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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
|
1-8 (1 point increments) |
| Quantitative reasoning | 31 questions | 62 minutes |
|
6-51 (1 point increments) |
| Verbal reasoning | 36 questions | 65 minutes |
|
6-51 (1 point increments) |
Additionally, you have the option to take two 8-minute breaks.
The syllabus for GMAT 2023 is as follows:
The quantitative section contains a mixture of questions from:
The verbal reasoning section includes questions from:
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 |
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.
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.
To register for the GMAT in 2023 online, follow these simple steps:
You can also register via:
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.
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:
The mean scores for different sections of the GMAT are:
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.
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.
Your GMAT score is valid for a period of 5 years from the date of result publication.
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.
The average GMAT cutoff scores according to countries are:
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:
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:
The top 5 books for GMAT preparation are:
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:
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:
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 -
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.
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.
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.
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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Register NowSeveral changes were recently announced for the GMAT online exam, including:
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:
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.
