Overview
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-adaptive test that is used by business schools as part of their admissions process. It assesses the candidate's analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading comprehension skills to assess their eligibility for graduate-level study in the field of business. It was created by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), an organization of leading business schools, to assess the potential of applicants for advanced study in business and management. GMAT scores are accepted by more than 6,500 graduate business programs worldwide as part of their selection criteria.
The GMAT has been around since 1954 when it was first developed by an organization called Educational Testing Service (ETS). Since then it has become one of the most widely accepted standardized tests used by business schools around the world. In order to take the GMAT a student must register online at least seven days before their preferred test date.
Preparing for the GMAT can be time consuming and challenging. We are here to help and have curated all the information you might need regarding the GMAT, syllabus, exam pattern, and even some useful tips!
Eligibility Criteria
The GMAT is a standardized exam designed by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), and it is used as part of an admissions package for MBA programs worldwide. An eligibility score of 500 GMAT or higher is accepted by most top-tier business schools. All GMAT scores are valid for up to 5 years.
To sit for the GMAT, you must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- You must be 18 years old or over on the date of taking the exam
- You must have a valid government-issued photo ID like a passport or driver’s license
- There are no educational requirements for taking the GMAT
- You are allowed to take the GMAT only five times per calendar year with 12 months between each attempt
- You cannot take the same form of GMAT more than once per 16 calendar days
GMAT Exam Pattern
The GMAT comprises several sections, each of which measures different skills and abilities. The test includes Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and an optional essay.
Analytical Writing Assessment: This section includes two 30-minute essay prompts. The first focuses on analyzing an argument while the second requires the examinee to analyze and evaluate a given issue. Examinees are scored on their ability to analyze the structure of writing and arguments as well as their command of written English.
Integrated Reasoning: This section consists of 12 questions that must be answered in 30 minutes. It tests one’s ability to synthesize data from multiple sources and draw conclusions from it. Types of questions include graphic interpretations, multi-source reasoning, two-part analysis, and table analysis.
Quantitative Reasoning: This section contains 31 multiple choice questions that must be answered within 62 minutes. It tests one’s knowledge of math concepts including arithmetic operations; algebraic equations; basic geometry; probability; statistics; fractions; decimals; percentages; and word problems involving these concepts.
Verbal Reasoning: This section includes 36 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 65 minutes. Examinees are tested on their ability to understand reading passages, complete critical reasoning tasks, recognize sentence structures and relationships between words in context. The types of questions asked include sentence correction; critical reasoning; reading comprehension; identification of grammar rules; completion of paragraphs with appropriate words or phrases; and analogy recognition between words or concepts stated in a passage or question stem.
Optional Essay: An optional essay can be added onto the GMAT test at the end if desired by the examinee or required by some MBA programs. It requires examinees to present an opinion on an issue related to leadership within 30 minutes.
GMAT Exam Syllabus
GMAT has a maximum score of 800 points, there are 4 sections that cover all 50 topics.
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SECTIONS
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NUMBER OF QUESTIONS
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Analytical Writing
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1 Question (An essay)
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Integrated Reasoning
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12 Questions
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Quantitative Aptitude
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31 Questions
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Verbal Reasoning
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36 Questions
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Preparation Tips for GMAT Exam
Start Preparing Early: GMAT preparation should begin at least two to three months in advance of the test date. This will give you enough time to prepare and practice with sufficient repetition, as well as give you an opportunity to review your mistakes and strengthen your weak spots. During preparation, it is important to focus on mastering the fundamentals of each section of the GMAT, such as understanding grammar rules for the Verbal section and building a strong mathematical foundation for the Quantitative section. This will help increase your score potential and improve your chances of success on the exam.
There are some great resources that can help you prepare:
Set a Study Schedule: Once you have started preparing for the GMAT, be sure to set a regular study schedule that fits into your personal lifestyle and commitments. Breaks are important too; build in time every day or week depending on how much you need to accomplish. Setting this schedule helps keep you on track during preparation and gives you a sense of control over what needs to be done before taking the exam.
Take Practice Tests: Taking full-length practice tests is essential for preparing for the GMAT since it replicates real testing conditions and provides valuable feedback about how close you are to reaching your goals. Aim to take 4-5 practice tests prior to taking the real GMAT so that you can identify areas where more work needs to be done and become more comfortable with timing yourself for each section of the exam. Additionally, practice tests allow you to get used to answering different types of questions which is particularly important since there is no set curriculum or set list of topics from which GMAT questions come from - instead they come from an adaptive pool that changes based on answered questions throughout the test session!
Utilize Quality Resources: As part of your GMAT prep, make sure that all resources utilized are up-to-date with recent changes made by The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It’s also important that everything related to studying, review materials and online courses comes from trusted sources such as those provided by Princeton Review or Kaplan Test Prep because they often have instructors who specialize in teaching GMAT strategies or have taken the exam themselves previously; thus having first-hand knowledge about what works best with regards to studying techniques or test strategies.
Stay Positive: Lastly, remember that even though studying can be difficult at times, staying positive throughout the process can go a long way in helping boost motivation levels when needed most! Celebrate small wins along the way such as mastering a tough math concept or completing one full length practice test without taking any breaks in between - this will help keep morale high while giving tangible signs of progress towards achieving success on exam day itself!
Selection Criteria at JIMS Rohini
Results are usually announced around three weeks after you take the test. There is usually a minimum score that applicants are required to meet in order to be considered for admission.
At JIMS Rohini, your eligibility is based on multiple factors like: Competitive Entrance Test Results (GMAT, CAT, etc.), Past Academic and Professional Performance, a Personal Interview, Group Discussion, as well as a Written Communication (Essay).
To view the above parameters in greater detail, click here
FAQs
Q. What is GMAT?
Answer: GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test and it is a standardized test used to assess applicants for MBA programs.
Q. How long does the GMAT take?
Answer: The entire GMAT exam has an approximate length of 3 hours and 30 minutes, including two optional 10-minute breaks between sections.
Is GMAT accepted worldwide?
Answer: Yes, most business schools around the world accept GMAT scores as part of their admissions process.
Can I retake the GMAT after getting my score?
Answer: Yes, you can retake the GMAT up to 5 times in any 12 month period and up to 8 times total with no penalty or effect on your score report history from previous attempts.
When should I start studying for the GMAT?
Answer: It's best to give yourself at least three months before taking your first practice test so that you have enough time to cover all topics and build strong foundations in problem solving skills required for success on the exam day .
How much does GMAT cost?
Answer: The current fee for taking the GMAT exam is Rs. 22,800 (converted from USD) which includes 5 score reports sent directly to schools of your choice within 20 days of taking your exam (additional fees apply if you need additional score reports).
Is there an age limit on taking the GMAT?
Answer: No, there are no age limits or restrictions when it comes to taking the GMAT exam but we advise that participants be well prepared before they sit their exams as this will determine how successful they will be in acing it.
All the Best!