• Updated on Aug 05, 2025 by Riya Khandelwal
MAT 2025 Exam Analysis: Candidates appearing for MAT 2025 can expect a paper that sticks to its standard structure but may vary slightly in difficulty depending on the mode chosen, PBT (Paper-based Test) or CBT (Computer based Test). With five sections and no fixed time limits per section, time management will likely remain a deciding factor in overall performance. While the Indian & Global Environment section will still appear in the scorecard, it won’t be counted toward the final percentile, which may help students focus their efforts better.
This analysis will cover everything: the exact exam pattern, how each section is expected to perform, what good attempts may look like, and what percentile you can aim for based on your score. Whether you’re sitting for the test this year or just finished attempting it, this breakdown will give you a fair picture of what to expect from MAT 2025 and how you can use your score to plan the next steps in B-school admissions.
MAT 2025 Exam Pattern
The MAT 2025 exam will be held in two modes, Paper-Based Test (PBT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT). The Internet-Based Test (IBT), which was used during the COVID years, won’t be conducted anymore as per recent updates.
There will be 150 multiple-choice questions in total, split evenly across five sections, that’s 30 questions in each section. The exam will last for 2 hours (120 minutes), and there won’t be any fixed time limit for individual sections. Students can move between sections however they like during the test.
Each right answer will give you 1 mark, but for every wrong one, 0.25 marks will be deducted. The Indian & Global Environment section will still appear in your scorecard, but it won’t count towards your percentile or final composite score. Only the first four sections will actually affect your result.
Check: MAT Exam Pattern 2025
Mode-Wise MAT 2025 Exam Difficulty Analysis
MAT 2025 was conducted in two formats: PBT (Paper-Based Test) and CBT (Computer-Based Test). The IBT (Internet-Based Test) mode, which was used during the pandemic years, has now been officially discontinued. Here's a breakdown of how students experienced each mode, what issues (if any) were reported, and the final verdict for each format:
Section-Wise Analysis of MAT Exam 2025
The MAT 2025 exam had five sections, each carrying 30 questions. Unlike CAT, all sections were part of a single test session with no sectional time limit. Below is a summary of each section, covering the number of questions, difficulty level, good attempt range, and key highlights reported by students across both CBT (Computer based Test) and PBT (Paper based Test) modes.
MAT Exam Analysis 2025: Good Attempts & Accuracy Benchmark
Scoring well in MAT doesn’t depend only on the number of questions attempted, but also on how accurate those attempts were. Since there's negative marking for wrong answers (0.25 mark deducted), candidates needed a balanced approach, not just speed, but careful selection too.
MAT Exam Analysis 2025: Score vs Percentile Estimates
While the official MAT 2025 results are yet to be released, candidates can get a fair idea of what to expect by looking at previous year trends. MAT percentile scores are calculated only using the first four sections of the paper, excluding the Indian & Global Environment section, which means the composite score is out of 160 marks.
Since MAT is held in multiple sessions but follows a fixed exam pattern, score normalization is minimal. Based on data from past years and expert analysis, the table below shows how raw scores are typically mapped to percentiles. These estimates are useful for setting realistic targets during preparation and interpreting mock test results.
Note: These are indicative ranges based on past trends. AIMA uses score normalization across sessions, so actual percentiles may vary.
MAT 2025 Result & Cutoff Expectations
MAT scores are accepted by over 600 B-schools across India, but not every institute follows the same cutoff trend. While the overall composite score is out of 800, only the first four sections (excluding Indian & Global Environment) are considered for the percentile calculation, which plays a key role in shortlisting.
Unlike CAT, MAT cutoffs are generally more relaxed, but top-tier colleges still demand strong scores and percentiles. Most leading institutes shortlist candidates with a 90+ percentile, while mid-range B-schools accept scores in the 70–80 range. Also, unlike IIMs, MAT-accepting colleges may or may not have sectional cutoffs.
Here’s an estimated cutoff range for some of the top MBA colleges accepting MAT 2025 scores:
Read: MAT Cutoff 2025
FAQs on MAT 2025 Exam Analysis
What will the MAT 2025 exam pattern be like?
The MAT 2025 exam will have 150 questions divided into five sections. Students will get 2 hours to finish the paper and can move between sections any time during the test.
Will the Indian & Global Environment section affect the final percentile?
No, this section will appear on the scorecard, but it won’t be counted when percentiles are calculated. Only the first four sections will decide the final score.
Which formats will MAT 2025 be held in?
The exam will be conducted in PBT (Paper-Based Test) and CBT (Computer-Based Test) modes. The IBT mode won’t be used anymore, as it has been discontinued.
Which mode will be easier: PBT or CBT?
PBT may feel better for students who like traditional exams, but it might take more time due to OMR sheets. CBT will be quicker for those who are comfortable with computers, though small glitches might happen.
How tough will the Mathematical Skills section be?
The section will focus a lot on arithmetic topics like percentages, ratios, and profit-loss. It might feel tricky for some, but with regular practice, most questions can be solved.
What will be asked in the Language Comprehension section?
This part will include grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Passages will be short and easy to read, so students who have prepared well will find this scoring.
What will be a safe number of attempts in the paper?
Trying around 22–25 questions in each section with good accuracy will be a safe range. Guesswork should be avoided due to negative marking.
How many marks will be needed for a 90+ percentile?
Based on past data, students who score more than 110 marks out of 160 (excluding the GK section) will likely reach the 90–95 percentile zone. Exact numbers may vary slightly.
What types of questions will come in the Intelligence & Critical Reasoning section?
The section will have logical and verbal reasoning questions, such as pattern finding, cause-effect, and assumption-type problems. Most of these will be solvable with a calm approach.
Will MAT 2025 have negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 marks will be cut for every wrong answer. This means students must answer carefully and avoid rushing through the paper.
What percentile will top colleges expect in MAT 2025?
B-schools like XIME and PUMBA will likely ask for a 90+ percentile. Colleges like NDIM, Christ, and Jaipuria will consider students with 75–85 percentile scores.
When will the MAT 2025 result be released?
The result will likely be declared in October 2025. Students will be able to check it by logging in to the official MAT website.