The All India Management Association (AIMA) has officially announced the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2026 schedule for both Paper Based Test (PBT) and Computer Based Test (CBT) modes. The detailed notification has been released on the official website mat.aima.in.

Candidates aspiring for MBA and allied management programmes can now check the important dates, registration deadlines, and exam schedule for MAT 2026.
As per the official announcement, the MAT PBT 2026 registration will close on February 23, 2026, while the MAT CBT 2026 registration will end on March 2, 2026. The MAT PBT 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on March 1, 2026, and the MAT CBT 2026 exam will be held on March 8, 2026.
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by AIMA for admission to MBA, PGDM, and allied management programmes. MAT scores are accepted by hundreds of B-schools across India, making it one of the most popular management entrance exams.
Candidates can choose to appear in PBT, CBT, or both modes, depending on their preference and eligibility. Separate registration is required for each mode.
| Particulars | Details |
| MAT PBT Registration Last Date | February 23, 2026 |
| MAT CBT Registration Last Date | March 2, 2026 |
| MAT PBT Exam Date | March 1, 2026 |
| MAT CBT Exam Date | March 8, 2026 |
| Official Website | mat.aima.in |
Candidates are advised to complete the registration process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
The MAT 2026 exam pattern is designed to assess candidates' aptitude for management studies. The test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be attempted within a duration of 150 minutes.
The paper is divided into five sections:
Each section carries 40 questions, and candidates must manage time effectively across sections. MAT follows a negative marking scheme, with one mark awarded for each correct answer and a penalty for incorrect responses.
Candidates who have completed or are in the final year of their graduation in any discipline from a recognised university are eligible to apply for MAT 2026. There is no upper age limit for appearing in the examination.
MAT provides flexibility through multiple exam modes and sessions, giving candidates more opportunities to improve scores. The test serves as a gateway to management institutes offering diverse specialisations such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, and Business Analytics.
Conclusion
The release of the AIMA MAT PBT & CBT Exam Dates 2026 gives aspirants a clear timeline to plan their preparation. With registration deadlines in February and March and exams scheduled on March 1 and March 8, 2026, candidates should begin focused preparation and complete the application process on time. Regularly checking the official website mat.aima.in will help candidates stay updated with further announcements.