GMAT Exam - Registration, Eligibility, Fees, Dates, Preparation, Result and more

1. GMAT Exam GMAT Full Form: Graduate Management Admission Test The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is designed to assess the students aiming to join the MBA (Masters in Business Administration) program or Masters in Finance related courses. The exam tests the writing, analytical, verbal, quantitative reasoning, and reading skills of the candidate in standard written English language. More than 1500 graduate business schools around the globe require GMAT scores for admission. It is a computer-based exam. However, in some remote places, the paper- based system is still followed. GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) is responsible for the design and administration of the GMAT. It determines the kind of skills

2. measured by GMAT and what methods can be adapted to measure them. It decides the GMAT format and GMAT question paper pattern. Computer Adaptive Test GMAT is a computer adaptive test. A computer adaptive test means the questions are not pre-determined. The exam assess the candidate’s adequate difficulty level and then puts the question before him. For example, the first question in front of you will be of average difficulty. If you answer it correctly, then the next question will be of slightly higher difficulty. If you answer is wrong, the question will be of lower difficulty. The same algorithm is set for the second question, and third, as so on. Because it is a computer adaptive test, and your answer determines the level of next question, you are not allowed to go back to the question you have once answered. Only the number of correct answers do not indicate your score. The hard questions hold more GMAT scoring points than easier questions. Executive Assessment GMAT assessment is an exam by GMAC for the EMBA programs. EMBA stands for Executive MBA. EMBA is a short duration program for working professionals who want to improve their managerial and leadership skills but do not want to change the direction of their career much. EA exam is called mini-GMAT exam. EA exam focuses more on Integrated reasoning, more suitable for experienced candidates. GRE vs GMAT While GRE is a common examination for Graduate Record Examination, GMAT is more weighted and focused towards management abilities of the candidates. Graduates who want to study in any MBA or Management program mostly take GMAT.

3. As per the Test-takers, GRE holds a higher level of English language and GMAT has a higher level of quantitative problems compared to each other. However, for both the subjects, interpretation abilities change from individual to individual and you should check with the institute you are applying before deciding onto one. GMAT Eligibility There are no eligibility criteria set by the GMAC. However, there are eligibility criteria set by the universities and schools for admission. Age Criteria: The candidate must have completed 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit. If the applicant is between 13 to 17 years old, they should have written permission from their parents or legal guardian. Qualification Required The candidate is required to possess a graduate degree from a recognized university/institution in any discipline. GMAT Exam pattern The GMAT exam duration is 3 and a half hours. GMAT exam pattern has four section types. The GMAT structure aims to assess the skills of the candidates in writing, analytical, verbal, quantitative reasoning, and reading. The GMAT sections are: Analytical Writing Assessment Integrated Reasoning Quantitative Verbal

4. The details about the GMAT exam pattern and score are given below. The GMAT exam total marks are 800. No. Questions of Subject Type of Questions Time Duration 1.Reading Comprehension 2.Sentence Correction 3.GMAT Reasoning Verbal 36 65 Critical 1.Graphics Interpretation 2.Table Analysis 3.Multi-Source Reasoning 4.Two-Part Analysis Integrated Reasoning 12 30 1.Problem Solving 2.Data Sufficiency Quantitative 31 62 Analytical Writing Analysis Essay 1 30 Optional Breaks (2 Breaks) 8 Minutes 3 Minutes Hours 30 Total: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) The Analytical Writing Assessment is generally known as the “essay” section. It assesses the writing skills of a candidate. This section has only one essay writing. This is the only segment of the test that is not multiple-choice based. These essays are marked by a human grader and a computer grading system. The score is then averaged for your final score. You will be given 30 minutes to complete this section. The scores are marked in the range of 0-6.

5. You will be provided with a short argument. Instead of presenting your own viewpoint, you are required to criticise the argument and analyze the accuracy of the author’s evidence and reasoning. GMAT Integrated Reasoning (IR) This section consists of a total of 12 questions which may have multiple parts. These are multi-source reasoning questions. A time duration of 30 minutes is given to complete this section. The scores are marked in the range of 0-8. Quantitative Reasoning This section aims to assess your basic mathematical knowledge of concepts like arithmetic and number properties, algebra, and geometry. The range of score is 0 to 60. There are a total of 37 questions which are divided into two question types: Data Sufficiency Data Sufficiency question type consists of a question with two statements. You have to determine whether the given statements provide sufficient data required to answer the question. GMAT math requires you to recognize quickly the information you would need to solve the problem and to capably eliminate answer choices. There are 17 or 18 questions of this type. Problem Solving Problem Solving is a typical test question type. You'll be provided with a question and five possible answer choices for it. This question type uses the math of high school–level up to algebra and plane geometry. This is to test your critical thinking skills. There are 19 or 20 questions of this type. Verbal Reasoning

