GMAT Exam : All About GMAT – What is GMAT Exam
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is one of the most well-known examinations for admissions into MBA & some Masters programs. As per the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2020 data (Application Trends Survey 2020), 9 out of 10 applicants to the top100-ranked MBA courses applied with scores obtained in admissions tests. 7 out of 10 such applicants appeared for GMAT, according to the report. 2,00,000 candidates appear for the examination annually worldwide, and 7,000 master’s and MBA courses use identical scores for admissions in more than 2,300 business schools worldwide. More than 110 countries accept GMAT score reports, and there are 600 + testing centers globally for the same.
GMAT Exam Brief
GMAT exam is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It is a computer-adaptive examination that assesses four individually timed sections, namely Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning, for admission to postgraduate management courses like MBA and Masters in Finance. The GMAT exam’s full form is Graduate Management Aptitude Test, and it is a 3.5-hour test, inclusive of breaks and test guidelines. Candidates can flexibly customize the GMAT test and select their preferred section order. Aadhar cards are also being accepted as valid proof of identity from 8th April 2021.
GMAT Exam Importance
The GMAT exam in India and other countries will impact an applicant’s entire educational and professional journey. Most leading business schools and universities use GMAT scores for making admission-related decisions. The examination is the most preferred and widely used indicator of academic prowess in professional degree courses. Reports indicate that 90% of admission decisions are usually taken based on the GMAT scores of the students.
The examination helps track the aspirant’s skills about what leading business schools desire. Testing is readily available throughout the world, and even recruiters often include this as a parameter for hiring purposes. Companies look at communication skills, quantitative/technical abilities, and proven performance abilities while hiring candidates. The score itself testifies to the last two attributes.
GMAT Examinations Types
There are online and test center modes of the examination. There are four sections within the GMAT exam itself. GMAT online exam is a computer-adaptive test that can be given as per the comfort and need of the candidate. A candidate can either attempt it at the comfort of his/her home or select a test center. The online exam is available for all the locations worldwide except few countries due to local data privacy rules.
GMAT Exam Eligibility
GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) is the body that conducts the examination, and it doesn’t have any set eligibility criteria for the same. Yet, there should be complete adherence to the eligibility guidelines of the college/university where the applicant wishes to get admission post the examination. Here are some essential criteria required to attempt the GMAT test.
- Candidates should be at least 18 years of age.
- People from all nationalities can attempt the GMAT exam
- Upper age limit is not there for any aspirant.
- Those between 13 – 17 years of age should get written permission from legal guardians or parents.
- GMAC has not officially given any statement regarding the qualifications of the candidates.
- Those who want to enroll in MBA/Masters courses should have graduate degrees from any recognized institution.
- The GMAT exam is conducted in English; hence, a basic command and fluency in the language are essential.
- There is no requirement for work experience. The candidate can be a student or a working professional.
GMAT Exam Fee
The examination fee is $275 (application) for the test center-delivered exam, which equals INR 20,600 approximately, and $300 for an online delivered exam, which equals INR 24606. Extra charges are applicable if the candidate wishes to change the preferred center or reschedule the examination. Those not appearing for the examination will have to bear the total fee.
Important GMAT Exam Dates
As per reports, there are no official or specified GMAT exam dates for 2023. Candidates may opt for any date based on their preference and overall availability. Retaking the examination is possible after 16 days, as mentioned earlier. The test may be taken a maximum of five times annually as well, but not more than eight times in a lifetime. Candidates should register 2-3 months prior to the actual examination date. Registration via phone or online may help you register 24 hours prior to the date of the examination. However, advance registration is always a safer choice.
GMAT Test Centers
GMAT exam is conducted worldwide at different centers. It is available in more than 110 countries at over 600 centers. As the candidates can take the GMAT exam any time throughout the year, he/she can choose the center closest to their home or per their convenience. The number of aspirants taking the GMAT exam is increasing every year; hence, it is suggested to book the slot in the desired test centers 2-3 months in advance.
