The two parts of the dMAT
The dMAT has a Core Module that tests general study ability, and a Subject Module that tests whether you can apply that reasoning to academic problems. Applicants in the APS India process take the General Academic Module as their subject module.
| Part | Contents |
|---|---|
| Core Module | Figure Sequences, Mathematical Equations, Latin Squares |
| Subject Module (India) | General Academic Module: academic problem solving, no specialist knowledge needed |
Timing
The preparation materials describe about three hours of testing with a 30 minute break between the two parts, and the official site describes the appointment as about three and a half hours. Official timing for Figure Sequences and Latin Squares is 25 minutes for 20 items each. The number of items and the time for Mathematical Equations are not confirmed in the public preparation PDFs, so treat any figure you see elsewhere with care.
Exam rules that change how you should practise
- No notes and no tools. The official materials state that you may not take notes during the exam and that no helping tools are available.
- Short instructions on the day. Detailed instructions are only in the preparation materials; the exam shows brief reminders.
- Guessing. The instructions for Figure Sequences and Latin Squares say to guess if you do not know. No negative marking is mentioned.
What to study, in order
- The rules of each Core task type, until you can state them from memory.
- Worked examples, one task type at a time, untimed.
- Timed blocks at about 75 seconds per item.
- The General Academic Module topics: quantitative and vector reasoning, data interpretation, statistics and probability, research methods, business and operations reasoning, applied physics reasoning and academic text reasoning.
- Full simulations in exam conditions.
Common questions
What is the dMAT exam pattern?
Two parts: a Core Module with Figure Sequences, Mathematical Equations and Latin Squares, and a Subject Module. Applicants through APS India take the General Academic Module.
Is the dMAT syllabus subject knowledge?
No. The Subject Module uses typical academic problems with single-choice questions and is designed to test transfer and application rather than memorised facts.
How long is the dMAT?
About three hours of testing with a 30 minute break; the official site describes the appointment as about three and a half hours.