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GMAT Exam Preparation

A Comprehensive Guide To The GMAT

Management is one of the top career choices for millions of students worldwide. However, to gain admission to graduate management programs in reputable institutions, you must prove your mettle and achieve top scores on the GMAT.

What Is GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a reliable computer-based adaptive test that tests a candidate’s analytical writing, logical reasoning, problem-solving, verbal and reading skills in English. Several colleges and universities consider the exam the best parameter to check whether you have the skills required to excel in business and management programs.

Why Apply For GMAT?

The GMAT is a standard requirement for admission to more than 2300 educational institutions worldwide. However, that’s not the only reason you should consider taking the GMAT.

Seek admission to top B-schools

A high GMAT score significantly boosts your chances of admission to a B-school of your choice, whether in India or abroad. Moreover, since these scores are proof of your knowledge and skills, management and business programs place much importance on them during admissions.

Become eligible for scholarships

An MBA degree is a pretty expensive affair. As a result, several students have to rely on education loans and scholarships to fund their education. But, of course, a high GMAT score makes you eligible for merit-based scholarships and can take off the financial burden on your shoulders.

Improves your job opportunities

A good GMAT score helps you gain admission to a reputable institution with an excellent track record of placements. In addition, once you complete your MBA degree from such a school, there's a higher chance of landing a fantastic job opportunity.

GMAT Exam Pattern And Syllabus 2023

The GMAT exam pattern includes questions from analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning.

Section Number of questions/topics Section time limit Types of questions Score range
Analytical writing 1 topic 30 minutes Analyze an argument 0-6 (0.5 point increments)
Integrated reasoning 12 questions 30 minutes
  • Multi-source reasoning
  • Graphical interpretation
  • Table analysis
  • Two-part analysis
1-8 (1 point increments)
Quantitative reasoning 31 questions 62 minutes
  • Data interpretation
  • Problem-solving
  • Data sufficiency
6-51 (1 point increments)
Verbal reasoning 36 questions 65 minutes
  • Critical reasoning
  • Reading comprehension
  • Sentence rearrangement and correction
6-51 (1 point increments)

Additionally, you have the option to take two 8-minute breaks.

The syllabus for GMAT 2023 is as follows:

Analytical writing assessment syllabus

  1. Argument essay – You will be judged based on your ability to provide logical reasoning to substantiate your argument.
  2. Issue essay – You’ll have to write an essay expressing your opinion on an issue in approximately 600 words.

Integrated reasoning syllabus

  1. Table analysis – Checks your ability to analyze a table full of data and identify the critical functions
  2. Two-part analysis – Measures your skills in solving complex problems, including verbal, quantitative or a combination of both
  3. Multi-source reasoning – Checks your ability to analyze data from multiple sources like tables, charts, graphics, etc.
  4. Graphics interpretation – Measures your ability to interpret information from graphical sources like bar charts, pie charts, etc.

Quantitative reasoning syllabus

  1. Problem-solving – Checks your ability to solve quantitative problems using logic and reasoning
  2. Data sufficiency – Tests your skills in identifying essential data and figuring out which ones you need to solve the problem

The quantitative section contains a mixture of questions from:

  1. - Probability
  2. - Ratio and proportion
  3. - Percentage
  4. - Simple and compound interest
  5. - Average
  6. - Decimals
  7. - Number properties
  8. - Speed, time and distance
  9. - Permutation and combination
  10. - Multiples and factors
  11. - Exponents
  12. - Statistics
  13. - Algebraic equations and expressions
  14. - Arithmetic and geometric progressions
  15. - Functions
  16. - Circles
  17. - Quadrilaterals
  18. - Triangles
  19. - Coordinate geometry
  20. - Lines and angles

Verbal reasoning syllabus

  1. Critical reasoning – Tests your skills to evaluate arguments and use logical reasoning to formulate a plan of action
  2. Reading comprehension – Tests your ability to infer information, make logical interpretations, and comprehend words and statements in English
  3. Sentence correction – Checks your English skills in identifying mistakes in sentences and figuring out the correct answers

The verbal reasoning section includes questions from:

  1. - Subject-verb agreement
  2. - Sentence correction
  3. - Reading unseen passages
  4. - Countable and uncountable nouns
  5. - Misplaced modifiers
  6. - Parallelism

Change In GMAT Question Pattern 2023

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the General Management Admission Council introduced an online format for the GMAT, which you can take up to 5 times a year. This online format also introduced the Analytical Writing assessment section.

