MAT score is the total marks scored by the candidates in the exam, whereas MAT percentile is the comparison of the scores with respect to other candidates.
MAT score vs percentile is an important factor and needs understanding to prepare for the MAT exam. AIMA announces the MAT scores and percentiles, and many candidates are usually confused by these two terms.
MAT scores are the marks obtained by the candidates, whereas MAT percentiles are the scores compared to the rest of the candidates.
MAT Score vs Percentile
Candidates can understand the difference between MAT score and MAT percentile with the table given below
| Features | MAT Score | MAT Percentile |
| Definition | The raw score obtained by a candidate | Percentage of candidates who scored lower than the candidate |
| Scale | 0-200 | 0-100 |
| Focus | Absolute performance | Relative performance |
| Significance | Indicates knowledge and understanding | Indicates comparative standing |
The key differences between MAT score and percentile are listed below
- Absolute vs. Relative: The MAT score is an absolute measure of a candidate's performance, while the MAT percentile is a relative measure.
- Scaled vs. Unscaled: The MAT score is scaled to a maximum of 200, while the MAT percentile is not scaled.
- Focus on Individual vs. Comparative Performance: The MAT score focuses on a candidate's individual performance, while the MAT percentile compares a candidate's performance to that of other candidates.
Also Check: MAT Cut Off 2024: Expected & Previous Year Cut Offs for MBA Colleges
What is MAT Score?
MAT score is divided into three tables: scaled score, composite score and percentile score. The composite score is calculated considering the four sections of the exam and is based on the performance of the candidate.
The details are listed below:
- The MAT composite score is calculated on the basis of the performance of the candidate in the first four sections of the exam.
- The marks secured in the Indian & Global Environment section are excluded in calculating the composite score and are portrayed separately in the MAT scorecard.
- The composite score is a scaled score. As each MAT exam is held within an interval of 3 months, their difficulty level may increase or decrease.
- Hence these differences are adjusted in the scaling process. Therefore the score represents a similar ability of the test taker, irrespective of when the test was taken.
How to Calculate MAT Score?
The composite score is calculated considering the candidate's total raw score; follow the table below to get an idea.
- First, a Raw score for each section out of 40 is awarded to the candidates. For this, the maximum marks are 200.
- The sectional scores are then scaled into a range of 0-100.
- Then the sum of the first four sections is added (Total of 400) and converted and scaled to give the Composite score and is awarded in a range of 200-800.
- All scores below 200 to any level are stated as 199.
- All scores above 800 are reported as 801. This means even if your score is more than 801 it will be reported as 801 only.
| MAT Sections | Marks Allotted | Composite Score Scale | Allotted Time |
| Language Comprehension | 40 | 0 to 100 | 30 |
| Mathematical Skills | 40 | 0 to 100 | 40 |
| Data Analysis & Sufficiency | 40 | 0 to 100 | 35 |
| Intelligence & Critical Reasoning | 40 | 0 to 100 | 30 |
| Indian and Global Environment* | 40* | 0 to 100* | 15 |
| Total Score (First four sections only) | 200 | 400 converted to a maximum composite score of 800 | 150 |
*Not included in composite score calculation & percentile calculation
Also Check: MAT Counselling 2024: Date, Registration, Selection Procedure
What is MAT Percentile?
The MAT percentile is the relative marks obtained by a candidate in comparison to the other candidates who have taken the test. The list below explains it in an elaborate way:
- It displays all the number of candidates who scored less than a particle candidate with the highest percentile in the entire MAT 2021 Exam.
- This means it is the percentage of the candidates that have scored below a candidate.
- For example: if 1000 people appear for the MAT exam, the candidate’s percentile will be calculated on the basis of the performance of the remaining 999 that are appearing for the exam.
How to Calculate MAT Percentile?
The composite score of the first four sections is used to calculate the MAT Percentile. Once you get to know the percentile score, it will be easy to prepare.
- The four sections namely Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Language Comprehension.
- The fifth section i.e. Indian & Global Environment is excluded in the calculation of percentile.
- The maximum raw score used for this will be out of 160 (The sum of the raw score of the first four sections).
- AIMA uses the formula given below to calculate the MAT percentile of the candidate. The percentile displays
- Hence the percentile indicates the percentage of candidates who scored below the candidate based on the total number of candidates who have taken the exam.
- Sectional percentiles of the Indian and global Environment is also reported separately.
Calculating MAT Percentile
The MAT score vs percentile is obtained based on the formula mentioned below:
MAT Percentile Score = (Composite scores obtained by a candidate/ Total number of candidates) x 100
Also Check: What is the Use of MAT Exam 2024?
Details Mentioned in MAT Score Card
MAT score card reflects the total marks scored by the candidate, the following are mentioned in the scorecard:
- Sectional scores of
- Language Comprehension
- Mathematical Skills
- Data Analysis & Sufficiency,
- Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
- Indian & Global Environment*
- Sectional Percentiles (of all sections)
- Composite score (Calculated from the first four sections)
- Percentile
*The composite score and Percentile of the Indian & Global Environment section are given separately.
How to Check MAT Score Card?
The process to check MAT score is mentioned step-by-step as follows:
- Visit the AIMA website.
- Click on the ‘Download/View’ tab
- In the drop-down menu that appears select ‘MAT results’ and then select the particular session of the test.
- Enter your registration details, i.e. form number and registration number
- Click 'Submit' to view your MAT 2021 Scorecard
- You may take a printout or download your score for future reference.
What is Considered a Good MAT Score?
Let us understand what is considered to be a good score in the MAT exam. This is subjective to the different colleges, as each college has a cut-off score for admission. However, the candidates must aim to get a composite score of at least 400.
The cut-off for colleges will be changing each year as they depend on the difficulty level of the MAT exam.
Apart from this each of the B-Schools consider different criteria for their admissions. B-Schools may also conduct a Personal Interview (PI), Group Discussion (GD), and a Written Ability Test (WAT) as part of their selection procedures.
Also Check: Top B-schools Accepting MAT 2024 Scores and Cutoffs
What After the MAT Result?
Candidates who qualify MAT exam can proceed to the admission process after AIMA publishes the MAT results. The admission process for an MBA will differ across MAT-accepting colleges. In addition, some B-schools offer direct admission based on the MAT score.
Yet, some would conduct PI, GD, or WAT. Candidates will be shortlisted based on their performances in all rounds. A candidate's academic performance is also considered for admission to PGP/ MBA courses.
Candidates should check the admission process of the respective college to which they want to apply.
Read More: What After the MAT Results?