6. The GMAT Verbal section is designed to assess your command of written English, and ability to analyze arguments read critically. You will be provided with 75 minutes to complete this section. The scores are marked in the range of 0-60. There are a total of 41 questions in this section. There are three question types in this section: Critical Reasoning GMAT Critical Reasoning questions test the skills in making, comprehending arguments, and devising a plan of action. You will be provided with a short argument or a sequence of statements and a question relating to it. To score well in the GMAT Critical Reasoning questions, you need to understand the structure of arguments and need to have a thorough logical analysis of the relations between evidence and conclusions. This section contains an approximate of 11 questions. Sentence Correction In this type of questions, you will be provided with typically long and involved sentences. A part or the entire sentence will be underlined, and you are required to find the best adaptation of the underlined section out of the original or one of four alternatives. The sentence may contain no or one, two, or more errors. This section contains an approximate of 16 questions. GMAT Reading Comprehension These types of questions assess your critical reading skills. More specifically, these questions assess your ability to summarize and comprehend the main idea, make conclusions based on information in a text, analyze the logical structure of a passage, and infer the author's tone and attitude about a topic. You will be provided with an academic reading passage on a topic related to social science, business, biological science, or physical science. You will then have to answer an approximate of 14 questions about the text.

7. GMAT Exam Syllabus GMAT Analytical Writing This section will have topics, on which the candidate will have to write, or a passage may be given and the candidates have to answer the questions based on it. The syllabus for this section is huge and varied as the topic of the passage could be any topic of general interest. You should focus on the structure of the answer and not the arguments presented. GMAT Quantitative Section The GMAT Quant syllabus comprises the math of high-school level. GMAT maths syllabus comprises of the following topics: Exponents and roots Elementary Algebra Properties of Integers Geometry Permutation and combinations

8. Ratio Proportions Arithmetic Linear equations etc. Verbal Skills The GMAT verbal syllabus comprises of the following topics: Rhetorical construction of the sentences Critical reasoning Reading unseen passages Sentence correction related to finding error or omission Misplace modifiers Subject-verb agreement Countable Vs Uncountable Parallelism Integrated Reasoning Section This is the newest addition to the GMAT syllabus. This section will have questions of the following types: Multi-source reasoning Table analysis Two-part analysis Graphics interpretation GMAT Exam Dates 2019 You should select a GMAT date that will allow enough time for the processing and sending of the score to the MBA program or business that you’ll be applying to. This process can take up to 20 calendar days. The GMAT can be taken once every 16 days, up to 5 times in a year and up to 8 times in total.

9. GMAT Retake Gap Between Two GMAT Attempts 16 Days Maximum Attempts in a Year 5 Attempts Maximum GMAT attempts (Lifetime) 8 Attempts GMAT Test Centres in India Ahmedabad Bangalore Bhubaneswar Chennai Cochin Coimbatore Gurgaon Guwahati Hyderabad Indore Jaipur Kolkata Lucknow Manipal Mohali Mumbai Nagpur New Delhi Noida Patiala Patna Pune Ranchi Tiruchirappalli Trivandrum Vellore Vijayawada Vishakhapatnam The full list of GMAT test centers all over the world and the seat availability can be found on the GMAT official site i.e. www.mba.com GMAT Preparation

10. You need to have a good preparation to score well in the GMAT exam. GMAT preparation needs good concentration and dedication. You either opt for self-study or join a coaching center according to your convenience. You can also go for online GMAT prep with many websites providing excellent GMAT prep materials. GMAC has its own official study guide and free GMAT prep software for the preparation of the exam. Below are a few GMAT preparation tips which will help you to form a good GMAT preparation strategy. Verbal section The GMAT Verbal section is designed to assess your command of written English, and ability to analyze arguments read critically GMAT Tips: Practice reading comprehension: You need to practice a lot of reading comprehensions. The efficient way to solve a comprehension is by taking one question at a time and breaking the passage into parts. You can note down the points which seem relevant to the answer and then select the best possible answer for the question. This will help you to understand the passages clearly during the time of the GMAT exam. Learn Grammar: It is important to have clarity in grammatical concepts in GMAT. Practice the modifiers and prepositions. You need to pay more attention towards the sentence correction type of questions. You need to have a good ability of logical application and to comprehend the given statements. Reading effectively: you should read a lot of books for the GMAT verbal prep. You should read the editorial column of the newspaper daily to improve your language skills. Analytical Writing Assessment

