test (PBT) on 1 March 2026 and Computer Based Test (CBT) on 8 March 2026. AIMA’s official schedule also specifies separate registration deadlines—23 February 2026 (PBT) and 2 March 2026 (CBT)—and separate admit-card release dates—26 February 2026 (PBT) and 5 March 2026 (CBT). For MABS (Master of Arts in Business Studies) candidates, MAT is useful as an admissions/aptitude credential only if your target institute accepts MAT for your programme. AIMA explicitly advises applicants to verify programme approval/recognition and re-check with institutes/universities before applying, because acceptance conditions can vary and may change. As per AIMA’s official structure, MAT is a 150-question test to be attempted in 120 minutes, divided into five sections of 30 questions each, with negative marking of -0.25 for every incorrect answer. AIMA also states the overall score is based on all five sections. AIMA’s official score-interpretation guidance explains that MAT uses normalisation and scaling, reports section scores on a 0–100 scale, and reports a composite score on a 200–800 scale with equal weightage to all five sections, along with “percentile below” figures.
Official AIMA timeline and Jan–Mar milestone plan
Official AIMA dates for MAT February 2026
AIMA’s “Information to Candidates” schedule lists these key dates for the February 2026 session.
| Mode | Registration closes | Admit card available | Test date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBT | 23 Feb 2026 | 26 Feb 2026 (5:00 PM onwards) | 1 Mar 2026 |
| CBT | 2 Mar 2026 | 5 Mar 2026 (5:00 PM onwards) | 8 Mar 2026 |
AIMA also states score availability for the February 2026 session is “by end of 2nd week of March 2026”, downloadable from the applicant dashboard on the MAT portal.
What AIMA does not specify for February 2026 (explicitly marked “unspecified”)
Some details are intentionally not fixed on the schedule page and are meant to be confirmed via the admit card and applicant dashboard:
Test timing / reporting time / gate closing time: Unspecified on the schedule notice; AIMA states the admit card contains the test time and venue details.
Exact test-centre address and centre code: Unspecified on the schedule notice; AIMA states the admit card contains the test venue address, and candidates must follow the allotment.
Complete list of test cities: Unspecified within the notice text; AIMA redirects candidates to the MAT website for test-city details.
Institute-wise cut-offs and shortlisting rules (for MABS or any programme): Unspecified by AIMA; AIMA cautions candidates to verify programme recognition and acceptance directly with institutes/universities.
Mermaid Gantt timeline for Jan 1–Mar 9 (aligned to official dates)
| Timeline Period | Date Range | Activity Type | Milestone / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation Milestones | Jan 1 – Jan 14 | Foundation Phase | Baseline mock + plan + notes |
| Jan 15 – Feb 7 | Coverage Phase | Concept build (all 5 sections) | |
| Feb 8 – Feb 20 | Practice Phase | Sectionals + accuracy discipline | |
| Feb 21 – Feb 29 | Mock Test Phase | Full mocks + analysis sprint | |
| Official AIMA Dates | 23 Feb 2026 | PBT Deadline | PBT registration closes (official) |
| 26 Feb 2026 (5 PM) | PBT Document | PBT admit card available (official) | |
| 1 Mar 2026 | PBT EXAM DAY | PBT test day (official) | |
| 2 Mar 2026 | CBT Deadline | CBT registration closes (official) | |
| 5 Mar 2026 (5 PM) | CBT Document | CBT admit card available (official) | |
| 8 Mar 2026 | CBT EXAM DAY | CBT test day (official) | |
| Final Phase | Mar 1 – Mar 9 | Execution & Transition | Final revision + logistics |
MAT February 2026 (AIMA) — Jan 1 to Mar 9 Plan for MABS Aspirants
The official milestones in the table are taken directly from AIMA’s February 2026 schedule.
Step-by-step registration workflow (AIMA) with fees, photo/sign specs, and MI selection
Registration workflow (AIMA’s official steps)
AIMA’s registration process is a structured online workflow. Candidates create an account, choose mode(s), upload documents, choose Management Institutes (MIs), pay, and submit.
1Step one: Create/Access dashboard
Register as a new candidate using a valid email ID and mobile number (OTP verification), or log in as an existing candidate to continue.
2Step two: Choose test mode (PBT / CBT / PBT+CBT)
AIMA supports applying for one mode or both modes (dual mode).
3Step three: Upload photo and signature (strict specs)
AIMA prescribes clear file-type and file-size requirements and also specifies acceptable photo standards (background, visibility, glasses reflection).
Photo: .jpg/.jpeg, 10KB–50KB.
Signature: .jpg/.jpeg, 5KB–20KB; signed in black ink on white paper; AIMA warns signature mismatch can cancel candidature.
4Step four: Choose Management Institutes (MI) for score sending
AIMA’s workflow includes selecting institutes to receive your score. For candidates opting for both modes, AIMA states you can select 7 MIs total (5 + 2 additional), with a fee for extra MI selection.
5Step five: Pay and submit
AIMA lists payment via debit/credit card, UPI, net banking, and wallet options.
