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GMAT : Full Exam Guide for Every MBA Aspirant

Get to Know Everything about GMAT

What is the GMAT ?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a global MBA entrance exam accepted by over 7,000 programs across 2,400+ universities worldwide, including top IIMs, ISB Hyderabad, XLRI, and leading international B-schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, and London Business School.

From 2023, the GMAT Focus Edition has replaced the traditional GMAT. The new format is shorter (2 hours 15 minutes), adaptive, and more student-friendly while still testing core skills in Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights.

Key Highlights

Conducting BodyGraduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Exam TypeComputer-adaptive MBA entrance test
Exam ModeOnline (at home) or Test Centre
Frequency5 times in a rolling 12-month period
Total Attempts Allowed8 attempts in a lifetime
Exam Duration2 hours 15 minutes
Score Range205 – 805
Score Validity5 years
SectionsQuantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights
Accepting Colleges2,400+ global universities + Indian B-schools
Official Websitehttp://www.mba.com/

Eligibility Criteria

  • Education: No minimum qualification prescribed by GMAC. However, most B-schools require a bachelor’s degree.

  • Age Limit: Minimum 18 years. (13–17 years can be taken with parental consent).

  • Attempts: 5 attempts in a year, 8 lifetime attempts.

  • ID Proof: Valid passport for international applicants, government ID for Indian test centers.

Exam Pattern

Section No. of Questions Marks
Quantitative Reasoning 21 Part of 205–805 score
Verbal Reasoning 23 Part of 205–805 score
Data Insights (DI) 20 Part of 205–805 score
Total 64 205–805

  • Computer-Adaptive Test: Questions adjust based on your performance.

  • Breaks: One optional 10-minute break.

  • Flexibility: Choose section order before the test.

Syllabus Overview

Quantitative Reasoning (21 Qs)

  • Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry

  • Word Problems

  • Problem Solving

  • Data Sufficiency

Verbal Reasoning (23 Qs)

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Critical Reasoning

  • Sentence Correction (reduced in Focus Edition)

Data Insights (20 Qs)

  • Data interpretation from charts, graphs, and tables

  • Multi-source reasoning

  • Data sufficiency with visual formats

Scoring System

  • Score Range: 205–805

  • Increment: 10-point intervals

  • Validity: 5 years

  • Score Reporting: You can send scores to 5 B-schools free; additional reports cost $35 each.

Exam Difficulty Level

  • GMAT is moderate to tough, especially for non-native English speakers.

  • The Quant section is easier than the CAT, but the Verbal section is tougher.

  • The new Focus Edition reduces test anxiety by making the exam shorter.

Cut-Off Trends

B-School Average GMAT Score
Harvard Business School 730–740
Stanford GSB 735–740
Wharton 730
INSEAD 710–720
London Business School 700+
ISB Hyderabad 710+
IIM Ahmedabad (MBA Ex-PGPX) 700+

Application Process

  1. Register at mba.com.

  2. Create a GMAC account and choose the exam type (online/test center).

  3. Select preferred date & location.

  4. Pay the exam fee online.

  5. Book a slot and confirm registration.

Exam Fees (India & Global)

  • Exam Fee: $275 (Approx. ₹23,000)

  • Rescheduling Fee: $60–150 depending on timing

  • Cancellation Fee: $80–200 depending on timing

  • Additional Score Report: $35 per school

Important Dates (Tentative 2025)

  • GMAT is available year-round with flexible scheduling.

  • Students can choose preferred test dates instead of fixed slots.

Preparation Strategy

  • Study Duration: 3–6 months recommended.

  • Quant Prep: Focus on problem-solving & DS practice.

  • Verbal Prep: Strengthen RC and CR through daily reading.

  • DI Prep: Practice integrated reasoning & visual interpretation.

  • Mocks: At least 15–20 full-length adaptive mocks before the test.

Best Books for GMAT

  • The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2025–26 (GMAC)

  • GMAT Advanced Quant – Manhattan Prep

  • Critical Reasoning Bible – PowerScore

  • Aristotle GMAT Prep Series

Best Books

  • The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2025–26 (GMAC)

  • GMAT Advanced Quant – Manhattan Prep

  • Critical Reasoning Bible – PowerScore

  • Aristotle GMAT Prep Series

Career Scope After GMAT

Admission to top global MBA programs in the USA, Europe, and Asia.

Entry into elite Indian B-schools (ISB, IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR).

Salary Potential:

  • Harvard/Wharton MBAs: $150,000–200,000 per year

  • ISB Hyderabad MBAs: ₹34 LPA average CTC (2024)

Career Roles: Consulting, Investment Banking, Product Management, Entrepreneurship.

FAQs

It’s the new GMAT format (since 2023), shorter (2 hr 15 min) with only 3 sections.

Up to 5 times in 12 months and 8 times in a lifetime.

GMAT Verbal is tougher; CAT Quant is tougher. Both require different prep strategies.

710+ for competitive chances.

5 years from the test date.

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