GMAT Full Form: Graduate Management Admission Test
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is designed to assess the students aiming to join the MBA (Masters in Business Administration) program or Masters in Finance-related courses. The exam tests the writing, analytical, verbal, quantitative reasoning, and reading skills of the candidate in standard written English language
Here is all you need to know about GMAT
| GMAT Eligibility | GMAT Exam Pattern |
| GMAT Registration | GMAT Preparation |
| GMAT Exam Dates | GMAT Syllabus |
| GMAT Scores | GMAT Exam Fees |
More than 1500 graduate business schools around the globe require GMAT scores for admission. It is a computer-based exam. However, in some remote places, the paper-based system is still followed. GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) is responsible for the design and administration of the GMAT. It determines the kind of skills measured by the GMAT and what methods can be adapted to measure them. It decides the GMAT format and GMAT question paper pattern.
Computer Adaptive Test
GMAT is a computer adaptive test. A computer adaptive test means the questions are not pre-determined. The exam assesses the candidate’s adequate difficulty level and then puts the question before him.
For example, the first question in front of you will be of average difficulty. If you answer it correctly, then the next question will be of slightly higher difficulty. If your answer is wrong, the question will be of lower difficulty. The same algorithm is set for the second question, and third, and so on.
Because it is a computer adaptive test, and your answer determines the level of the next question, you are not allowed to go back to the question you have once answered. Only the number of correct answers does not indicate your score. The hard questions hold more GMAT scoring points than easier questions. You should take care of 13 Common mistakes made by GMAT Test takers and know how to avoid them.
Executive Assessment
GMAT assessment is an exam by GMAC for the EMBA programs. EMBA stands for Executive MBA. EMBA is a short duration program for working professionals who want to improve their managerial and leadership skills but do not want to change the direction of their career much. EA exam is called a mini-GMAT exam. EA exam focuses more on Integrated reasoning, more suitable for experienced candidates. You should also take care of some of the Do’s and Dont Before and on the GMAT test day.
GRE vs GMAT
While GRE is a common examination for Graduate Record Examination, GMAT is more weighted and focused on the management abilities of the candidates. Graduates who want to study in any MBA or Management program mostly take the GMAT.
As per the Test-takers, GRE holds a higher level of English language and GMAT has a higher level of quantitative problems compared to each other. However, for both the subjects, interpretation abilities change from individual to individual and you should check with the institute you are applying to before deciding on one. For more information: What’s the difference between GMAT and GRE?
GMAT Eligibility
As the name suggests, the GMAT is for Graduates who are willing to pursue their postgraduate studies in management schools or the b-schools around the world. Therefore, there is a minimum age requirement. However, with a parent or guardian letter, candidates below 18 years of age can also appear for the exam. For more information on the Eligibility for GMAT, you can refer to GMAT Eligibility
GMAT Exam Dates
Candidates can appear for the GMAT all around the year, though it is always advisable to check the test center availabilities and regional holidays for the same. Once you have appeared for GMAT, you will have to wait for a period of 16 days before reappearing. To know how many times one can appear for the GMAT exam in a year, read more at GMAT Exam Dates
GMAT Registration
One can register for GMAT Exam anytime they want to during the whole year. However, to make sure you get the date you want, you might want to Register for GMAT as soon as you decide to appear for the exams. Generally, the registration for the GMAT will be done online by the candidate for the convenient date and time suited best to him or her. Here, you can find the step by step process for the registration: GMAT Registration
GMAT Exam Fees
There is a registration fee candidates will have to pay to appear for the exam. The GMAT fees might vary with the country and region you are applying from, but generally, they are around 250$ to 280$. However, as the fees differ from region to region, it is best to check first on the official website. For GMAT Exam Fees, Rescheduling fees, and other costs, click here: GMAT Exam Fees
GMAT Exam Pattern
GMAT consists of four subjects and the test runs for three and a half hours. GMAT test-takers are assessed in the following subjects:
The duration of the exam is around 3.5 hours. The analytical writing and integrated reasoning are for 30 minutes, while the sections of Verbal and Quantitative have durations of 65 and 62 minutes respectively. Here is all you need to know about the exam pattern: GMAT Exam Pattern
Read more: Time management of 3 hours 30 minutes in the GMAT
GMAT Syllabus
All four subjects of the GMAT have their own specialized courses and fields of study. Though there is no fixed syllabus, one can always cover all the areas of a subject. There are numerous GMAT exam materials available both online and offline which covers a large portion of the syllabus and provide the candidates with all kinds of possible question types and solution. For detailed information on the GMAT syllabus, you can read: GMAT Syllabus
GMAT Preparation
The preparation material available for the GMAT exam is a lot, both online and offline. There are some of the Best GMAT Preparation Books and Online Resources One can give an average number of 100 hours to study for the GMAT to score among the top 15% of candidates taking the exam. You can attempt a few GMAT Sample Questions before attempting an official GMAT exam.
