MAT September 2026 registrations are open, with the Paper Based Test (PBT) on September 13, 2026 and the Computer Based Test (CBT) on September 20, 2026, both conducted by AIMA across 54 cities in India.
The Management Aptitude Test is conducted by the All India Management Association and accepted by hundreds of MBA institutes across India. Both PBT and CBT cover the same five sections with identical marking. Registering for both modes lets you send your score to seven institutes instead of the standard five. This guide covers exact dates, a mode-by-mode comparison and step-by-step registration so you can apply with confidence.
- MAT September 2026 PBT is on September 13, 2026; registration closes September 7, 2026.
- MAT September 2026 CBT is on September 20, 2026; registration closes September 14, 2026.
- Both modes share the same pattern: 150 questions, 5 sections, 120 minutes, -0.25 negative marking.
- Registration fee: Rs. 2,300 for one mode; Rs. 4,000 for both PBT and CBT.
- Registering for both lets you designate your score to 7 institutes instead of 5.
| Direct Link to MAT September 2026 Registration (OPEN): mat.aima.in |
MAT September 2026 Exam Dates: PBT and CBT Schedule
AIMA has announced the complete schedule for MAT September 2026. PBT and CBT fall on different Sundays, so you can appear in both by registering before each mode’s deadline.
| Event | PBT (Paper Based Test) | CBT (Computer Based Test) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Closes | September 7, 2026 | September 14, 2026 |
| Admit Card Available | September 10, 2026 (5:00 PM onwards) | September 17, 2026 (5:00 PM onwards) |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 | September 20, 2026 |
| Result | Last week of September 2026 | |
Registrations are currently open at mat.aima.in. Both modes are available across 54 test cities in India.
MAT PBT vs CBT: Key Differences
The question paper, syllabus and marking scheme are identical for PBT and CBT. The differences lie in format, exam centre type and date.
| Parameter | PBT (Paper Based Test) | CBT (Computer Based Test) |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of answering | OMR sheet, pen and paper | On-screen, mouse or keyboard |
| Exam date | September 13, 2026 (Sunday) | September 20, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Registration deadline | September 7, 2026 | September 14, 2026 |
| Exam centre type | Traditional invigilated test centre | AIMA-authorised computer lab centre |
| Question navigation | Sequential on paper | On-screen navigation within active section |
| Rough work | Physical rough sheets provided at centre | On-screen scratch pad or rough sheets at centre |
| Registration fee | Rs. 2,300 | Rs. 2,300 |
| Both modes together | Rs. 4,000 (score designation limit increases to 7 institutes) | |
| Score acceptance | Accepted equally by all MAT-participating MBA institutes | |
There is no score advantage to either mode. All MAT-participating institutes treat PBT and CBT scores identically for MBA admissions shortlisting and selection.
MAT September 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern is identical for PBT and CBT. MAT September 2026 has 150 questions across five sections completed in 120 minutes.
| Section | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 30 |
| Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | 30 |
| Mathematical Skills | 30 |
| Data Analysis and Sufficiency | 30 |
| Economic and Business Environment | 30 |
| Total | 150 |
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Marking scheme: +1 for each correct answer; -0.25 for each wrong answer
- Pattern and difficulty level are the same for both PBT and CBT
How to Apply for MAT September 2026
The registration process is online and the same for PBT and CBT. Registrations are currently open at mat.aima.in.
- Go to mat.aima.in and open the MAT September 2026 registration page.
- Create a new account with your email ID and mobile number, or log in to your existing AIMA account from a previous MAT session.
- Fill in your personal details, academic qualifications and contact information accurately in the application form.
- Upload your photograph and signature in the size and format specified in the official instructions.
- Select your mode: PBT, CBT or both. Choosing both at Rs. 4,000 raises your score designation limit to 7 institutes.
- Choose your preferred exam centre city from the list of 54 available cities.
- Pay the fee: Rs. 2,300 for one mode or Rs. 4,000 for PBT and CBT together via credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI or digital wallet.
- Download and save your payment confirmation and application summary for your records.
No physical documents need to be submitted to AIMA at the time of registration. Your PBT admit card will be available from September 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM and your CBT admit card from September 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM on the official portal.
How to Choose Between PBT and CBT for MAT September 2026
Since both modes test the same syllabus and institutes accept both equally, your decision should rest on personal comfort and convenience.
| Choose PBT (September 13) if... | Choose CBT (September 20) if... |
|---|---|
| You are comfortable marking answers on an OMR sheet | You prefer reading and answering questions on a computer screen |
| You want to finish earlier and receive results sooner | You want an extra week of preparation before your attempt |
| Traditional invigilated test environments suit you better | Computer lab environments feel more natural and comfortable |
| You have practised extensively on printed MAT mock papers | You have prepared using computer-based mock tests |
| You prefer doing rough work on paper | You are comfortable using an on-screen scratch pad |
Registering for both PBT and CBT at Rs. 4,000 is the best strategy if your budget allows. The two exams are a week apart and do not conflict. You get two attempts, two chances at a higher score and the ability to designate your result to seven institutes rather than five.
MAT September 2026 PBT vs CBT FAQs
Ques. What is the registration fee for MAT September 2026?
Ans. The registration fee for MAT September 2026 is Rs. 2,300 for a single mode (PBT or CBT). Registering for both PBT and CBT together costs Rs. 4,000 and increases your score designation limit from five to seven institutes.
Ques. Can I appear in both PBT and CBT in MAT September 2026?
Ans. Yes. MAT September 2026 PBT is on September 13 and CBT is on September 20. Since the dates do not overlap, you can register and appear in both modes by paying the combined fee of Rs. 4,000.
Ques. What is the last date to register for MAT September 2026?
Ans. The registration deadline for MAT September 2026 PBT is September 7, 2026. For CBT, registrations close on September 14, 2026. Applications are currently open at mat.aima.in.
Ques. Is there any difference in score between MAT PBT and CBT?
Ans. No. The question paper, marking scheme and composite score calculation are identical for both modes. All MAT-participating MBA institutes accept PBT and CBT scores equally with no preference for either.
Ques. What is the MAT September 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. MAT September 2026 has 150 questions across five sections: Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency and Economic and Business Environment, with 30 questions each. The duration is 120 minutes with +1 for each correct answer and -0.25 for each wrong answer. The same pattern applies to both PBT and CBT.
Ques. When will the MAT September 2026 admit card be available?
Ans. The MAT September 2026 PBT admit card will be available from September 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM onwards. The CBT admit card will be available from September 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM onwards. Both can be downloaded from mat.aima.in after logging in to your account.
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