Top MBA Colleges Accepting MAT September 2026: Institute-Wise Percentile Cutoff

Students targeting MBA admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year can apply to over 600 B-schools across India using their MAT September 2026 score, with institute-wise expected percentile cutoffs ranging from 50 at mid-tier colleges to 85 and above at premium institutes.

The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA) in four sessions every year — February, May, September and December. The September 2026 session is among the most widely used for MBA and PGDM admissions beginning January 2027. MAT provides two outputs: a scaled composite score (out of 800) and a percentile. Participating colleges set their own eligibility thresholds, almost always stated as a minimum percentile. The expected cutoffs below are based on 2024 and 2025 admissions data and are subject to change based on the number of applicants and seats available.

• MAT composite score is on a scale of 0 to 800, drawn from four sections — Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency and Mathematical Skills.
• A composite score of 600 or above generally maps to 85+ percentile and opens admission at premium MAT-accepting colleges such as Great Lakes Institute of Management and TAPMI.
• Students scoring 50 to 60 percentile still have access to a strong pool of mid-tier and regional MBA institutes.
• MAT scores remain valid for one year from the date of result declaration.
• Most colleges require shortlisted students to attend a separate GD-PI or WAT round before the final selection offer.

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MAT September 2026 Overview

AIMA has been conducting MAT since 1988, making it one of India’s longest-running national management entrance exams. The September 2026 session is offered in two modes — Computer-Based Test (CBT) at designated test centres and Internet-Based Test (IBT) from home. Scores from both modes carry equal weight with all participating institutes. The exam tests five areas, of which four contribute to the composite score used by colleges for shortlisting.

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Institute-Wise MAT Percentile Cutoff List (Expected 2026)

The tables below list well-known MBA and PGDM colleges accepting MAT September 2026 score, grouped by expected percentile band. All figures are based on 2024-2025 admissions trends and are expected to remain close for the 2026 cycle. Students should check each college’s official website for confirmed eligibility criteria before applying.

Colleges Expecting 75 Percentile and Above

Colleges Expecting 60 to 74 Percentile

Colleges Accepting MAT Score Below 60 Percentile

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MAT Composite Score vs Percentile

Colleges state eligibility as a minimum percentile but MAT results display both the composite score and percentile on the scorecard. The mapping below is based on historical MAT session data and should be treated as indicative. Actual percentile may shift session to session depending on difficulty level and the applicant pool.

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Selection Process After MAT Shortlisting

Clearing the MAT percentile threshold is the first gate to admission. Every participating college runs a multi-round process that determines the final offer. Students should prepare for all stages well before results are declared.

• Stage 1 — MAT Score Shortlisting: Colleges publish a minimum MAT percentile. Students who meet or exceed it are called for the next round.
• Stage 2 — Academic Profile Screening: Graduation marks and 10th or 12th academic records are weighed alongside the MAT score during shortlisting at many colleges.
• Stage 3 — Written Ability Test (WAT) or Group Discussion (GD): Tests written communication clarity and analytical reasoning. Some colleges skip this stage and move directly to interviews.
• Stage 4 — Personal Interview (PI): Evaluates career goals, domain awareness and personal fit. This stage carries significant weight in the final merit calculation.
• Stage 5 — Final Merit List: A composite score that combines MAT percentile, academic background, WAT or GD rating and PI score determines the final admission offer.

Students in the 70 to 80 percentile range competing at colleges that also receive 80+ applicants should invest heavily in GD-PI preparation to strengthen their final merit standing. Students with 85 percentile and above should apply to at least 8 to 10 colleges across tiers to maximise admission chances.

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