Fees and refund policy (official)
AIMA’s official fee for February 2026 is: ₹2200 for PBT or CBT, and ₹3800 for PBT+CBT. AIMA’s refund policy states the fee is non-refundable, and it will not be held in reserve for a future exam/selection. AIMA separately explains that failed transactions (amount debited but form not generated) can be handled through a re-apply + refund-request process, and overpayment due to technical reasons may be refunded after verification.
Admit card and what it contains (official)
AIMA states that provisionally registered candidates must download the admit card from the applicant dashboard; the admit card includes candidate name, form number, roll number, test date, test time, and venue address, and candidates must follow the allotment.
Eligibility and exam modes for MABS applicants (PBT and CBT only)
Eligibility (AIMA)
AIMA’s published eligibility is straightforward: graduates in any discipline are eligible, and final-year students of graduate courses can also apply. AIMA also clarifies there is no age bar and job experience is not necessary to appear for MAT.
Exam modes (PBT vs CBT) and who should pick what
AIMA states MAT February 2026 is conducted in two modes: PBT and CBT (and candidates may opt for both). For MABS candidates, the mode decision is best treated as an operational choice (comfort, logistics, and test-taking style), because the underlying section structure is consistent at the level AIMA publishes.
PBT vs CBT comparison table (AIMA-grounded)
| Dimension | PBT (Paper Based Test) | CBT (Computer Based Test) |
|---|---|---|
| How you answer | Mark answers on an OMR answer sheet at a test centre. | Questions appear on a computer monitor; answers are submitted using keyboard/mouse at a test centre. |
| What you must carry | AIMA notes that in traditional PBT you should bring pen, HB pencils, eraser, and sharpener; question paper and OMR are provided at the centre. | AIMA emphasises basic computer familiarity is assumed; you must follow the date/time allotted (as per admit card). |
| Scheduling and allotment | Date is fixed for Feb 2026 PBT (1 Mar). Test time is via admit card (not specified on the notice). | Date is fixed for Feb 2026 CBT (8 Mar). AIMA states candidates must strictly follow the allotted time; centre activation may depend on minimum registrations. |
| Ideal for | Candidates who are comfortable with paper-based reading and manual bubbling discipline. | Candidates comfortable reading and navigating on a screen under time pressure. |
Source note: The mode definitions and exam-day requirements are from AIMA’s official FAQs and candidate information notes.
Syllabus, exam pattern, scoring, and sample questions (AIMA-first)
Exam pattern and sections (official structure)
AIMA’s official structure is:
Five sections, 30 questions each
150 questions total, to be attempted in 120 minutes
Negative marking: -0.25 per incorrect answer
AIMA states the overall score is based on all five sections
The five sections named by AIMA are: Language Comprehension; Intelligence & Critical Reasoning; Mathematical Skills; Data Analysis & Sufficiency; Economic & Business Environment.
Syllabus detail: what is specified vs “unspecified” by AIMA
AIMA’s official pages clearly publish the section names and counts, and AIMA provides sample questions for candidate guidance. AIMA does not publish a single topic-by-topic syllabus list within the February 2026 schedule/FAQ text; therefore, detailed topic lists should be treated as “unspecified” on AIMA’s Feb 2026 notice pages, and candidates typically use reputable coaching breakdowns to operationalise preparation.
How to use AIMA sample questions (and what they do not guarantee)
AIMA’s official sample-question document states: Sample questions are provided for guidance, and they do not necessarily indicate the actual types or difficulty levels of questions in the live test. The expected preparation standard is broadly that of a graduate under the 10+2+3 education pattern, and the Mathematical Skills knowledge level is indicated as Class 10 standard under Central Board of Secondary Education.
Scoring and score interpretation (official)
AIMA’s score interpretation guidance explains:
Each score report contains six scores: five section scores plus composite score.
Section scores are reported on 0–100 scales.
The composite score is reported on a 200–800 scale.
The composite uses all five sections with equal weightage.
AIMA uses normalisation/scaling, with normalisation explicitly noted as being in effect from February 2021 onward.
Scorecard access and result timeline (official)
For February 2026, AIMA states the score will be available by the end of the second week of March 2026, and candidates must download the score from the MAT website via the applicant dashboard. AIMA’s results portal also states that the score card is to be downloaded from AIMA’s website only and that no separate score card will be sent by post or email.
Preparation strategy, recommended resources, pitfalls, FAQs, and SEO toolkit
Preparation strategy for MABS aspirants (analytical framing)
Given AIMA’s official structure—150 questions in 120 minutes with negative marking—MAT preparation is fundamentally a speed + accuracy + selection problem, not just a syllabus-coverage problem. Reputable coaching guidance emphasises that taking mock tests without analysis is low-value; the improvement comes from systematically identifying weak areas, fixing error patterns, and practising the right type/level of questions.
Ten actionable tips you can implement (8–12 required)
1. Anchor your prep to AIMA’s official exam structure (5×30 questions, 120 minutes, -0.25) so your practice matches the real constraints.
2. Use AIMA sample questions early to calibrate style and set realistic expectations; treat them as guidance, not a difficulty predictor.
3. Build an “error log” after every mock (topic + mistake type + fix). T.I.M.E. stresses that analysing mock tests helps you understand which topics are actually being tested and why you make mistakes.
