CMAT to MAT
If your CMAT score didn’t open the doors you hoped for, don’t panic. You have another strong shot with the MAT exam. You’ve already done a lot of the heavy lifting for CMAT — now it’s about smart adjustments, focused practice, and pacing. Let’s map out a practical plan so you can switch gears confidently and maximize your chances for MBA admission in 2026.
Why MAT is a realistic second shot
MAT has more questions than CMAT, but the questions are generally more direct. The main challenge is speed rather than complexity. If you handled CMAT topics well, you already have the fundamentals; you just need to adapt to the MAT format and time pressure.
- Question count: MAT has 150 questions versus CMAT’s 100.
- Pacing: MAT is faster. You’ll need to maintain a steady rhythm so you don’t get stuck on a few time-consuming Qs.
- Scoring: MAT uses +1 for a correct answer and −0.25 for an incorrect one. Final results convert raw scores into a composite scale (roughly 200–800). A raw score around 90+ typically lands in top percentiles.
Check the upcoming windows (act now)
MAT runs multiple times a year. The March window often offers two attempts and there is another window in May. Registration for both paper-based and computer-based tests opens in advance. If you plan to switch from CMAT, register early and reserve time for focused prep.
Section-by-section strategy (what changes from CMAT)
Language Comprehension (30 questions)
CMAT heavily tested grammar; MAT tests a mix of skills. You should:
- Practice RC passages—speed and comprehension matter.
- Do parajumble and paragraph summary drills.
- Brush up idioms and essential vocabulary.
- Expect a handful of grammar questions—use CMAT prep to ace these quickly.
Critical Reasoning (30 questions)
If you prepared well for CMAT, your critical reasoning is likely in good shape. Focus on sectional practice to adapt to MAT’s faster tempo rather than learning new concepts.
Mathematical Skills (30 questions)
Most topics overlap with CMAT: percentages, ratio, averages, profit and loss, mixtures, basic algebra. Questions are usually direct problem-solving items. Practice speed and accuracy rather than new topics.
Data Interpretation and Sufficiency (30 questions)
Here MAT often ramps up the number of graph and table questions. Key tips:
- Practice a variety of graphs—bar, line, pie, multiple-series.
- Spend time on data sufficiency and comparing quantities questions—they are conceptually easy but require quick judgment.
- Time your DI sets; many candidates lose marks by overworking a single set.
Economics & Business Environment (30 questions)
This section is usually new territory if you focused on CMAT. Keep preparation practical:
- Study current affairs in economics and business from the past three months.
- Focus on government policy updates, RBI moves, major corporate events, and macro indicators.
- Use short notes or a current-affairs packet to revise quickly before the exam.
Practical 4-week ramp-up plan
Adjust this to the days you have left before the test window. The aim is consistency and mock-driven improvement.
- Week 1: Language and Critical Reasoning — RC practice, parajumbles, speed reading drills.
- Week 2: Maths and arithmetic drills — timed problem sets on percentages, ratio, time-speed work.
- Week 3: DI, data sufficiency, and economics current affairs — intensive graph practice and short current-affairs revision.
- Week 4: Mock tests and analysis — take 8–12 sectional and full-length mocks; revise weak spots and finalize time management strategy.
Mock strategy and pacing
Mocks are your most important tool. Aim for at least 8 full tests and 10 sectional tests before sitting the exam. After each mock:
- Analyze every incorrect and skipped question.
- Work on pacing: on average, aim to complete questions within a minute to 90 seconds depending on section difficulty. Try to attempt 110-120 questions out of the 150 questions.
- Learn when to move on—leaving a hard question and returning later can save valuable minutes.
Resources and support
If you feel you need structure, consider enrolling in MAT coaching or MAT classes. Good coaching helps with discipline, mock access, and targeted feedback. If you prefer self-study, use a test series (10–12 full tests and sectional packs) and concise current-affairs notes for the last three months.
You’ve already built a strong foundation with CMAT prep. With targeted practice, pacing, and a good mock plan, MAT can be the bridge to your MBA 2026 goal. Ready to start your mock schedule?
FAQs
- If my CMAT score was low, should I switch to MAT?
Yes—MAT is a good second opportunity. Many topics overlap with CMAT, and with focused practice on speed and DI, you can improve ranking significantly.
- How many mocks should I take for MAT to be well-prepared?
Aim for at least 8 full-length mocks plus several sectional tests. Quality and analysis matter more than quantity.
- What topics I should prepare for MAT when I have already prepared for CMAT?
- Reading comprehension, Parajumble, Paragraph Summary, Idioms, Vocabulary.
- Practice Graph sets.
- Data Sufficiency, Comparing Quantities.
- Economics, Business related Current Affairs notes.
- How should I prepare for the MAT Economics & Business Environment section?
Focus on current affairs for the last three months—RBI announcements, policy changes, macro indicators, and major corporate news. Use concise notes for quick revision.
- Difference between CMAT and MAT pattern.
- CMAT has 100 questions, 20 each section; MAT has 150 questions, 30 for each section.
- CMAT total duration 3 hours; MAT total duration 2 hours.
CMAT is +4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect; MAT is +1 for correct and -0.25 for incorrect.
