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Graduate Management Admission Test
(GMAT)

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

GMAT exam: Exam pattern, fees, and eligibility

The full form of GMAT is the Graduate Management Admission Test, and it plays a pivotal role in the admission process for graduate business and management programs worldwide. Therefore, the old exam pattern and syllabus will be continued till the third quarter of this year. 

The new pattern will for sure have a shorter set of topics making it easier for the candidates to prepare for the exam. Despite the changes, the GMAT continues to be the only exam for admission into top management colleges. It is important to note that each business school has its own specific requirements and may place different levels of importance on the GMAT score. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific requirements of the schools you are interested in applying to.

GMAT exam highlights
Conducting body
GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Mode of exam
Computer-based test
Exam fee
INR 22,800
Full form
Graduate Management Admission Test
Duration
3 hours, 7 minutes, with 2 breaks of 8 minutes each

GMAT exam sections

The following are the GMAT exam sections:

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The AWA consists of one essay prompt and requires test-takers to analyze an argument within 30 minutes.

Integrated Reasoning (IR) section

The IR section assesses data interpretation and analysis skills through 12 multiple-choice questions.

Quantitative and Verbal sections
The Quantitative and Verbal sections evaluate mathematical and verbal reasoning abilities, respectively. Each section is scored separately, and the overall GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800.

GMAT exam fees 2024

The GMAT exam fee in India is around INR 22,800 for the paper-based test, and for the online test, the fee is INR 24,000. Candidates can cancel and reinstate the exam score free of charge in the online mode while paying a charge of INR 2,072 and INR 4,144, respectively, in the case of the paper-based test. In case the test takers require AWA scoring separately or any additional score report, they need to pay INR 3,729 and INR 2,900 per report. It is advisable to opt for the digital version of the test.

GMAT exam pattern 2024

The GMAT  assesses skills that are relevant for success in graduate business programs, particularly MBA programs. The exam measures verbal, quantitative, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills.

GMAT exam eligibility criteria

To be eligible to take the GMAT exam, you must meet the following criteria:

GMAT exam scores

The GMAT scoring process is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a test-taker's abilities in various skill areas that are important for success in business and management education
Sections Scoring

Quantitative Reasoning

0-60

Verbal Reasoning

0-60

Integrated Reasoning

1-8

Analytical Writing Assessment

0-6

The GMAT scoring algorithm takes into account several factors, including the difficulty level of questions answered, the number of questions answered, the number of correct answers, and the statistical characteristics of the questions. The algorithm aims to provide an accurate representation of a test-taker’s skill level.

GMAT exam books

Several books are highly regarded for GMAT preparation. These books cover a range of topics, strategies, and practice questions to help you perform well on the exam.

Some of the popular books for the GMAT exam are mentioned below:

GMAT exam preparation tips

Most students opt for the best GMAT coaching in India while preparing for the exam. While professional help can make the preparation easier for the candidates, there are still some structured and focused ways to help them prepare effectively.

Understand the exam format and content

The duration and format of different sections of the GMAT, including Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (Quant), and Verbal Reasoning (Verbal) should be analyzed properly by the candidates in order to perform well in the exam.

Set a study schedule

Create a study plan that allocates time for each section of the GMAT. Candidates must consider their strengths and weaknesses when allocating study time for different sections.

Gather study materials

Obtain official GMAT study materials, such as the “Official Guide for GMAT Review” and the GMATPrep software from the official GMAT website. This can help candidates prepare well for the GMAT exam. 

The GMAT is a common requirement for admission to MBA (Master of Business Administration) and other graduate management programs. Many reputable business schools use GMAT scores as a critical factor in their admissions decisions. A strong GMAT score can enhance your application and increase your chances of acceptance into your desired program. Many business schools offer merit-based scholarships to candidates with strong GMAT scores. A high score can make candidates eligible for financial incentives that can offset the cost of tuition. 

FAQs

What is the GMAT exam?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized computer-based exam used to assess the skills and abilities of individuals seeking admission to graduate business and management programs, such as MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs. It is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
GMAT and CAT exams are used for admissions to business schools (MBA programs) in different regions. Overall, the syllabus and exam pattern of the GMAT is very well defined as compared to the CAT exam; therefore, it is believed that GMAT is easier than CAT; however, it depends on the individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and familiarity with the exam content.

GMAT is generally considered to be a very competitive exam for candidates. On average, a score of 700 and above is decent. A lot of Indian students ace the exam every year.

Generally, 700-740 is considered a good GMAT score. Any score above 740 is considered exceptional in the GMAT exam. Hence, candidates must try to achieve high scores in the exam.

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