MAT September 2026 CBT Analysis: Paper Easy to Moderate; Check Section-wise Difficulty and Expected Cut-offs
Published 21 Sept 20263 min read
The AIMA MAT September 2026 computer-based test (CBT) was easy to moderate overall, on the same lines as the paper-based test (PBT) held on September 13. Language Comprehension, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning and Economic & Business Environment were rated easy, while Mathematical Skills and Data Analysis & Sufficiency were moderate.
The All India Management Association (AIMA) held the CBT on September 20, 2026 [VERIFY: source says "today"]. AIMA has not yet announced the result date. Scorecards will be available at mat.aima.in.
MAT September 2026 CBT: Key Highlights
- Conducting body: All India Management Association (AIMA)
- Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
- Overall difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Moderate sections: Mathematical Skills; Data Analysis & Sufficiency
- Deviation from earlier sessions: Little, according to the analysis
- Result: Date not officially announced
MAT 2026 CBT Section-wise Difficulty Level
| Section | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | Easy |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | Easy |
| Economic & Business Environment | Easy |
| Mathematical Skills | Moderate |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | Moderate |
Language Comprehension leaned towards grammar and vocabulary. Quantitative, reasoning and data interpretation questions were a mix of easy and moderate. The Economic & Business Environment section followed expected lines.
Test-takers cited in the live blog said the paper covered arithmetic, modern maths, geometry, algebra, reading comprehension, idioms and data sufficiency. Some found arithmetic more time-consuming.
MAT 2026 CBT: Number of Good Attempts
These are estimates from the live analysis, not official figures.
| Section | Questions | Good attempts (estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 30 | 13–15 |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 30 | 12–15 |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 30 | 12–14 |
| Mathematical Skills | 30 | 11–13 |
| Economic & Business Environment | 30 | 8–10 |
MAT 2026 Expected Cut-offs for Top MBA Colleges
The percentiles below are indicative estimates, not official figures. Institutes determine their own MAT cut-offs for the first round of selection.
| College | Expected MAT percentile |
|---|---|
| Amity Business School, Noida | 90+ |
| Christ University, Bengaluru | 80–90 |
| BIMTECH, Greater Noida (specialised programmes) | 80–90 |
| SIESCOMS, Navi Mumbai | 80–90 |
| JIMS, Rohini, Delhi | 80–90 |
| Indus Business Academy | 80–90 |
| Institute of Management Studies (IMS) [VERIFY location] | 80–90 |
| IPE Hyderabad | 80–90 |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow | 80–90 |
| New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM) | 80–85 |
| Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management | 80–85 |
| IES Management College and Research Centre | 80–85 |
| ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai | 80–85 |
MAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
MAT has five sections of 30 questions each, 150 questions in total, to be attempted in 120 minutes. Each correct answer earns one mark and each wrong answer costs 0.25 marks. Unattempted questions carry no penalty. The syllabus, duration, question count and marking scheme are the same in both modes.
What Happens Next
- Scorecard: AIMA releases the scorecards of all sessions and modes together, roughly 15–20 days after the session, according to Shiksha. AIMA announces result dates only on mat.aima.in, so any other date is an estimate.
- Where to check: Candidates download the scorecard from the applicant dashboard at mat.aima.in.
- Score sharing: AIMA sends scores to the five institutes chosen in the application form. Candidates can apply to other colleges separately.
- Selection: Colleges typically shortlist on MAT cut-offs, then hold GD, WAT and PI rounds.
- Validity: A MAT score remains valid for one year.
Official Website
Candidates should check all MAT updates only at mat.aima.in.