The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer adaptive test intended to assess analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
GMAT is widely accepted by more than 7,000 programs at approximately 2,300 graduate business schools around the world as part of the selection criteria for their programs. The test is available in 26 languages and is administered at 650 test centers in 114 countries.
Overview:
- Developer/Administrator: Graduate Management Admission Council
- Knowledge/Skills Tested: Quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, analytical writing
- Purpose: Admissions in graduate management programs of business schools
- Year Started: 1953
- Duration: 3 hours and 7 minutes
- Score/Grade Range:
- Quantitative section: 6-51
- Verbal section: 6-51
- Integrated reasoning section: 1 to 8
- Analytical writing assessment: 0.0 to 6.0
- Total Score: 200 to 800
- Score Validity: 5 Years
- Offered: Multiple times a year
- Restrictions on Attempts: No more than eight times total, with attempts at least 16 days apart
- Countries/Regions: 650 test centers in 114 countries
- Languages: Available in 26 languages
- Annual Number of Test Takers: 74,810 unique candidates in 108,851 GMAT exams in 2023
Format and Timing:
The GMAT exam consists of four sections:
- Analytical writing assessment
- Integrated reasoning section
- Quantitative section
- Verbal section
The total testing time is three hours and seven minutes. Test takers have specific durations and numbers of questions for each section.
| Section | Duration | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical writing | 30 minutes | 1 essay |
| Integrated reasoning | 30 minutes | 12 |
| Quantitative | 62 minutes | 31 |
| Verbal | 65 minutes | 36 |
Scoring:
The total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800 and measures performance on the quantitative and verbal sections together. The distribution of scores follows a bell curve with a standard deviation of around 120 points.
GMAT continues to be a valuable tool for assessing skills necessary for success in graduate management education. With its comprehensive evaluation of skills and wide acceptance, it continues to be a popular choice for MBA aspirants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GMAT:
Q. 1 What is the GMAT exam for?
- The GMAT is an examination taken by students seeking admission to graduate business programs such as MBA, Master of Accountancy, or Master of Finance.
Q. 2 Who needs to do the GMAT?
- The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a specialized entrance exam for individuals seeking admission to graduate business programs. It is commonly a mandatory component of the application process for MBA, Master of Accountancy, or Master of Finance programs.
Q. 3 What are the required criteria for the GMAT exam?
- Consequently, there are no specific educational requirements or degrees needed for individuals to sit for the GMAT. Nonetheless, most test-takers are typically either senior undergraduate students or employed professionals aiming to pursue a management program soon.
Q. 4 How much does the GMAT cost?
- In the United States, the GMAT fee is $275, while it is $250 in India and most of Asia, €250 in most of Europe, and £225 in the United Kingdom. For the most current prices, visit mba.com. Your test fee covers the option to send your scores to up to five MBA programs.
Q. 5 How hard is the GMAT?
- The GMAT exam is known to be difficult. The average score is 574.51 out of 800, which is about 71.8%. With 3-6 months of serious preparation, it’s possible to score 700 or higher.
Q. 6 Can the average student crack the GMAT?
- Every year, over 200,000 students take the GMAT exam. The average score among all test-takers is approximately 565. Of all the students, only 27% achieved a score above 650, and a mere 12% reached the 700 mark.
Q. 7 Does GMAT have a negative marking?
- No, there’s no negative marking in the GMAT. Test takers are encouraged to attempt all questions as there’s no penalty for incorrect answers.
Q. 8 How to register for the GMAT Exam?
- To begin, set up an account on mba.com by entering some essential details. Afterward, proceed to sign up for your exam. Simply click on the registration button, fill out your GMAT profile, choose your preferred date and time, and finalize your payment.
For more information, visit mba.com and explore the world of opportunities that GMAT can unlock for your future in graduate management education.
Note: GMAT is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council.
