MAT Sample Questions with Answers

A few sample questions are given below for the guidance of the candidates in the preparation. These samples do not necessarily indicate either the types or the difficulty levels of questions that can be in the actual test. In general the preparation standard expected is that of a graduate from an Indian University having completed 10 + 2 + 3 pattern of education. However, the knowledge level required for attempting the section on Mathematical Skills is that of 10th standard under Central Board of Secondary Education. 

SECTION I
LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION

Directions : Read the passage carefully to answer the questions that follow. Procrastination is a costly and draining problem for all of us. The easiest way to deal with procrastination is to never let it get started in the first place. Procrastination plagues us all. More plans go astray, more dreams go unfilled, and more time is wasted. It is a major stumbling block for almost everyone seeking to improve his use of time. For many, this becomes an insidious habit that can ruin their careers, destroy their happiness, and even shorten their lives. Procrastination is respectful of no one. All of us suffer from it at one time or another. Procrastination is doing low priority actions or tasks rather than higher priority ones. It is straightening your desk when you should be working on the report; watching TV when you should be exercising; calling on the friendly customer who buys very little when you should be preparing a sales presentation for that tough prospect who could buy much more; avoiding a co-worker rather than telling him the bad news; staying away from office to avoid disciplining a subordinate; and postponing activities with your children, because there always seems to be something “more urgent”, until suddenly they’re grown and you realize it’s too late to do any of the things you’ve always talked about doing together.

1. Which of the following best describes ‘procrastination’?
(1) linger on (2) stop
(3) delay (4) wait

2. Why is procrastination said to be a stumbling block?
(1) It prevents fulfillment of goals.
(2) It hinders effectiveness and efficiency.
(3) It stops one from working.
(4) It makes one lazy.

Directions : Choose a word or phrase nearly similar in meaning to the given word.
3. Self-esteem
(1) Self-respect (2) Dignity
(3) Decorum (4) Self-awareness
4. Sobriety
(1) Abstinence (2) Sober
(3) Moderate (4) Dry
Directions : A word in capital letters is followed by four words. Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word in capital letters.
5. OBLOQUY
(1) praise (2) crue
(3) slander (4) dialogue
Directions : The sentence has four underlined parts marked A, B, C and D. Identify the one underlined part that must be changed for the sentence to be correct.
6. The book is well-printed and attractively bound A B making altogether on attractive volume. C D
(1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D

Directions : In the following question a related pair of words is followed by four pairs of words. Select the pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in the original pair.
7. APHORISM : SENTENTIOUS : :
(1) criticism : redundant
(2) eulogy : laudatory
(3) adage : symbolic
(4) maxim : allegorical
SECTION II
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

8. A screwdriver and a hammer currently have the same price. If the price of a screwdriver rises by 5% and the price of a hammer goes up by 3%, how much more will it cost to buy 3 screwdrivers and 3 hammers?
(1) 3% (2) 4%
(3) 5% (4) 8%
9. If n and p are both odd numbers, which of the following numbers must be an even number?
(1) n+p (2) np
(3) np+2 (4) n+p+1
10. There are 30 socks in a drawer. 60% of the socks are red and the rest are blue. What is the minimum number of socks that must be taken from the drawer without looking in order to be certain that at least two blue socks have been chosen?
(1) 2 (2) 3
(3) 14 (4) 20
11. The ratio of chickens to pigs to horses on a farm can be expressed as the triple ratio 20 :
4 : 6. If there are 120 chickens on the farm, then the number of horses on the farm is
(1) 4 (2) 6
(3) 24 (4) 36

12. If x2 – y2 = 15 and x + y = 3, then x – y is
(1) -3 (2) 0
(3) 3 (4) 5
13. The hexagon ABCDEF is regular. That means all its sides are the same length and all its interior angles are the same size. Each side of the hexagon is 2 m. What is the area of the rectangle BCEF?
MAT Sample Questions