The following steps are taken when checking in the center during the exam:
- The candidates are required to give proper identification proof.
- The candidates then need to undergo a palm vein scan, wherever permissible by law.
- The next step is to provide the digital signature giving the consent for the terms and conditions to take the GMAT test.
- Then a digital photograph is clicked.
- The candidate can then begin the GMAT Exam.
An important point to consider before going for a GMAT exam 2023 is to follow COVID protocols. The exam centers are practicing social distancing and offering hand sanitizers to candidates. The aspirants are also expected to adhere to the norms and wear masks while attempting the exam at GMAT test centers.
Accommodations for Aspirants With Disabilities
The aspirants are required to submit the necessary documents for disabilities and those who qualify to avail of the special accommodations will be provided with the following:
- Extra testing time: however, all sections are timed
- Extra or extended rest breaks
- A trackball mouse
- A medical device if essential is permissible
- A reader to read the questions to the candidate and can record the same for him/her is also allowed at the center.
- A recorder is also provided to record the responses of the aspirant
- Enlarged fonts on the monitor of the PC is made available
- A sign language interpreter, if required
GMAT Exam Syllabus: What is the Syllabus of GMAT
A good Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT score can confirm your seat at some of the most reputed B-schools in the world. The scores of this standardized entrance test are widely accepted by the top-ranked business schools across the globe. A complete and detailed understanding of the GMAT syllabus and the breakdown of the exam pattern can increase your chances of earning a high score.
An MBA degree offers the most promising career after technology and medicine. Management studies have ample scope in India as well as abroad as all businesses require good managers to function efficiently. Pursuing an MBA abroad opens several opportunities for international students. They also get a chance to find permanent residency in countries like Australia, Canada, and the United States of America.
GMAT score is accepted by top IIMs, high ranked B-schools in Canada, the USA, Australia, and Europe. The test scores are accepted by 2300 colleges that globally offer around 7000 MBA programs.
How to do your MBA in USA without GMAT?
The GMAT exam consists of four sections – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. The questions measure a candidate’s problem-solving and critical reasoning abilities, data sufficiency, and logic.
These are the skills required for a successful career in management. GMAT score ranges from a minimum 200 to a maximum 800. The test duration is 3 hours and 7 minutes, and the score is valid for five years. The medium of the exam is English and is conducted in both offline and online mode.
The top universities usually accept students with a GMAT score of 720+. Though the examination is considered challenging, an in-depth understanding of the pattern and GMAT exam syllabus and regular practice can pave the way for a high score.
Complete Pattern For GMAT Exam 2023
The GMAT exam pattern and syllabus are quite simple to understand. It is a 3-hour 7-minute-long examination and consists of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). GMAT is a prerequisite test for getting admission to the top MBA colleges globally. There are four sections, there is no negative marking, and the cut-off varies from college to college. A score above 690 is considered good.
Questions Per Section and Time Allotted to Each
Some changes have been introduced in the pattern for the 2023 GMAT examination, and here they are:
1. The mathematics section will be purely based on reasoning questions.
2. Coordinate geometry will be present in the GMAT syllabus.
3. Additional options for the MCQs will be ‘both’, and ‘neither’.
4. There will be conversion questions.
GMAT Exam Eligibility: Check Age Limit, Academics, Language, Grades & Scores
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-based standardized exam that is often required for admission to graduate business programs (MBA) globally. The test measures higher-order skills that are required for B-school graduates, with a focus on four sections, namely Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. The GMAT examination score is accepted by accredited universities and management schools worldwide. But before going ahead with the application process one needs to fulfill the GMAT exam eligibility as set by the conducting body, GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council).
The test provides a common measure of an applicant’s preparedness for management courses of various specializations. The business school admissions panel considers the GMAT scores of students to assess their capabilities to handle a business program. Students must take the GMAT exam to get admission to an MBA program in the best B-schools globally. The GMAT exam eligibility is uniform to ensure that everyone opting for an MBA program can take the examination.
What is Considered a Good GMAT Score?
It varies depending upon a student’s admissions goal, as every university or B-school sets its own GMAT score eligibility.
GMAT Eligibility Criteria
Academic Eligibility
The organizing body has set no official eligibility requirements in terms of academic qualification. There is no minimum or maximum academic qualification or degree requirement for test-takers. However, most of the examinees are undergraduate students or working professionals eager to take up a management course. Even if the students don’t fall under the above criteria, they can still take the test.
Age Criteria
The minimum age criteria as set by GMAC for the GMAT examination is 13 years. There is no maximum upper limit on age. A majority of applicants who appear for the GMAT are above 30 years of age. Students above 18 years of age can simply register and apply for the GMAT examination. However, students between the 13-18 age group need their parents or legal guardians to sign the permission letter at the time of registration to allow them to take the test.
Grades and scores
The GMAT examination has no eligibility criteria in terms of previous academic scores and grades. There are no minimum cut-off marks required. However, this should not be confused with the admission criteria of B-schools, as they will consider your grades and scores before granting admission. For GMAT, there is no minimum cut-off mark.
Number of Attempts
As per GMAC, the number of attempts that an applicant can take will depend on a few conditions. Students can retake the GMAT examination 16 days after the first attempt. It will include holidays and weekly offs as well. Within 12 months, the applicants cannot take the GMAT examination more than 5 times. The maximum number of attempts is 8 for any applicant. If any applicant has scored 800 and above, he or she has to wait for another 5 years for the second attempt.
Language
There is no official eligibility regarding the language criteria for GMAT test-takers. Applicants who did not have English as their first language or medium of instruction are eligible to take the exam. but they must have the language proficiency in English as the GMAT exam is held in the English language.
The GMAT exam does not have any minimum or maximum work experience requirements for test-takers. An applicant can be a fresher or an industry expert.
Renowned and prestigious B-schools and universities across the globe accept GMAT scores for MBA admission. It is one of the biggest and most notable management entrance tests that give applicants access to more than 7,000+ programs and 2,300+ overseas educational institutions.
The GMAT exam fee in India is US$275, which is approximately ₹21,356 for the test center-delivered exam and US$300 (₹24626 approx.) for an online exam.
Work Experience
Work experience is a great way to improve your logical reasoning abilities and practical learning. Having work experience prior to taking the GMAT test, on the other hand, is not an eligibility criterion. It can be considered a plus when applying to many business schools. Candidates with prior job experience in the same field of trade have a stronger application during the enrolling process.
GMAT Eligibility Criteria: Importance
Almost all candidates who want to enroll in specific MBA programs worry about their GMAT eligibility. Test takers take the GMAT exam once their eligibility has been verified and score based on their preparation strategies.
The GMAT test assessment is not a cakewalk because it is “computer adaptive.” Candidates must study hard and consider the analytics of the GMAT as an aptitude assessment examination and work hard to prepare for the test.
Test takers have to attempt the exam, which has 80 questions, in 3 hours and 7 minutes. The GMAT exam fee in India is US$275, which is approximately ₹21,356. However, the cost may vary due to changes in foreign currency rates (Rupee-Dollar Value).
Reservation Criteria for GMAT Test
GMAC recognizes the difficulties that physically challenged applicants, or those with disabilities, experience. Special reservation criteria have been established to provide accommodations for test participants with disabilities. To be eligible for this benefit, they must document the following with their applications to claim this provision:
- The present impact of their disability and how it hinders their ability to take the GMAT under standard circumstances.
- In comparison to most people, the existence of an impairment limits a major life activity.
