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MAT EXAMINATION GUIDE: MAT Examination Pattern 2020
MAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2020
The AIMA sets the exam pattern for the MAT exam. The question paper is divided into five sections – Indian and Global Environment, Language Comprehension, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning. The exam is conducted in two modes- Computer-Based-Test mode and Paper-Based-Test mode. The MAT exam time duration is for two hours and thirty minutes. Read this article to completely understand the MAT 2020 exam pattern, marking scheme and test structure.
MAT Exam Pattern 2020 Highlights
MAT exam is held in two modes- Paper Based Test Mode (PBT) and Computer Based Test Mode (CBT). The table below features the main aspects of the MAT exam.
| Exam Name | MAT |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | 1. Paper Based Mode 2. Computer Based Mode |
| Number of sections | 1. Indian and Global Environment, 2. Language Comprehension, 3. Data Analysis and Sufficiency 4. Mathematical Skills, 5. Intellegence and Critical Reasoning |
| Exam Duration | 150 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 200 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Language of Paper | Engilsh |
| Type of Questions | Objective type questions with 4 choices peer question |
| MAT Marking Scheme | 1 Mark for 1 correct answer, -0.25 mark for one wrong answer |
MAT exam pattern
The MAT question paper has the following sections as shown below:
Broad Sections of MAT Question Paper
MAT Exam Pattern: Sectional Weightage
The MAT question paper has 200 MCQ questions. The table below shows the sectional weightage –
| Section | Number Of Questions |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 40 |
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | 40 |
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency | 40 |
| Mathematical Skills | 40 |
| Indian and Global Environment | 40 |
| Total | 40 |
MAT 2020 Marking Scheme
- For every correct answer, one mark is added
- For every incorrect attempt, 0.25 marks is deducted
- Each section of the question paper carries a weightage of 40 marks.
- No marks are deducted for unanswered questions
MAT Exam Pattern – Overall and Sectional Time Duration
There is no time limit for each section. However, it is good to set a time limit for each section so that the entire question paper can be completed on time. The table below contains the suggested time limit for each section of MAT 2020.
| Section | Suggested Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 30 min. |
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | 30 min. |
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency | 35 min. |
| Mathematical Skills | 40 min. |
| Indian and Global Environment | 15 min. |
| Total | 150 min. |
Section-Wise Break-Up of MAT Question Paper
Data Analysis and Sufficiency
This section may not be all that straightforward and involves the usage of shortcuts. The questions are usually lengthy and require a lot of calculations and are mostly in the form of graphs, tables and charts.
Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
The questions in this section are either in the form of sets or as a single one and are quite lengthy when compared to other sections. However, the questions are not that tough. Read the questions well and understand the question before attempting to solve it.
Language Comprehension
A good command over the English language is required for this section. To score well, a thorough knowledge of the language and a good reading speed is necessary.
Mathematical Skills
This section contains standard questions that can be easily solved with a good amount of practice. To be successful in this section, a good grasp of the fundamentals and quick calculation skills is needed.
Based on the analysis of the PBT mode phase I, the table below contains the section-wise difficulty level, expected good score and the number of questions needed for a good score.
| Section of MAT question paper | Number of questions | Expected good marks | Level of difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data analysis and sufficiency | 40 | 16-18 on an average | Easy to moderate |
| Intelligence and critical reasoning | 40 | 22-25 on an average | Moderate |
| Language comprehension | 40 | 23-25 on an average | Easy to moderate |
| Mathematical skills | 40 | 21-23 on an average | Moderate to difficult |
Also read: MAT preparation tips
MAT 2020 Preparation Tips
The idea is to concentrate on each of the sections of the MAT syllabus. Prepare a schedule that is time-based and centred on the syllabus and pattern of the exam. The following are a few of the preparation tips:
- Boost your reading skills by constantly reading books, newspaper and magazines
- Practice mathematics questions every day. Thorough practice using previous year question papers, mock tests etc. would be of immense benefit.
- CBT mode candidates should practice plenty of online mock tests and PBT mode candidates should also make use of sample papers to evaluate their level of preparation.
- Examine your strengths and weaknesses and spend time working on the difficult sections. Click on this link to understand the difficulty levels- Is MAT tougher than CMAT?
- Avoid postponing your study schedules. Strictly adhere to the time table prepared. This will help in avoiding last-minute stress and result in a better performance.
FAQs on MAT Pattern
Q: In how many modes is the MAT exam conducted?
A: The MAT exam is conducted in Paper Based Test Mode and Computer Based Test mode. As the name suggests, the PBT mode is offline, involving a hard copy of the question paper while the CBT mode is online.
Q: Are there any special skills needed for the MAT CBT mode?
A: No, only a basic knowledge of the computer is needed as the interface is quite student-friendly.
Q: For how long is the MAT exam held?
A: The total duration of the MAT exam is 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
Q: Is there negative marking in MAT?
A: Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect response to a question.
Q: How many sections are there in the MAT syllabus?
A: There are five sections in the MAT syllabus. These are- Indian and Global Environment, Language Comprehension, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning.
Q: How many questions are asked from the DA and Sufficiency section of MAT?
A: A total of 40 questions are asked from the Data Analysis and sufficiency section of MAT exam.
Q: Is there a time limit for each section in MAT Exam?
A: No, there is no specific time limit for each section. However, it is recommended to set a time for each section and complete it within that time so that all the sections can be completed within 2.5 hours.
Q: How do I score the maximum marks in the MAT CBT mode?
A: For a good score, practice plenty of online mock tests and sample question papers.
Q: How can I score maximum marks in the MAT PBT mode?
A: Practice from a good number of MAT sample questions papers. After each test, review your performance and work on your mistakes.
Q: How many questions are asked in the MAT question Paper?
A: There are a total of 200 questions of MCQ format. These questions are split across five sections having 40 questions in each of them.
Q: What kinds of questions are asked from the Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section?
A: This section evaluates the critical thinking abilities of the candidate. Questions are based on series and sequence, critical reasoning, data arrangement, blood relations, direction sense, input-output analysis, coding and decoding.
Q: What questions can I expect from the Data Analysis and Sufficiency section?
A: Questions in the Data Analysis and Sufficiency section of MAT exam are based on coding and decoding, direction sense, input/output analysis, blood relations and direction sense.
Q: Will there be any subjective questions in MAT exam?
A: According to the MAT 2020 Pattern, there are no subjective questions. All questions will be of MCQ format.
Q: What types of questions are asked from the Indian and Global Environment section?
A: The questions are from national and international current affairs. General Knowledge questions will also be asked in this section.
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