In short, the right amount of preparation and the right way of preparation is essential to scoring well in the GMAT exam. For Verbal, the candidates will have to Practice reading comprehension from different texts, understand and work on their English Grammar, and reading abilities. Similarly, you will have to work in different areas of mathematics for quantitative analysis. Here are the best tips to crack the exam: GMAT Preparation
GMAT Scores
There are two types of GMAT Scores you will hear about. The unofficial scores are the scores you will see when you finish your test at the center. These are just for the candidate’s reference and they should not be used anywhere officially. The scale of GMAT test scores is between 200 to 800, and they come in multiples of 10 like 710, 720, and so on. The official scores, GMAT results are released within three weeks of the exam and can be used for admission purposes. Here is all the information you need about the top scores, GMAT Results, and score validity: GMAT Scores
You may be interested to know: How to get 700 on GMAT?
GMAT Scholarships for B-Schools
Keep in mind that taking the GMAT test is not the only criteria you will need to fulfill to get a scholarship. There are many other requirements. The scholarships are mostly merit-based, or need-based (for the candidates with financial hardships). Not all the scholarships apply to all the B-schools. Check with the institute you are applying to for the available scholarships and eligibility criteria.
Top Business Schools with GMAT scholarships
| University/B-School | Scholarships |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship |
| Haas School of Business | Dr. Tahir Fellowships |
| Booth School of Business | The Zonis Fellowship |
| Akhtar Ali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship | |
| Harvard Business School | Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship |
| The Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship | |
| HBS Fellowship Programs | |
| Wharton School of Business | Emerging Economy Fellowships |
| Social Impact Fellowship | |
| Joseph Wharton Fellowship |
We hope that we have cleared all the doubts and queries you have regarding the GMAT examination. However, if you have any other questions regarding the exam, Universities for GMAT, or any other aspect of the exam, feel free to ask below:
GMAT is an Entrance Exam, taken by graduate students willing to study at business and management schools. GMAT stands for Graduate Management Aptitude Test. The test is an assessment of the abilities of candidates in subjects like Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, Quantitative Aptitude, and Analytical Writing. If you are confused about whether to go for GMAT vs GRE, the GMAT is for business and Management Graduates. Here, we are talking about Eligibility for the GMAT Exam. For more information on the GMAT, you can check out:
| GMAT Exam | GMAT Preparation |
| GMAT Exam Pattern | GMAT Registration |
| GMAT Exam Fees | GMAT Scores |
| GMAT Exam Fees | GMAT Syllabus |
Eligibility for GMAT:
There are no fixed criteria set by the GMAC, the Graduate Management Admission Council which is governing council for the GMAT. The score criteria are also set by the universities and schools that require the GMAT as an admission requirement. Every year thousands of students appear for GMAT Exam in more than 100 countries. As far as the GMAT Eligibility is concerned, here is what one should keep in mind before booking for the GMAT:
Age Criteria:
The candidates appearing for the GMAT are required to be at least 18 years. There is no upper age limit for the GMAT Exam. However, children from 13 to 17 years of age can also appear for the GMAT.
