How to Write dMAT Test: A Complete Guide for Indian Students
Are you planning to pursue a master’s degree in Germany? You may now need to take the dMAT as part of your APS procedure.
Since the test is new, many students are searching for how to write dMAT test. They want to understand its format, question types and preparation methods.
The dMAT does not test how much information you can memorise. It mainly checks your reasoning, problem-solving and academic application skills.
This guide explains the complete dMAT process in simple English. It covers eligibility, registration, preparation, test sections, scoring and practical exam tips.
What Is the dMAT Test?
The dMAT is a standardised academic aptitude test for master’s applicants. g.a.s.t., a German academic testing organisation, administers it.
APS India has introduced the dMAT as an additional requirement for selected applicants. It does not replace the regular APS document verification process.
The test provides an additional academic score. This score will appear in the applicant’s APS documentation.
The new requirement applies to affected students seeking admission from the summer semester of 2027 onwards.
Who Must Write the dMAT Test?
The present dMAT requirement applies to Indian graduates from selected academic fields.
You may have to take the test if your bachelor’s degree belongs to one of these areas:
- Engineering
- Commerce
- Accounting
- Finance
- Economics
- Business
- Management
Some combined or interdisciplinary courses may also come under the requirement. Examples may include Business Analytics, Engineering Management, Data Science and Financial Technology.
Applicants should check the official list of affected fields published by APS India. Do not decide based only on the name of your degree.
The test is required for affected master’s applicants planning to begin their studies in the summer semester of 2027 or later.
Who Is Exempt from the dMAT Requirement?
The present dMAT rule does not apply to every student.
The following groups are generally exempt:
- Students applying for bachelor’s programmes
- PhD applicants
- Applicants from fields outside the published list
- Certain students who have not completed enough bachelor’s semesters
- Students in approved exchange or double-degree programmes
- Students in officially confirmed university partnership programmes.
Applicants who completed their APS online registration before 29 June 2026 are also exempt for that APS procedure. The exemption may also apply if APS shipped the complete APS documents before that date.
Students who already received their APS certificate do not need the dMAT for that completed procedure.
dMAT Test Pattern at a Glance
Understanding the format is the first step in learning how to write dMAT test.
The examination contains two main parts:
| Test Part | Section | Questions | Time |
| Core Module | Figure Sequences | 20 | 25 minutes |
| Core Module | Mathematical Equations | 20 | 25 minutes |
| Core Module | Latin Squares | 20 | 25 minutes |
| Subject Module | General Academic Module | Not fixed in the guidance | 90 minutes |
The total answering time is 165 minutes. A 30-minute break separates the two main modules.
Students should allow around three and a half hours for the complete test session. The test is conducted digitally at an approved centre.
Taking notes is not permitted during the examination. Therefore, students should practise solving questions mentally and directly on screen.
What Does the Core Module Test?
The Core Module measures general thinking and reasoning skills. It contains three separate subtests.
These sections do not depend heavily on your bachelor’s subject. They check how quickly you can recognise patterns, handle numbers and solve logical problems.
Each section gives you 25 minutes for 20 questions. That gives you an average of 75 seconds per question.
Speed is important. However, careless answers can reduce your score. Your preparation must balance accuracy with time management.
Figure Sequences
Figure Sequences test your visual reasoning.
You will see a series of matrices or pictures. The figures may change their position, colour or direction. They may also rotate or follow a movement pattern.
You must identify the rule and select the next two matrices.
How to approach Figure Sequences
Check one feature at a time.
First, look at the position. Ask whether the figure moves horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Next, examine its direction. Check whether it rotates clockwise or anticlockwise.
Then look for colour changes. Some figures may follow a repeating colour order.
Finally, check the number of movements. A symbol may move one place, then two places, followed by three places.
Do not try to understand every change at once. Separate the movements and rebuild the full pattern.
The official material gives 20 Figure Sequence problems in 25 minutes. It also advises students to guess when they cannot identify an answer.
Mathematical Equations
This section tests basic mathematical reasoning.
You will see a group of connected equations. Letters represent unknown whole numbers. Your task is to find the correct value of each letter.
The numbers used for the letters can be integers between 1 and 20.
These questions usually involve basic operations:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
You do not need advanced mathematics. However, you must solve short equations quickly.
How to solve Mathematical Equations
Start with the simplest equation.
For example, one equation may directly reveal the value of a letter. Use that value in the remaining equations.
Avoid solving the full system in a complicated way. Look for substitution opportunities.
Practise mental addition, multiplication and division every day. This will reduce the time needed for basic calculations.
You will have 25 minutes to complete 20 equation systems. The official preparation material also states that notes are not allowed.
Latin Squares
A Latin Square is a grid containing letters.
The standard dMAT task uses a five-by-five grid. Each row and column must contain every given letter only once.
Some spaces will already contain letters. One space will have a question mark. You must identify the missing letter.
How to solve Latin Squares
Begin with the row containing the question mark.
Check which letters are already present. Then identify the missing options.
After that, inspect the related column. Remove any letter that already appears there.
Sometimes the answer becomes clear immediately. Harder questions may require you to complete other spaces mentally first.
Practise scanning rows and columns. Avoid checking the full grid when one row and one column can reveal the answer.
This section contains 20 tasks and lasts 25 minutes.
What Is the General Academic Module?
Indian applicants covered by the new APS rule take the General Academic Module.
This part gives you an academic text or problem. Questions are then based on the provided information.
The material may include:
- Written passages
- Tables
- Diagrams
- Formulas
- Research findings
- Numerical information
Every question has four answer choices. Only one answer is correct.
The topics can come from many academic areas. These include mathematics, science, engineering, economics, business, social science and the humanities.
The aim is not to test memorised knowledge from one subject. It checks whether you can understand new information and use it correctly.
You have 90 minutes to complete the General Academic Module.
How to Prepare for the General Academic Module
- Always
- Only
- Mainly
- Never
- Increase
- Decrease
- Directly
- Indirectly
How to Write dMAT Test Successfully
A Four-Week dMAT Preparation Plan
Week Two: Build Accuracy
Week Three: Improve Speed
Week Four: Simulate the Test
dMAT Time Management Tips
Common dMAT Preparation Mistakes
Practising only easy questions
Ignoring the digital format
Using rough paper during every practice session
Ignoring weaker sections
Preparing only from bachelor’s textbooks
How to Register for the dMAT
- Visit the official dMAT or g.a.s.t. registration portal.
- Search for the available dMAT examination date.
- Select a suitable test centre.
- Enter your details carefully.
- Pay the required examination fee.
- Save your registration and payment confirmation.
- Keep your participant portal login details secure.
First dMAT Schedule in India
| Activity | Date |
| Registration opened | 29 June 2026 |
| Registration deadline | 15 September 2026 |
| Test date | 26 September 2026 |
| Certificate availability | 12 October 2026 |
What to Do on the Test Day
How Is the dMAT Scored?
Is There a Pass Mark for the dMAT?
Can You Submit APS Documents Before the dMAT Result?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is dMAT compulsory for all Indian students?
No. It currently applies to selected master’s applicants from specified academic fields.
Do bachelor’s applicants need the dMAT?
Is dMAT the same as APS verification?
Can I prepare for dMAT by studying my degree textbooks?
Can I take notes during the examination?
What happens if I do not know an answer?
Does a good dMAT score guarantee admission?