(1) 4 m2 (2) 4√3– m2
(3) 8 m2 (4) 4+4√3– m2
14. A worker is digging a ditch. He gets 2 assistants who work 2/3 as fast as he does. If all 3 work on a ditch they should finish it in what fraction of the time that the worker takes working alone?
(1) 3/7 (2) 1/2
(3) 3/4 (4) 4/3
SECTION III
DATA ANALYSIS & SUFFICIENCY

Directions: The table below gives the Human Development Index (HDI). The HDI value is between 0 and 1.
MAT Sample Questions with Answers
MAT Sample Questions with Answers
15. Select the incorrect statement.
(1) Kerala has consistently reported the highest HDI.
(2) Bihar has consistently reported the worst HDI.
(3) Assam has maintained stability in its comparative ranking among states.
(4) Rajasthan has shown an improvement in its comparative ranking among other states.
16. Which states improved the HDI value in 2001 to match the all India value?
(1) Tamil Nadu (2) Orissa
(3) Rajasthan (4) West Bengal
Directions: The following problem has a question followed by two statements labeled A and B. Use the data given in the statements to decide whether the statements are sufficient to answer the question. Choose your answer as
(1) if statement ‘A’ alone is sufficient to answer the problem.
(2) if statement ‘B’ alone is sufficient to answer the problem.
(3) if statements ‘A’ and ‘B’ are together needed to answer the problem.
(4) if statements ‘A and ‘B’ are not sufficient to answer the problem.
17. C is a circle with centre D and radius 2. E is a circle with centre F and radius R. Are there any points which are on both E and C?
A : The distance from D to F is 1 + R
B : R = 3
Directions: The bar graph below pertains to estimates of incidence of poverty in India. It is given as percentage. The accompanying table gives population of India during 1971-2001 as per census.

MAT Sample Questions with Answers
18. The total number of poor in 2000 is approximately (1) 268 millions. (2) 278 millions.
SECTION IV
INTELLIGENCE & CRITICAL
REASONING

Directions: The question below is followed by two arguments numbered I and II. You have to decide which of the given arguments is a “strong’ argument. Give your answer as
(1) if only argument I is strong.
(2) if the argument II is strong.
(3) if both I and II are strong.
(4) if neither I nor II is strong.
20. Should telecasting feature films be stopped?
Arguments :
I Yes, the feature films misguide young children.
II No, this is the only way to educate the masses.
Directions: Find out the correct group of letters from the answer options (1) to (4) to represent the same relationship among the group of letters as established among the sets at the top.
21. AEZ : EIY : IOX : ………………
(1) UYZ (2) AEX
(3) EIX (4) OUW
22. Isha is older than Sunder. Misa is older than Harbans. Harbans is younger than Gyan. Sunder and Gyan are of the same age. If the above facts are true, which of the following conditions must also be true?
(1) Misa is older than Gyan.
(2) Misa is older than Isha.
(3) Sunder is younger than Misa.
(4) Isha is older than Harbans.
Directions: There are two statements followed by two possible inferences A and B. Assume the statements to be correct even if they vary with facts. Choose your answer as
(1) if only inference A follows.
(2) if only inference B follows.
(3) if both inferences A and B follow.
(4) if neither inference A nor B follows.
23. Every minister is a student. Every student is inexperienced.
A : Every minister is inexperienced.
B : Some inexperienced are students.
24. Seven men, A, B, C, D, E, F and G are standing in a queue in that order. Each one is wearing a cap of different colour like violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. D is able to see in front of him green and blue, but not violet. E can see violet and yellow, but not red. G can see caps of all colours other than orange. If E is wearing an indigo coloured cap, then the colour of the cap worn by F is
(1) blue. (2) violet.
(3) red. (4) orange.
SECTION V
INDIAN & GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
25. What does the acronym CTBT stand for?
(1) Continued Test Ban Treaty
(2) Commercial Tax Based Tariff
(3) Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
(4) None of these
26. Which newspaper has the motto – Journalism of Courage?
(1) The Hindustan Times
(2) The Washington Post
(3) The Indian Express
(4) The Guardian
27. The Indian Railways is one of the largest railway systems with an extensive network of over 63,000 route kilometers. Approximately ……………..of the network is electrified.
(1) 50% (2) 25%
(3) 45 % (4) 60%
28. The National Literacy Mission (NLM) seeks to achieve full literacy i.e. a sustainable threshold level of 75% literacy by year
(1) 2005 (2) 2010
(3) 2015 (4) None of the above
Answers to MAT Sample Questions
1. (1) 2. (2) 3. (1) 4. (1) 5. (1) 6. (3) 7. (2) 8. (2) 9. (1) 10. (4) 11. (4) 12. (4) 13. (2) 14. (1) 15. (3) 16. (4) 17. (1) 18. (1) 19. (4) 20. (4) 21. (4) 22. (4) 23. (1) 24. (3) 25. (3) 26. (3) 27. (2) 28. (1)

