Students aspiring to study an MBA or other graduate business program may choose to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of the application process. The GMAT is a standardized test designed to measure a student’s aptitude for graduate-level business studies. It assesses a candidate’s analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. The test is accepted by thousands of graduate business programs worldwide, including many top-ranked MBA programs in India and the United States.
What Is GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that is used by graduate business schools to assess the qualifications of applicants. The test measures verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills, and is intended to help business schools evaluate the potential of applicants for advanced study in business and management.
The GMAT exam consists of four sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) measures the ability to analyze an argument and write a critique of it.
- Integrated Reasoning (IR) measures the ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources.
- The quantitative section measures the ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data.
- Verbal section, which measures reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) which means that the difficulty level of the questions you receive is based on your performance in the previous questions.
The GMAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with two-thirds of test takers scoring between 400 and 600. The test is offered year-round at test centers around the world, and you can take the test once every 31 days, up to five times a year.
It’s important to know that the GMAT is just one of the factors that graduate business schools consider in evaluating applicants. Other factors include undergraduate GPA, work experience, recommendations, and essays.
Many business schools also accept the GRE in place of the GMAT. It’s a good idea to check with the specific schools to which you are applying to see which test they prefer.
Preparation for the GMAT can take several weeks or months, and many test-takers choose to take a GMAT preparation course or use GMAT study materials.
GMAT Exam Section-wise breakup
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that is used by graduate business schools to assess the qualifications of applicants. The GMAT exam consists of four sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This section measures the ability to analyze an argument and write a critique of it. The section is divided into two tasks, with 30 minutes for each task.
- Integrated Reasoning (IR): This section measures the ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources. The section is divided into 12 questions, with 30 minutes for the section.
- Quantitative: This section measures the ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data. The section is divided into 31 questions, with 62 minutes for the section.
- Verbal: This section measures reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. The section is divided into 36 questions, with 65 minutes for the section.
In total, the GMAT consists of 79 multiple-choice questions and two essay questions, and it takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete, including breaks.
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), which means that the difficulty level of the questions you receive is based on your performance in the previous questions.
How to prepare for GMAT Exam?
There are several steps you can take to prepare for the GMAT:
- Familiarize yourself with the test format and content: Understand the types of questions that will be asked and the structure of the test. You can find sample questions and practice tests on the official GMAT website.
- Assess your current skills: Take a diagnostic test to determine your strengths and weaknesses. Use this information to create a study plan that focuses on the areas where you need the most improvement.
- Create a study schedule: Set aside a specific time each day or week to study for the GMAT. Stick to your schedule as much as possible.
- Use study materials: Use GMAT study guides, practice tests, and other materials to help you prepare for the test. Many test-takers find that taking a GMAT preparation course can be helpful.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the types of questions asked on the GMAT.
- Simulate Test day: Take a full-length practice test under test-like conditions to simulate the real test day. This will help you to get familiar with the timing and pacing of the test.
- Get feedback on your performance: Review your practice test results and use them to identify areas where you need further improvement.
- Keep yourself motivated: Stay motivated and positive during the study process. Remember why you’re taking the GMAT and keep your ultimate goal in mind.
It’s important to note that the GMAT is just one of the factors that graduate business schools consider in evaluating applicants. Other factors include undergraduate GPA, work experience, recommendations, and essays. Therefore, it’s a good idea to work on the other aspects of your application while preparing for the GMAT.
Which are the best books and study materials for GMAT?
There are many study materials available for the GMAT, and the best ones for you will depend on your learning style and areas of weakness. However, some popular and widely recommended books and study materials for the GMAT include:
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review: This is the official study guide for the GMAT and includes real GMAT questions from past exams, as well as answer explanations.
- The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review: This guide focuses specifically on the quantitative section of the GMAT and includes real GMAT questions from past exams, as well as answer explanations.
- The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review: This guide focuses specifically on the verbal section of the GMAT and includes real GMAT questions from past exams, as well as answer explanations.
- Manhattan GMAT: This series of books covers all sections of the GMAT and includes strategies, tips, and practice problems.
