GMAT Exam

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All you need to know about the GMAT exam and preparation

GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test measures the logic & reasoning skills of candidates aiming for business schools, especially for MBA courses.

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09 May 2024 501 Book icon 4 mins Share
09 May 2024 501 Book icon 4 mins Share
GMAT Exam

Table of Contents

GMAT stands for the Graduate Management Admission Test and is a standardised entrance exam designed to test the logic and reasoning abilities of candidates hoping to enrol on a graduate business management degree, such as an MBA. The test is administered online and in test centres, meaning you can take the GMAT from almost anywhere in the world. 

The GMAT is accepted by more than 7,700 graduate study programmes worldwide and used by more than 2,400 business schools.

Why is the GMAT exam important?

The GMAT is an exam with worldwide renown, and admissions teams use your score to predict the likelihood of academic success. As such, a good GMAT score can make you stand out from the crowd. 

GMAT requirements vary between business schools. For many institutions, the GMAT is an integral part of the admissions process, with some stipulating a minimum score for admission.

At other “test-optional” schools, submission of a GMAT score is a non-compulsory part of the admissions process. However, if you have taken the GMAT and received a strong score, this will usually be very advantageous to your application.

If you do not get your desired score, you can retake the GMAT up to five times in 12 months (but no more than eight times in total). 

GMAT Syllabus 2024

The 2024 GMAT syllabus consists of four sections:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment

This is the essay part of the GMAT, designed to test your analytical writing skills. In your essay, you must critique an argument. The argument might be on any subject, and the critique should not contain your opinion. Instead, you must present a well-reasoned and considered evaluation to reach your conclusion. 

2. Integrated Reasoning

This part of the GMAT assesses your data analysis and synthesis skills. You will be expected to review data from many sources, including tables, graphs, and written texts to answer the questions. 

3. Quantitative Reasoning

Often referred to as GMAT’s maths paper, this exam component requires you to demonstrate quantitative reasoning through solving maths problems and analysing and interpreting graphs. You may be tested on basic algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. Calculators are not permitted.

4. Verbal Reasoning

This section of the GMAT exam tests your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction (your communication skills and grammar). In this part of the exam, you must evaluate arguments and correct written errors in the text. 

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GMAT Question types

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam. This means that questions are generated based on the answers you have provided to previous questions, to get a more in-depth picture of your skills and abilities. As a result, it is unlikely that two candidates will face the same questions in their GMAT exam. 

The specific question types found in each section of the test in the 2024 GMAT exam syllabus are as follows:

Analytical writing assessment

  • Question type: essay 
  • Mode of answer: freestyle essay

Integrated reasoning

  • Question types: graphics interpretation, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, and two-part analysis.
  • Modes of answer: true/false and yes/no options, multiple choice questions, fill-the-gap statements, drop-down menus, table completion

Quantitative reasoning

  • Question types: problem-solving and data sufficiency.
  • Modes of answer: freestyle (candidates must insert answers based on their calculations and observations)

Verbal reasoning

  • Question types: reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. 
  • Modes of answer: multiple choice, find the best answer.

Number of questions in GMAT

In total, the GMAT consists of 79 questions and one essay. These are split between the sections in the following manner:

  • Analytical writing assessment: one essay 
  • Integrated reasoning: 12 questions
  • Quantitative reasoning: 31 questions
  • Verbal reasoning: 36 questions

GMAT Exam duration

The GMAT exam is just over three hours long in total. Candidates must complete each test section within their respective time limits:

  • Analytical writing assessment: 30 minutes
  • Integrated reasoning: 30 minutes
  • Quantitative reasoning: 62 minutes
  • Verbal reasoning: 65 minutes

The GMAT must be completed in one sitting, either at a standardised testing centre or remotely.

GMAT scoring

After completing the GMAT, you will receive five scores:

  • Analytical writing: score of between zero and six
  • Integrated reasoning: score of between one and eight
  • Quantitative reasoning: score of between zero and 60
  • Verbal reasoning: score of between zero and 60
  • Overall: score of between 200 and 800

Overall score

The GMAT overall score scale ranges from 200 to 800. The calculation of your total marks is done by an algorithm which combines the scores of the quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning sections but does not include the scores from your integrated reading or analytical writing assessment.

Is there a GMAT pass score?

There is no ‘pass’ score in GMAT, with individual schools deciding what, if any, should be the minimum score for admission. However, as a general indicator of performance, two-thirds of candidates receive an overall score between 400 and 600, with the average GMAT score being 582.34 (Forbes, 2024). 

Do incorrect answers result in score deductions?

No. The GMAT does not use negative marking if you give an incorrect answer. However, you may be penalised for not answering, so you must attempt each question, even if the answer is only your best guess.

Since the GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam, an incorrect answer may be reflected in the question or questions you are provided with next. This means the test is tailored to your true abilities and gives you more opportunities to display your strengths. 

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GMAT fees in India

The latest GMAT Focus Edition costs USD 275, when taken at a test centre. Online delivered tests cost USD 300.

Cost of GMAT in Indian rupees:

Approximately rupee 22,966/- when taken at the test centre.

Approximately rupee 25,054/- when taken online.

You also have the option to reschedule or cancel your appointment; charges are applicable.

How to prepare for GMAT

The GMAT is a prestigious exam designed to test candidates under time-pressured conditions. As such, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance to ensure you get the best score possible on the day. 

Top tips for GMAT preparation:

  • Familiarise yourself with the question types and the formats in which you will be expected to provide your answer. 
  • Purchase or use free study materials, such as GMAT practice tests, handbooks, and/or sample answers.
  • Make a study plan and set aside a specific amount of time each day or week to dedicate to your studies. 
  • Practise under exam conditions, using practice papers if you can. To properly imitate the real-life setting of GMAT, you should take the test without using any books or aids, under the correct time limits, and without a calculator.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in August 2015 by our content writer, Kavitha Vijayavelan. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.

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