If a candidate is below the age of 17 and he wants to appear for the GMAT, there would be a requirement of a permission letter of consent letter from their legal guardian or parent.
Language Requirement:
Since the exam is conducted in the English language, one is supposed to have an understanding of the language in order to complete the examination. Language in GMAT, the English, is often considered to be a little on the tougher side for many of the test-takers, therefore it is essential to understand English if one is considering the GMAT exam. Basic comprehension and grammar skills are a must for the GMAT. You can read more about that here: GMAT Preparation.
Qualifications:
As the name suggests, GMAT is a ‘Graduate’ Management Aptitude Test, therefore students are required to have a bachelor’s degree as a rule. The degree can be in any specialization or discipline from a recognized institution. There are no restrictions on the academic background for the GMAT, and you do not have to be a management student for taking the GMAT. However, the university/school you are applying to will ask for specific courses as per their requirements.
How Many Attempts of GMAT are allowed?
There is a limit to how many times a candidate can appear for the GMAT exam. Once you have taken the GMAT exam, you need to have a break of 16 days between two attempts. One can appear for GMAT only 5 times in a year and 8 times in total. It is always advisable to take the exam with enough preparation and when one feels ready for the test.
Who Cannot Appear for the Test under GMAT Eligibility?
Anyone who fulfills the requirements above is eligible to appear for the GMAT. According to GMAT official website, anyone from any academic background, nationality, religion, age, gender, race can appear for the exam without any discrimination. There are special facilities available at the test centers for the differently-abled candidates also. One has to provide medical certifications for that, and they are kept secret by the GMAC.
Keep in mind that it is not compulsory for students to appear for the GMAT in order to attend a business school. The exam is considered to be the admission requirement for many universities, but not all. For example, one can pursue an MBA in France without GMAT and many other countries
GMAT is one of the most taken entrance exams in the world. It stands for Graduate Management Aptitude Test, and as the name suggests, it is taken by the candidates who are willing to attend business and management courses like MBA in universities across the world. Here, we are talking about the Exam Dates and Booking for GMAT Exam. For all the other information on GMAT, Read:
| GMAT Exam | GMAT Exam Pattern |
| GMAT Eligibility | GMAT Syllabus |
| GMAT Registration | GMAT Scores |
| GMAT Exam Fees | GMAT Preparatio |
When to take the GMAT?
There are no fixed dates released for the GMAT Exam. The candidates can apply for the GMAT when it is convenient for them. However, depending on the region they are in, they have to choose from the dates available for the GMAT Test Centers they are choosing.
There will be changes in the dates available and holidays depending on the regions, too. Therefore it is always advisable to be aware and ahead of the dates available for the test center one will be taking their exam at.
As we have already mentioned, the GMAT scores are admission requirements for a number of business schools across the globe. Therefore, one is required to present the GMAT Scores before the admission committee of the university. The process of GMAT booking, Registration, GMAT Exam Fee payment, and the results will take approximately 20 days. Here are some sample questions of GMAT: GMAT Sample Questions
In short, the best time to take the GMAT exam is before 20 days or a month to one’s university application. If you are someone who is going to Study Abroad, the process should start even earlier, as, after the admission, they will also be applying for a visa. One should also keep in mind that there might be a possibility of retaking the exam in case of an undesired result. There are some rules to retake the GMAT Exam:
GMAT Slot Booking at a GMAT Test Center
One has to book the GMAT online on the official GMAT website. The Slots are available for morning and evening slots. However, that can vary with your region and timezone. The Test centers for GMAT are available all over the world in more than 100 countries.
GMAT Retake and Number of Attempts
In cases that you do not get the desired results in the first attempt at GMAT, you should not be disappointed. One can re-appear for the test to get desired GMAT Scores. However, there are some rules to that:
| Gap Between Two Attempts | 16 Days |
| Maximum Attempts for a Year | 5 Attempts |
| Lifetime GMAT Attempt Limit | 8 Attempts |
The Scores are released in three weeks of the test dates. Here are some useful tips to score well: How to get 700 on GMAT?
GMAT Exam fees for most parts of the world are around $250-$280. The fee for rescheduling the exam is $50. Make sure you are looking for the exam in advance and understand the timeslots and date availability well before your university application deadlines approach.
The full list of GMAT test centers all over the world and the seat availability can be found on the GMAT official site i.e. www.MBA.co
You may be interested to know:
Before you decide to appear for any exam, it is essential to understand the area of subjects and what they cover. Therefore GMAT exam Syllabus is what you should be most aware of if you are looking forward to applying for a business and management university abroad.
GMAT is one of the most widely taken exams by graduates. It stands for Graduate Management Aptitude Test. Many of the Top B-Schools in the world have GMAT Scores as their eligibility criteria. GMAT syllabus and eligibility, both are important to know before you book the exam. Here we are talking about things included in the Syllabus of the GMAT. Before that, here are some of the useful links:
There will not be a different GMAT syllabus for MBA or any other course, all the candidates applying for master’s courses will have to face the same syllabus of GMAT. Knowing what you will be facing in your GMAT exam is important, to prepare it accordingly. The GMAT question pattern has 4 sections, which are explained below in the syllabus.
GMAT Analytical Writing
This section will have topics, on which the candidate will have to write, or a passage may be given and the candidates have to answer the questions based on it. The GMAT pattern and syllabus for this section are huge and varied as the topic of the passage could be any topic of general interest. You should focus on the structure of the answer and not the arguments presented.
What to Expect?
GMAT Analytical writing is an assessment of English language abilities and how one can analytically think over an argument or statement provided to them. It is important to put your ideas into words and communicate clearly. Keep in mind you do not have to put your views to the test, but the best analytical argument and counter-argument in this section.
You will have a time of 30 minutes for this section. (Detailed information at GMAT Exam Pattern) You can take the first few minutes for thinking and roughly understand how you will be structuring your essay. Use your time optimally, as you will also need to time re-read and correct the essay in the end. . Now you know about the GMAT exam pattern of the Analytical Writing section.
For practice: GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment Sample Questions
How will it be evaluated?
There are two ways analytical writing is assessed by GMAT.
GMAT Quantitative Section
The GMAT Quant syllabus comprises the math of the high-school level. GMAT maths syllabus comprises of the following topics:
These 4 types of questions are covered in the GMAT mathematics syllabus. This section must be prepared well by practicing as much as you can, otherwise, a minor mistake will affect your overall score. Get more information here: Complete Guide for GMAT Quantitative Aptitude Section
What to Expect?
According to GMAT Syllabus 2020, there are two types of questions asked in Quantitative Aptitude. Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency. Both the questions can be solved using the topics given above paired with some analytical skills and reasoning skills. However, those parts are minor and Mathematical skills are emphasized. In GMAT quantitative syllabus you have to put emphasis on Mathematical skills.
For practice
How will it be evaluated?
There will be five options given for each answer and the grades will be rewarded for the right answer. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to use the calculator in this section. This is the Quantitative Section of the GMAT preparation syllabus.
Verbal Skills
The next section in the Gmat exam pattern and syllabus is the Verbal Reasoning section. The GMAT verbal syllabus comprises the following topics:
What to Expect?
Here is the GMAT detailed syllabus of the Verbal Reasoning section. There are three types of questions in Verbal. Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction.
For practice:
GMAT Reading Comprehension Sample Questions
GMAT Critical Reasoning Sample Questions
GMAT Sentence Correction Sample Questions
GMAT Critical Reasoning Sample Questions
Integrated Reasoning Section
This is the newest addition to the GMAT Test Syllabus. This section will have questions of the following types:
What to Expect?
GMAT Integrated reasoning is one’s ability to take in large amounts of data and interpret them to reach the decision best for a hypothetical outcome. The question can be a combination of all three, therefore the type: Multi-Source. Table Analysis and Graphical Interpretation are on the same lines. (edited and bullets)
The GMAT, an entrance exam syllabus of the Integrated Reasoning Section is all about interpreting exactly and making a decision. For practice: GMAT Integrated Reasoning Sample Questions
GMAT Syllabus books
There are different materials available for the test takers to prepare for the GMAT. One can get GMAT prep books and join online GMAT forums, which help you prepare for the exam. Most of the candidates prefer the manhattan prep syllabus, in which they can find the manhattan GMAT self-study syllabus pdf. However, there are more options available such as:
Here we have mentioned the GMAT complete syllabus. So now you are able to start preparing as you know the Gmat full syllabus.
GMAT is one of the most taken entrance exams in the world. GMAT stands for Graduate management aptitude test and as the name suggests, the test is for the graduates who are willing to take admission in Business and Management courses like MBA and others. Here, we are talking about the Paper pattern of GMAT, the GMAT Exam Pattern. However, you should check GMAT Syllabus first to understand the subjects better. For more information on GMAT, here are some useful links:
GMAT Exam Pattern:
The GMAT exam duration is 3 and a half hours. The GMAT exam pattern has four section types. The GMAT structure aims to assess the skills of the candidates in writing, analytical, verbal, quantitative reasoning and reading. The GMAT sections are:
The details about the GMAT exam pattern and score are given below. The GMAT exam's total marks are 800.
| Subject | Type of Questions | No. of Questions | No. of Questions |
Time management of 3 Hours 30 Minutes in the GMAT
How to get 700 on GMAT?
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
The Analytical Writing Assessment is generally known as the “essay” section. It assesses the writing skills of a candidate. This section has only one essay writing. This is the only segment of the test that is not multiple-choice based. These essays are marked by a human grader and a computer grading system. The score is then averaged for your final score. You will be given 30 minutes to complete this section. The scores are marked in the range of 0-6.
You will be provided with a short argument. Instead of presenting your own viewpoint, you are required to criticize the argument and analyze the accuracy of the author’s evidence and reasoning.
GMAT Integrated Reasoning (IR)
This section consists of a total of 12 questions which may have multiple parts. These are multi-source reasoning questions. Time duration of 30 minutes is given to complete this section. The scores are marked in the range of 0-8.
Quantitative Reasoning
This section aims to assess your basic mathematical knowledge of concepts like arithmetic and number properties, algebra, and geometry. The range of score is 0 to 60. There are a total of 37 questions which are divided into two question types:
Data Sufficiency
Data Sufficiency question type consists of a question with two statements. You have to determine whether the given statements provide sufficient data required to answer the question. GMAT math requires you to recognize quickly the information you would need to solve the problem and to capably eliminate answer choices. There are 17 or 18 questions of this type.
Problem Solving
Problem Solving is a typical test question type. You'll be provided with a question and five possible answer choices for it. This question type uses the math of high school–level up to algebra and plane geometry. This is to test your critical thinking skills. There are 19 or 20 questions of this type.
Verbal Reasoning
The GMAT Verbal section is designed to assess your command of written English, and ability to analyze arguments and read critically. You will be provided with 75 minutes to complete this section. The scores are marked in the range of 0-60. There are a total of 41 questions in this section. There are three question types in this section:
Critical Reasoning
GMAT Critical Reasoning questions test the skills in making, comprehending arguments, and devising a plan of action. You will be provided with a short argument or a sequence of statements and a question relating to it. To score well in the GMAT Critical Reasoning questions, you need to understand the structure of arguments and need to have a thorough logical analysis of the relations between evidence and conclusions. This section contains approximately 11 questions.
Sentence Correction
In this type of question, you will be provided with typically long and involved sentences. A part of the entire sentence will be underlined, and you are required to find the best adaptation of the underlined section out of the original or one of four alternatives. The sentence may contain no or one, two, or more errors. This section contains approximately 16 questions.
