MAT September 2026 CBT exam on 20 September: check timings, documents, guidelines

Candidates appearing for the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) September 2026 Computer-Based Test (CBT) are reminded that the examination is scheduled for tomorrow, 20 September 2026. The All India Management Association (AIMA), the conducting body, has released essential guidelines regarding timings, required documents, and test centre protocols for the exam.

The MAT exam is a national-level MBA entrance examination conducted four times annually, attracting thousands of MBA aspirants across India. Being exam-day ready is considered as crucial as academic preparation for the MAT exam 2026.

MAT September 2026 Exam Schedule and Duration

The MAT September 2026 CBT exam will commence at 10:00 AM and conclude at 12:00 Noon on 20 September 2026. Candidates are required to report to their respective test centres by 8:30 AM, as the entry gates will close promptly at 9:30 AM. The total duration of the MAT exam is two hours.

For reference, the Paper-Based Test (PBT) for MAT 2026 was conducted earlier on 13 September 2026, following an identical schedule: reporting time at 8:30 AM, gate closing at 9:30 AM, exam start at 10:00 AM, and end at 12:00 Noon.

Mandatory Documents and Permitted Items

For entry into the examination hall, candidates must carry a printed copy of their MAT exam admit card. It is advisable to carry at least two copies of the admit card. Plus the admit card, a government-issued photo identification document is mandatory. Acceptable IDs include an Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, or PAN Card.

Candidates appearing for the PBT mode were required to carry blue or black ballpoint pens. While not explicitly stated for CBT, a transparent water bottle is listed as a potentially useful item. No other personal belongings, including bags and study materials, are permitted inside the exam hall.

Prohibited Items and Security Guidelines

Strict prohibitions are in place against electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, and calculators within the test centre. Candidates are also advised that wearing metal jewellery or belts may lead to delays during security checks. The All India Management Association (AIMA) has specified separate test cities for the MAT September 2026 PBT and CBT exams, with the final test centre and venue details provided on the individual admit cards.

The MAT exam comprises five compulsory sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment. The exam is conducted in three different modes: Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT).

Further reading

• Koshys Institute 2026: Apply for admission via CAT/XAT/MAT/KMAT/PGCET by Sep 17
• MAT 2026 CBT: Download admit card and report by 8:30 AM for Sept 20 exam
• MAT exam pattern: sections, marking and duration Next step
• MBA Entrance Exams 2026-27: CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP Registration and Dates Announced Today
• NTA exam calendar 2026-27 released: tentative dates for JEE Main, CUET PG till March
• MAT: complete exam guide

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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