MAT Mathematical Skills Syllabus: Check Important Topics, Download PDF

Shubhangini Priyadarshi

Updated on - Oct 15, 2025

Table of Contents

MAT Mathematical Skills Syllabus Table: Full Topic-Wise Breakdown
Key Features of the MAT Mathematical Skills Section
Distribution of MAT Questions: What to Expect in the Actual Exam
MAT Mathematical Skills Preparation Strategy
MAT vs. Other MBA Exams: How the Mathematical Skills Section Differs?
Conclusion

The MAT 2025 Mathematical Skills syllabus table provides all the important topics and subtopics that MBA aspirants must learn in order to crack the Mathematical Skills part of the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) Exam. This is one of the five equally weighted sections of the MAT exam and tests your understanding in mathematical concepts that are generally taught till Class 12. It includes topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Modern Math.

You will find a section-wise, detailed breakdown of all the topics under the Mathematical Skills section, expert preparation tips, and the level of questions that you can expect. The MAT syllabus includes a total of five sections such as Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Economic and Business Environment. The Mathematical Skills section has 30 questions for 01 mark each.

MAT Mathematical Skills Syllabus Table: Full Topic-Wise Breakdown

Below is the official table-based syllabus for MAT 2025 Mathematical Skills, as updated and compiled from AIMA guidelines and previous year question papers.

Category	Topics Included
Arithmetic	Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, Mixtures and Alligations, Ratio-Proportion, Time and Work, Partnership, Clocks and Calendars
Algebra	Linear and Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Sequences and Series, Binomial Theorem, Surds and Indices
Geometry & Mensuration	Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Area and Perimeter, Volume and Surface Area
Trigonometry	Heights and Distances, Basic Trigonometric Identities
Number System	LCM and HCF, Divisibility Rules, Factors, Remainders, Properties of Numbers
Modern Math	Permutation and Combination, Probability, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams, Linear Programming
Statistics	Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation (Basic level)
Elementary Mathematics	Commercial Mathematics, Basic Calculations, Unitary Method
Others	Complex Numbers, Logarithms (occasionally asked)

This MAT syllabus provides the framework around which MAT Mathematical Skills questions are structured. While the exam is considered easier in comparison to CAT and XAT, time management and clarity of fundamentals are non-negotiable for success.

Key Features of the MAT Mathematical Skills Section

Some of the important key features of the MAT Mathematical Skills syllabus has been provided below for your reference:

Total Questions: 30
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer; 0.25 negative marking for each incorrect answer
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Time Recommendation: 30-35 minutes (ideal)

Distribution of MAT Questions: What to Expect in the Actual Exam

Based on an analysis of MAT previous year papers and trends, here’s an approximate distribution of questions from each sub-section:

MAT Topics	Expected No. of Questions
Arithmetic	12–15
Algebra	4–6
Geometry & Mensuration	2–4
Trigonometry	1–2
Number System	2–3
Modern Math	2–3
Statistics	1–2

Note: Arithmetic dominates the MAT Mathematical Skills section, making it imperative for you to master percentage calculations, ratio-proportion, profit & loss, and speed-time-distance. The inclusion of modern math and data sufficiency-type arithmetic questions is also increasing in recent editions of MAT exam.

In-Depth Look: MAT Mathematical Skills Section Core Topics Explained

Some of the important topics of the MAT Mathematical Skills syllabus ar Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration, Trigonometry, Modern Math, Algebra, and others. The details of the important sections of the syllabus are provided below.

MAT Mathematical Skills Important Topics	Details
Arithmetic	This segment involves everyday calculations, making it conceptually simple but computationally intense under timed conditions. The focus areas include: Time-Speed-Distance and Work: Involves problems on average speed, relative motion, and combined workforce. Profit and Loss: Includes discount types, marked price, successive discounts. Mixtures & Alligations: Often clubbed with average-based questions. Clocks & Calendars: Questions can be tricky and are often overlooked, but a few appear consistently.
Algebra	Core algebraic identities, equations, and inequalities are tested. Sequence and series (especially arithmetic and geometric progressions) are common. Binomial Theorem and Surds are rarely tested but occasionally feature as wildcard entries.
Geometry and Mensuration	This section is not heavily weighted, but the questions do test basic geometry and mensuration concepts, such as: Area and volume-based questions are common. Visual diagram interpretation may overlap with Data Sufficiency.
Trigonometry	In this section the focus is limited to: Heights and Distances Basic angle identities (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°)
Modern Math	Concepts from this section appear occasionally from: P&C and Probability: Often basic-level and countable. Set Theory & Venn Diagrams: May also appear in Data Analysis sections.
Statistics and Commercial Math	You must be prepared to handle questions involving average, mean, median, and elementary-level commercial mathematics.

MAT Mathematical Skills Preparation Strategy

To excel in MAT 2025 Mathematical Skills, you should focus on building speed and accuracy through a phased preparation model. Some of the best MAT preparation tips for this section have been detailed below phase-wise for your reference.

Particulars	MAT Preparation Tips
Phase 1: Concept Building (Weeks 1–4)	Start with Arithmetic and Number Systems. Use standard books such as RS Aggarwal, Arun Sharma (Quantitative Aptitude). Practice basic formulae, calculation shortcuts, and mental math tricks.
Phase 2: Practice (Weeks 5–8)	Solve topic-wise exercises with time limits. Attempt full-length sectional tests. Identify weak areas through performance analytics.
Phase 3: Test & Revise (Weeks 9–12)	Take Mock Tests simulating real MAT environment. Analyze errors in mock tests; revise topics where errors are frequent. Maintain a formula diary for last-minute revision.

MAT vs. Other MBA Exams: How the Mathematical Skills Section Differs?

There are various management entrance exams in India to provide you with admission in MBA courses. The syllabus is generally similar in all these exams. The differences and exam difficulty level for these exams has been shared below for your guidance.

Exam	Math Syllabus Overlap	Difficulty Level	Time Pressure
MAT	High	Easy–Moderate	Moderate
CAT	High	Moderate–Difficult	High
XAT	Moderate	High	Very High
CMAT	High	Easy–Moderate	Moderate

Conclusion

The MAT 2025 Mathematical Skills syllabus table is an essential guide for you aiming to crack the exam with high accuracy in the quant section. With topics rooted in school-level mathematics and a well-defined structure, the MAT syllabus allows you to create a focused study plan, leveraging practice and MAT mock tests to master question types.

You must remeber that consistent effort and smart time management are more valuable than rote memorization. With only 30 questions to answer, every correct attempt counts, and just a few errors can make the difference between top-tier B-school admission and a missed opportunity. As MAT continues to serve as a gateway to over 600+ B-schools in India, mastering the Mathematical Skills section could be your stepping stone to a successful management career.