dMAT Syllabus 2026: Core & General Academic Module Topics

The dMAT (Digital Master Test) is a mandatory, standardised computer-based test that eligible Indian students must take as part of the APS process for Master's admissions in Germany. The dMAT syllabus has two parts: the Core Module, which tests general cognitive skills, and, for the standard APS India route, the General Academic Module, which tests how well you apply academic knowledge regardless of your undergraduate background.

This guide explains the dMAT Core Module and General Academic Module syllabus, including the topics covered and the time allotted to each.

Key Highlights:

• The dMAT Core Module syllabus covers three formats: Figure Sequences, Mathematical Equations, and Latin Squares, with 25 minutes allocated to each.
• The dMAT General Academic Module syllabus covers multiple subject areas, including mathematics, sciences, business, and social sciences, and tests how effectively you apply academic knowledge.
• A three-week dMAT preparation plan can help you cover the syllabus, practise each question format under timed conditions, and strengthen weaker areas before the exam.

dMAT Exam Syllabus (2026-27)

The dMAT syllabus includes two timed modules: the Core Module and, for the standard APS India verification route, the General Academic Module, which applies to affected Master's applicants regardless of their specific undergraduate background. Both modules test your ability to reason, analyse information, and apply logic rather than recall information from textbooks.

Field-specific subject modules exist only as exceptions, tied to two programmes: RWTH Aachen's MSc Battery Science and the University of Göttingen's MSc Data Science, not the standard APS India route.

Here are the details of the dMAT syllabus, including the duration and key areas covered in each module:

dMAT Core Module Syllabus

The dMAT Core Module syllabus covers three fixed subtests: Figure Sequences, Mathematical Equations, and Latin Squares. These subtests are the same for all applicants, regardless of their degree or academic background.

Figure Sequences

Figure Sequences tests your visual and spatial pattern recognition skills. You will see a series of matrices where figures may change their position, colour, or orientation, and you must identify the next two matrices in the sequence.

The questions follow fixed rules. Figures may rotate, change colour, or move vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Some patterns may follow an ‘x + 1’ movement, where a figure moves one step, then two, then three, and so on. At a boundary, a figure may either bounce back or continue along the edge.

Mathematical Equations

Mathematical Equations tests your numerical reasoning skills. Each question gives you a system of equations with unknown values represented by letters, which you must solve.

Each unknown is an integer between 1 and 20, and every system has one valid solution. You need to solve the equations using substitution and back-substitution without a calculator or rough paper.

Latin Squares

Latin Squares tests your ability to identify patterns and apply rules logically. You will see a partially completed 5×5 grid containing the letters A to E, where each letter can appear only once in each row and column.

You must identify the missing letter in a marked cell. Easy questions may require you to find the only missing letter in a row or column, while harder questions may require you to work out two or three neighbouring cells first.

All three dMAT Core Module subtests are digital and single-choice. You cannot use a calculator, notes, or rough paper, and you should guess rather than leave an answer blank. Together, the three subtests make up the full 75-minute dMAT Core Module.

dMAT General Academic/Subject Module Syllabus

dMAT syllabus for the General Academic Module tests how well you apply knowledge across subjects like mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, business, and social sciences, not recall from one field. Subject-specific modules exist only for RWTH Aachen's MSc Battery Science and Technology and the University of Göttingen's MSc Data Science.

Indian applicants are required to take the General Academic Module, not a subject-specific one, unless applying to RWTH Aachen's MSc Battery Science and Göttingen's MSc Data Science

dMAT General Academic Module Syllabus

The General Academic Module tests how well you apply academic knowledge and reasoning to unfamiliar material. You may need to read a text, table, figure, or formula and answer single-choice questions based on the information provided.

The questions are not limited to one academic field. The official material covers areas such as mathematics, computational sciences, natural sciences, engineering, business administration, economics, social sciences, and humanities.

The module focuses on applying knowledge rather than recalling memorised facts. You should therefore be comfortable using concepts to solve unfamiliar problems.

dMAT Subject Module Syllabus

Discipline-specific Subject Modules are used for select Master's programmes at RWTH Aachen University and the University of Göttingen. 

Here is a breakdown of the programmes and subjects currently covered in the dMAT syllabus:

• RWTH Aachen University, MSc Battery Science and Technology in Engineering: Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
• University of Göttingen, MSc Data Science: A separate Data Science Subject Module is used.
• APS India route: Indian graduates applying for Master's programmes in Germany for the summer semester 2027 or later must take the General Academic Module as part of the APS documentation and verification process.
• Other Master's programmes: The dMAT subject modules listed above apply only where the respective university and programme use the dMAT as part of their admission or selection process.

How to Cover the dMAT Syllabus?

There is no fixed chapter-wise dMAT syllabus, so you should plan your preparation around understanding each question format and building speed. 

Below is a suggested topic-wise timeline to cover the dMAT syllabus in about three weeks:

This is an indicative dMAT preparation timeline, not a fixed study plan. Adjust the number of days based on your performance in your first practice attempt and spend more time on topics where you need improvement.

Suggested: For topic-wise practice questions, see our dMAT Sample Questions and Answers guide.

From the Desk of Yocket

Don’t spend your preparation time trying to memorise a chapter-wise dMAT syllabus. Focus on understanding each question format, practise the Core Module regularly, and give extra attention to the General Academic Module so you can apply information quickly under time pressure.

Yocket Prep helps you prepare for the dMAT with structured courses and practice resources covering the key question formats. You can practise the General Academic Module and build your speed and accuracy with focused preparation instead of relying on scattered resources.