The MAT clock is already ticking for the September 2026 cycle, and one missed date can cost you a whole admission season. This guide bundles the MAT registration dates, fees and a step-by-step walk-through in one place — with the caveat that AIMA can revise numbers between cycles, so the live portal is always the final word.
1. MAT September 2026 schedule
| Mode | Exam date | Registration closes | Admit card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-Based Test (PBT) | 13 Sep 2026 | ~7 Sep 2026 | A few days before the exam |
| Computer-Based Test (CBT) | 20 Sep 2026 | ~14 Sep 2026 | A few days before the exam |
As per the AIMA schedule for the September 2026 session — always confirm the live dates on mat.aima.in before you plan around them. Scores post to your dashboard; no email copy is sent.
2. What does registration cost?
| Choice | What you can sit | Fee (₹) | B-school choices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single mode | One test (PBT or CBT) | ~2,300 | 5 |
| Dual mode | Both PBT and CBT | ~4,000 | 7 (5 + 2 bonus) |
Fees shown are for the September 2026 cycle as listed publicly and may change — confirm the exact amount on mat.aima.in. Payment is online only: card, UPI or net-banking.
3. A ten-minute registration walk-through
- Open the official portal: mat.aima.in.
- Click Register and enter a valid email and mobile number; verify the OTP.
- Fill the basics — name, date of birth (match your degree certificate), gender, nationality.
- Upload photo and signature in the sizes and formats the portal specifies.
- Select your test city and mode (PBT, CBT, or both).
- Pay the fee through the payment gateway.
- Lock your B-school codes (up to 5 or 7). You can edit until the registration deadline.
- Download the confirmation PDF and note your registration number.
- Set a reminder for admit-card day.
4. Choosing your mode: PBT vs CBT
| Feature | Paper-Based (PBT) | Computer-Based (CBT) |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Familiar OMR sheet; good if you practise pen-paper mocks | On-screen timer and navigation; mirrors most MBA entrance tests |
| Centres | Wide network nationwide | Slightly fewer but growing |
| Hall size | Larger halls | Staggered shifts, smaller labs |
| Best for | Those at ease with pen and paper | Those comfortable with online exams |
Both modes share the same syllabus, the same 150-question paper, −0.25 negative marking, and a single composite percentile.
5. Documents & eligibility
- Degree: a graduate in any stream (final-year students may apply).
- Photo ID: Aadhaar, passport or driving licence on exam day.
- Email & phone: active through at least the end of the admission cycle for GD-PI calls.
- Payment method: a card or UPI with limits that cover your chosen fee.
Registered? Now prepare with a plan.
Learn Crew runs online-only live MAT classes on Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri evenings across a four-month batch — every class recorded, with e-books, full mock series and mentorship included. Nine in ten of our students cross 600/800; live fee ₹14,000, recorded-only ₹5,000.
Explore MAT Coaching →6. Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using a college email that will deactivate | Missed OTPs and result alerts | Use a personal Gmail/Outlook ID |
| Wrong photo or signature format | Application rejected | Follow the portal’s size and format rules exactly |
| Skipping the B-school edit window | Scores sent to the wrong colleges | Cross-check codes before paying |
| Leaving it to the final night | Gateway time-outs | Finish two days early |
7. Frequently asked questions
Is there an internet-based (IBT) option?
AIMA offers IBT in some cycles alongside PBT and CBT. Which modes are open varies by session — check mat.aima.in for the September 2026 list.
Can I switch from PBT to CBT after paying?
Usually yes, from your dashboard until the destination mode’s registration closes. A switch fee may apply — confirm the current amount on the portal.
How many times does MAT run each year?
Four sessions — February, May, September and December. Each is a separate application.
Where should I prepare?
Learn Crew offers online live and recorded MAT classes with material and mocks — see our MAT coaching page.
8. After you register
- Download your admit card on the scheduled date and keep a spare printout.
- Sit full-length mocks — aim for several before exam day.
- Shortlist colleges against last year’s cut-offs, and plan a second attempt if it helps.
MAT books, e-books and mock tests
The MAT book set covers Logical, English, Mathematics and Data Interpretation, printed A4 and couriered across India. The e-book and the scored mock series sit on the same store, so you can pick print, digital, or both.
See MAT materialSources
- AIMA — official MAT registration portal: mat.aima.in
- September 2026 dates & fees cross-checked via mbauniverse, Jul 2026 (confirm on the portal)
Prep for MAT Sep 2026 the calm, structured way.
Live evening classes, recorded access, mocks and mentorship — ₹14,000 live · ₹5,000 recorded.