4. Practise full-length mocks under timed conditions, then spend meaningful time on analysis; IMS explicitly highlights that mere mock-taking is insufficient without improvement loops.
5. Language Comprehension: make vocabulary + grammar + RC a daily habit. Careers360 recommends focusing on grammar/vocabulary and improving reading comprehension skills, including solving previous-year questions.
6. Data Analysis & Sufficiency: practise sets and learn to skip intelligently. Careers360 recommends routine mock/sample practice, reviewing weaker areas, and skipping difficult questions to return later if time permits.
7. Economic & Business Environment: read credible sources daily. Careers360 recommends regular reading of newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, and Financial Express, and using yearbooks for static GK.
8. Quantitative Skills: focus on fundamentals first, consistent with AIMA’s indication that the math knowledge level is approximately Class 10 standard under CBSE.
9. Choose PBT vs CBT based on test-day comfort, not myths. AIMA clarifies CBT is computer-delivered and assumes basic keyboard/mouse familiarity; PBT requires manual marking and carrying basic stationery.
10. Avoid low-confidence guessing, because AIMA confirms negative marking (-0.25 per incorrect answer).
Study-plan timeline (Jan 1–Mar 9), aligned to PBT 1 Mar and CBT 8 Mar
This plan is structured so a serious candidate can target PBT on 1 March 2026 and keep CBT on 8 March 2026 as an additional opportunity (if registered), while staying within AIMA’s official deadlines.
Use this period to internalise the pattern, start daily reading for Language, and take a baseline mock or sectional diagnostic to identify which sections need the most work. The emphasis on mock analysis as a learning tool is strongly echoed by T.I.M.E. and IMS.
Target “first-pass coverage” across all five sections. AIMA’s sample-question document is particularly useful in this phase because it communicates the expected preparation standard and gives a feel of question style.
Use sectional tests and mixed sets to build speed while controlling mistakes. Careers360’s MAT study planning guidance provides a practical daily time split (e.g., maths 1–2 hours, language 1 hour, reasoning/DI ~1 hour, general awareness 20–30 minutes) that you can tailor to your strengths.
Increase the frequency of full mocks and prioritise analysis. IMS explicitly notes that you can access an “official” mock via mat.aima.in after signing up, and it reiterates that just taking mocks is not enough without improvement-driven analysis.
Mar 1 (PBT): execute your attempt strategy with negative marking in mind.
Mar 2–Mar 7: revise error-log topics, do limited timed practice, and avoid starting entirely new topics (a common last-week discipline recommended in structured prep guidance).
Mar 8 (CBT): second attempt if registered; follow your allotted time and ensure you’re comfortable with screen-based navigation.
Mar 9: organise admissions paperwork and shortlist institutes (especially because AIMA cautions candidates to verify recognition/acceptance rules with institutes).
Recommended resources (books, online courses, mock tests)
AIMA-first (primary, high-trust)
AIMA’s Registration Process page for the official workflow and upload specs.
AIMA FAQs for official pattern, negative marking, and mode differences.
AIMA Score & Interpretation guide for how scaled scores, composite score, and percentiles are defined (and the normalisation approach).
AIMA Sample Questions PDF for style calibration and preparation-standard guidance.
Books (reputable, practical lists)
Shiksha’s MAT book list includes standard MAT-focused titles like MAT Entrance Exam Guide (RPH Editorial), MAT 20 Years Topic-wise Solved Papers (Disha Experts), and Mission MBA: MAT Mock Tests & Solved Papers.
Cracku’s study-material guidance also highlights the importance of picking resources that cover all sections and practising with timed mocks, while listing common prep-book options by section.
Online courses / test series and mock practice
T.I.M.E.’s MAT test-series offering describes sectional tests and online mock tests designed to match the latest patterns, with detailed answer explanations and performance analysis.
IMS notes that candidates can download a free “official” MAT mock via mat.aima.in after signing up, and it stresses performance analysis as essential.
Shiksha provides free MAT mock tests and explicitly frames mock practice as critical for a speed-based exam requiring maximum accuracy in minimum time.
Careers360 recommends consistent mock practice and careful review of solutions to identify weak areas, especially for DI/DS.
Common pitfalls (high-frequency, high-cost mistakes)
Upload non-compliance (photo/signature)
Photo and signature size/format errors are avoidable but common; AIMA’s specs are strict, and AIMA warns that signature mismatch can cancel candidature.
Last-minute registration and payment risk
AIMA’s refund policy is clear that fees are non-refundable (except defined technical-error circumstances), so rushed submissions and wrong entries can be costly.
Ignoring mode-specific exam-day requirements
AIMA’s FAQs clearly differentiate CBT (keyboard/mouse familiarity) vs PBT (carry stationery and mark OMR).
Over-attempting despite negative marking
AIMA explicitly states negative marking (-0.25), so random guessing can reduce your score; disciplined selection is part of the scoring economics.
Assuming MAT acceptance for MABS without verification
AIMA advises candidates to verify programme approval/recognition and re-check acceptance with institutes/universities before applying; treat this as non-negotiable for MABS.