- Kaplan GMAT: Kaplan offers a range of study materials including books, online resources and prep classes, that provide comprehensive coverage of the GMAT, including extensive practice questions and detailed answer explanations.
- Princeton Review GMAT: Princeton Review offers a range of study materials including books, online resources and prep classes, that provide comprehensive coverage of the GMAT, including extensive practice questions and detailed answer explanations.
- Veritas Prep GMAT: Veritas Prep offers comprehensive GMAT study materials, including books, online resources, and live and online prep classes.
- GMAT Pill: GMAT Pill offers a range of study materials, including online video lessons, practice problems, and a mobile app.
It’s important to note that studying for the GMAT is a process and it’s always a good idea to try different materials to find the one that works best for you and supplement it with practice problems and GMAT tests.
What is the fee for GMAT?
As of 2023, the fee for taking the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is $275 USD at Test Center and $ 300 USD if Delivered online. This fee includes one score report sent to one school or program of your choice, additional score reports cost $30 each.
Gmat Official Fee Details for Indian Citizen: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register/exam-payment
There are also some additional services that are offered for an additional fee. For example, if you need to reschedule or change your test center, there is a fee of $50. If you need to retake the test, there is a fee of $275.
However, it’s important to note that some test centers may have additional fees, such as administrative fees or taxes. Also, some test centers may offer the option of taking the test on a weekend or evening, which may result in an additional fee.
It’s also important to note that some test-takers may qualify for a reduced fee. For example, if you are taking the test in a country where the cost of living is lower, you may be eligible for a reduced fee. Additionally, if you are an active-duty military member or a veteran, you may be eligible for a reduced fee. You can check the official GMAT website for more information on fee reductions.
What are the alternates for GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used by graduate business schools to assess the qualifications of applicants. However, there are other standardized tests that can be used as an alternative to the GMAT. Some of the most common alternatives include:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE is a widely accepted test that measures verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills. Many graduate business programs will accept either the GMAT or the GRE, so check with your school of choice.
- Executive Assessment (EA): The EA is a test for experienced professionals, designed specifically for business school applicants with at least eight years of work experience.
- The LSAT (Law School Admission Test): This is a test used by Law schools and some business schools as an alternative to the GMAT, It measures verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning.
- The Miller Analogies Test (MAT): The MAT is a test that measures a candidate’s ability to understand relationships between ideas. It’s more commonly used for graduate programs in the humanities, social sciences, and the sciences.
It’s important to note that each graduate business program may have different test requirements and preferences, so it’s a good idea to check with the specific schools to which you are applying to see which test they prefer. Additionally, some programs may not require any tests at all.
Which all Indian business schools accept GMAT?
Many Indian business schools accept the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of their application process. Some of the most well-known business schools in India that accept GMAT scores include:
- Indian Institute of Management (IIMs): IIMs are considered to be among the top business schools in India and globally. Many IIMs accept GMAT scores as part of their application process.
- Indian School of Business (ISB): ISB is considered to be one of the premier business schools in India and is located in Hyderabad and Mohali. It accepts GMAT scores as part of the application process.
- XLRI Jamshedpur: XLRI is one of the oldest business schools in India and is located in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. It accepts GMAT scores as part of the application process.
- Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi: FMS is a well-known business school located in Delhi and it accepts GMAT scores as part of the application process.
- SPJIMR, Mumbai: SPJIMR is a leading business school located in Mumbai and it accepts GMAT scores as part of the application process.
- Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon: MDI is a premier business school located in Gurgaon, Haryana and it accepts GMAT scores as part of the application process.
- IIM Lucknow: IIM Lucknow is a premier business school located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh and it accepts GMAT scores as part of the application process.
- IIM Calcutta: IIM Calcutta is a premier business school located in Calcutta, West Bengal and it accepts GMAT scores as part of the application process.
- IIM Bangalore: IIM Bangalore is a premier business school located in Bangalore, Karnataka and it accepts GMAT scores as part of the application process.
This list is not exhaustive and there are many other business schools in India that accept GMAT scores as part of their application process. It’s always a good idea to check with the specific schools to which you are applying to see which test scores they accept.
