The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used for admission to graduate management programs, such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. It is a computer-adaptive test that assesses analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning skills.
Overview
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The GMAT is developed and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It is accepted by over 7,000 graduate business programs worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to take the GMAT without consent. If you are between the ages of 13 and 17, you must provide written permission from your parent or legal guardian.
- Education: There is no minimum or maximum academic qualification requirement for the GMAT. However, most GMAT test-takers are either undergraduate students in their final year or working professionals.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- You can take the GMAT up to five times per calendar year, with a minimum of 31 days between each attempt.
- You can retake the GMAT once every 16 days.
- You can cancel your GMAT score anytime within 72 hours of taking the exam.
Exam Pattern
Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit |
---|---|---|
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) | 1 essay | 30 minutes |
Integrated Reasoning (IR) | 12 questions | 30 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 31 questions | 62 minutes |
Verbal Reasoning (VR) | 36 questions | 65 minutes |
Application Process
To apply for the GMAT exam, you will need to create an account on the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) website. Once you have created an account, you can start the registration process by following these steps:
- Choose your exam delivery experience. You will have the option to take the GMAT exam online or at a test center.
- Create an mba.com account. If you do not already have an mba.com account, you will need to create one.
- Register for your exam. Click the “Register” button, complete your GMAT profile, select your date and time, and complete payment.
You can register for the GMAT exam up to six months in advance, and you can reschedule your exam up to 24 hours before your scheduled test date.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when applying for the GMAT exam:
- You must be at least 18 years old to take the GMAT exam.
- You can take the GMAT exam no more than five times in a rolling 12-month period, and no more than eight times in your lifetime.
- The GMAT exam registration fee is $275.
Syllabus
The GMAT exam syllabus is divided into four sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- Integrated Reasoning (IR)
- Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
- Verbal Reasoning (VR)
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
The AWA section is a 30-minute essay that tests your ability to write a clear and concise argument in response to a business-related prompt. The prompt will ask you to analyze an issue and take a position on it. You will need to support your position with evidence and reasoning.
Important Dates
Month | Dates |
---|---|
August | 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 21, 22, 28, 29 |
September | 4, 11, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27 |
October | 5, 9, 16, 19, 23 |
November | 2, 6, 7, 8, 16 |
December | 4, 5, 11, 12, 19, 26 |
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Understand the exam format and content. The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, meaning that the difficulty of the questions you are asked will adjust based on your performance on previous questions. The exam is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Integrated Reasoning.
- Create a study plan. Once you understand the exam format and content, create a study plan that outlines what you need to learn and how much time you will need to spend studying. Be sure to schedule in time for practice tests and review.
- Use high-quality study materials. There are many GMAT prep books and online courses available. Choose materials that are comprehensive and well-written.
- Focus on your weaknesses. Once you have taken a practice test, identify your areas of weakness and focus your studies on those areas.
- Practice regularly. The best way to prepare for the GMAT is to practice regularly. Take practice tests under timed conditions and review your results carefully.
- Get enough sleep and eat healthy foods. Taking care of yourself will help you perform your best on the exam day.
FEES
Country | Test center fee (USD) | Online exam fee (USD) |
---|---|---|
India | 275 | 300 |
United States | 275 | 300 |
Canada | 275 | 300 |
United Kingdom | 250 | 275 |
Australia | 275 | 300 |
Germany | 275 | 300 |
France | 275 | 300 |
Japan | 275 | 300 |
Hong Kong | 275 | 300 |
Singapore | 275 | 300 |
FAQ?
The GMAT is required for admission to most MBA programs. It is also accepted by some other graduate business programs, such as Master of Finance (MF) and Master of Accounting (MAcc) programs.
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test that consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Integrated Reasoning (IR). The exam is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes long, including two optional breaks.
The GMAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with a total score of 565 being the average. The AWA section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with 6 being the highest score. The QR, VR, and IR sections are each scored on a scale of 200 to 800.