AIMA Opens MAT 2025 Registration for December Session; Separate Deadlines for PBT and CBT Exams
The All India Management Association (AIMA) has announced the closure of the registration window for the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2025 December session. This is a crucial final opportunity for MBA and PGDM aspirants for the 2026-27 intake. Candidates must adhere to the separate deadlines for the two modes: the Paper-Based Test (PBT) registration closes on December 7, 2025, and the Computer-Based Test (CBT) registration closes on December 15, 2025. The PBT exam is scheduled for December 13, 2025, and the CBT exam for December 21, 2025. Register now at the official AIMA portal.
The final gateway to MBA and PGDM admissions for the 2026-27 academic year is nearing its close. The All India Management Association (AIMA) has officially opened, and is now fast approaching the deadline for, the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2025 December session. Recognized by the Government of India, the MAT score is a widely accepted credential for admission to over 600 B-Schools across the country, making this December cycle a critical moment for thousands of aspiring managers.
This session is particularly appealing due to the flexibility it offers, allowing candidates to appear in two different formats: the traditional Paper-Based Test (PBT) or the modern Computer-Based Test (CBT). Aspirants are strongly advised to take note of the distinct registration and examination dates for each mode to ensure their applications are successfully submitted on time. With the deadlines looming, proactive registration is key to avoiding last-minute technical hurdles and securing a chance to compete for a seat in top management institutes.
Dual Mode Deadlines: Key Dates for PBT and CBT
AIMA has structured the December session with separate timelines for the two testing modes. This dual-mode offering ensures that candidates can choose the format that best suits their preparation and convenience, but it also means aspirants must track two different sets of deadlines.
- PBT Mode (Paper-Based Test):
- Last Date for Online Registration:December 7, 2025
- Admit Card Download Date: December 10, 2025
- MAT Exam Date: December 13, 2025
- Note: The PBT mode offers a more traditional exam environment and is typically conducted in a single session across selected cities.
- CBT Mode (Computer-Based Test):
- Last Date for Online Registration:December 15, 2025
- Admit Card Download Date: December 18, 2025
- MAT Exam Date: December 21, 2025
- Note: The CBT mode allows for greater flexibility in terms of test centres and provides a digital experience familiar to many students.
Candidates have the strategic option to apply for either one mode or both. The application fee is ₹2,200 for a single mode (PBT or CBT) and ₹3,800 for registering for both, offering a concession for a double attempt. Securing a higher score across multiple attempts gives applicants a stronger competitive edge during the final admission process.
Step-by-Step Guide to MAT Online Registration
The entire registration process is conducted through the official AIMA website, ensuring a centralized and efficient application system. Aspirants must ensure they have all necessary documents and meet the basic eligibility criteria before starting.
- Prerequisites for Application:
- A Bachelor's Degree in any stream from a recognized university. Final-year students are provisionally eligible.
- Scanned copies of a passport-size photograph (10KB to 50KB, JPG/JPEG format).
- Scanned copies of your signature (5KB to 20KB, JPG/JPEG format).
- Valid payment details (Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI) for the application fee.
- Online Application Process:
- Visit the official AIMA-MAT website (mat.aima.in).
- Click on the 'Register' link and complete the initial registration with your name, mobile number, and email ID.
- Log in to the applicant dashboard and proceed to select the test mode(s)—PBT, CBT, or both—and make the non-refundable fee payment.
- Fill out the detailed application form, providing accurate academic history and personal details.
- Select the five preferred Management Institutes for receiving your MAT scores. You may select more colleges by paying a nominal additional fee.
- Upload the required scanned photograph and signature.
- Submit the final application form, and print a copy of the confirmation page for your records.
MAT Exam Pattern and Strategic Preparation Focus
The MAT exam is structured to evaluate a candidate's holistic aptitude across five distinct areas, unlike many other national-level MBA exams that focus on three. This unique pattern requires a balanced preparation strategy.
- Exam Components (150 Questions, 120 Minutes):
- Language Comprehension (30 Questions): Focuses on Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Vocabulary.
- Intelligence and Critical Reasoning (30 Questions): Tests analytical and logical thinking skills, covering topics like Puzzles, Syllogisms, and Blood Relations.
- Data Analysis and Sufficiency (30 Questions): Involves interpreting data presented in various formats (graphs, charts, tables) and assessing data sufficiency.
- Mathematical Skills (30 Questions): Covers basic to moderate-level quantitative aptitude, including Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.
- Economic and Business Environment (30 Questions): A key section testing current affairs, business news, and static General Knowledge (GK), essential for evaluating market awareness.
- Marking Scheme Advantage:
- The exam follows a standard marking system of +1 mark for every correct answer and a penalty of -0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. This relatively mild negative marking encourages candidates to attempt a good number of questions, provided they maintain a high level of accuracy.
For the December attempt, aspirants must allocate substantial time to brush up on the Economic and Business Environment section, as its syllabus is vast and requires continuous tracking of contemporary events. Focus on mock tests tailored to the MAT pattern, emphasizing speed and sectional accuracy within the 120-minute time limit.
Conclusion
The MAT 2025 December session is the final opportunity to leverage a widely accepted entrance score for the forthcoming academic admissions. With the PBT registration closing on December 7, 2025, and the CBT closing on December 15, 2025, the countdown has officially begun. Aspiring management professionals must prioritize their registration, select their preferred test mode, and intensify their preparation, particularly for the five-section, 120-minute format. Timely action now guarantees your place in the final race for an MBA seat in 2026.
For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on management entrance exams and courses, check here: Management Exams List.