Updated By Tiyasa Khanra on 14 Jan, 2026 19:07
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The MAT Language Comprehension Syllabus 2026 is structured to assess an MBA aspirant’s proficiency in the English language. AIMA outlines the MAT 2026 syllabus and exam pattern in its official notification. To prepare effectively, candidates should familiarize themselves with these details, including key topics, the marking scheme, sectional weightage, and the types of questions in the English comprehension section. The MAT exam comprises five key sections: Language Comprehension, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Economic and Business Environment. The MAT Language Comprehension topics are consistent across all three MAT exam modes — IBT, PBT, and CBT. It is essential to prepare for the upcoming exam sessions using the most up-to-date MAT Language Comprehension provided below.
The Language Comprehension section of the MAT 2026 exam covers topics like passages, grammar, and vocabulary. The Reading Comprehension passages in MAT are typically short and easy to understand, with most questions being straightforward. Unlike exams like CAT or XAT, this section in MAT emphasizes verbal ability questions over RC questions, and the overall difficulty level is relatively low. To prepare effectively for this section, candidates should focus on the following topics:
MAT 2026 Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
Language Comprehension |
|
CAT RC passages are primarily lengthier, more complex, and inference-heavy, while MAT RC passages are more straightforward. The difficulty level of MAT RC passages is moderate while advanced critical analysis is required for CAT RC. Short 4-5 RC passages of 200-300 words are found in the MAT question paper, while 4 long passages of 400-600 words are found in CAT. MAT RC passages are based on direct facts (50% weightage), vocab-in-context (20% weightage), main idea (20% weightage), and basic inference, while CAT RCs are based on heavy inference (40%), author's tone/ intent (30% weightage), strengthen/ weaken (20% weightage), and have a complex structure. The difficult level of MAT RCs ranges from easy to moderate with topics from business and society, making the elimination of options easy. The difficulty level of CAT RCs is high with topics from abstract/ philosophy/ science and tricky options close to each other.
RC topics with main idea or central theme, direct fact or detail, vocabulary in context, and inference-based passages are mostly asked in the MAT exam.
The MAT Language Comprehension 2026 assesses the candidates' English language comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal skills. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering Verbal Ability, Vocabulary, English Grammar, and Reading Comprehension.
Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
Language Comprehension | 30 | 30 |
Below are some recommended books for Language Comprehension and Verbal Ability to help with your MAT exam preparation. Since the MAT syllabus closely aligns with CAT, CAT preparation books can also be used for MAT preparation.
MAT Preparation Books | Publishers/Authors |
|---|---|
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | McGraw Hill |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Pearson |
High School English Grammar | Wren and Martin |
Mastering Verbal Ability for CAT | Arihant Publication |
To excel in the Reading Comprehension section of the MAT exam, candidates need a strong foundation in vocabulary and an ability to quickly comprehend a wide variety of texts. This section not only tests reading skills but also challenges candidates to understand and analyze passages from diverse topics. Effective preparation requires adopting strategies that enhance both speed and comprehension. Below are key tips to help improve performance in MAT Reading Comprehension, focusing on vocabulary building, reading techniques, and practice with various passage types.
The MAT Language Comprehension section is designed to assess candidates' proficiency in English through a variety of topics including grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. By focusing on vocabulary building, reading speed, and familiarizing themselves with different passage types, candidates can significantly improve their performance. Utilizing recommended preparation books and practicing diverse reading materials will provide a solid foundation for success in this section of the MAT exam.
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