GMAT : Full Exam Guide for Every MBA Aspirant
Get to Know Everything about GMAT
What is the GMAT ?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a global MBA entrance exam accepted by over 7,000 programs across 2,400+ universities worldwide, including top IIMs, ISB Hyderabad, XLRI, and leading international B-schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, and London Business School.
From 2023, the GMAT Focus Edition has replaced the traditional GMAT. The new format is shorter (2 hours 15 minutes), adaptive, and more student-friendly while still testing core skills in Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights.
Key Highlights
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Exam Type | Computer-adaptive MBA entrance test |
| Exam Mode | Online (at home) or Test Centre |
| Frequency | 5 times in a rolling 12-month period |
| Total Attempts Allowed | 8 attempts in a lifetime |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Score Range | 205 – 805 |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
| Sections | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights |
| Accepting Colleges | 2,400+ global universities + Indian B-schools |
| Official Website | http://www.mba.com/ |
Eligibility Criteria
Education: No minimum qualification prescribed by GMAC. However, most B-schools require a bachelor’s degree.
Age Limit: Minimum 18 years. (13–17 years can be taken with parental consent).
Attempts: 5 attempts in a year, 8 lifetime attempts.
ID Proof: Valid passport for international applicants, government ID for Indian test centers.
Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | Part of 205–805 score |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | Part of 205–805 score |
| Data Insights (DI) | 20 | Part of 205–805 score |
| Total | 64 | 205–805 |
Computer-Adaptive Test: Questions adjust based on your performance.
Breaks: One optional 10-minute break.
Flexibility: Choose section order before the test.
Syllabus Overview
Quantitative Reasoning (21 Qs)
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
Word Problems
Problem Solving
Data Sufficiency
Verbal Reasoning (23 Qs)
Reading Comprehension
Critical Reasoning
Sentence Correction (reduced in Focus Edition)
Data Insights (20 Qs)
Data interpretation from charts, graphs, and tables
Multi-source reasoning
Data sufficiency with visual formats
Scoring System
Score Range: 205–805
Increment: 10-point intervals
Validity: 5 years
Score Reporting: You can send scores to 5 B-schools free; additional reports cost $35 each.
Exam Difficulty Level
GMAT is moderate to tough, especially for non-native English speakers.
The Quant section is easier than the CAT, but the Verbal section is tougher.
The new Focus Edition reduces test anxiety by making the exam shorter.
Cut-Off Trends
| B-School | Average GMAT Score |
|---|---|
| Harvard Business School | 730–740 |
| Stanford GSB | 735–740 |
| Wharton | 730 |
| INSEAD | 710–720 |
| London Business School | 700+ |
| ISB Hyderabad | 710+ |
| IIM Ahmedabad (MBA Ex-PGPX) | 700+ |
Application Process
Register at mba.com.
Create a GMAC account and choose the exam type (online/test center).
Select preferred date & location.
Pay the exam fee online.
Book a slot and confirm registration.
Exam Fees (India & Global)
Exam Fee: $275 (Approx. ₹23,000)
Rescheduling Fee: $60–150 depending on timing
Cancellation Fee: $80–200 depending on timing
Additional Score Report: $35 per school
Important Dates (Tentative 2025)
GMAT is available year-round with flexible scheduling.
Students can choose preferred test dates instead of fixed slots.
Preparation Strategy
Study Duration: 3–6 months recommended.
Quant Prep: Focus on problem-solving & DS practice.
Verbal Prep: Strengthen RC and CR through daily reading.
DI Prep: Practice integrated reasoning & visual interpretation.
Mocks: At least 15–20 full-length adaptive mocks before the test.
Best Books for GMAT
The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2025–26 (GMAC)
GMAT Advanced Quant – Manhattan Prep
Critical Reasoning Bible – PowerScore
Aristotle GMAT Prep Series
Best Books
The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2025–26 (GMAC)
GMAT Advanced Quant – Manhattan Prep
Critical Reasoning Bible – PowerScore
Aristotle GMAT Prep Series
Career Scope After GMAT
Admission to top global MBA programs in the USA, Europe, and Asia.
Entry into elite Indian B-schools (ISB, IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR).
Salary Potential:
Harvard/Wharton MBAs: $150,000–200,000 per year
ISB Hyderabad MBAs: ₹34 LPA average CTC (2024)
Career Roles: Consulting, Investment Banking, Product Management, Entrepreneurship.
FAQs
It’s the new GMAT format (since 2023), shorter (2 hr 15 min) with only 3 sections.
Up to 5 times in 12 months and 8 times in a lifetime.
GMAT Verbal is tougher; CAT Quant is tougher. Both require different prep strategies.
710+ for competitive chances.
5 years from the test date.
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