The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardised exam used to evaluate the aptitude of individuals interested in pursuing a graduate degree in business or management. This blog delves into the details of the GMAT exam: syllabus, pattern, scoring system, percentiles, and more.
In this blog:
- GMAT Exam Pattern
- GMAT Exam Syllabus
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
Integrated Reasoning (IR)
Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
Verbal Reasoning (VR)</span - GMAT Score Range</a
- GMAT Percentile</a
- GMAT Practice Test</a
The GMAT exam is a computer-based test, and the questions are section-adaptive. This means that the difficulty level of the questions is based on the responses of the candidates. If a candidate answers a question correctly, the next question will be slightly more difficult. On the other hand, the next question will be slightly easier if a candidate answers a question incorrectly. This adaptive testing system ensures that each candidate receives a unique set of questions. The total duration of the GMAT exam is 3 hours and 7 minutes.
GMAT Exam Pattern
The GMAT exam pattern consists of four sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- Integrated Reasoning (IR)
- Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
- Verbal Reasoning (VR)
The GMAT exam pattern is as follows:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 questions | 62 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 questions | 65 minutes |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 essay | 30 minutes |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 questions | 30 minutes |
| Total | 80 questions | 3 hours & 7 minutes |
GMAT Exam Syllabus
The four sections on the GMAT exam: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR), each have their own format and structure.
Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
The QR section evaluates the mathematical skills of the candidates. The QR section consists of 31 multiple-choice questions, and the candidates are given 62 minutes to complete this section. The questions are based on the following topics:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Data Sufficiency
- Problem-Solving
Verbal Reasoning (VR)
The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates the verbal skills of the candidates. The VR section consists of 36 multiple-choice questions, and the candidates are given 65 minutes to complete this section. The questions are based on the following topics:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Reasoning
- Sentence Correction
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Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
The AWA section evaluates the writing skills of the candidates. It consists of one essay prompt, and the candidates are given 30 minutes to write an essay on the given prompt. The essays are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Analysis of the argument
- Clarity and coherence of the essay
- Use of standard written English
Integrated Reasoning (IR)
The IR section assesses the ability of the candidates to analyze and evaluate information from various sources. The IR section consists of 12 questions; the candidates are given 30 minutes to complete this section. The questions are in the form of tables, graphs, and charts. The questions are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Analyzing data in tables and charts
- Interpreting graphical representations
- Synthesizing information from different sources
- Evaluating information and drawing conclusions
GMAT Score Range
The GMAT exam is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with increments of 10 points. The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections each contribute to a total score of 200 to 800. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Integrated Reasoning (IR) sections are scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6, with half-point increments. The overall GMAT score is calculated by combining the scores from the Quantitative and Verbal sections, ranging from 200 to 800.
The average GMAT score is around 560, and top-tier business schools typically require scores of 700 or higher. However, the GMAT score requirement varies from school to school, and some schools may accept a lower score. It is essential to research the score requirements for the schools and programs to which you are applying before taking the GMAT exam.
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GMAT Percentile
The GMAT percentile is used to compare the performance of an individual to the performance of all other GMAT test-takers. The GMAT percentile is calculated based on the scores of all test-takers from the previous three years.
The percentile ranges from 1 to 99 and represents the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than the individual. For example, if an individual scores in the 75th percentile, they perform better than 75% of test-takers. If a candidate scores in the 90th percentile, they scored better than 90% of the test-takers.
GMAT Practice Test
The GMAT practice test is a valuable tool for candidates preparing for the GMAT exam. The practice test simulates the actual GMAT exam and helps candidates to familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, format, and time management. Several GMAT practice tests are available online; some are free, while others require a fee. Here’s a free GMAT sample test for you to explore the GMAT exam pattern!
Benefits of taking GMAT practice tests:
- Familiarization with the exam pattern and format
- Time management practice
- Identify areas of strengths and weaknesses
- Develop test-taking strategies
- Gain confidence for the actual exam
GMAT practice tests are essential for achieving a high score on the GMAT exam. They help test-takers become familiar with the exam format and structure, manage time efficiently, identify strengths and weaknesses, develop test-taking strategies, and increase confidence for the actual exam.
Bottom Line
A strong GMAT score can get you into a good management or MBA program, including at M-7 business schools. Even better, you can land scholarships with a good GMAT score or outweigh your weak GPAs. All you need are the right GMAT preparation resources, starting from the right GMAT coaching. Depending on your requirements and schedule, you can opt for GMAT coaching classes or GMAT online training.
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