11. In this section, you are required to critically analyze the statements given by the author. This section will have topics, on which the candidate will have to write, or a passage may be given and the candidates have to answer the questions based on it. Tips to crack 1.Create a template for your essay: Make drafts or templates for your essay as this is one of the fastest tricks to write essays without any errors. Then choose the draft which is the most feasible for you. 2.Practice essay writing: You should practice writing as many as many sample essays as possible. You need to give direction to your essay. You need to analyze your arguments and see whether they are valid or not. You should support your arguments with examples. Then you can give your essay a final shape by noting down your points. Integrated Reasoning The Integrated Reasoning section measures your ability to make judgments, organize and combine data to solve challenges. Tips to crack 1.Get familiar with the test format: You need to get familiar with the GMAT test format to be able to understand the questions properly and manage your time during the exam. 2.Practice graph: This section involves graphs so practice the Venn diagrams, charts and tables. You should learn how to analyze the graphs. You will be able to save your time if you are able to properly understand the graph. 3.Solve sample papers: you should solve as many practice papers as possible. They will help you to get to know the type of questions in the exam. It is especially necessary to practice the integrated reasoning section as they have a variety of questions.

12. Quantitative section This section aims to assess your basic mathematical knowledge of concepts like arithmetic and number properties, algebra, and geometry. Tips to crack 1.Focus on your weak areas: You need to find out your area of strengths and weakness. You should not give more time than necessary to your strong area. You need to focus more on those areas in which you are not confident. 2.Clear your concepts: Practise your high-school maths as it is a possibility that you may have forgotten the concepts necessary for the exam. You need to re-do the basic maths and learn new tricks for solving the questions faster. GMAT Sample Papers To get access to GMAT sample questions and other GMAT mock test online, you should register on GMAT official website. Make an account on mba.com and you can download free GMAT Prep Software from the website. GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), the owner of GMAT exam provides 8- week study plan for the students who want to self-study. It is a set of suggestions and tips for students to follow, and prepare for the exam in eight weeks. It makes sure you make full use of the GMAT study materials and software available. In addition to that, the website also has paid tools and software that run on your computer. They provide GMAT online sample questions and online test papers. Such tools are as listed below:

13. GRE Study Materials Price Useful for GMAT Practice Test Questions 1.GMAT Practice Questions $29.99 Official 200 Quantitative 24 Integrated Reasoning 180 Verbal questions Unique Integrated Reasoning GMAT questions 2.IR Prep Tool $19.99 $29.99 (single) Real GMAT questions for Quantitative Questions 3.GMAT Focus $79.99 (bundle of 3) Stats and information about your performances to better evaluate your GMAT scores and GMAT Score Calculator 4.GMAT Score Report Enhanced $30.00 5.GMAT Write $29.99 For Writing ability GMAT Preparation Books: You can start your GMAT study preparation by a complete Premium GMAT study collection. It comprises of all online material and GMAT books. It includes six things as listed below: IR Prep Tool GMAT Prep Exam Pack 1 GMAT Prep Question Pack 1 GMAT Prep Exam Pack 2 GMAT Paper Tests Set I, II, and III GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review

14. GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review GMAT Focus Online Quantitative Diagnostic Tool, set of 3 GMAT Official Guide GMAT Registration GMAT registration can be done throughout the year. However, you should frame a strategy for the GMAT preparation before you register for GMAT. GMAT registration can be done in both online and offline mediums. You can give the exam anytime in the year as per your convenience. However, since the number of applicants is increasing every year, it is advisable that you do not wait until the last moment to register for GMAT. You should book the slot at least a month before the desired date of making the attempt. Especially, during the peak season of November every year, one should try to book the slot 3-4 months prior to the desired date of making the attempt. You should note that the rescheduling of the next attempt can be done only after 16 days of taking the first attempt. Steps to register for GMAT 2019-20 online: 1.Visit the authorized GMAT official website’s registration page at www.mba.com.

