The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test designed primarily for those looking to enroll in graduate management programs such as MBA (Master of Business Administration). It assesses analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English. The test is developed and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
The GMAT is recognized globally by business schools and can significantly enhance a candidate's application for advanced study in business and management. A high GMAT score demonstrates strong analytical and reasoning skills, which are crucial for business school success and attractive to potential employers.
The GMAT exam consists of four main parts, administered in the following order:
| Section | Number of Sections | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) | 1 Task | 30 minutes | Analysis of an Argument |
| Integrated Reasoning (IR) | 12 Questions | 30 minutes | Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis |
| Quantitative Section | 31 Questions | 62 minutes | Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving |
| Verbal Section | 36 Questions | 65 minutes | Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction |
Test takers are asked to write an essay analyzing an argument (30 minutes).
Measures your ability to analyze data and evaluate information presented in multiple formats (12 questions, 30 minutes).
Tests high-school level math and your analytical skills (31 questions, 62 minutes).
Assesses your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English (36 questions, 65 minutes).
The GMAT is available at designated test centers worldwide and as an online exam that can be taken remotely from home under strict proctoring conditions.
Scores for the GMAT are given as follows:
| Section | Score Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) | 0 to 6 | Scored in half-point increments, assessing your ability to analyze arguments and write coherently. |
| Integrated Reasoning (IR) | 1 to 8 | Scored in one-point increments, measures your ability to analyze data and evaluate information from multiple sources. |
| Quantitative Section | 6 to 51 | Scored in one-point increments, evaluates your quantitative problem-solving ability. |
| Verbal Section | 6 to 51 | Scored in one-point increments, tests your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English. |
| Total Score | 200 to 800 | Combines your scores from the Quantitative and Verbal sections, scored in ten-point increments. |
Registration for the GMAT can be completed online through the official GMAC website or by calling one of their customer service centers. Test takers need to create an account on the GMAC website, choose a test date and center, or schedule an online test.
Preparation strategies for the GMAT include:
