The GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test that assesses the candidates' analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in standard written English. The cost of giving the GMAT Exam is US $250. This test is taken to get admission into a graduate management program, such as MBA and Masters in Finance related courses in top business schools across the world.
In this article, we will inform you about each and every aspect related to GMAT covering GMAT Registration to GMAT Exam Structure and more:
Since, 16th April 2018, the Graduate Management Admission Council has shortened the GMAT exam by 30 minutes. Now, the exam is of 3 hours and 30 minutes including test instructions and breaks. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative sections were shortened by 13 and 10 minutes respectively. The Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment along with the Score Preview and the optional break time remained the same. These changes do not have any impact on scoring in the shortened Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative sections as only the unscored items have been removed by the GMAC. GMAT has a feature that provides candidates with the flexibility to customize their GMAT experience by choosing the section order in which they feel most comfortable taking the exam.
Recent updates in GMAT
GMAC announces acceptance of the Aadhar Card for the GMAT Online Exam: Indian students are in for a pleasant surprise, as GMAC - administrator and owner of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) has announced that they would be accepting Aadhar Card as valid ID proof for the GMAT Online exam, starting April 08, 2021. However, candidates would be required to validate their identity using their Aadhar Card or Passport during the registration process. This initiative has been taken by GMAC to make the GMAT exam more accessible to a larger student base. However candidates should keep in mind a few pointers and they are, candidates would be required to validate their Aadhar Card during the online exam registration process, Aadhar Card is only being accepted as valid ID proof for appearing for the online format of the GMAT test, the GMAT test centre will only accept a valid passport as ID proof and the new development comes to effect starting April 08, 2021.
CORONAVIRUS/Covid-19 ALERT: Effective June 11 candidates taking the GMAT Online exam will have a choice of whiteboard options, physical or online. GMAC also announced a commitment to maintaining the availability of online GMAT exams throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and opened additional online test appointments for the GMAT exam currently through July 17. With uncertainty persisting in test center availability, GMAC will continue to open additional appointment dates as needed and continues to waive reschedule and cancel fees across both the online and test center exams to offer extended flexibility for test-takers.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GMAC has to suspend test-center based GMAT exam for candidates, as worldwide various countries have put restrictions on the movement of citizens. On April-15th-2020, GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), administrator of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) announced the release of the GMAT Online exam. Know all about the GMAT Online Exam from registration to test dates to score reporting to retesting here.
Top business schools not insisting on GMAT and some even waiving application fees. Universities are also extending deadlines, so more students can apply for admissions.
Why take the GMAT Exam?
It is the most widely accepted exam for MBA admissions worldwide. No other exam has as wide acceptability as GMAT, as per the GMAC, globally 9 out of 10 MBA enrollments are made through GMAT Score. Further, 2,300 + schools accept GMAT Scores for giving admission. Also, there are 650 testing centers in 114 countries that administer the GMAT Exam.
GMAT 2021: Key Highlights
Exam Name |
GMAT |
GMAT full form |
Graduate Management Admission Test |
Official Website |
|
Most popular for |
MBA courses outside India, check 500 + colleges on Shiksha |
Also accepted for |
MS courses outside India MBA courses in India |
Conducted by |
GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) |
Mode of Exam |
Computer-based adaptive test |
GMAT fee |
US $250 (INR 18,300 approx) |
Score Range |
Min 200, Max 800 |
GMAT Contact |
+91 120-439-7830, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Indian Standard Time https://www.mba.com/service/contact-us.aspx |
What is the Eligibility criteria for the GMAT exam?
As such, there is no set eligibility criteria set by GMAC, the body conducting GMAT for appearing for the GMAT exam. However, one should always meet the eligibility criteria set by the university/college one aspires to get into after giving the GMAT.
Age criteria
- The candidate must have completed 18 years of age
- There is no upper age limit for the candidate
- If the candidate is between 13 to 17 years old, they should have permission in writing from their parents or legal guardian
Educational qualification
- GMAC has not announced any official statement regarding qualification required to appear for GMAT
- Candidates who wish to enroll for an MBA programme should possess a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university
GMAT Exam Fee: How much the exam cost?
The application fee for the GMAT exam is $250, which would translate to INR 18,300 approximately. Also, if the applicants want to change the center or reschedule the test then they will be charged extra. Candidates who do not show up for the test will be charged a full GMAT exam fee.
- GMAT Cancellation Fee: If you cancel the exam 1 to 14 days before the test date then you will be charged $200 and $50 will be refunded. If you cancel the exam 15 to 60 days prior to the appointment then you will be charged $175 and $75 will be refunded. And if you cancel the test more than 60 days prior to the appointment then you will be charged $150 and will receive $100 as a refund. Moreover, the test appointment cannot be canceled or modified within 24 hours of the scheduled test and time.
