If you are an MBA aspirant who wishes to pursue a business degree abroad, the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT is the first step towards your dream b-school. This computer-adaptive, global-level, multiple-choice exam is integral for admissions to management courses, like MBA.
The GMAT exam — conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council — is taken by several thousands of MBA aspirants like you every year. The exam is highly competitive for this reason, which is why getting a good GMAT score helps you stand out during the application process. Hence, it is essential for you to know all the details pertaining to the exam, if you are planning to take it.
GMAT Exam Structure
The GMAT paper has four sections — Integrated Reasoning (IR), Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR).
Let’s take a brief look at the sections of the GMAT exam.
1 . Analytical Writing Assessment – The AWA consists of a single writing task, wherein you need to analyze a given argument and express your ideas in an English essay. This section aims to assess how well you analyze a given topic critically and convey your opinion with clarity.
2 . Integrated Reasoning – Integrated Reasoning section questions tests your ability to interpret data presented in various formats to solve complex problems. You will have 30 minutes to complete the 12 questions asked in the section. This section is scored on a scale of 1-8, with one-point increment. The questions are of four types:
- Multi-Source Reasoning – These questions test how well you examine data from multiple sources such as graphs, tables etc.
- Graphics Interpretation – Graphics Interpretation questions assess your ability to examine the data given in the form of a x/y graph, bar chart, scatter plot, pie chart or any other graphical representation.
- Table Analysis – Here, data is given in the form of tables, similar to spreadsheets. The questions are based on the given data, and you have to sort and analyze the table to answer those questions.
- Two-part Analysis – Two-part analysis questions measure your expertise to solve complicated problems. The questions asked could be in the format of verbal and quantitative, or a combination of these.
3 . Quantitative Reasoning – The Quant section of GMAT evaluates how well you solve quant problems, interpret data and reason mathematically. There are 31 questions that have to be completed in 62 minutes. The scoring range for the quant section lies within 6-51, with 1 point increment. The Quant questions are of two types:
- Problem-solving – Problem-solving questions test your ability to use analytical and logical skills to solve math problems.
- Data sufficiency – The questions test your ability to examine a quant problem, recognize the relevant data, and decide if the data is relevant to find solutions.
4 . Verbal Reasoning – Your ability to read, understand and analyze an argument is tested in the Verbal Reasoning section. There are 36 MCQs that have to be answered in 65 minutes. The 3 types of questions asked in the section are:
- Reading Comprehension – The questions are structured in a way to test your ability to understand the main and supporting idea of the passage given, its style and logical structure, etc.
- Sentence Correction – Sentence Correction questions measure your ability to identify sentences that are structurally and grammatically correct.
- Critical Reasoning – Critical Reasoning questions checks how well you construct and analyze arguments, and create a plan of action.
This section is scored in a range of 6-51, with one-point increment.
Registration
You can register for the GMAT exam by following these steps:
- First, go to the official website of GMAT, mba.com
- Then sign up and create an account
- Once you create an account, fill in the personal details
- Enter your academic and work details
- Verify your profile
- Select the preferred time slot and time
- Schedule the exam and then pay the registration fee
In addition to this, you can also register for the exam through phone, fax or mail.
Eligibility Criteria
GMAC hasn’t officially set any fixed criteria that you must fulfil to take the exam. However, here are some points that will help you check if you are eligible.
- You can appear for the GMAT exam, regardless of your nationality, provided that you produce a valid ID during the registration and exam.
- You can take the exam if you’re 13 years of age and above.
- There is no educational qualification limit for taking the exam.
- No minimum cutoff range is required for taking the exam.
- Your lifetime limit for GMAT retakes is eight and for a one year period is five.
- Work experience is not mandatory.
GMAT Exam Fees:
The GMAT exam fee varies based on your location. The exam fee for the GMAT test in India is US$ 250, which is approximately 18400 INR. In addition to the exam fee, there are several additional costs related to the GRE exam. Below is a table that includes few such additional costs.
| GMAT Service | Fees |
| GMAT Exam | 250 US$ (INR 18400 approx.) |
| Score Report (Additional) | 35 US$ each (INR 2155 approx) |
| Cancel score (online after you leave the test centre) | 25 US$ (INR 1825 approx) |
| Rescoring AWA Essay | 45 US$ (INR 3285 approx) |
| GMAT™ Handbook | Free Download |
A good GMAT score creates a great impact on your academics and career trajectory. If you are planning for an MBA abroad, consider all the above information and start planning and preparing for the exam.
