Germany has introduced the Digital Master Test (dMAT) as a new requirement for some Indian students applying for master's programmes. However, not every applicant needs to take the exam. The requirement depends on your undergraduate degree, APS application timeline and intended intake. Here's a quick guide to help you determine whether the dMAT applies to you.Do you need to take the dMAT? Yes, you need to take the dMAT if all of these apply: ✅ You are applying for a master's programme in Germany ✅ Your bachelor's degree is in one of these fields: Engineering Commerce Accounting Finance Economics Business Management ✅ You are planning to begin studies in Summer Semester 2027 or later ✅ You completed your APS online registration on or after June 29, 2026, and submitted your APS application documents on or after that date. You do NOT need to take the dMAT if... You are applying for a bachelor's degree in Germany The new test applies only to selected master's applicants.Your undergraduate degree is not in the affected fields If your bachelor's degree is outside Engineering, Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business or Management, the dMAT is currently not required during the introductory phase. You're applying for Winter Semester 2026 The first dMAT results will be released only in October 2026, so the requirement starts with Summer Semester 2027 admissions. You already completed your APS process If you have already received your APS certificate, you do not need to take the dMAT for that completed APS procedure. You registered for APS before June 29, 2026 Applicants who completed APS online registration before June 29, 2026, or shipped their complete APS application before that date, are covered by a transitional exemption and do not need to submit a dMAT certificate. What if my degree is interdisciplinary? Degrees such as Business Analytics, Financial Technology or Engineering Management may not be straightforward. APS India says eligibility is determined using the official affected fields list based on the degree title, major, branch or specialisation shown on academic documents. Is the dMAT replacing the APS certificate? No. The dMAT is an additional requirement for selected applicants. APS document verification remains mandatory, and the dMAT certificate becomes part of the APS documentation. ET Online