GMAT Exam
Introduction to GMAT
GMAT, which stands for Graduate Management Admission Test, is a global exam conducted by the GMAC [Graduate Management Admission Council]. GMAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based and computer-adaptive standardized exam. The GMAT score is an important part of the business-school application process all across the world, including India.
Importance of the GMAT Exam
GMAT is the mostly widely accepted indicator of academic success in MBA and other graduate business degree programs. Business school admission committees look at a candidate’s GMAT score, along with work experience and academic record to assess your readiness for MBA program. GMAT is the gateway for Indian students to apply to business schools outside India. Many top Indian business schools also accept GMAT scores for the admission process. Some IIMs also accept GMAT score for admission in executive-MBA programs. Some top Indian business schools that accept GMAT score: • Indian Business School, Hyderabad • XLRI, Jamshedpur • S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai • IMT, Ghaziabad • Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai GMAT score stays valid for 5 years after the exam is taken. Unlike exams like CAT, GMAT is conducted round the year. So, the test taker can give the exam whenever they want. GMAT can be taken up to 5 times a year. The minimum duration between any attempts should be at least 16 days. There is an 8- attempt overall lifetime limit.
Roadmap to GMAT preparation
GMAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
GMAT is an adaptive test. This means that the difficulty level of the next question depends on the test taker’s performance in the previous question. Thus, the GMAT is a test of ability as it constantly adapts and refines the test to the candidate’s ability level. The test starts off with a question of medium difficulty, if you answer this question correctly, the next question is of a slightly higher difficulty level. Hence, there is no option to review your answers or skip a question. GMAT has four scored sections: 1. Analytical Writing Assessment Section 2. Integrated Reasoning Section 3. Quantitative Section 4. Verbal Section GMAT test takers are able to choose the order in which they take GMAT test sections. Test takers choose their section order at the test center following the computer tutorial and just before they begin their test. There are three orders that can be chosen from: 1. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative, Verbal 2. Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment 3. Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment The Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT is scored separately from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. The Integrated Reasoning section is also scored separately on 1–8 scale, in one-point increments. The Quantitative and Verbal sections each have a scaled score of 0–60. They are then combined to generate a score on the 200–800 scale. A score on the 200–800 scale reflects the level of difficulty of the questions the candidate answered correctly using a proprietary GMAC algorithm. The score that MBA programs weigh most heavily for admission is the candidate’s combined Verbal and Quantitative scores. Here, the GMAT applies its algorithm to the Verbal and Quantitative scores, converting them to the familiar 200–800 scale.
About the Analytical Writing Assessment Section [30 minutes]
The Analytical Writing Assessment or the Essay Section is used to analyse the writing skills of the candidate. The essay is scored by both a human grader and a computer grading system, and both the scores are averaged for the final score. This section’s score does not contribute to the final score. When scoring this section, essay graders are looking for whether the candidate can clearly identify and insightfully analyse parts of the argument, develop and organize their ideas thoughtfully and logically, and connect their statements with clear transitions.
About the Integrated Reasoning Section [30 minutes]
The purpose of the GMAT integrated reasoning is to test higher-order reasoning skills such as the ability to analyse data presented in different formats such as tables, charts, and graphs. Solving the questions requires a combination of both quantitative and verbal skills, hence the name integrated reasoning. The four different questions types in the GMAT integrated reasoning section are: • Multi-Source Reasoning • Table Analysis • Graphics Interpretation • Two-Part Analysis An online calculator with basic functions is provided to candidates only for the GMAT integrated reasoning section.
About the Quantitative Section [62 minutes]
The GMAT Quantitative section is designed to test your content and analytical knowledge of basic math concepts, including arithmetic and number properties, algebra, and geometry. The section consists of two question types: (1) DATA SUFFICIENCY: Data Sufficiency questions consist of a question and two statements of data. The task is to determine whether the statements provide sufficient data to answer the question. (2) PROBLEM SOLVING: Problem Solving questions use high school–level math up to algebra and plane geometry to test your critical thinking skills.
About the Verbal Section [65 minutes]
The GMAT Verbal section is designed to test your command of standard written English, your skill in analysing arguments, and your ability to read critically. There are three types of questions in this section: (1) CRITICAL REASONING: Measures your ability to make arguments, evaluate arguments, and formulate or evaluate a plan of action. (2) SENTENCE CORRECTION: Measures your language proficiency (3) READING COMPREHENSION: Measures your ability to make arguments, evaluate arguments, and formulate or evaluate a plan of action.
Useful Resource Links for GMAT
Conclusion
GMAT is the first choice for MBA aspirants all around the world. India has about 3 lakh MBA aspirants every year. A good GMAT score can make a candidate stand out among the crowd. A good GMAT score also makes it easier to get a scholarship and have a higher paying job after graduation. So, for students that are planning to get into premium B-Schools, attempting GMAT is a must, especially if they plan on studying abroad.