MAT December 2026 Registration Begins; Check PBT, CBT Dates, Fee and Pattern

The All India Management Association (AIMA) has opened registration for the MAT December 2026 session. Candidates interested in appearing for the Management Aptitude Test can submit the application form online through the official MAT portal at mat.aima.in. The MAT December 2026 Paper-Based Test (PBT) is scheduled for December 20, 2026, while the Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be held on December 27, 2026. The last date to apply is December 14 for PBT and December 21 for CBT. MAT is conducted by AIMA four times a year in February, May, September and December. The examination is used for admission to MBA and PGDM programmes, and AIMA states that MAT is accepted by 600+ B-Schools across India.

MAT December 2026 Important Dates

Candidates opting for both PBT and CBT should check the applicable schedule and complete the registration requirements within the prescribed deadline. Recent reports confirming the December 2026 schedule were published on September 28.

MAT December 2026 Application Fee

AIMA has prescribed the following application fee for the December 2026 session:

Candidates can pay the application fee online using a credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI or wallet. The fee for selecting both modes is ₹4,000. AIMA's refund policy states that the registration fee is non-refundable, subject to the specific provisions mentioned for failed transactions.

Who Is Eligible for MAT December 2026?

Candidates who have completed graduation in any discipline from a recognised university or equivalent recognised institution can appear for MAT. Final-year students of undergraduate programmes can also apply provisionally. AIMA does not prescribe a single minimum graduation percentage for appearing in MAT; however, individual participating institutes or universities may have their own eligibility and percentage requirements. There is also no age bar for appearing in MAT, and work experience is not mandatory.

MAT December 2026 Exam Pattern

The MAT examination consists of 150 objective-type questions divided equally across five sections. Candidates get 120 minutes to complete the test.

The official AIMA MAT information states that candidates receive one mark for a correct answer and a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.

MAT December 2026 Syllabus

The MAT syllabus broadly covers five areas:

1. Language Comprehension: Questions assess language and reading comprehension skills.
2. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: This section tests logical reasoning, analytical thinking and related reasoning abilities.
3. Mathematical Skills: Candidates are tested on mathematical concepts and quantitative problem-solving.
4. Data Analysis & Sufficiency: This section focuses on interpreting and analysing data and determining whether the information provided is sufficient.
5. Economic & Business Environment: Questions cover awareness related to economic and business developments and the broader business environment.

The official MAT structure confirms 30 questions in each of these five sections.

MAT December 2026 Admit Card

Candidates who complete their registration can download the MAT admit card through the applicant dashboard. AIMA's official information states that the admit card is not sent by post or email. Candidates must download it from their MAT applicant dashboard according to the schedule published for the respective test. For the December session, the scheduled admit-card dates are December 17 for PBT and December 24 for CBT. The admit card contains important information such as the candidate's name, form number, roll number, test date, test time and examination venue.

How to Apply for MAT December 2026?

Candidates can complete the MAT December 2026 application process online.

• Step 1: Visit the official MAT website.
• Step 2: Register as a new candidate using a valid email ID and mobile number.
• Step 3: Verify the registration details through the required OTP process.
• Step 4: Log in to the applicant dashboard.
• Step 5: Select the preferred test mode—PBT, CBT or both.
• Step 6: Enter personal and educational qualification details.
• Step 7: Upload the required photograph and signature.
• Step 8: Pay the applicable application fee.
• Step 9: Review the completed registration form.
• Step 10: Submit the application and retain the registration details for future use.

AIMA's official registration instructions require candidates to keep their email ID, mobile number, scanned photograph, scanned signature and educational qualification details ready before starting the application.

Documents Required for MAT Registration

Candidates should keep the following details and files ready:

1. Valid email ID
2. Active mobile number
3. Recent passport-size photograph
4. Scanned signature
5. Personal details
6. Educational qualification details
7. Debit or credit card, net banking or UPI facility for payment

AIMA specifically lists the photograph, signature, personal and educational details and online payment facility among the requirements for registration.

MAT December 2026 PBT vs CBT

Candidates can choose between the Paper-Based Test and Computer-Based Test while completing the application. The application fee is ₹2,300 for either individual mode, while candidates selecting both PBT and CBT pay ₹4,000. Candidates choosing both modes can therefore appear in both scheduled examinations, subject to the applicable rules and schedule.

MAT Score Validity

AIMA states that the MAT score is valid for one year from the test date. Candidates can use the score for admissions at participating management institutes according to the individual institute's admission requirements. Candidates should check the admission criteria of each B-school separately because participating institutes can have their own eligibility, cutoff and selection requirements.

MAT December 2026: Important Things to Remember

Candidates preparing for the December session should remember the following:

• MAT December 2026 registration is currently open.
• The PBT will be conducted on December 20, 2026.
• The CBT will be conducted on December 27, 2026.
• The PBT registration deadline is December 14, 2026.
• The CBT registration deadline is December 21, 2026.
• The fee is ₹2,300 for one mode and ₹4,000 for both modes.
• MAT has 150 questions across five sections.
• The total test duration is 120 minutes.
• Incorrect answers carry a 0.25-mark penalty.
• MAT scores are valid for one year.

MAT December 2026 Candidate Action Plan

1. Candidates should first decide whether they want to appear for PBT, CBT or both modes. 
2. They should then complete the online registration well before the applicable deadline.
3. Before submitting the application, candidates should check their personal and academic details carefully and ensure that the photograph and signature meet the required specifications.
4. After registration, candidates should regularly check the applicant dashboard for the admit card and other updates. 
5. They should also review the admission requirements of the B-schools where they plan to use their MAT score.