MAT Test Structure

MAT is an objective type test designed and developed to ascertain the aptitude of the candidates to undergo Post Graduate Programme in Management. Aptitude is the potential of an individual to perform subsequent to proper training. Therefore MAT is designed to identify the potential. It is tested and perfected over a decade. The MAT has five sections, each section having forty questions. The total 200 questions are to be attempted over 150 minutes. The test structure is given below: 
MAT Test Structure

MAT 2012 Test Centre City and Date

  •  Test Centre City list is provided in the bulletin. Test Venues for Paper-Based Test and Computer Based Test are different.
  • The Paper-Based Test will take place only on one day i.e., 02 Sept 2012 at one time slot i.e., 10.00am-12.30pm, whereas the Computer Based Test will take place from 08 Sept 2012 onwards in different time slots.
  • If the number of candidates registered for Computer Based Test is limited and can be accommodated in a single day; the test will be completed on 08 Sept 2012 itself. 
  • If the number of candidates registered for Computer Based Test is few in a particular centre, these candidates have to appear for the Paper-Based Test on 02 Sept 2012 only. 
  • One candidate can appear only for one date for the Sept 2012 MAT.
MAT 2012 Test Date 08 Sept. 2012 (Saturday) onwards** **If the number of candidates registered for Computer Based Test is limited and can be accommodated in a single day; the test will be completed on 02 Sept 2012 itself.

MAT Registration Form Acknowledgement

All Forms received at AIMA will be scanned / validated within 3 days and the Form Numbers of such received forms will be available on website link: www.aima-ind.org/mat_receipt.aspx Further, your form will be scrutinized and if found in order; it will be provisionally registered. MAT Registration Form received later than the due date is liable to be rejected. Neither any correspondence in this regard will be entertained nor will the fee be refunded.

MAT 2012 Admit Card Downloads

  • All provisionally registered candidates both for Paper Based and Computer Based Test can down load their Admit Card from AIMA website link: www.aima-ind.org/mat_centre.aspx 7 days before the Paper Based test date i.e., with effect from 25 August 2012 (Saturday). 
  • Specific Admit Card will be generated both for the candidates opted for the Paper Based Test and for the Computer Based Test. 
  •  Admit Card would be having Candidate Name, Form No, Roll NO, Test Date, Test Time and Test Venue Address. Candidate has to strictly follow the date and time allotted to them in the case of Computer Based Test. 
  • Candidates applied for Computer Based Test and who have been permitted to appear for the Computer Based Test; have to down load the Admit Card 7 days before the Paper Based Test date i.e., with effect from 25 August 2012 (Saturday) from AIMA website. Candidates accessing the website the earliest can choose the Date and Time of his/her choice subject to availability. Those who have not opted the date and time slot for 4-5 days; will be automatically allotted date and time slot by the system. No request for change of date and time slot can be entertained. 
  • No separate Admit Card will be issued or dispatched.