GMAT Reading Comprehension
These types of questions assess your critical reading skills. More specifically, these questions assess your ability to summarize and comprehend the main idea, make conclusions based on information in a text, analyze the logical structure of a passage, and infer the author's tone and attitude about a topic. You will be provided with an academic reading passage on a topic related to social science, business, biological science, or physical science. You will then have to answer approximately 14 questions about the text.
Each business school has their own set of GMAT cutoff for admission purposes. Few business schools focus on the total GMAT Scores. However, other business schools might set the requirements for scores in individual sections out of the GMAT total marks. The GMAT total score is 800, and most of the top-rated business schools around the world set the GMAT cutoff around 700. Thus, 700 would be a good GMAT score. Mentioned below are scores required for top B schools:
GMAT is one of the essential criteria in many business schools in the world. GMAT scores are considered for application evaluation for courses like MBA for many universities and business schools. Before we move on to GMAT Scores and Results, here are some useful links for GMAT Exams and other information:
| GMAT Exam | GMAT Preparation |
| GMAT Registration | GMAT Exam Pattern |
GMAT exam scores are valid for five years. They are available for reporting for up to 10 years. However, scores beyond 10 years are not available.The range for GMAT score varies from 200 to 800. 800 is the highest GMAT score. The GMAT scoring is in increments of 10, for example – 700, 710, 720 and so on. The mean score for the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT are 39 and 27 respectively. Around 70% of the test takers score in the range of 400 and 600. The business schools and MBA programs pay the most attention to the combined 200–800 score scale, where the mean score is 552.
Essay Scores are given as below:
| Score | Essay Quality |
| 6 | Outstanding |
| 5 | Strong |
| 4 | Adequate |
| 3 | Limited |
| 2 | Flawed |
| 1 | Weak |
These are ideal GMAT scores are given as below:
| GMAT Scores | Total Scores | Subjects | Scores in each Subject |
| Top Scores (in top 10%) | 710-800 | Quantitative | 51+ |
| Verbal | 40+ | ||
| Integrated Reasoning | 8 | ||
| Essay | 6 | ||
| Competitive (in top 25%) | 650-700 | Quantitative | 48-50 |
| Verbal | 35-39 | ||
| Integrated Reasoning | 7 | ||
| Essay | 5.5 | ||
| Average (in top 50%) | 550- 640 | Quantitative | 38-47 |
| Verbal | 28-34 | ||
| Integrated Reasoning | 43621 | ||
| Essay | 4.5-5 | ||
| Below Average | Less than 550 | Quantitative | Less than 37 |
| Verbal | Less than 27 | ||
| Integrated Reasoning | Less than 4 | ||
| Essay | Less than 4 |
GMAT Results
There are Two Types of GMAT results.
Unofficial Scores
You can see unofficial scores at the centre itself once you have finished the examination. It shows the result of three sections namely Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Integrated Reasoning. That will give you an idea if you have scored enough for the school you have applied for, or you want to retake the examination. You will be given a printout of the unofficial scores if you accept it. However, you cannot use it for admission purposes.
Official Scores
The official scores will be declared within three weeks after you have completed your examination. This result will have the scores you have scored in all four sections, this time including Analytical writing also. Once the scores are available, you will be notified via e-mail. Your scores will be sent to five (5) institutions of your choice, which you had selected at the time of registration.
GMAT Percentile
GMAT scores include percentile ranks that show how well you performed when compared to other test takers. For example, if your percentile rank is 75, you scored more than 75 percent of the candidates who appeared for the test. A high percentile rank shows that you performed better than the number of candidates who took the test, and a low percentile means exactly the opposite.
GMAT Score Validity
GMAT scores are valid for five years from the declaration of result. They will be available for reporting for 10 years in your account. You cannot access scores older than 10 years.
Copyright © 2022 Find What Next. All rights reserved.