15. 2.After logging onto the GMAT official website, you are required to fill in the required basic information such as name, address etc. 3.You then have to create an ID and password. 4.You will have to make the online payment in the next step. The GMAT fee is $250. You can make online payment through credit card, debit card, or net banking; according to your convenience. 5.After you have completed all these steps, you can log in and select the date and test center to take the exam. Other Modes of GMAT Registration: 1. GMAT Registration by Phone: You can register for your GMAT examination via phone also. That will cost $10 extra surcharge for registering the exam through phone. 2. GMAT Registration by Post: You can register for your GMAT exams through postal mail, too. The payment of the fess will be the same as online, and will have to be paid by cheque. GMAT Exam Fees GMAT fees for students is normally of $250. However, there are other charges and rescheduling costs that need to be consider before you register for GMAT test. The GMAT fee structure is as given below: GMAT Fees in India: $250 (17,716.25 INR) Change in GMAT exam date or Exam Centre $50 (3543.25 INR) Rescheduling before 7 Days of Exam $250 (17,716.25 INR) Surcharge (in case of Phone Registration) $10 (708.70INR) Conversion: 1 USD = 70.87 INR

16. GMAT Scholarships for B-Schools Keep in mind that taking the GMAT test is not the only criteria you will need to fulfil to get a scholarship. There are many other requirements. The scholarships are mostly merit based, or need based (for the candidates with financial hardships). Not all the scholarships apply to all the B-schools. Check with the institute you are applying to for the available scholarships and eligibility criterion. Top Business Schools with GMAT scholarships University / B-School Scholarships Stanford Graduate School of Business The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Haas School of Business Dr. Tahir Fellowships The Zonis Fellowship Booth School of Business Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship Harvard Business School The Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship HBS Fellowship Programs Emerging Economy Fellowships Wharton School of Business Social Impact Fellowship Joseph Wharton Fellowship GMAT score

17. The range for GMAT score varies from 200 to 800. 800 is the highest GMAT score. The GMAT scoring is in increments of 10, for example – 700, 710, 720 and so on. The mean score for the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT are 39 and 27 respectively. Around 70% of the test takers score in the range of 400 and 600. The business schools and MBA programs pay the most attention to the combined 200–800 score scale, where the mean score is 552. GMAT exam scores are valid for five years. They are available for reporting for up to 10 years. However, scores beyond 10 years are not available. Essay Scores are given as below: ScoreEssay Quality 6 Outstanding 5 Strong 4 Adequate 3 Limited 2 Flawed 1 Weak

18. These are ideal GMAT scores are given as below: GMAT Scores Total ScoresSubjects Scores in each Subject Quantitative 51+ Verbal 40+ Top Scores (in top 10%) 710-800 Integrated Reasoning 8 Essay 6 Quantitative 48-50 Verbal 35-39 Competitive (in top 25%) 650-700 Integrated Reasoning 7 Essay 5.5 Quantitative 38-47 Verbal 28-34 Average (in top 50%) 550-640 Integrated Reasoning 5-6 Essay 4.5-5 Quantitative Less than 37 Verbal Less than 27 Below Average Less than 550 Integrated Reasoning Less than 4 Essay Less than 4 GMAT Results There are Two Types of GMAT results. 1.Unofficial scores 2.Official Scores Unofficial Scores You can see unofficial scores at the centre itself once you have finished the examination. It shows the result of three sections namely Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning

19. and Integrated Reasoning. That will give you the idea if you have scored enough for the school you have applied for, or you want to retake the examination. You will be given a printout of the unofficial scores if you accept it. However, you cannot use it for the admission purposes. Official Scores The official scores will be declared within three weeks after you have completed your examination. This result will have the scores you have scored in all four sections, this time including Analytical writing also. Once the scores are available, you will be notified via e- mail. Your scores will be sent to five (5) institutions of your choice, which you had selected at the time of registration. GMAT Percentile GMAT scores include percentile ranks that show how well you performed when compared to other test takers. For example, if your percentile rank is 75, you scored more than 75 percent of the candidates who appeared for the test. A high percentile rank shows that you performed better than the number of candidates who took the test, and a low percentile means exactly the opposite. GMAT Score Validity GMAT scores are valid for five years from the declaration of result. They will be available for reporting for 10 years in your account. You cannot access scores older than 10 years. GMAT Contact Details Email ID gmatcandidateservicesapac@pearson.com Official Website (GMAT India) www.mba.com/india www.mba.com/india/service/contact- us.aspx Online Contacts Page (GMAT India)

20. Phone +91 120 439 7830 We hope that we have cleared all the doubts and queries you have regarding the GMAT examination. However, if you have any other question regarding the exam, Universities for GMAT, or any other aspect of the exam, fill free to ask below: