MAT Counselling 2026: Dates, Selection Process, Institute-Wise Cut-Offs

MAT Counselling 2026 will start after the MAT September Session. The counselling process starts after the MAT 2026 Results are declared, a week or two after the exam concludes. Many institute that accepts AIMA MAT 2026 scores will have their own counselling process and require separate registrations. If the counselling application is accepted, candidates go through group discussions, personal interviews and other rounds as set by the institute. Final admissions letters are sent to candidates who clear all rounds of admissions.

For the MAT counselling process 2026, shortlisted candidates must carry their marksheets, transfer certificates, undergraduate degree, the MAT score card, caste certificate and medical certificate, if applicable. MAT 2026 Cutoff for top institutes that accept MAT scores, such as Amity University and BIMTECH, are typically above 90. For institutes like NIRMA University, MAT scores in the range of 80 to 90 are accepted.

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) September 2026 Session provides entry to MBA and PGDM programs across over 600 participating B-schools in India. A critical detail aspirants often overlook is that AIMA does not hold a single centralized counseling portal. Instead, AIMA serves as the examining body, while the admission and selection process is conducted independently by each participating B-school.

MAT Counselling 2026: Important Dates

MAT 2026 is held four times a year: February, May, September and December. After the exam concludes, the results are declared one to two weeks later, and counselling dates are announced by the participating institutes soon after. Here are the important dates for MAT 2026 Exam:

Also Check: MAT 2026 Exam Pattern

MAT Counselling 2026: Selection Process

All institutes that accept MAT scores have their own counselling and selection process. Candidates must check their target institutes to know the cut-offs and the counselling process, as the admission procedure will differ from institute to institute. The process is generally divided into three major stages: Shortlisting, Personality Assessment, and Final Selection.

Also Check: MAT 2026 Syllabus

MAT Counselling 2026: Registration

After AIMA releases the MAT scores, candidates need to check the institute cut-offs and register for the counselling process on their official website. Institutes invite shortlisted candidates for GD-PI before offering admissions. Here is how candidates can participate in the MAT 2026 counselling procedure:

• Step 1: Select five institutes to send MAT scores when filling out the AIMA application form.
• Step 2: Once the MAT results are published, apply for the counselling process at the target colleges.
• Step 3: Colleges invite shortlisted candidates for the counselling procedure.
• Step 4: Typically, the counselling process involves GD and PI, but additional rounds may be held.
• Step 5: After clearing all rounds, colleges send official invitation letters for admission.

Also Check: AIMA MAT 2026 Mock Tests

MAT Counselling 2026: Shortlisting Criteria

Candidates are shortlisted for the MAT counselling process based on their scores in the MAT exam. Other factors are also considered, such as academic performance, work experience and tie in MAT scores. The selection criteria based on which institutes shortlist candidates for MAT 2026 counselling are as follows:

• MAT 2026 exam score.
• Academic marks and performance.
• Work experience, if available.
• For tie-in marks, preference is given to the older candidate on the basis of the birth date.
• If NRI seats are empty, they are converted to general seats.

Also Check: MAT Previous Years Papers

MAT Counselling 2026: Documents Required

Candidates need to carry certain documents to the MAT counselling process for verification, such as class 10th, 12th and undergraduate studies marksheets, passing certificates and undergraduate degree. The following is the list of a few documents required for the MAT admission procedure:

• MAT 2026 Score Card.
• MAT 2026 Admit Card.
• Class 10th marksheet and passing certificate.
• Class 12th marksheet and passing certificate.
• Undergraduate degree marksheets.
• Migration certificate.
• Reservation certificate, if applicable.
• Medical certificate, if applicable.
• Passport-sized photographs.

MAT Counselling 2026: Participating Institutes with Cutoff 2026(Expected)

Institutes accepting MAT scores have different eligibility criteria to shortlist candidates for the counselling process. While some institutions require previous work experience, others conduct only a round of personal interviews for admission. It is advised that candidates check the institute’s website for more details on the counselling process. The table below lists the process for counselling at a few institutes that accept MAT scores:

Also Check: AIMA MAT 2026 Books

MAT Counselling 2026: Cut-Offs( Expected)

Candidates receive their admission offer letters based on their composite scores of all rounds of the MAT admissions. Institutes release their MAT cut-off lists of MAT scores based on which one can apply for counselling. For institutes like Amity University and BIMTECH, cut-offs are higher than 90 plus and 80 to 90, respectively. Here is a list of MAT 2026 expected cut-offs at participating institutes:

MAT Counselling 2026: Action Plan After MAT September Results 2026

• Download Scorecard Immediately: Obtain your scorecard from mat.aima.in as soon as it goes live in late September 2026.
• Track Selected Colleges: Check the admission portal or email communications from the 5–7 B-schools you designated during MAT registration.
• Apply to Additional Institutes: If your MAT percentile exceeds expectations, apply directly on the individual websites of other top B-schools accepting MAT scores.
• Prepare for WAT/GD/PI: Prepare current affairs summaries, polish your core undergraduate subjects, and write a crisp Statement of Purpose (SOP).

MAT Counselling 2026: How much money do you need? 

The money required for MAT 2026 admissions falls into two distinct categories: non-refundable administrative & application fees and refundable seat lock-in or security deposits. Since AIMA conducts the exam while individual B-Schools manage their own selection and seat allocation, fee structures vary depending on the institute.

Non-Refundable Money Required

These fees cover test administration, application processing, and candidate evaluation. They are non-refundable under all normal circumstances.

Refundable Money Required (Admission & Seat Confirmation Stage)

These payments secure your seat after selection. They follow AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) refund mandates if you cancel your admission before specified deadlines.

MAT Counselling 2026 FAQs