MAT Preparation Tips 2025 for Intelligence & Critical Reasoning

2 minute read

Shreya Panagria

Update on Aug 08 2025, 09:46 PM IST

Critical Reasoning is considered one of the most challenging sections in MAT exam, right after Mathematical Skills. The Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section in MAT 2025 Exam checks how well a student can think, solve problems, and understand patterns. This part is not about remembering facts, but about using logic and making smart decisions. It includes different types of questions like puzzles, blood relations, direction sense, coding-decoding, and series.

 

This section is very important because it has 40 questions out of 200 in MAT exam. These questions can be easy, moderate, or difficult, and students get one mark for each correct answer, while 0.25 marks are cut for every wrong answer.

 

To excel in this section, it is essential to practice daily, understand the various MAT question types, and learn effective time management strategies during the test. Solving mock tests and using the right books will help improve reasoning skills step by step.

 

Books written by experts such as R.S. Aggarwal, Arun Sharma, and M.K. Pandey explain these topics clearly and concisely, incorporating practice questions that are particularly useful for MAT preparation. By utilising the correct study materials & employing a strategic approach, students can enhance their performance in this section with confidence.

 

Table of Contents
  1. MAT 2025 Exam Pattern
  2. MAT Exam 2025 Critical Reasoning Topics
  3. MAT 2025 Exam Syllabus
  4. Preparation Tips for MAT Exam 2025 Critical Reasoning
  5. MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning 2025: How to Practice Sample Questions
  6. Best Books for MAT Exam 2025 Critical Reasoning
  7. Key Takeaway

 

MAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The Exam will have 150 minutes to respond to 200 questions in total. The table below contains all of the important information regarding MAT 2025 Exam Pattern:

Particulars

Details

Exam Mode

Offline, Online(Computer Based) and IBT

Language

English

Sections

Indian and Global Environment, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Language and Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Total Questions in each section

40

Sectional Time Limit

None

Question Type

MCQs

Maximum Marks

200

Also Check: MAT 2025 Language Comprehension

 

MAT Exam 2025 Critical Reasoning Topics

The Critical Reasoning section in MAT 2025 exam checks how well candidates can understand, analyse, and solve logical problems. This section is designed to test thinking ability rather than memory or subject knowledge. It includes questions based on logic, assumptions, cause-and-effect, blood relations, direction sense, and more. Questions are usually based on verbal and analytical reasoning. Some are direct and easy to solve, while others require careful reading and logical thinking. Understanding patterns, relationships, and sequences plays a big role in this section.

Topic

Number of Questions

Level Of Difficulty

Blood Relations

10

Easy-Moderate

Statements- Cause & Effect

8-10

Moderate

Analogies

3-4

Moderate

Statements-Assumptions

3-4

Moderate

Direction sense

3-4

Moderate

Critical Reasoning

4-5

Difficult

Series/ Logical Sequence

3-4

Easy

Syllogisms

3-4

Moderate

Incorrect Terms

2-3

Easy

Also Check: MAT Data Analysis and Sufficiency 2025

 

MAT 2025 Exam Syllabus

The Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section of MAT 2025 checks how well candidates can analyse problems, identify patterns, and make logical decisions. It includes both verbal & non-verbal reasoning questions that test analytical thinking, clarity of thought, and problem-solving skills.

 

This section covers a wide range of topics such as Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Series, Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, and Statement-based reasoning. Candidates are also required to understand directions, rankings, and patterns in logical sequences.

 

Practicing these topics regularly helps improve speed and accuracy, both of which are essential to score well in this part of the exam.

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Syllabus

Fact-inference-judgment

Passage Conclusion

Clocks

Calendars

Statement-Argument

Analogy

Blood Relations / Family Tree

Logical Sequence

Assumption

Premise

Conclusion

Seating Arrangement

Linear and Matrix Arrangement

Team Formation

Input-Output

Series

Syllogism

Cubes

Rows

Set theory, Venn Diagrams, and Network Diagrams

Puzzles

Logical Reasoning based on Rankings

Critical Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning

Direction sense

Decision Making

Incorrect Terms

Also Check: MAT Indian & Global Environment 2025

 

Preparation Tips for MAT Exam 2025 Critical Reasoning

Scoring well in the Critical Reasoning section of MAT 2025 exam requires a clear understanding of concepts and consistent practice. The following preparation strategies can help improve performance in this section:

  • Read each question carefully and allow adequate time to understand the underlying logic before selecting an answer. Precision in comprehension plays a major role in solving reasoning-based problems in MAT.
  • Avoid relying on guesswork. Critical reasoning questions in MAT test require analytical thinking, which must be supported by factual interpretation and logical conclusions rather than assumptions.
  • Time management is essential. As this section often takes longer to complete, consistent practice through sectional tests and previous MAT papers can build both speed and accuracy.
  • Practice mock tests regularly to gain familiarity with the pattern & difficulty level of MAT critical reasoning questions. This also helps strengthen problem-solving skills under time pressure.
  • Start with simpler questions to build momentum and confidence. This approach not only aids in managing time effectively but also helps maintain focus and reduce exam-day stress during the MAT.

By following a structured preparation strategy and focusing on practical application, MAT Critical Reasoning section can be approached with confidence & clarity.

 

MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning 2025: How to Practice Sample Questions

Online MAT practice exams are available to help test-takers prepare effectively. These mock tests are available in varying levels of difficulty—easy, moderate, and challenging. It is best to begin with easy mock tests, then progress to moderate ones, and finally attempt the more challenging ones.

 

At first, solving tough questions in MAT question papers may seem challenging. However, with regular practice and understanding of the structure, logic, and flow of the questions, it becomes easier to solve them quickly.

 

Following a step-by-step approach improves skills and builds strong analytical and reasoning abilities, especially for the Intelligence & Critical Reasoning section of MAT exam. This also helps in understanding series-based questions & related topics more clearly and efficiently.

 

Best Books for MAT Exam 2025 Critical Reasoning

Choosing the right books is important to build strong reasoning skills for MAT exam. The Critical Reasoning section tests a candidate's ability to think logically, solve problems, and analyse patterns. To improve performance in this section, it is helpful to study from books written by trusted authors. These books offer clear explanations, practice questions & techniques that make learning easier. Below is a list of recommended books for mastering the Critical Reasoning part of MAT 2025 exam.

Name Of Book

Author/Publication

A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning

R.S. Aggrawal

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT

Arun Sharma

The Hand-on Guide to Analytical Reasoning & Logical Reasoning

Peeyush Bhardwaj

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT/XAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT

Gajendra Kumar & Abhishek Banerjee

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT

Nishit Sinha

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning For Cat

Pearson Education Limited

Complete Guide for Mat and Other MBA Entrance Exams

Deepal Agarwal and Mahima Agarwal

An Easy Approach to High-Level Reasoning

Yatindra Sidharth

Analytical Reasoning

M.K. Pandey

Logical And Analytical Reasoning

R. Gupta

 

Key Takeaway

The Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section is an important part of MAT 2025 exam that tests logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Success in this section requires a clear understanding of concepts, regular practice and good time management. Using the right study materials and practising with mock tests can greatly improve performance. By following a focused and consistent preparation plan, candidates can approach this section with confidence and increase their chances of scoring well on MAT exam.

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