MAT Exam 2025 PBT vs CBT: Which is the Best Exam Mode to Select

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Update on 10 Sep, 2025, 10:41 AM IST

MAT Exam 2025 PBT vs CBT: MAT is the sole MBA entrance exam in India that provides candidates with the option of selecting an exam mode. AIMA conducts the MAT exam in two formats. It is either a paper-based test or a computer-based test. The paper based test is conduced only once or twice a year, but a computer-based test can be taken multiple times in a year. Candidates have an option of selecting either CBT or PBT, or both. Indeed, AIMA permits candidates to participate in both MAT exam formats if they so desire. The cost of the MAT for either the PBT or CBT is INR 2200. By paying an additional INR 1500, candidates may participate in both exams during the same examination phase. Before selecting one of the two exam modalities (PBT and CBT), candidates who intend to participate in the MAT 2025 in the September or December phase must be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

 

Table of Contents

  1. MAT Exam 2025 PBT vs CBT: Important Highlights
  2. Which One to Choose: MAT CBT or PBT?
  3. Preparation Tips for MAT
  4. Eligibility Criteria for MAT

 

MAT Exam 2025 PBT vs CBT: Important Highlights

Particulars

MAT PBT

MAT CBT

Full form

Paper Based Test

Computer Based Test

Test form

OMR sheet

Computer system

Venue

Designated Test Centre

Designated Test Centre

Exam duration

120 minutes

120 minutes

Chance of correction

No

Yes (before final submission)

Chance of technical error

Low

High

Chance of paper leak

High

Low

Know more about: MAT Application Process

 

Which One to Choose: MAT CBT or PBT?

MAT PBT is excellent for applicants who are more comfortable with Pen and Paper Mode examinations. The exam schedule and syllabus for MAT PBT and CBT are the same, thus there is no need to prepare differently.

 

Also, MAT PBT is only offered in limited cities, so keep that in mind. If MAT is not offered in your city, you will have to take it in PBT format. However, if you prefer CBT, you will need to travel to another city to take the MAT 2025 exam.

 

Candidates who are more comfortable studying and taking tests online should opt for CBT in MAT 2025. When used correctly, the CBT mode can be rapid and timesaving. However, CBT, like PBT, is only conducted in specific cities, therefore if the city does not have a MAT test centre for CBT, the candidate will have to take the exam in PBT format or travel to another city.

 

In MAT PBT, candidates must fill out an OMR sheet, and once an answer is noted, it cannot be erased. As a result, when taking the MAT PBT, one must exercise extreme caution when marking answers. One simple error will result in a loss of marks. CBT allows you to alter the answer selection until the exam is submitted.

 

In MAT CBT, one must be aware of the exam flow. Having good control over the computer mouse is vital for rapid movement. Furthermore, there is a risk of losing marks if one forgets to press the save/submit button for the offered questions. As a result, extreme caution is required.

Aspect

MAT PBT

MAT CBT

Test Format

Traditional pen and paper

Online (Computerbased)

Test Mode

Offline mode

Online mode

Availability

Held once or twice a year, limited locations

Multiple test dates, more test centers across the country

Question Paper

Fixed set of questions on paper

Same questions in a digital format

Time Duration

2.5 hours

2.5 hours

Number of Questions

200 questions (40 in each of 5 sections)

200 questions (same structure as PBT)

Selection of Mode

It is based on preference provided.

It is based on availability.

Pros

Familiar format, no technical skills required

Flexible dates, more centers, digital interface

Cons

Fixed dates, fewer centers, pen and paper format might be less comfortable for some

Requires comfort with computers, some may find it unfamiliar

Results

Results may take time due to manual evaluation

Faster results due to automated evaluation

Know more about: MAT Exam Pattern

 

Preparation Tips for MAT

Preparation tips for MAT are almost the same as any other management exams that gets conducted in India. Candidates are expected to regularly check the AIMA website for regular updates regarding the same:

  • Practise taking practice tests on a regular basis to work on your time management skills.
  • Improve basic skills in math, english, and reasoning. If a candidate has prepared for CAT, then it will be easier for him.
  • To do well on the General Awareness section, candidates need toupdated with latest news articles and should check G.K websites regularly.
  • Check the last year's papers to see how the test is set up and what questions are being asked.
  • Setting time limitations for all the sections during practice sessions will help a candidate get better at both speed and accuracy.
  • Revise important formulas and shortcuts to solve problems faster.
  • Improve language and comprehension skills by working on your vocabulary.
  • A candidate should get a good night's sleep before the test so you can stay calm and attentive on the day of the examination.

 

Eligibility Criteria for MAT

There is a certain eligibility criteria for the MAT exam that a candidate is expected to follow. The eligibility criteria is similar to any other management exam . Some of the eligibility criteria are listed below:

  • Must have passed a minimum of bachelor degree.
  • Is in the last year of the graduation.

It can be concluded that the MAT computer-based test takes place multiple times in a year. It is convenient for the candidates to appear in this exam, as the result is declared faster than the paper-based test. But to maximise the marks in MAT 2025, it is recommended to give the test in both patterns. The highest of the two marks will be considered the original score.

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