- GMAT Rescheduling Fee: If you reschedule the exam 1 to 14 days before the test date, you have to pay US$150. Also, if you reschedule the exam 15 to 60 days prior to the appointment then you have to pay US$100. If you reschedule the exam more than 60 days before the test date then you have to pay US$50.
How to Register for GMAT?
According to GMAC, you can register for the GMAT exam 6 months before the Graduate Management Admission Test date or latest by 24 hours before the GMAT exam date, however, the slot is not available at the last moment. Therefore, it is suggested to book your preferred slot well before the planned exam date.
Ways to register for GMAT:
- Online
- Phone
- Postal mail
There are six steps to register for the GMAT Exam and also different steps to schedule the GMAT exam. You can read the complete steps to register for the GMAT Exam here.
GMAT Exam Dates
There are no fixed official GMAT dates, you can choose any date according to your convenience and availability. In case you need to retake the GMAT exam you can do so after 16 days. You can take or retake the GMAT exam after every 16 days. You can appear for the exam a maximum of five times a year. Ideally, candidates are recommended to register themselves two to three months before the exam date. If you register online or by phone, you can get yourself registered as late as 24 hours before the exam date. But it is safer to stick to early registration as you will then have a set schedule to prepare for the exam accordingly. Even the coaching institutes recommend you to register at the earliest available date so that you have a wide window of time to prepare.
Exam Pattern for GMAT
The GMAT Exam comprises of four sections:
- Analytical Writing
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
Also, candidates can avail of two optional eight-minute breaks during the exam. Read more about the GMAT Exam Pattern in detail here.
Syllabus of GMAT Exam
GMAT is a three and a half hours test with a maximum score of 800 points. The GMAT test the candidate's' abilities on various parameters. Further, the GMAT exam has four sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment—measures candidates ability to think critically and to communicate their ideas
- Integrated Reasoning—measures candidates ability to analyze data and evaluate information presented in multiple formats
- Quantitative Reasoning—measures aspirants ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills
- Verbal Reasoning—measures the ability of the candidates to read and understand written material, to evaluate arguments, and to correct written material to conform to standard written English
Read more about the GMAT Syllabus in detail
The Graduate Management Admission Test also known as GMAT is mostly taken by the MBA aspirants who wish to study abroad. This exam evaluates the candidates on the basis of their Integrated Reasoning skills, Quantitative skills, Verbal skills, and Analytical Writing Assessment. The interesting structure and pattern of this exam make it really tough and exciting at the same time. Due to the course structure of this exam, some aspirants often get confused as to which exam will fulfill their MBA requirements better: GMAT or GRE. It is essential for them to understand that the recognised business schools worldwide use the GMAT score to evaluate a candidate's profile and conclude their admission.
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India has been reported to have more than 3 lakh GMAT test-takers every year. Taken across the world, this exam comes with a wide range of doubts amongst its aspirants. One of the frequently asked questions by the aspirants on the GMAT Exam is whether they are eligible for the exam or not. To resolve this query, we have simplified the list of exam requirements as approved by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the official body that conducts the GMAT exam.
The one thing that differentiates GMAT from standardized exams of India is the fact that it has no set exam date. You get an option to choose from many available dates, which means you get to decide when to appear for the GMAT exam. As the exam is conducted around the year, you can appear for the exam at your convenience.
Booking Slot for GMAT
It also means you get to decide when to start preparing for the GMAT so that you have enough time for preparation. It is recommended that you register for the GMAT exam two months before the date on which you wish to appear for the exam.
Time and Location
While selecting an exam date, you can choose the time of either the morning slot or the afternoon one. This can vary in the next attempt. The availability of GMAT dates depends upon the local test centers, thus, it is advised to start checking the dates in advance.
Every year, around 2 lakh aspirants in India attempt the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT Exam). It is obvious for the applicants spread across the nation to prefer finding test centres closest to their places. This article will help you locate your nearest GMAT Test Centre.
Since this exam can be attempted any time throughout the year, you get enough time to create your study calendar and accordingly choose the date and location as per your convenience. Nevertheless, while booking slot for your GMAT exam 2021 you need to ensure that the date and time you choose is also available at the test centre of your choice.
GMAT is a management entrance exam conducted round the year where the candidates have the flexibility to take the exam on any day depending on the availability and time slot. The number of GMAT applicants is increasing immensely every year, and thus, finding the slot becomes more difficult every time you wish to appear for the exam. You need to make sure that at the time of booking your slot, your preferential test center is also available on the chosen date.
How to Register for GMAT Exam 2021
The candidates have the liberty of giving the exam anytime in the year as per their convenience. The important thing to note is that the candidates can reschedule their next attempt only after 16 days of taking the first attempt. A candidate is only allowed five attempts in one year. Here, are the steps to schedule your exam.
