GMAT :
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-adaptive test which assesses a person's analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal and reading skills in standard written English. This test is taken in preparation for being admitted into a graduate management program, such as MBA and Masters in Finance related courses.
The GMAT exam is a computer adaptive test and not a computer based test, which means that the candidate will get one question at a time and depending on the accuracy of the previous answer, the difficulty level of the next question will be ascertained. The average scores required for universities abroad varies; top tier universities require at least 710, while middle tier universities accept 600.
For Executive MBA, GMAC has recently introduced a new Mini GMAT called Executive Assessment exam. This exam is specially designed for EMBA applicants and is of considerably shorter duration. It is meant to test analytical and logical thinking of the applicant, which is more suited for the Executive MBA course.
The GMAT is a computer adaptive test that assesses an applicant’s potential by testing various parameters to determine their expertise in various areas by means of four sections in the new exam pattern:
Candidates are given three and a half hours to complete these four sections. The total score out of 800 is only for the verbal and quantitative sections. The remaining two sections receive their independent scores.
Section 1: Analytical Writing Assessment
This section has a 30-minute essay which includes:
Analysis of an Argument
Here you’re expected to-
The scores for this section are on a six point scale. Your essay is given two independent ratings and then an average is considered.
One of these scores is done by an automated essay-scoring engine. If the difference between both the ratings is more than one point, a third rating would be provided by an expert reader which would then be the final score.
Section 2: Integrated Reasoning (IR)
This new section of the GMAT was introduced in June 2012. It has 12 questions with thirty minutes to answer this section. This section has replaced one of the AWA essays. The score is on a scale of 1 to 8.
This section tests how well you can make use of your analytical skills to solve a complicated problem. You are provided with data in various forms.
Your skill depends on being able to handle the data, pick out the information that is relevant and then choose the right answer. In each question, you are expected to provide multiple answers from the choice provided. This section has four different question types:
Section 3: Quantitative Section
This is the third section of the GMAT. You have to attempt 37 questions with 75 minutes to complete this section. The questions are designed to put your math skills to test. They revolve around basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry. This section has multiple choice questions that fall in the following two categories:
Data sufficiency questions
This section is intended to test your ability to assess the given data systematically. You’d be given a question followed by two statements and five answer choices. These answer choices always remain the same.
So it’s a good idea to memorise them all including their order. Then use your logical and analytical skills combined with quantitative knowledge to check what data is required or sufficient to find the answer. Here it’s more about checking the data sufficiency as the name suggests rather than finding the answer.
Problem solving questions
This part is designed to test your quantitative skills and your ability to solve a problem using the various mathematical concepts.
The number of problem solving questions would be greater in number. Each of the above two category of questions would appear in random order throughout the entire section.
Section 4: GMAT Verbal Section
In this last section of the GMAT, you’ll have 75 minutes to answer 41 multiple choice questions that fall in one of the following category:
Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction.
In this section you are given a passage (approx. 350 words) on a topic and multiple choice questions based on the same.
You need not have an in-depth knowledge of the topic. Rather you should be able to
There are around 14 critical reasoning questions in the GMAT verbal section. The passage is in the form of an argument with five answer choices. You should be able to
You need to carefully go through the argument to logically analyse it, read through the options carefully to be able to decide which option would be the best possible answer.
You are given a sentence having an underlined portion and five answer choices.
Scoring pattern in GMAT
Total score is based on Verbal and Quantitative scores. Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning scores do not affect the Total score. Total GMAT scores range from 200 to 800. As per the trend two-thirds of test takers score between 400 and 600.
Verbal and Quantitative scores range from 0 to 60; scores below 9 and above 44 for the Verbal section and below 7 and above 50 for the Quantitative section are rare.
Verbal and Quantitative scores are on a fixed scale and can be compared across all GMAT test administrations, but because they measure different constructs, they cannot be compared to each other.
If you do not finish in the allotted time, your scores will be calculated based upon the number of questions answered as long as you worked on each section. Your score will decrease significantly with each unanswered question.
GMAT Result
No other exam shares the scores as promptly as GMAT does. You get unofficial as well as official scores of the exam.
After you take the GMAT exam, you will receive five scores: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal, and Total. A new score feature now enables you to preview your unofficial GMAT scores before deciding whether to accept or cancel them. The change gives you more control of your score reporting
Secure GMAT Exam
Unique GMAT security measures used to prevent, detect, and deter cheating on the GMAT exam include
Strict identification requirements - A government-issued identification document that must include:
Digital photograph taken at the test center is captured as part of the candidate profile Palm vein scanned at the test center
Rigorous Candidate Monitoring Monitoring measures include the following
GMAT Eligibility Criteria:
GMAT 2017 Eligibility Criteria FAQ
What is the upper age limit of GMAT 2017?
There is no upper age limit for GMAT 2017.
What is the lower age limit for GMAT 2017?
As per GMAT eligibility criteria 2017, the lower limit set by GMAC is 18 years. Aspirants between the ages of 13 and 17 are allowed to appear for the exam on producing a written consent from their parent or legal guardian.
Is fluency in English an eligibility criteria for GMAT 2017?
GMAT is offered in English language only. GMAC assumes that candidates have the basic fluency and understanding of the English.
GMAT Exam Fee
Fee Type |
Particulars |
Amount |
Exam Fee |
Graduate Management Aptitude Test Fee |
US $250 |
Cancellation Fee (Refund) |
More than 7 days before the exam |
US $80 |
Less than 7 days before the exam |
US 0 |
|
|
24 hours before the exam |
NA |
Rescheduling Fee |
By phone (surcharge) |
US $10 |
|
Online (Surcharge) |
0 |
|
More than 7 days before the exam |
US $50 |
|
Less than 7 days before the exam |
US $250 |