MAT Question Pattern and Negetive Marking

Candidates are to report to the allotted test centre at least 45 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the test. Neither any candidate will be admitted 15 minutes after the commencement of the test nor any extra time granted for completing the test. Candidates are to be in possession of the following when reporting to the test centre: Document: Admit Card duly completed. Writing Materials: Ball Point Pen, HB Pencils, Eraser and Sharpener. The test room will be opened about 30 minutes before the commencement of the test. The candidates are to be seated at the allotted place. Your Admit Card will be verified during the test. One part of Admit Card will be given to you as proof of your having appeared in the test. Please ensure that this is duly signed by you and the test invigilator. The duration of the test is 2 hours 30 minutes. There are 200 questions. All questions are compulsory. Each question has four options marked (1), (2), (3) and (4). All questions carry equal mark. There will be Negative Marking for wrong answers. It is your responsibility to make certain that you understand and follow the directions for answering. AIMA can accept the responsibility of scanning / capturing your answer accurately only if it is completed in accordance with directions. Take the questions in order, but do not waste time pondering over those that seem extremely difficult or unfamiliar to you. A wise practice is to first answer the questions you are sure of. Then, if you complete the test before time is called, go back and reconsider any questions about which you were uncertain. Although the MAT stresses on accuracy more than speed, it is important to use the allotted time wisely. Make every effort to pace yourself by making yourself familiar with the mechanics of the test. The directions explain exactly what each set of questions requires to answer those questions. Read all test directions carefully. Read each question carefully and thoroughly. Before answering a question, determine exactly what is being asked. Calculator, Pager, Mobile, etc are not permitted inside the test room. All the questions and instructions of the test will be in English only. Candidate will be allowed to leave the test room after the completion of test and only after permitted by the invigilator. If you wish to leave the room during the test, you must have the invigilator’s permission. You will not be permitted to make up the time you lose. AIMA reserves the right to cancel the admission/entry to the test/withhold the results of nay candidate who impersonates/uses unfair means during the test. This is without prejudice to any other action that can be initiated. Non-adherence to any instructions or failure to comply with any rules governing the conduct of test will lead to cancellation of your candidature. All disputes pertaining to any aspect of the test will be settled through any arbitrator, who shall be appointed by the Director General, AIMA. Further, all legal cases pertaining to any matter of the test will be dealt with under the jurisdiction of Delhi Courts only.

MAT Paper Based Test

The candidate will be provided a sealed Question Booklet and an OMR Answer Sheet. Do not open the Question Booklet until announced. Fill the necessary information in the space provided on the cover of the Question Booklet and the Answer Sheet before commencement of the test. The candidates are to sign the attendance sheet during the test duly endorsing the Question Booklet Series as given on the Question Booklet and other details. Answers are to be marked on the Answer Sheet, which is provided separately. Sample is given in pages xvii-xviii. Choose the correct option and darken the oval completely corresponding to (1), (2), (3) and (4) against the relevant question number. Use only HB Pencil to darken the oval for answering. Please do not darken more than one oval against any question, as scanner will not read the same correctly. If you wish to change any answer, erase completely the one already marked and darken the fresh oval with an HB pencil. Do not tear or bend or mutilate the Answer Sheet. Rough work, if any, is to be done on the Question Booklet only. No separate sheet will be provided /used for rough work. MAT Answer Sheet is scanned by machine and scores are computed. Accuracy in scoring is dependent on the examinees marking their answer sheets properly and the completeness of their erasures when used. Therefore accurate scoring is dependent on your strict adherence to the following points:
  • No credit will be given for the answers marked in the question booklets. 
  • Use HB pencil to complete the answer sheet. Please do not darken more than one oval against any question, as scanner will not read the same. 
  •  If you wish to change any answer, erase completely one already marked and darken the fresh oval / circle with an HB pencil. 
  • Do not tear, bend or mutilate the answer sheet. 
  • Be sure that you accurately mark all identification and question booklet series.
At the conclusion of the test you should hand over your Question Booklet and Answer Sheet to the invigilator. Appropriate civil/criminal proceedings will be initiated against applicant found taking or attempting to take the full or part of the Question Booklet or Answer Sheet outside the test room.