MAT Exam -Syllabus & Strategies
MAT exam preparation requires a bit of hard work and a bit of smart work. MAT is a speed-based test wherein the candidates have to solve 200 MCQs in 150 minutes. So, the aspect that you need to take care of most is speed and accuracy in solving the questions. Although MAT is considered easier than other MBA entrance exams, to get through a Tier-I MBA institute accepting MAT, they need a score of minimum 95 percentile.
MAT Exam Pattern
The testing modes of MAT 2021 are CBT, PBT and IBT mode. The candidate can choose the mode of exam at the time of MAT application process. The test structure of MAT is same as other MBA entrance exams, i.e. MCQs to be solved in a limited time period.
MAT Syllabus
Before starting MAT preparation, candidates should thoroughly know important topics of each section. MAT syllabus includes five subjects:
- Language Comprehension
- Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
- Data Analysis and Sufficiency
- Mathematical Skills
- Indian and Global Environment
Section-wise MAT preparation Strategy
To crack this exam, the aspirants should aim to score high in each section, since marks of all sections are considered for overall percentile calculation.
MAT Preparation: Language Comprehension
The Language Comprehension section of MAT exam consists of all the topics of verbal ability and English grammar. The section also consists of Reading Comprehension passages which are usually easy in nature.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Total number of questions | 40 MCQs |
| Suggested time | 25-30 minutes |
Tips to prepare Language Comprehension section
Reading Skills: Focus on improving reading speed as although passage-based questions are easy reading the passage takes time. Read books, newspapers and magazines to improve reading speed and practice a number of sample papers to improve the speed in solving Reading comprehension based questions.
English Grammar: Most of the questions on English grammar are asked vocabulary, clauses, idioms, verbs, active and passive voice, punctuation and sentence construction. Improve your hold on the fundamental of English grammar and you will sail through in this section of MAT.
Verbal Ability: You can ace verbal ability questions by practicing sample questions. Since there is no formula or concepts to be understood, practicing sample question is the best way to tackle this section.
MAT Preparation: Mathematical Skills
This section of MAT question paper is based on quantitative ability topics. The topics included in this section are advanced level Mathematics topics of what one has studied in Class 9 and 10. Conceptual clarity is the key to cracking this section of MAT 2021.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Total number of questions | 40 MCQs |
| Suggested time | 40 minutes |
Tips to prepare for Mathematical skills section
Fundamentals and Theorems: As mentioned above, cracking Numerical Ability section of MAT exam is all about having a good hold on concepts and theorems. Even those who did not study Mathematics at higher level can score well in this section. Therefore, start with studying each topic every day. Prepare notes on formulae and fundamentals, understand then well and attempt related questions.
Calculation: Candidates should practice mental Maths to speed up calculation during the exam. Topics like Profit & Loss, Mean, Median, Number System, Mensuration, Time, Distance & Speed and Percentages are easy to solve, so acquire speed.
Weak areas: If candidates find topics like Vectors, Differential Equation, Trigonometry, Algebra, etc. difficult, then they should devote their time on learning the topics at least three months before the exam. If you haven’t been able to prepare these topics well, skip questions based on these in the main exam. However, we recommend early engagement with these topics for greater chance of scoring well also gets higher.
MAT Preparation: Data Analysis and Sufficiency
This section of MAT exam contains mostly analytical questions related to interpretation of data, calculations and statements. Test takers are require to read, understand and conclude the closest outcome from the given data. The data is represented in form of tables, charts and graphs and may turn out to be tricky to solve even though candidates have prepared well for it.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Total number of questions | 40 MCQs |
| Suggested time | 35 minutes |
Tips to prepare Data Analysis and Sufficiency section
Understanding Charts, Graphs and Tables: Before attempting the questions, candidates should have a basic understanding of data representation. Each question carrying large amount of data for demographic, economic numbers are represented in tables, pie charts, graphs, and the questions asked seem confusing. The key is to break down the question into part and then analyse the data.
Data Analysis: section must not be confused with passage-based questions of Language Comprehension i.e. do not start attempting questions right away. First, analyse the data, then interpret it and then choose the right answer. If it takes extra time then mark such questions for review and attempt in the end in the remaining time.
MAT Preparation: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
The questions of this section mainly demand application of Logical skills. Important topics in this section include Blood Relations, Statement & Conclusion, Matching Statements, Analogies, Series and Assertion & Reason. This is a reasoning based section and questions related to Blood Relations, Statements & Conclusions, etc. may seem easy but can be tricky.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Total number of questions | 40 MCQs |
| Suggested time | 30 minutes |
Tips to prepare Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section:
Fact, logic and opinion: Candidates should carefully view the questions based on intelligence for understanding the Fact – the obvious truth, Logic – verification of statement with reasons and Opinion/ intellect – your view. Also, implement methods to solve questions quickly, for example – Identifying Blood Relations should be as under:
- Relatives of mother – maternal family
- Relatives of father – paternal family
Now, each relation mentioned in the question should be categorized as above, to get the right answer.
Critical thinking: The candidates should not assume any answer. The only way to arrive at a correct answer is to analyse the question, contradictory statements and conclusion. Also, candidates need keep speed and accuracy in mind while solving questions from this section. They should not spend more than a minute on any questions. To gain speed and accuracy, practice a variety of Intelligence and Critical Reasoning sample questions.
MAT Preparation: Indian and Global Environment
The Indian and Global Environment section of MAT exam is the least time taking section as it does not require any critical thinking or calculations. The Indian and Global Environment Section is all about testing general awareness of candidates with straightforward questions on topics below:
- Current Affairs and Events at national as well as international events
- Awards, film festivals and celebrities
- Political events and affairs
- Science, technology & research
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Total number of questions | 40 MCQs |
| Suggested time | 15 minutes |
To prepare well for Indian and Global Environment, religiously follow current affairs and news. Check out some interesting tips to prepare for this section:
- Read books, magazines, newspaper, blogs and websites and make notes alongside.
- Watch news, debates, political and business chat shows on Television and Youtube
- Memorise static GK topics from Lucent GK book and our institute notes.