The new GMAT question pattern has also reduced the verbal and quantitative section time.

Quantitative Reasoning Section Verbal Reasoning Section

Earlier: 37 questions

Now: 31 questions

Earlier: 41 questions

Now: 36 questions

Earlier: 75 minutes

Now: 62 minutes

Earlier: 75 minutes

Now: 65 minutes

GMAT Highlights

Exam name: GMAT
Full form: Graduate Management Admission Test
Official website: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat
Popular for: Admission to business and management programs in India and abroad
Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Examination mode: Computer-based adaptive exam
GMAT fees: approx. USD 275 (approx. INR 22,000)
GMAT score range: 200 to 800
Contact information: Email: [email protected] Telephone: +852-3077-4926, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. AEST In India: +91 120-439-7830, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Indian Standard Time Fax: +91-120-4001660

GMAT Eligibility 2023

To appear in the GMAT, you must be at least 18 years of age. If your age falls between 13 to 17 years, you need written permission from your parents or legal guardian.

While the GMAC sets no educational qualifications to appear in the GMAT, you should possess a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university to apply for MBA programs. Furthermore, before appearing for the GMAT, you should check the eligibility criteria for admission to the program of your choice.

GMAT Registration 2023

Since there are no fixed official dates for the GMAT, you can sit for the exam at any date convenient, subject to availability. However, the GMAC recommends candidates register for the exam six months before their preferred exam date. While you can even register for the test 24 hours before your preferred date, there is a high chance you might not find an available slot. Therefore, it's best to register at least two-three months beforehand.

How To Register For GMAT

To register for the GMAT in 2023 online, follow these simple steps:

  1. - Visit the official website for GMAT (https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat)
  2. - Create an account
  3. - Provide your personal details
  4. - Fill out your educational qualifications and work details (if any)
  5. - Verify your details before clicking on ‘Submit’
  6. - Schedule your exam by choosing your preferred test center, date and time slot
  7. - Pay the GMAT registration fees using a credit/debit card

You can also register via:

  1. Phone You can register for the exam by calling your region's GMAT Customer Service number. For India, the number is +91 120-439-7830. However, keep in mind that the GMAC charges an additional USD 10 (approx. INR 800) for registration via phone.
  2. Postal service You can fill up the GMAT Appointment Scheduling Form, enclose a cheque or money order and send it to your nearest test center.
  3. Fax Last but not least, you can fax your GMAT application form to your local GMAT customer care fax number.

GMAT Exam Fee Payment 2023

When registering for the GMAT 2023, you must pay a registration fee of USD 275 (approx. INR 22,000). The costs vary according to the region and the exchange rate. GMAC accepts payment via credit/debit card: VISA, MasterCard, Discover Network and American Express cards. Once you complete the payment, your registration for the exam is confirmed.

GMAT Score 2023

Before appearing for the GMAT, you should have a thorough idea of the distribution of scores and the range for each section. The details are as follows:

  1. - Analytical Writing Assessment: 0-6 (with increments of 0.5)
  2. - Integrated Reasoning: 1-8 (with increments of 1)
  3. - Quantitative Reasoning: 6-51 (with increments of 1)
  4. - Verbal Reasoning: 6-51 (with increments of 1)
  5. - Total Score: 200-800 (with increments of 10)

GMAT Mean Score

The mean scores for different sections of the GMAT are:

  1. - Verbal Reasoning – 27
  2. - Quantitative Reasoning – 39
  3. - Analytical Writing – 4.4
  4. - Integrated Reasoning – 4.2

GMAT Result 2023

Once you give your GMAT, you can view your unofficial scores for all sections except the Analytical Writing Assessment. Within 20 days of giving the exam, you will receive an email declaring the official result in your registered email id. The email contains the instructions to view your results.

