MAT exam is conducted in three modes. The Paper-Based Mode (PBT), Computer-Based Mode (CBT), and Internet-Based Mode (IBT). The exam date and admit card release dates are different for all the modes, however, the syllabus remains the same.
What are PBT, IBT and CBT Modes in MAT Exam? The Management Aptitude Test is conducted in three modes: Paper Based Test (PBT), the Computer-Based Mode (CBT), and the Internet-Based Mode (IBT). The registration date, exam date, and admit card release dates are different for all the modes. However, the eligibility, syllabus and exam pattern remain the same.
Students are free to test any mode multiple times. However, one must apply separately for each session, while the registration remains the same. The most recent MAT exam scores will determine admissions to the MBA programme. Every year, about 3 lakh applicants sit the MAT exam. It is among the most well-known MBA entrance exams.
MAT CBT vs. MAT PBT vs. MAT IBT 2024 Comparative Analysis
To learn about the MAT exam it is necessary to know and understand the difference between MAT PBT, MAT CBT, and MAT IBT. The list below displays the major differences between the exams.
| Particulars | MAT PBT Mode | MAT CBT Mode | MAT IBT Mode |
| Mode of Exam | Offline | Online (Computer Based) | Online (Internet Based) |
| Number of questions | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Number of sections in the test paper | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Marking scheme | +1 for every correct answer | +1 for every correct answer | +1 for every correct answer |
| Negative marking | -0.25 for every wrong answer | -0.25 for every wrong answer | -0.25 for every wrong answer |
| Duration of Exam | 150 minutes | 150 minutes | 150 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Option of Changing Answers | Available | Available | Available |
| MAT Exam Time | 10 am to 12.30 pm | 10 am to 12.30 pm | Morning slot: 10 am to 12:30 pm |
| - | - | Evening slot: 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm |
Also Check: Here's All That You Must Keep in Mind Before Giving MAT
MAT 2024 Exam Highlights
MAT is the Management Aptitude Test. It is an aptitude test conducted by the AIMA for admissions into top Business Schools in India. It's important to understand what are PBT, IBT and CBT Modes in the MAT Exam.
Candidates are advised to go through the MAT 2024 exam highlights from the table below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Full Form | Management Aptitude Test |
| Conducting Authority | All India Management Association - AIMA |
| Examination Level | National |
| Mode of Test | PBT - Offline, CBT - Online, and Internet-Based Test - IBT |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Exam Duration | 150 Minutes |
| Eligibility | Graduate in any discipline (Final year candidates can also apply) |
| Official Website | mat.aima.in |
Also Check: What is the Use of MAT Exam?
What is the MAT PBT Exam?
PBT stands for Paper-based Test exam, in which the candidate must perform their MAT examination using pencil and paper. There’s nothing out of the ordinary about it; it’s the usual, traditional way of conducting exams.
Among the student and faculty communities, it is more popularly called ‘Offline Mode’.
Since there is no technological involvement, you won’t lose any progress you make in the exam. Mistakes made in the exam papers can always be rectified using an eraser since the mode of communication is written via pencil.
Although these are considered to be the advantages of MAT PBT exams, the issues arise in the following:
- In-person attendance: Travel is a difficult subject for many candidates. It’s difficult enough to manage the weight of academic pressure, let alone long-distance travel, or even expensive travel.
- Lack of technological conveniences: Since MAT exams cover topics on analytical, statistical, and numerical data, it’s important to make use of equipment that may help substantially reduce the workload that goes behind calculating them.
Since that is taken away, you’re forced to adapt to traditional calculation methods, which takes more time. - Time management: You’ll have to flip through the question booklet, erase the mistakes in your answers and rewrite them, calculate the time you’ve spent on a question, and calculate your answers, all in a small amount of time.
On average, you’re expected to spend merely 30 seconds to a minute on each question.
Also Check: MAT Exam Day Guidelines 2024
What is MAT CBT Exam?
Candidates often wonder what is CBT exam. MAT CBT exam full form is mode exam is Computer-Based Test, in which the candidate must perform their MAT examination using the computer itself.
The candidates would do the exam on the computers allocated to them in the examination hall itself.
There are both upsides and downsides to this. The good thing about the CBT exam is that there are:
- No need to mark or remark your answers with pencil and erasers, since everything is digital.
- A clock is provided on the computer, so the candidates know how much time is left.
- Rough sheets are provided so that you can work out the answers to practical questions.
The major downside involved is actually small but devastating enough, should it occur, and that is the technical issues behind a computer. If a power outage or data loss event occurs, then it’s likely that the candidate will lose their entire progress.
Although it may not be the candidate’s fault, and there will be contingencies for it, it would probably still affect the time they spend on the other tests.
Also Check: How to Prepare for MAT in One Month?
What is MAT IBT Exam?
While evaluating what is IBT mode? The explanation is that IBT stands for Internet-Based Test. The candidate performs the MAT examination using the online mode itself, but this can be carried out from the leisure of their systems and homes.
On one hand, the freedom to take the test from any place and any device (that supports it) is extremely convenient.
On the other hand, the likelihood of technical issues is much higher since various candidates use varying internet speeds, and some may lack the technical know-how to get around any spontaneous problems.
Also Check: Last Minute Tips to Crack MAT 2024
