The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized, standardized entrance test used by over 2,300 business schools worldwide. It is designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English to be used for admission to a graduate management program, such as an MBA.
Exam Pattern
The GMAT exam consists of three sections, with a total testing time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Section Breakdown:
1. Verbal Reasoning: 45 minutes, 23 questions
2. Quantitative Reasoning: 45 minutes, 21 questions
3. Data Insights: 45 minutes, 20 questions
Total Questions: The GMAT exam features a total of 64 questions, assessing your skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and data insights.
The GMAT exam is divided into three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights. Each of these sections tests different skills:
Quantitative Reasoning
GMAT Syllabus - Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT exam consists of 21 multiple-choice questions, focusing on:
1. Algebra
2. Arithmetic fundamentals
This section must be completed within 45 minutes. Notably, the revised syllabus has:
1. Removed geometry
2. Moved data sufficiency questions to Data Insights
The focus has shifted to testing algebra and arithmetic skills, emphasizing problem-solving and data interpretation within a time constraint.
Arithmetic
Multiples and Factors
Number Properties
Fractions
Decimals
Percentage
Power and Roots
Average
Probability
Set Theory
Mixtures and allegations
Ratio and proportion
Descriptive Statistics
Pipes, cisterns, and work time
Speed, time, distance
Simple and Compounded Interest
Arithmetic
Monomials, polynomials
Functions
Exponents
Quadratic equations
Inequalities and basic statistics
Algebraic expressions and equations
Permutation and combination
Progressions
Verbal Reasoning
Reading Comprehension:
This section features passages of approximately 350 words, followed by multiple-choice questions with 5 answer options. You'll need to demonstrate:
1. Critical understanding
2. Analytical skills
The questions assess your ability to:
1. Draw logical connections
2. Understand logical structure
3. Analyze and infer information
4. Comparatively evaluate ideas
No prior knowledge of the subject matter is required, but you need to carefully read and comprehend the passage.
Critical Reasoning:
This section features short passages (typically under 100 words) with 5 answer options. You'll need to:
1. Read and identify key information
2. Analyze arguments
3. Deconstruct logical structures
The primary skills tested are:
1. Logical analysis
2. Argument evaluation
Your goal is to connect the passage information to the question and choose the correct answer.
Data Insights
The Data Insights section assesses your ability to:
1. Analyze data
2. Translate data
3. Filter data to draw meaningful conclusions
This section tests:
1. Data analysis
2. Verbal reasoning
3. Mathematical skills
You'll have 45 minutes to answer 20 questions, and an on-screen calculator is available for use. Expect five types of questions that evaluate your data literacy skills.
Type of questions:
Data sufficiency
Graphic interpretation
Table analysis
Two-part analysis
Multi-source reasoning
You have the flexibility to choose the order in which you complete the GMAT sections. Before starting your exam, you can select the order that suits you best.
This allows you to tailor your test-taking experience to your preferences and strengths.
You must complete all sections of the GMAT. There's no option to skip any section. To move forward, you need to either:
1. Answer all questions in the section.
2. Run out of time (the section will automatically end).
This policy ensures that you attempt all questions in each section.
The GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, with the average score being around 550. A good GMAT score is typically above 700, which puts you in the top 10% of test takers. However, the score you should aim for depends on the business schools you want to apply to. For example, top business schools like Stanford and Harvard have an average GMAT score of above 720 for their admitted students.
The GMAT has a flexible score reporting policy that allows test takers to choose the GMAT scores they want to send to business schools. This means you can take the GMAT exam multiple times to improve your score and only send your best score to the schools you're applying to.
Remember, a high GMAT score can significantly improve your chances of admission in top business schools. So, it's essential to prepare well for the test and aim for a high score.
The GMAT Focus Edition has a unique scoring system:
Total Score:
Ranges from 205 to 805
Increments of 10 points
Scores end in 5
Section Scores:
Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights are scored from 60 to 90
Increments of 1 point
This revised structure provides clarity for candidates and business schools to evaluate performance.
Unanswered Questions Penalty:
If you don't complete a section within the time limit, your score will be penalized based on the number of unanswered questions. To get an accurate reflection of your performance, it's best to manage your time effectively and answer all questions.
Benchmarking GMAT Scores:
Researching the average GMAT scores of admitted students at your target schools can:
1. Provide insight into the competitive landscape
2. Help set realistic score targets
Strategies for a Good GMAT Score:
1. Comprehensive Prep: Use various study resources (official materials, practice exams, guides, online courses) and create a study plan covering all sections.
2. Official Questions: Practice with official GMAT questions to familiarize yourself with the format and question types.
3. Target Weaknesses: Identify strengths and weaknesses, and focus on improving weak areas through targeted practice.
4. Simulate Test Day: Take timed, full-length practice exams to build stamina and familiarity with the exam pace.
5. Get Support: Consider a prep course, tutor, or peer study group for guidance and motivation.
By following these strategies, you can optimize your preparation and achieve a competitive GMAT score.
GMAT scores are typically valid for five years. This means that most business schools and institutions will accept GMAT scores that are up to five years old at the time of application. After this period, the scores generally expire, and applicants may need to retake the GMAT if they wish to use it for admission purposes.
It's essential to check the specific requirements of the business schools or programs you are interested in, as some institutions may have their own policies regarding GMAT score validity.
Attempt Limits:
1. Annual Limit: 5 attempts per year (12-month period)
2. Gap Between Attempts: 16 days between test dates
3. Lifetime Limit: No specific lifetime limit mentioned, but the annual limit applies
Several business schools in India accept GMAT scores for admission into their management programs. Some of these include:
Indian School of Business (ISB)
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) - Several IIMs consider GMAT scores for their Executive MBA programs.
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)
Xavier School of Management (XLRI)
Management Development Institute (MDI)
Great Lakes Institute of Management
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM)
This is not an exhaustive list, and it's important to check the specific admission requirements and policies of each institution. Additionally, admission criteria may vary across different programs within a single institution.