Steps to register for GMAT 2021:
Step 1: Visit the official GMAT website, mba.com
Step 2: Candidate needs to create his/her account.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer adaptive test with a total duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The GMAT Exam Pattern is decided by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which is the official exam administrating body. The GMAT Exam Pattern comprises of both objective and subjective questions.
Overall the GMAT test has 90 questions which are divided into four sections namely Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Further, candidates are given a specific time to complete every section of the exam.
GMAT 2021 Exam Pattern
Section |
No. of questions/ Time limit |
Question Type |
Score Range |
---|---|---|---|
1 Topic (30 minutes) |
Analysis of an Argument |
0-6 (0.5-point increments) |
|
12 questions (30 minutes) |
Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis |
1-8 (1-point increments) |
|
31 questions (62 minutes) |
Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving |
6-51 (1-point increments) |
|
36 questions (65 minutes) |
Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction |
6-51 (1-point increments) |
|
Total Exam Duration |
3 hours 7 minutes |
A candidate has the option to take two '8-minute breaks' during the exam.
GMAT is a three and a half hours test with a maximum score of 800 points. The entire GMAT Exam syllabus divided into four sections.
GMAT Exam syllabus divided into four sections:
- Analytical Writing
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude Section
- Verbal Reasoning Section
GMAT Exam Pattern
The GMAT exam pattern is divided into four sections Writing, Reasoning, Verbal and Quantitative skills. Further, the GMAT is a Computer Adaptive Test of 3 hours 30 minutes and comprises of both objective and subjective questions. There are a total of 91 questions.
Section |
Number of Questions |
Score Range |
---|---|---|
Analytical Writing Assessment (30 minutes) |
1 Topic (Essay) |
0-6 |
Integrated Reasoning (30 minutes) |
12 questions |
1-8 |
Quantitative (62 minutes) |
31 questions |
6-51 |
Verbal (65 minutes) |
36 questions |
6-51 |
Total Exam Time (3 hours 7 minutes) |
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Syllabus
The Analytical Writing section will have topics on which the candidate will have to write, or a passage may be given on which questions will be asked. On the basis of the passage, the candidate will have to answer. The syllabus for this section is vast and varied as the topic of the passage could be any topic of interest. The main idea is to focus on the structure of the answer and not the arguments presented. Remember, it is not a test of your opinion but your writing style, so it is safer to stick to a neutral opinion.
-
Argument essay
In this section, you have to analyse the reasoning and then present your argument. Remember, you will be judged on how well reasoned you find a given argument.
-
Issue essay
In this section, you have to write an essay on the issue given to you. The candidate has to give an opinion in around 600 words. The opinion can be supportive of the given statement or candidates can give their own opinion. However, make sure to give your opinion in a properly structured manner as you will be judged on this basis.
Preparing for GMAT isn't that impossible of a task as it is made out to be. All you need is a focus and clarity of action. You can choose to study on your own or you can join a coaching center. Both these methods work perfectly fine, it all depends on your priorities.
To choose the best method on how to prepare for the GMAT you first need to look at your criteria and decide accordingly. To be able to study on your own effectively, you need good GMAT books and resources, along with study material, motivation, and self-discipline. If time is a constraint and one needs professional guidance to ensure a competitive edge in GMAT exam preparation, then join a coaching center for GMAT is the better option.
GMAT Study Material
If you take the route of self-study to prepare for GMAT, there are a lot of books and resources along with study materials and GMAT study plans available to help you. GMAC has its own official study guide and free software. Refer to the following GMAT guides and books to help create a study plan -
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 2021 – This exam guide includes more than 900 questions from past GMAT exams, a diagnostic section to help you assess where to focus your efforts, and invaluable test-taking tips and strategies to help you get the score you want.
- Free GMATPrep Software – this software includes ninety free questions – 30 Quantitative, 45 Verbal, and 15 Integrated Reasoning – with answers and explanations, tools to create your own practice question set, two full-length practice tests with answers, etc.
- Manhattan GMAT Strategy Guides - This set includes: GMAT Roadmap; Fractions, Decimals, & Percents; Algebra; Word Problems; Geometry; Number Properties; Critical Reasoning; Reading Comprehension; Sentence Correction; Integrated Reasoning & Essay.
- Kaplan GMAT 800: Advanced Prep for Advanced Students - Tips for test-taking, proven strategies for getting a perfect score of 800, and focused guidelines for tackling each question type all combine for the ideal preparation tool for the most ambitious student.
Preparing for GMAT isn't that impossible of a task as it is made out to be. All you need is a focus and clarity of action. You can choose to study on your own or you can join a coaching center. Both these methods work perfectly fine, it all depends on your priorities.