  1. - Visit the official website
  2. - Log in to your account
  3. - View/Download/Print your official score report

How is the GMAT Score calculated?

Your GMAT score is calculated based on the scores you receive for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. The scores for these sections (6 to 51) are converted to the 200-800 scale.

GMAT Score Validity 2023

Your GMAT score is valid for a period of 5 years from the date of result publication.

GMAT Cutoff 2023

The GMAT cutoff score is the minimum you must obtain to gain admission to colleges and universities of your choice. The score varies from country to country and depends entirely on the institution you wish to apply. The GMAT average score in the class of 2023 is 722.

GMAT Cutoff for Countries

The average GMAT cutoff scores according to countries are:

  1. - The USA – 700-720
  2. - Europe – 650-700
  3. - Canada – 650-690
  4. - Australia – 550-600
  5. - Asia – 600-700

GMAT Test Centers 2023

You can take the GMAT exam worldwide from any designated Pearson VUE test center. There are hundreds of such centers spread across the world. However, due to the COVID-19 lockdowns and governmental restrictions, many test centers might be closed or operating with reduced capacity. So, it’s best to check the test center availability at your nearest location from the official GMAT website.

In India, you can find test centers in almost all states, including:

  1. - Delhi NCR
  2. - Chandigarh
  3. - Punjab
  4. - Uttarakhand
  5. - Rajasthan
  6. - Gujarat
  7. - Tamil Nadu
  8. - Karnataka
  9. - West Bengal
  10. - Assam
  11. - Kerala
  12. - Maharashtra

GMAT Preparation 2023

When preparing for your MBA school applications, you must keep track of application forms, letters of recommendation and more. As a result, it's best to follow these crucial GMAT preparation tips to boost your chances of securing a high score:

  1. - Develop a personalized study plan
  2. - Understand the test sections and question types
  3. - Figure out your weak areas and customize your study plan accordingly
  4. - Choose reliable GMAR study materials
  5. - Avoid fixating on a particular section
  6. - Work on improving your mental math
  7. - Try advanced questions to boost your skills
  8. - Solve practice questions regularly

GMAT Books

The top 5 books for GMAT preparation are:

  1. - The GMAT Official Guide
  2. - The Princeton Review GMAT Premium Prep
  3. - Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus
  4. - The Critical Reasoning Bible (PowerScore)
  5. - Manhattan Prep All the GMAT

GMAT Official Guide 2023

The GMAT Official Guide 2023 is one of the top choices for students prepping for the GMAT. The guide contains over 1000 questions and detailed answers to all sections of the exam – Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

The new version of the Official Guide includes:

  1. - Exclusive online diagnostic evaluations
  2. - An updated Verbal Review chapter
  3. - An updated Quant Review chapter
  4. - Newly updated answer explanations

GMAT Official Podcast

The GMAT Official Podcast provides an insider source of valuable tips for taking the GMAT, prepping for the exam and optimizing your application to business schools. It is a bi-weekly show (an initiative by the creators of the EMAT exam) that helps you navigate the twists and turns of business school admissions. You can access it on:

  1. - The Inside the GMAT Official Podcast website
  2. - Apple Podcasts
  3. - Spotify
  4. - Stitcher
  5. - Deezer
  6. - Amazon Music

GMAT Preparation Classes Near Me

AbroadVice.com offers top-notch GMAT classes both offline and online mode. Our platform covers the updated GMAT curriculum and teaches the students well-organised courses with certified and highly-qualified SAT instructors. So, if you are wondering, “Where can I find GMAT or GRE prep class near me?” think of AbroadVice.com. 

All our instructors have years of experience in GMAT courses and can offer you the best GMAT coaching. AbroadVice.com also has the provision for GMAT practice tests that can prepare students to face the entrance exam with enhanced confidence. Even if you reside outside of India, you don’t need to think, “Where can I find GMAT preparation classes near me?” 

Millions of students prefer our service because AbroadVice.com offers -

  • Well organised courses

Thousands of students post queries online stating, “Is there any good GMAT coaching near me?” because they cannot find the right courses to help them tackle GMAT questions. AbroadVice.com can offer well-organised courses that will make your GMAT learning journey enjoyable and easier.

  • Highly qualified Instructors

AbroadVice.com has a big team of highly-qualified instructors. These instructors are some of the leading academicians in the world and can deliver the best possible GMAT guidance. So, if you seek GMAT preparation help online, you won’t find anyone better than us.

  • Guaranteed Score Improvement

You can also take the GMAT practice tests at AbroadVice.com and prepare yourself before the actual test. Students must know how to manage time and answer questions during entrance exams like GMAT. By taking mock tests, you can easily improve your scores.

  • Preparation material

Our best-quality preparation materials can help students in their GMAT exam preparation. We have a huge collection of old samples that students can refer to while preparing for the GMAT exams.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Several changes were recently announced for the GMAT online exam, including:

  1. - Introduction of the analytical writing section
  2. - Freedom to choose the section order
  3. - Check unofficial GMAT scores as soon as the exam ends
  4. - Two optional 8-minute breaks
  5. - Aadhar Card as a valid photo ID proof for the online GMAT exam for Indian students

You can register for the GMAT six months in advance. The latest to register is 24 hours before the exam date. However, there's no guarantee for test center availability if you register late. The ideal time is 2-3 months before the desired exam date.

A candidate can take the GMAT 8 times in their lifetime. In a year, you can sit for the exam five times with a minimum of 16 days gap from the last exam they have appeared for.

The GMAC has not specified any dates for the GMAT 2023 because candidates can take the exam anytime throughout the year. However, the availability of test dates can vary from center to center. So, it's best to contact your nearest center to receive an update on the available test dates.

The GMAT exam fee is USD 275, which is approximately INR 22,000. However, the price can change based on the exchange rate, taxes, and additional charges like cancellation and rescheduling fees.

Due to the unavailability of test centers and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the GMAC has introduced a remote version of the GMAT online test that you can give from the comfort of your home. However, this option is unavailable in China, North Korea, Sudan, Cuba and Iran.

The GMAT is scored in a range of 200 to 800. Any score above 650 is considered good. However, you should check the average GMAT score cutoff list in the institution of your choice to figure out the score you need to target.

The GMAT is not compulsory to secure admission to all B-schools abroad. There's no doubt that many institutions prefer a GMAT score during admissions. However, you'll find schools that demand a GRE score as well. So, checking the admission criteria before registering for any standardized test is best.

Your GMAT score is valid for 5 years from the date of publication of results.

To register for the GMAT, follow these steps:

  1. - Visit the GMAT official website
  2. - Register as a new candidate
  3. - Fill in your details
  4. - Login with your ID and fill out the GMAT application form
  5. - Provide personal and educational information
  6. - Submit the application and pay the exam fees

Getting an MBA from a foreign university will boost your chances of getting employed by some of the best companies in the world. It will improve your work opportunities and help you bag job offers with hefty paychecks and other lucrative benefits. 

The GMAT score is calculated by combining the subscores from the GMAT verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections. Each section is reported from 6 to 51 points on a scale, and the complete score is calculated on a scale of 200 to 800 points. 

No, the GMAT exam is not solely for MBA. Many schools and universities in Canada and Australia seek GMAT test scores for several graduate programmes, not just management courses. 

Yes, you can pass the GMAT exam without coaching. However, you have to be immensely dedicated and follow a strict study routine to improve your critical thinking and reasoning skills. Make sure you train yourself to achieve the high parameters of the exam and excel in integrated reasoning, analytical thinking, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The journey can be a rocky ride if you are not focused and dedicated. But with GMAT coaching, you get the guidance of the best coaches and mentors who can help you make the entire process a productive learning experience. 

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