HOW TO PREPARE MAT EXAM

MAT being a knowledge-based test with objective-type test pattern, will examine your general aptitude across varied parameters such as Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Indian & Global Environment etc. Hence, MAT preparation calls for carefully devised strategy, which helps you cover maximum topics and score high to get call from good management institutes across the country. 

Since the aspect of negative marking of 25 percent exists, you need to be watchful and wise, and formulate a strategy to qualify the cut offs for each section. Hence, a decent level of preparation would suffice for this objective. 

To get a better result, it is good and advisable to start preparing as early as possible. By reading daily newspapers and magazines you can improve your vocabulary in English. Also by watching English news channels, various usage of a particular word can be noted down. 

For the other sections, it is important that you practice as many problems as you can. But it is also important that you don't repeat the mistakes time and again. Once you identify a mistake, you must certainly ensure that you understand the concept thoroughly. In addition to this, you must prepare a timetable to help you allocate your time in the best way possible. 

The best method is to be systematic in studies. It would help you make fruitful use of time. Too much of study, at the same time, may lead to tiredness which will make it difficult for you to cover all the portions but, a small break will help to freshen up your mind. If you start your preparation early, you will get the better result. 


It is strictly advisable to follow a step-by-step process:

1. Clear you basic Math's Concepts.
   The best way shall be to start practicing from the text books of Class 10 or from the study material provided by the institute who also provide classes for clearing entrance tests. Learn as many formulas as possible and try to develop your own shortcuts.


2. Work on you vocabulary.
   Reading a lot and observing how words are used in different contexts will be of great help.


3. Develop the habit of reading.
   Newspapers, Magazines and TV can be a great help here as well. Magazines, not necessarily should be on politics, business or anything like that. You can also read a fashion-magazine or sports-magazine or general current affairs magazine for that matter. The basic idea is to develop a reading and comprehending habit.


4. Reasoning skills can be improved by solving puzzles
   Practice a lot. Solving sets of questions within a time frame with concentration could be miraculous. Devoting equal time on each question and section will be of great help as well.


5. Know your Strength and Weakness
   Once you know your strengths and weaknesses go for some full-length tests. Observe how you could improve your score with each passing test.


6. Revise
   This is the mantra which most of the students miss out on.

Tackling each Section

For cracking MAT, it is really essential for you attempt and score in each section. It should always be kept in mind that scoring very high in one section and very low in the other will affect your overall percentile. So, to have a balance is very essential. 

Here are some tips to help you out:

Quantitative Ability:
The quantitative ability of MAT checks your basic knowledge of math and that is why MAT exam has relatively easy math sums as compared to CAT or XAT, except probability and permutations which may prove difficult. Generally the paper can be solved with some patience and a lot of practice. So, as mentioned earlier - stick to basics.

DATA ANALYSIS AND SUFFICIENCY (DI):
The DI section of MAT consists of conventional data interpretation like graphs and charts with questions based on finding percentage increase or decrease. This section, in particular, gives you the opportunity to score as high as you can because if you interpret even one table or graph, you can correctly answer 4 to 5 questions following it.

But, you should also be very attentive and careful as the speed breaker questions, most of the times, are in this section only. 

REASONING:
Practicing from previous question papers of MAT will be the best way to get an idea of this section. Like many other MBA Entrance exams, MAT also follows old GRE books, so, it will be a good idea to get a reference from them.

Verbal Ability for MAT:
Verbal Ability section of MAT is pure comprehension. This is the area of concern for most students while we think it is an opportunity in disguise as this section, like the DI section, will help you score very high. Once you understand one paragraph, you will be able to answer 4 to 5 question based on the same Passage. It not only saves time but also gives you a lot of confidence. Only thing that can help you here is reading and reading a lot.

The other most important trick or technique we will like to suggest is to attempt and solve as many mock test as you can because that will help you develop a habit of writing test in specified time and you can also know your strength and weaknesses. The other important facts about mock tests and hoe to carry your test will be discussed as below: 


Importance of solving Mock Test Papers

Preparation for any entrance examination is incomplete without practicing mock tests. These are usually question papers which are similar to the pattern of the main exams. Management Aptitude Test is the entrance examination conducted by AIMA, which one must clear to gain admission in the participating B-schools of the country. Before you sit for the main examination, you must be well aware about what is coming your way and you know what's in it for you. The importance of the mock tests can be understood with the help of the following points-

Enlightens you about the main exam
With mock tests, you are aware as to what kind of questions you would be facing in the main examination. The mock test papers contain questions of the previous years and the pattern is also same as the main MAT exams. This way you are well prepared for the main exam and you know what would be the level of difficulty and kind of questions in the main exams.

Helps you in time management
Since the mock tests are on the lines of the main MAT exam, you can judge your timing. You get a fair idea of how much time you would require completing a section and hence will be able to make your preparations accordingly. Simply solving questions from the workbook will never assist you to keep a check on your timing. Time is a crucial factor and several times a student is unable to complete the paper even though he knows the answers. There time management is an important criterion that you must keep a check on while preparing for the MAT.

You know where you stand 
Mock tests help you to analyze your accurate position. You get to know how well your preparation is going and where you need to put in more effort. Taking a mock test at least a couple of months before your exam can be of great help as you know where you exactly stand at that point of time and what should be your plan of action post the mock test. You need to judge your performance much before you sit for the main exam so that you can prepare for your exam knowing your strengths and area of concerns. Scoring high in MAT exam at one go is a very difficult task and a well planned approach can help you to achieve your target. In order to strengthen your exam preparation, a mock test is the best.

Mock test is a yardstick of your performance which gives you a true picture. It is designed in such a way that it gives you the feel of the real examination and you know what the main exams going to be like.


Test taking tips and strategies 

BEFORE THE TEST

• Get adequate rest the night before
• Wear comfortable clothes
• Practice, Practice, Practice.

AS YOU START THE TEST

• Be aware and use the sample questions experience
• Keep careful track of time
• Read the directions for each question
• Read the questions carefully
• Use the scratch or rough paper provided by the test center
• Use your scrap paper for every calculation
• Read every answer choice
• NEVER assume or use any information that the question fails to give you

DURING THE TEST

• Be very sure of your answer before proceeding
• Do not get bogged down with complicated or lengthy calculations
• Use guessing intelligently and deploy the Selection by elimination method
• Learn how to work backwards, i.e., plugging the most attractive option in the question and see if it makes sense
• Convert quantities freely like 1/4 is nothing but 25% of any given quantity.
• In questions that ask you to select a valid conclusion, always choose the one conclusion that must definitely follow from the information you are given and vice-versa.
• Pay special attention to words like "all," "some," or "none" when you read the factual information each question gives you
• Pay attention to negative prefixes also, such as non-, un-, or dis-
• Pay special attention to negative numbers when they are used in some questions
• Pay close attention to the word "ONLY" and to the phrase "IF AND ONLY IF"
• Don't stick to one question for too long
• Aim to answer as many questions as you can

FROM SECTION TO SECTION TO THE END OF THE TEST

• Compose yourself between sections of the test and try to attempt maximum questions from each section.
• Do not underestimate the role that endurance plays as half the battle is just making it through all of the sections without becoming overly stressed or fatigued. Condition yourself by taking practice tests.
• Don't rush - devote just the right amount of time to each question
• Don't panic - Keep your cool all the time, even when you don't know the answer.