The reservation criterion will apply to applicants who fall into one of the following categories:
- Psychological Disabilities
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
- Learning and Cognitive Disorder
- Physical and Systematic Disabilities
- Sensory Disabilities
GMAT Preparation Books: Guide to GMAT Study Materials
Manhattan Prep Complete GMAT Strategy Guides
The set of books contains all the information and preparation material relevant to the GMAT exam. The ten guides in Manhattan Prep Complete GMAT series range cover all the GMAT segments. From integrated reasoning to writing assessment, you can quickly strengthen your skills and score high. You can buy the books individually or in a bundle and gain access to one year of web study material along with practice tests. If you want to build your reasoning foundations, get a Manhattan guide, and start preparing.
GMAT Official Guide
GMAT is one of the most detailed books that will help in understanding the basic concepts. The guide consists of more than 950 questions, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and more. The books are updated as per the syllabus and pattern, so you will not miss any new changes. Along with the GMAT official guide, you will access online learning material consisting of additional essay questions to practice, advice, and tips from previous candidates in video format.
Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus series
Rated as the best book for GMAT quantitative section, the books include the exam content only, excluding unnecessary concepts and questions. The math and verbal guide will help you strengthen your basics fundamentally. The quantitative section is quite strong and easily explained in this book. Overall, the Kaplan GMAT book is the most sought-after and highly reviewed book by all the previous test-takers.
GMAT for Dummies
As the name suggests, GMAT is one of the best GMAT books for self-study of every test-taker interested in knowing every GMAT exam detail. The books put forth extra focus on the strategies and tips on eliminating wrong options and tackling the questions without losing any score. The set includes online practice sheets and flashcards. The GMAT for Dummies book is the best pick for referencing and starting your practice from the scratch.
Veritas Prep Complete GMAT Course Set
Veritas is a household name among GMAT test-takers. The book explains each section and questions in utmost detail. The practice questions are complex and provide a fair idea of the questions asked in the exam. With Veritas Prep Book, you will get access to practice tests, 1000+ practice questions, and an in-depth guide to different business schools around the world.
GMAT exam structure- exam format, questions, and score breakdown
The GMAT is divided in four sections-
- Verbal Skills
- Analytical Writing Assessment
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative
GMAT Score Structure
GMAT Exam Pattern
Verbal Skills
This section of GMAT gauges a candidate’s comprehension and grammatical skills. The questions are related to critical reasoning, sentence correction and reading comprehension.
Quantitative Reasoning
The quantitative section of the GMAT measures a candidate’s mathematical skills. It analyzes problem-solving skills, questions related to algebra, interpreting graphic data, reasoning ability and more.
Analytical Writing Assessment
This section helps to gauge the candidate’s writing skills. The candidate must write an essay within a fixed time limit. The essay is mostly related to economy or business as the test is for enrolling in business schools. Make sure to follow the guidelines while attempting the essay.
Integrated Reasoning
The integrated Reasoning section checks the candidate’s ability to develop different strategies, scrutinize information received by several resources and then reach a decision.
GMAT Exam Registration: How to Register for GMAT Exam
How to Register for GMAT Exam?- Process involved:
Thinking about how to book a GMAT exam? Here is the lowdown on swift and seamless GMAT exam registration. This is the process that needs to be followed:
a. Visit the official GMAT website.
b. Create your account.
c. Provide personal information like your address and name.
d. Provide information about your work and academic details.
e. Verify and submit all information.
f. Schedule the examination.
g. Choose the preferred or nearest test center.
h. Choose your preferred time and date slot.
i. Pay the registration fees for GMAT via credit/debit card.
j. After the fee payment, your GMAT registration will be completed.
You should note that you can reattempt the test only 16 days after taking the first attempt.
Make sure that your slot is booked at least one month in advance. You must book the slot three-four months in advance. You can also register via phone by calling the GMAT Customer Service as applicable for your region. You will have to pay US$10 (INR 742 approximately) as a surcharge for scheduling the examination via phone. You can also pay via cheque for GMAT exam scheduling.
Some of the GMAT test centers cover cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Indore, Nagpur, Pune, Visakhapatnam, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Ranchi, Jaipur, Lucknow, and others.