The dMAT (Digital Master Test) is a new standardised academic aptitude test being introduced for selected Indian students applying for Master’s programmes in Germany.
For applicants from India targeting Master’s studies in Germany from the Summer Semester 2027 onward, the dMAT is being introduced as an additional element of the APS documentation process for applicants whose previous degree falls within selected fields such as Engineering, Commerce/Accounting/Finance/Economics, and Business/Management.
Because the dMAT is new, students searching for dMAT sample questions 2026, dMAT practice questions and previous papers should be careful about what they use. There are no traditional previous-year papers from earlier exam cycles.
The official dMAT website provides preparation materials, sample tasks, solutions and videos explaining the different question types.
This below guide explains the dMAT question pattern and provides original practice questions to help students understand the types of reasoning involved.
What Is the dMAT?
The Digital Master Test, or dMAT, is a computer-based academic aptitude test developed by g.a.s.t. for Master’s applicants.
The test is designed to assess cognitive, analytical and academic problem-solving abilities rather than simply testing memorised information.
The dMAT consists of:
- Core Module
- Subject Module
The Core Module assesses general cognitive and analytical skills through three subtests:
- Figure Sequences
- Mathematical Equations
- Latin Squares
The Subject Module assesses academic problem-solving and application of knowledge relevant to the selected module.
The complete examination takes approximately three and a half hours, including a break between the modules.
Are There Official dMAT Sample Questions?
Yes.
The official dMAT website provides preparation materials containing sample tasks, solutions and instructions for the available modules. It also provides videos explaining how the different question types work on screen.
For example, official preparation material is available for areas including Data Science and Battery Science and Technology in Engineering.
However, students should distinguish between:
Official sample/preparation material:
Created or provided through the official dMAT system.
Practice questions:
Created by educational websites or preparation providers to replicate the style of the examination.
Previous-year papers:
These are not available in the traditional sense because the dMAT is a new examination introduced in 2026.
Therefore, be cautious if a website claims to provide a large collection of “2022, 2023, 2024 or 2025 dMAT previous papers.”
dMAT Core Module Question Types
The Core Module contains three major areas.
1. Figure Sequences
Figure Sequence questions test your ability to identify a rule connecting a sequence of visual patterns.
The rule might involve:
- Rotation
- Movement
- Change in position
- Change in colour
- Addition or removal of elements
- Increasing or decreasing movement
- Repeating patterns
- Multiple rules operating together
You need to identify the underlying rule and determine the next figure.
Practice Question 1
A square contains a black dot.
In each step, the dot moves one corner clockwise:
Top-left → Top-right → Bottom-right → Bottom-left → ?
Where should the dot appear next?
A. Top-left
B. Top-right
C. Bottom-right
D. Bottom-left
Answer: A. Top-left
Explanation
The dot moves clockwise around the four corners:
- Top-left
- Top-right
- Bottom-right
- Bottom-left
- Top-left
The important skill is recognising the movement rule rather than memorising a particular pattern.
2. Mathematical Equations
Mathematical Equation questions assess your ability to solve mathematical relationships quickly.
These questions are not necessarily about advanced university-level mathematics.
Instead, they can require you to identify relationships and solve equations efficiently.
Practice Question 2
A student buys three identical notebooks and one pen.
Each notebook costs €6 and the pen costs €4.
What is the total cost?
A. €18
B. €20
C. €22
D. €24
Answer: B. €22
Explanation
Three notebooks:
3 × €6 = €18
Add the pen:
€18 + €4 = €22
The question is straightforward, but timed tests require you to avoid spending unnecessary time on simple calculations.
Practice Question 3
A service charges a fixed €20 fee plus €5 for every item delivered.
A customer pays €60.
How many items were delivered?
A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 10
Answer: C. 8
Explanation
Total cost:
€60
Fixed fee:
€20
Remaining:
€60 − €20 = €40
Cost per item:
€5
Therefore:
€40 ÷ €5 = 8 items
3. Latin Squares
Latin Square questions require you to identify missing elements in a grid.
The basic principle is that each symbol should occur according to a specific pattern across rows and columns.
These questions test:
- Pattern recognition
- Logical reasoning
- Attention to detail
- Elimination
Practice Question 4
Consider the following simplified grid:
| A | B | C | D |
| B | C | D | A |
| C | D | A | ? |
| D | A | B | C |
Which letter completes the grid?
A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D
Answer: B. B
Explanation
Each row contains A, B, C and D once.
The third row currently contains:
C, D, A, ?
The missing letter is B.
The columns also follow the same pattern.
dMAT Subject Module Questions
The Subject Module is different from the Core Module.
It evaluates the ability to apply academic knowledge to problems rather than simply recalling isolated facts.
According to the official dMAT information, subject-module tasks combine a typical academic problem with related questions and require application and transfer skills, not purely memorised factual knowledge.
The available subject modules depend on the programme and university.
The official dMAT website currently lists modules including:
- General Academic Module
- Data Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Battery Science and Technology in Engineering
The General Academic Module is relevant to the APS process for the affected Indian applicant groups.
Sample Subject Module Question
The following is an original practice question, not an official dMAT question.
Practice Question 5
A company records the following monthly sales:
| Month | Sales |
|---|---|
| January | 100 |
| February | 120 |
| March | 150 |
| April | 180 |
What was the percentage increase in sales from January to April?