To choose the best method on how to prepare for the GMAT you first need to look at your criteria and decide accordingly. To be able to study on your own effectively, you need good GMAT books and resources, along with study material, motivation, and self-discipline. If time is a constraint and one needs professional guidance to ensure a competitive edge in GMAT exam preparation, then join a coaching center for GMAT is the better option.
GMAT Study Material
If you take the route of self-study to prepare for GMAT, there are a lot of books and resources along with study materials and GMAT study plans available to help you. GMAC has its own official study guide and free software. Refer to the following GMAT guides and books to help create a study plan -
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 2021 – This exam guide includes more than 900 questions from past GMAT exams, a diagnostic section to help you assess where to focus your efforts, and invaluable test-taking tips and strategies to help you get the score you want.
- Free GMATPrep Software – this software includes ninety free questions – 30 Quantitative, 45 Verbal, and 15 Integrated Reasoning – with answers and explanations, tools to create your own practice question set, two full-length practice tests with answers, etc.
- Manhattan GMAT Strategy Guides - This set includes: GMAT Roadmap; Fractions, Decimals, & Percents; Algebra; Word Problems; Geometry; Number Properties; Critical Reasoning; Reading Comprehension; Sentence Correction; Integrated Reasoning & Essay.
- Kaplan GMAT 800: Advanced Prep for Advanced Students - Tips for test-taking, proven strategies for getting a perfect score of 800, and focused guidelines for tackling each question type all combine for the ideal preparation tool for the most ambitious student.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is taken by students who wish to enroll in a finance-related course or want to pursue an MBA. The test is conducted for admissions into different management programs across the globe. The candidates are tested in verbal, quantitative, writing, analytical, and reading skills in the English language.
Sample Papers
Preparation for the GMAT exam is not easy, the aspirants need to be focused, hardworking, and should follow a concrete study plan to get the score they want. One can register on the official website of the GMAT and create a free account to download free GMAT prep software here.
Those who are planning to prepare for self-study can follow the 8-week study plan provided by the GMAC, the official body that conducts the GMAT exam. This plan provides a detailed approach for preparing for the exam. It includes tips that help in enhancing the strengths of the candidate and advice which focuses to improve the weak area of the candidates.
GMAT Sample Questions
Apart from this, candidates can also take various other tools that can help them in preparing for this competitive exam. Candidates can take IR Prep Tool which allows the user to practice anytime, anywhere. This Integrated Reasoning prep tool comprises of never-before-seen questions that are given directly by the makers of the GMAT. Through this tool, the aspirants can evaluate their progress through time management and by tracking their session's progress.
Also, the candidates can start their preparation with The Premium GMAT Study Collection. It includes six study products:
- GMAT Official Guide 2021
- GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review 2021
- GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review 2021
- GMAT Prep Exam Pack 1
- GMAT Prep Exam Pack 2
- GMAT Prep Question Pack 1
- GMAT Paper Tests Set I, II, and III
- GMAT Focus Online Quantitative Diagnostic Tool, set of 3
- IR Prep Tool
This complete collection comprises of books and digital products.
GMAT Tutorials
Students can check out section-wise GMAT tutorials:
After you take the GMAT 2021 exam, you will receive five scores: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal, and Total. Your total GMAT score is based on your Verbal and Quantitative scores. Your Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning scores do not affect the GMAT total score. You also get a percentile score, which tells you how you have scored comparatively to every 100 candidates taking the GMAT. For example, if your score in the Verbal section is 90 percentile, it means that for every 100 candidates attempting the GMAT 2021, you are ahead of 90 candidates.
Here is a comparative table of your scaled score to percentile:
Scaled Score |
Percentile |
Scaled Score |
Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
760-800 |
99 |
520 |
37 |
750 |
98 |
510 |
35 |
740 |
97 |
500 |
32 |
730 |
96 |
490 |
30 |
720 |
94 |
480 |
27 |
710 |
92 |
470 |
25 |
700 |
89 |
460 |
22 |
690 |
87 |
450 |
20 |
680 |
85 |
440 |
18 |
670 |
83 |
430 |
17 |
660 |
80 |
420 |
15 |
650 |
77 |
410 |
14 |
640 |
73 |
400 |
12 |
630 |
71 |
390 |
11 |
620 |
68 |
380 |
10 |
610 |
65 |
370 |
9 |
600 |
62 |
360 |
8 |
590 |
58 |
340-350 |
6 |
580 |
55 |
330 |
5 |
570 |
52 |
310-320 |
4 |
560 |
49 |
280-300 |
3 |
550 |
46 |
250-270 |
2 |
540 |
43 |
220-240 |
1 |
530 |
39 |
200-210 |
0 |