The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
The GMAT is a standardized test that B-school aspirants need to appear if they are looking to join an accredited MBA program. GMAT scores are valid for a period of five years, and the test has the stamp of approval of leading B-schools across the world. While admissions committees do consider many other factors, including grades, transcripts, skills, work experience, essays, resume, and interview, the GMAT score is a crucial criterion to get into a competitive B-school.
GMAT Test Structure
The GMAT is a three and a half hour computer-based test offered at approved testing centers around the world.
| GMAT section | No. of questions | Timing | Question types |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 topic | 30 minutes | Analysis of an Argument |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 items | 30 minutes | Multi-Source Reasoning Graphics Interpretation Two-Part Analysis Table Analysis |
| 8-minute break | |||
| Quantitative | 37 questions | 75 minutes | Data Sufficiency Problem Solving |
| 8-minute break | |||
| Verbal | 41 questions | 75 minutes | Reading Comprehension Critical Reasoning Sentence Correction |
| Total | 4 sections | 3 hours, 30 minutes | |
More about the GMAT
- The Analytical Writing Assessment or AWA section presents an argument that needs to be critiqued. The AWA section assesses the ability of the test taker to dismantle the argument, debunk the flawed reasoning present and suggest ways improve the argument. The AWA score is reported in the official Score Report received within 20 calendar days of testing. The Analytical Writing Assessment score is not reflected in the total score.
- The Integrated Reasoning Section or IR consists of 12 main items, some with several sub-sets of questions that test the quantitative and critical reasoning skills of the test taker. This section is a good mix of mathematics and reasoning questions presented in a text, tabular or graphic format or a combination of these formats culled from a variety of sources. An on-screen calculator is available in only this section of the GMAT. The Integrated Reasoning Section score is not reflected in the total score.
- The Quantitative Section consists of 37 questions. The level of math tested is not higher than that of the 11th-grade exam; however, the reasoning that needs to be employed to tackle the questions is multifaceted. Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving questions form the core of this section. Scores below 7 and above 50 are rare. The Quantitative Section score is reflected in the total score.
- The Verbal Reasoning Section consists of 41 questions and is perhaps the bête-noire of many test takers. Strong knowledge of grammar and a flair for inductive reasoning is mandatory for a great score. Scores below 9 and above 44 are rare. The Verbal Reasoning Section score is reflected in the total score.
GMAT scores
- Total GMAT scores range from 200 to 800
- GMAT scores are valid for a period of five years