A. 50%
B. 60%
C. 70%
D. 80%
Answer: B. 80%
Explanation
January sales = 100
April sales = 180
Increase:
180 − 100 = 80
Percentage increase:
80 ÷ 100 × 100 = 80%
Sample Analytical Question
Practice Question 6
A university has three Master’s programmes:
- Data Science
- Business Analytics
- Computer Science
A student can apply to only two.
If the student chooses Data Science, they cannot choose Computer Science.
If the student chooses Business Analytics, they can choose either of the other programmes.
Which combination is possible?
A. Data Science + Computer Science
B. Data Science + Business Analytics
C. Business Analytics + Computer Science
D. A and C
Answer: C
Explanation
The rule says Data Science and Computer Science cannot be selected together.
Therefore:
- A = impossible
- B = possible
- C = possible
If the question asks for one valid combination under the stated restriction, C is a valid answer.
What Skills Do dMAT Questions Test?
Preparing for the dMAT is not simply about memorising formulas.
Students should develop several skills.
Logical Reasoning
You need to identify relationships between information and determine what follows logically.
Pattern Recognition
Figure sequences and Latin Squares require you to recognise patterns quickly.
Quantitative Reasoning
Mathematical Equation questions require accurate calculations under time pressure.
Data Interpretation
Some academic problems can require you to interpret tables, numerical information or relationships.
Application of Knowledge
The Subject Module requires you to apply academic knowledge to a particular problem rather than simply recall definitions.
How Difficult Are dMAT Questions?
The difficulty depends on the question type and your familiarity with the format.
The biggest challenge for many students may not be advanced mathematics.
Instead, it can be:
- Understanding the question quickly
- Recognising the pattern
- Avoiding unnecessary calculations
- Working under time pressure
- Maintaining concentration
- Moving efficiently between questions
The official dMAT preparation resources are therefore particularly useful because they allow students to become familiar with the actual task formats before the examination.
How to Prepare for dMAT 2026
Step 1: Understand the Question Types
Start with the official preparation materials.
Learn exactly how:
- Figure Sequences work
- Mathematical Equations work
- Latin Squares work
- Subject Module questions are presented
The official dMAT website specifically recommends using the available preparation materials and videos because detailed instructions are not provided in the same way during the actual examination.
Step 2: Practise Without a Calculator
Do not become dependent on calculators.
Practice basic calculations manually and improve your mental arithmetic.
Step 3: Practise Under Time Pressure
Knowing how to solve a question is different from solving it quickly.
Use timed practice sessions.
Step 4: Analyse Your Mistakes
Don’t simply count correct answers.
Identify why you got a question wrong:
- Misread the question?
- Missed a pattern?
- Made a calculation error?
- Spent too much time?
- Used the wrong approach?
This will help you improve faster.
dMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The official dMAT consists of two modules and lasts approximately 3.5 hours with a break.
The Core Module includes:
| Section | What It Tests |
|---|---|
| Figure Sequences | Visual pattern recognition |
| Mathematical Equations | Quantitative reasoning |
| Latin Squares | Logical pattern recognition |
The Subject Module tests academic problem-solving and application of knowledge relevant to the selected subject.
The exact task experience can vary depending on the module, so students should use the official preparation resources rather than relying solely on third-party descriptions.
Who Needs to Take the dMAT?
During its introductory phase in 2026, the dMAT requirement applies to selected Indian applicants whose previous undergraduate degree falls into:
- Engineering
- Commerce, Accounting, Finance or Economics
- Business or Management
and who intend to study a Master’s programme in Germany from the Summer Semester 2027 or later.
The dMAT is an additional element of the APS process; it does not replace the APS certificate or the broader APS documentation requirements.
dMAT 2026 Important Dates
For the first dMAT administration in India, the official schedule states:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 29 June 2026 |
| Registration deadline | 15 September 2026 |
| First test date | 26 September 2026 |
| Results/certificate | 12 October 2026 |
These dates are published by the official dMAT platform and APS India.
Students should check the official portal for any changes before registering.
Where Can You Find dMAT Sample Questions?
The safest starting point is the official dMAT preparation page.
The official website provides:
- Sample tasks
- Solutions
- Task instructions
- Preparation materials
- Figure Sequence tutorials
- Mathematical Equation tutorials
- Latin Square tutorials
- Subject Module preparation
- Videos explaining the digital test format
The official dMAT site also provides downloadable preparation materials for certain subject modules.
Third-party websites can be useful for additional practice, but their questions should be treated as unofficial practice material, not actual dMAT examination questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dMAT sample questions available for 2026?
Yes. Official dMAT preparation materials include sample tasks and solutions.
Is there a dMAT previous-year question paper?
The dMAT is a new test introduced in 2026, so there is no long history of previous-year papers like the GRE or GMAT. Students should use the official sample and preparation material instead.
What type of questions are asked in dMAT?
The Core Module covers Figure Sequences, Mathematical Equations and Latin Squares. The Subject Module assesses academic problem-solving and application of subject knowledge.
Is dMAT difficult?
Difficulty varies by student. Familiarity with the question formats, logical reasoning and time management can make a significant difference.
Can I use a calculator in dMAT?
Students should follow the official examination instructions for their test. Do not build your preparation around calculator use; practise solving quantitative questions efficiently without relying on one.
Is dMAT required for all Indian students going to Germany?
No. During the introductory phase, the requirement applies to selected applicant groups, particularly applicants with undergraduate degrees in Engineering, Commerce/Accounting/Finance/Economics and Business/Management targeting Master’s study from Summer Semester 2027 onward