The Ultimate Plan to Conquer MAT in JNVST 2026: A Detailed Discussion

 The Ultimate Plan to Conquer MAT in JNVST 2026: A Detailed Discussion

The Mental Ability Test (MAT) is the most crucial section in the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 6, carrying the highest weightage (40 questions, 50 marks). A systematic and consistent preparation plan is the key to securing a top score.

Here is a detailed, structured plan to help you ace the MAT section for the JNVST 2026 exam.

Phase 1: Understanding the Foundation (Months 1-3)

The first step is to thoroughly understand what you're up against.

1. Know Your Syllabus (The Blueprint)

The MAT syllabus for JNVST Class 6 is divided into 10 types of non-verbal questions, with 4 questions from each type. You must master all ten.

·        Odd-Man Out: Identifying the figure different from the rest.

·        Figure Matching: Finding the identical copy of the question figure.

·        Pattern Completion: Completing the missing part of a geometric pattern.

·        Figure Series Completion: Identifying the next figure in a given sequence.

·        Analogy: Finding a figure that has the same relationship with the third figure as the first two figures have with each other.

·        Geometrical Figure Completion: Completing a geometrical figure (Triangle, Square, Circle).

·        Mirror Imaging: Finding the mirror image of a given figure/shape.

·        Punched Hole Pattern (Folding/Unfolding): Identifying how a paper with a punch/cut will look when unfolded.

·        Space Visualization: Assembling given parts into a single figure.

·        Embedded Figure: Finding a simple figure embedded within a complex figure.

2. Create a Study Timetable

Allocate a dedicated time slot for MAT every single day, as practice is non-negotiable for this section.

·        Daily Time: Reserve at least 1 hour for MAT practice.

·        Focus: Dedicate each week to mastering 1 or 2 specific topics from the syllabus. For example, spend the first week only on 'Odd-Man Out' and 'Figure Matching'.

Phase 2: Targeted Practice and Concept Clarity (Months 4-6)

This phase is all about drilling down into the concepts and building speed.

1. Topic-Wise Mastery

Instead of random practice, focus on one topic at a time until you are confident.

·        Daily Target: Solve 20-30 questions of the current topic daily.

·        Analyse Mistakes: For every incorrect answer, understand the logic you missed. The key to MAT is the 'rule' governing the figure changes. Identify if the rule involves rotation, reflection, addition/subtraction of elements, or pattern movement.

·        Visual Learning: Since MAT is a non-verbal test, use visual learning tools. YouTube videos and educational apps can provide animated explanations for complex topics like Punched Hole Patterns and Space Visualization.

2. Build a "Rules" Notebook

Maintain a small notebook for key observations and 'rules' for each figure type.

Example for Figure Series Completion: "Figure rotates 45 degrees clockwise, and the small inner dot flips its colour every step."

3. Introduce Timing (Speed Building)

The JNVST gives you approximately 1.5 minutes per question overall. Start practicing to solve MAT questions within a tighter timeframe.

·        Goal: Aim to solve the 40 MAT questions in 45-50 minutes. This leaves more time for the Arithmetic and Language sections.

·        Tool: Use a stopwatch for every practice session. 

Phase 3: Revision and Exam Temperament (Months 7 onwards)

The final phase is dedicated to simulation and fine-tuning your strategy before the exam (Phase 1 exam is typically in December, Phase 2 in April).

1. Previous Years' Papers (PYQs)

Solving actual JNVST papers is the most effective form of preparation.

·        Understand Difficulty: PYQs help you understand the true difficulty level and the nature of questions set by the NVS.

·        Weekly Full Test: Solve one complete JNVST paper (all 80 questions) every week under strict 2-hour timed conditions.

·        OMR Practice: Practice marking your answers on an OMR sheet to avoid errors on the exam day.

2. Full-Length Mock Tests

In the last month before the exam, switch to solving full-length mock tests.

·        Analyze Errors: After each mock test, meticulously check your answers, especially the MAT section. Identify which of the 10 topics you are still struggling with and dedicate extra time to only those weak areas.

·        Maintain Confidence: Since there is no negative marking in JNVST, your strategy should be to attempt all 80 questions. Mock tests help in developing this confident approach.

3. Final Week Strategy

Focus on quick revision of your 'Rules' notebook and re-solving the most difficult questions from your practice sessions. Do not learn any new concepts. Ensure you get proper rest and nutrition.

By sticking to this structured three-phase plan, you will transform your non-verbal reasoning skills and be fully prepared to ace the MAT section of the JNVST 2026!

JNVST Class 6 Expected Cut-off Marks (2025)

The official cut-off list is not released publicly by NVS (Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti), we can provide the approximate expected cut-off marks for the last year (JNVST 2025) based on analysis of student performance, seat availability, and previous years' trends.

The actual cut-off is highly dynamic and depends on factors like the district, category (General/OBC/SC/ST), quota (Rural/Urban), and gender.

Here is an approximate expected cut-off range for the JNVST Class 6 exam for 2025 (the last completed cycle):

The total marks for the JNVST Class 6 exam are 100. This table shows the expected score range out of 100 for admission.

Category	Expected Cut-off Score Range (Out of 100)	Expected Percentage
General (Urban)	76 - 80+	76% - 80%+
General (Rural)	71 - 76	71% - 76%
OBC (Rural/Urban)	69 - 73	69% - 73%
SC (Rural/Urban)	60 - 68	60% - 68%
ST (Rural/Urban)	55 - 60	55% - 60%
Girls (Across Categories)	Generally, 1-3 marks lower than boys in the same category.

 

JNVST Class 6: Some Video Links for Help

The following videos will help you for your prepration.

https://youtu.be/7FBJzaLWhsg

https://youtu.be/li91TLgPc5c

https://youtu.be/b8opxhO3JLs