When you start looking up MBA programmes abroad, you’re bound to see one particular requirement as part of the admissions and that is the GMAT exam. This exam is designed to test your analytical writing, logical reasoning and critical thinking skills. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the GMAT exam further. 

What is a GMAT Exam?

GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admissions Test which is conducted globally by the Graduate Management Admission Council. Unlike other entrance exams, the GMAT is a computer-adaptive test which means that the difficulty level of questions changes based on how they have been answered in the previous sections. 

Who is Eligible for the GMAT Exam?

The GMAT exam can be taken by professionals or undergraduate students in the final year of their study. Moreover, the GMAT exam requires the test-taker to have attained 18 years of age or above to be eligible. While there is an age limit, there are no restrictions on the academic or professional background of an individual. Whether you hold a liberal arts, business or an engineering degree, you can take the exam. Same goes for a professional, whether you are a CEO, a business development manager or just about anyone. The GMAT exam is open for  you. 

How to Register for The GMAT Exam

To register for the GMAT exam you will need a passport (document required as per GMAC’s registration policy ) as proof of identity. Once you have your passport, you can register for the test by visiting the official website MBA.com and filling in all the necessary details and paying the registration fee. The GMAT exam registration fee is $250 which can be paid using credit or debit cards.

Now that you have a basic idea of what the exam is, who is eligible and how to register, let’s tell you that the exam isn’t easy. If you want to score well, you have to thoroughly prepare yourself. You will have to chalk a study plan, which should include what you are going to study, from where and when. You should include solving GMAT sample papers in your plan and taking mock tests as well. Doing so will acquaint you with the test pattern, the subject topics, the kind of questions asked and more.

 In the section below, we have discussed the sample paper in a bit more detail. 

A GMAT Sample Paper

The GMAT sample papers have four sections, just as the way you would find in the actual paper. Since these sample papers are a replica of the actual one, practicing them will give you a fair idea of how the real exam is going to be. 

The four sections are as follows:

• Analytical writing assessment
• Integrated reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning
• Verbal reasoning

Analytical Writing Assessment

The analytical writing assessment is the first section of the GMAT exam and is 30 minutes long. This section requires you to critique an argument that is presented to you. The section is scored on a scale of 0-6 with a half-point increment.

Integrated Reasoning

The integrated reasoning section requires you to analyse visual data presented in the form of graphs, tables and charts. You will be provided with a total of 12 questions and will have to complete this section within a span of 30 minutes. The IR section of the GMAT is scored on a scale of 0-8 with a one-point increment. The different question types asked are:

• Multi-source reasoning
• Graphics interpretation
• Table analysis
• Two-part analysis

Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section of the GMAT tests your ability to solve complex problems and think critically. In this section, you are required to be familiar with the basics of algebra, arithmetic and geometry. You will have to answer a total of 31 questions in 62 minutes and will be scored on a scale of 6-51 with a one-point increment system. There are two types of questions that you will encounter in the test: 

• Data sufficiency
• Word problems.

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section has 36 questions that you need to answer in 65 minutes. While you’re tested on your ability to critically analyse a question, you’re also expected to be familiar with the basics of English grammar. The section has three types of questions, they are:

• Reading comprehension
• Sentence correction
• Critical reasoning

Now that we have explained to you what the GMAT exam is and what a GMAT sample paper looks like, you’re better positioned to plan your preparation.