The first important thing to get you started in the process of MBA admissions is to get the appropriate book to MAT exam. Having a wide selection of choices, prospective candidates usually have a problem with choosing the most suitable MAT books. To help eliminate this predicament, we have provided a lists of the best books to use in MAT preparation.
About MAT
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a prestigious national-level exam administered by AIMA to evaluate candidates for management and related programs. Conducted four times annually in February, May, September, and December, MAT scores are recognized and accepted by over 600 B-schools across India. Every session of MAT witnesses the participation of thousands of MBA aspirants, all aiming to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Important Dates for MAT February 2026
The official dates for MAT February 2026 have not been announced by AIMA. The following are tentative dates based on previous trends. Candidates should check the official AIMA website (https://mat.aima.in/) for updates.
| Event |
Tentative Date |
| Last Date for PBT Online Registration |
Early February 2026 |
| Availability of PBT Admit Card |
Mid-February 2026 |
| PBT Test Date |
Third Week of February 2026 |
| Last Date for CBT Online Registration |
Mid-February 2026 |
| Availability of CBT Admit Card |
Mid-February 2026 |
| CBT Test Date |
Last Week of February 2026 |
| Availability of MAT February 2026 Score |
By 2nd Week of March 2026 |
Once you are aware of the exam pattern and syllabus of MAT 2026, you should start preparing from books and other sources. Considering the vast number of MAT books available online, you must stay wary of choosing authentic sources only.
MAT Preparation Books
Here, we have listed down the best books for MAT preparation:
Best Book for MAT Data Analysis & Sufficiency:
Hitbullseye’s DILR 1 & 2
This series of books is a very strong recommendation in terms of MAT exam preparation, particularly in the Data Analysis and Sufficiency part, which is a very systematic and detailed manner of approaching these issues. It breaks down detailed concepts into digestible bits and presents them in progressively harder examples, so that one is assured of a thorough grasp of the concept. The book contains a wide variety of practice questions, which reflect the MAT exam, and thus it is an extensive training platform to aspirants.
Best Books for MAT Language Comprehension:
Hitbullseye’s Verbal Series
Your one-stop shop for different competitive management exams is the Verbal Series by Hitbullseye. These highly developed books provide complete coverage in several main streams, such as reading comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal skills. Having a well-planned methodology, a blend of theory and strategic planning coupled with focused practice, students are able to learn successfully and attain excellent outcomes. The MAT exam series of books is also detailed and covers a variety of practice questions to ensure that students are completely prepared to handle the exam challenges. This series is supposed to promote the level of preparation and the likelihood of success in competitive examinations by helping students to think analytically and prepare strategically.
Best Books for MAT Mathematical Skills:
Hitbullseye’s MBA Math Series
It is a great tool of learning mathematics. It has a broad array of formulas and concepts, which are explained in a clear manner. The book is well arranged and the difficult subjects have been broken down into simple sections. It is a comprehensive guide to the MAT exams and provides comprehensive preparation. The level of detail used in explaining each formula and concept is amazing, and examples are provided in the real world, to improve intelligence. In addition, the book highlights the significance of revision in long term retention and problem solving.
Best Books for MAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning:
Hitbullseye’s MBA Reasoning Series
Hitbullseye’s MBA Reasoning Series is the best book for MAT preparation when preparing for the Intelligence & Critical Reasoning section of the MAT exam. These books are strategically curated keeping in mind the latest exam pattern and the most frequent topics asked in the exam. Besides this, it is a reliable source to practice reasoning questions to familiarise one with their areas of strengths and weaknesses.
Best Books for MAT Economic & Business Environment:
- Manorama Year Book by Mammen Mathew
- The Mega Yearbook by Disha Experts
- Complete Guide for MAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams by Disha Experts
MAT eBooks by Hitbullseye
Considering the needs of MBA aspirants, our mentors have come up with exclusive eBooks for MAT preparation. These eBooks encompass all the essential topics of MAT along with advanced shortcuts for tricky questions. Furthermore, you will have an ample amount of practice questions based on the latest exam pattern. Some of our MAT books specifically focus on the strategy for specific types of questions. According to our alumni, these are the best books for MAT preparation. Download these MAT preparation books in e-format and kickstart your study!
Tips and Tricks for MAT
To ace MAT 2026, candidates will have to utilize the best of the strategies. Below mentioned are a few tips and tricks as suggested by the experts at Hitbullseye:
- Make a proper study schedule for your MAT preparation. If you cannot invest in long-hour study, then you can utilize the Pomodoro Method. In this method, you can set a timer for 25 minutes, in which you will religiously study a portion without any interruption and then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this process in a well-focused way and you will see better results with time.
- After you have completed a section, start attempting MAT mock tests and sample papers and thereafter, analyze your performance after every test.
- Be consistent with whatever study plan you have been following. Consistency is one of the major factors of success in acing any of the entrance exams.
- When taking a break from studies, invest your time in leisure activities to relax your mind. It also helps in improving your focus.
- Follow a balanced diet and take at least 7-8 hours of sleep to keep your mind and body relaxed.
- Don't keep stressing yourself with studies all the time. Do take healthy breaks, do yoga, take a walk, play outdoor games, and do other physical activities to maintain balance.
Finally, make sure that you follow the above-mentioned tips and buy the latest edition of MAT preparation books to keep up with the current exam pattern.
FAQs about MAT 2026
1. How should I start preparing for MAT?
Once you have gone through the MAT exam pattern and syllabus, you should start learning the important concepts. Alongside, check your progress with practice tests and previous year papers. This way, you will get to know about your weak and strong areas and rework accordingly.
2. Which college is best after MAT exam?
There are several good colleges that accept MAT scores. These include Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow, and Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida.
3. Can I get admission in MBA without MAT?
You can get admission to MBA through several other entrance tests like CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, etc. Many B-schools in India accept more than one test score.
4. Is it worth to give MAT exam?
Yes, definitely! Since the admission seats in premier institutes like IIMs are quite limited, it is recommended to take other entrance tests like MAT. Besides, you can get admission into decent B-schools with a high score in MAT.
5. Is there any age limit for MAT?
There are no age-related restrictions for appearing in the MAT exam. The only requirement is that you should be a graduate or in the final year of graduation.
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