The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) 2026 application process is conducted online by the All India Management Association (AIMA). Candidates seeking admission to MBA and PGDM programmes can register through the official MAT website and choose between the Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), or both modes.

For the December 2026 session, the PBT registration deadline is December 14, 2026, while the CBT registration deadline is December 21, 2026. Candidates should complete their applications and fee payments before the deadline for their selected test mode.

MAT 2026 Application Process: Overview

Steps to Apply for MAT December 2026

Step 1: Visit the Official MAT Website

Open the official MAT website and select the registration option for the December 2026 examination. Read the instructions and eligibility requirements before starting the application.

Step 2: Create a Candidate Account

Enter the required registration details, including your name, email address, mobile number and other information requested by the portal. Create a password and complete the verification process.

Use a valid email address and mobile number because they may be used for login verification and important examination communications.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

Log in to your candidate account and complete the online application form. Enter the required personal, educational and contact information accurately.

Review your details before proceeding. Any discrepancy in your name or other information may create problems during examination or admission formalities.

Step 4: Upload Your Photograph and Signature

Prepare the scanned photograph and signature according to the specifications displayed in the application portal. AIMA's published application instructions have specified the following file sizes:

• Photograph: 10–50 KB

• Signature: 5–20 KB

Check the current portal instructions for the required file format, dimensions and upload limits before submitting the images.

Step 5: Select the Examination Mode

Choose the test mode that suits your preference:

• Paper-Based Test (PBT): An offline examination using a question paper and answer sheet.

• Computer-Based Test (CBT): An examination conducted on a computer at the allotted test centre.

• PBT + CBT: Register for both modes and take both examinations.

For the December 2026 session, PBT is scheduled for December 20, 2026, and CBT for December 27, 2026. Candidates registering for both must complete the applicable requirements for each selected mode.

Step 6: Select Management Institutes

Select the management institutes to which you want your MAT scores sent, subject to the choices available in the application portal.

According to AIMA's published FAQ, candidates registering for one mode can select up to five management institutes. Candidates registering for both PBT and CBT can select two additional institutes, allowing a total of seven choices.

Check each selected institute's admission criteria and confirm that it accepts the relevant MAT score.

Step 7: Pay the MAT 2026 Registration Fee

Pay the applicable registration fee using the payment methods available on the official portal. These include credit card, debit card, net banking and UPI; wallet options may also be available as specified by AIMA.

Confirm the payment status before leaving the portal.

Step 8: Submit the Form and Save Confirmation

Review the completed application and submit it. Save your application details and payment receipt for future reference.

Log in again to verify that your registration is complete. If payment is deducted but no application form is generated, follow AIMA's instructions for failed registration rather than assuming that your application has been submitted successfully.

MAT December 2026 Application Deadlines

Candidates should note the separate deadlines for the two test modes:

Candidates applying for both modes should verify their application status and the relevant instructions for each examination.

Important Instructions for MAT 2026 Applicants

• Enter personal and academic details accurately.

• Upload clear photographs and signatures that satisfy the portal's requirements.

• Select the correct test mode and preferred test city.

• Complete fee payment before the applicable deadline.

• Check whether your preferred institutes accept MAT scores and review their admission requirements.

• Download the relevant admit card when it becomes available.

Official Website

Apply through the official AIMA MAT website. For the December 2026 schedule, visit the official MAT test dates page.

Need Help with MBA Admissions?

Eduspray India can help students understand MBA eligibility requirements, compare management programmes and organise their application process.