If you are planning for MBA admissions and wondering how much you need to score in MAT 2026, you are in the right place. We will walk you through the exam format, how scoring and percentiles work, what counts as a good MAT score, and which colleges typically consider those scores. We’ll also cover a simple strategy if your score is lower than expected and answer common questions.
Why many candidates choose MAT
MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is a national level MBA entrance that is accepted by 600+ colleges across India. A few reasons candidates prefer MAT:
- It is generally considered an easy to moderate level exam compared with some other MBA tests.
- It is conducted four times a year, which gives you multiple chances to improve your score.
- Both paper-based test (PBT) and computer-based test (CBT) formats are usually available for the same exam cycle.
- You can submit your best score to colleges, so a poor attempt does not have to end your application cycle.
MAT Exam Structure and Raw Scoring
The exam has five sections, each carrying equal weight:
- Language Comprehension
- Critical Reasoning
- Mathematical Skills
- Data Interpretation and Sufficiency
- Economic and Business Environment
Each section contains 30 questions, so the raw score is out of 150. The marking rule is simple:
- +1 for each correct answer
- -0.25 for each wrong answer
- 0 for unattempt questions
That raw score is not what colleges directly view. The raw score is converted into scaled section scores and then into a composite score used for admissions.
MAT Scaled score, MAT Composite score, and MAT percentile
Here’s how scores are presented:
- Section scaled scores are generally reported on a 0–100 scale. Your raw score for each section out of 30 points is converted to a scaled score. A complicated formula is being used for this conversion.
- The composite score is on a 200–800 scale. The bottom end (200) is treated as a baseline and the top end (800) represents the highest scaled performance.
- The composite Score is arrived at using all five sections of the test. Equal weightage is assigned to all these five sections.
- Percentile is computed from the composite score and for the sectional scores to show relative performance among test takers.
- Each MAT attempt to be slightly more or less difficult than another. These slight differences are accounted for during the normalization and scaling process.
MAT Score Report
- Each score-report contains six scores: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Economic & Business Environment, and Composite Score.
- Each section score is reported 0 to 100 and composite score ranges from 200 to 800.
- For each of the six scores mentioned, a percentile below figure is also given. Each of these indicates the percentage of examinees who scored below the candidate based on the entire MAT testing population for the test.
What is a “good” MAT score?
As MAT is conducted multiple times in a year, percentiles fluctuate between attempts. Because of that variability, most colleges pay more attention to your MAT composite score than the percentile.
There is no single official cutoff that guarantees admission. Still, here are practical benchmarks based on recent trends:
- 750+ (Excellent) — Likely to be in the 95+ percentile range. Opens doors to top private and strong state B-schools.
- 700–750 (Very good) — A solid score that gets you shortlisted for interviews at a wide range of colleges.
- 650–700 (Good) — Competitive for many top private colleges and strong programs. You can expect interview calls from reputed institutes.
- 600–650 (Decent) — You still have a good chance at many respectable colleges, though top options may be tougher.
- Below 600 — It becomes harder to get into top-tier colleges. You can get admissions into many private or lesser-known institutes, but consider a reattempt if your target schools require higher scores.
How to use the MAT multiple attempts strategically
MAT is conducted four times a year and all the cycles offer both PBT and CBT formats. That effectively lets candidates attempt the exam twice per cycle, so you can appear MAT exam up to eight times a year. Use this advantage:
- If a first attempt does not go well, take the next available attempt – the test experience itself helps improve timing and accuracy.
- Focus on incremental improvements: aim to strengthen your weaker section based on results in the previous attempt.
- Submit your best composite score to colleges — not your average. This helps you apply with confidence.
FAQs
- What is the difference between MAT composite score and MAT percentile?
The composite score is a scaled number on a 200–800 range derived from your raw performance. MAT percentile shows your relative rank among all test takers in that session. Colleges tend to prefer the composite score for consistency.
- How many times can I take MAT in a year?
MAT is held four times a year and sessions allow both PBT and CBT variants, so you can attempt up to eight times annually. Use multiple attempts to improve gradually and submit your best score.
- What is the MAT exam marking scheme?
Each correct answer gives +1 and each incorrect answer carries -0.25. Avoid random guessing; try elimination-based guessing when you can rule out options.
- Is MAT coaching necessary to score 700+?
MAT coaching can provide structured practice, strategy, and mocks that speed up improvement. Not necessarily, but guidance helps to achieve the target score more easily.
- If I score below 600 in the MAT exam, should I reattempt?
If your target includes top or highly competitive private colleges, consider reattempting. Below 600 limits options among top-tier programs, though many reputable private colleges still accept such scores.
- Which score range gets me interview calls from top MBA colleges?
MAT Scores of 650+ generally secure interview shortlists at many respected private colleges. For the most competitive seats, aim for 700+.