Categories
Sign Up
Join

GMAT Exam 2025

GMAT – Complete Student Guide

What is GMAT?

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is an international-level entrance exam used by top business schools and universities across the world (including India) to offer admission in MBA, PGDM, and other management programs. It is conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council).

This test checks your reasoning, problem-solving, data interpretation, and English communication skills.

Category of Exam

  • Management Entrance Exam (Postgraduate level)

Related Courses / Fields

  • MBA (Master of Business Administration)

  • PGDM / MS in Management

  • Executive MBA / Business Analytics

  • Finance, Strategy, Marketing specializations

Exam Frequency

  • Available all year round, you can take it any time

  • Can attempt up to 5 times a year (8 times in lifetime)

Eligibility

  • No official minimum qualification by GMAC

  • Usually, students applying for GMAT have:

    • A bachelor’s degree (any stream)

    • 2–3 years of work experience (recommended, not mandatory)

  • Minimum age: 18 years (or 13+ with parental consent)

Application Process

  • Mode: Online only

  • Official Website: https://www.mba.com

  • Steps:

    1. Create an account on mba.com

    2. Choose a test center or online GMAT

    3. Select test date

    4. Fill in personal details

    5. Pay the fee and confirm the booking

  • Test Fee:

    • Approx $275 USD (₹22,000–₹25,000 INR)

    • Extra charges for rescheduling or canceling

Mode of Exam

  • Online (at a test center or home)

  • Computer-based adaptive test (questions change based on your answers)

GMAT Focus Edition – New Pattern (2024 onwards)

Section No. of Questions Time
Quantitative Reasoning 21 45 mins
Verbal Reasoning 23 45 mins
Data Insights (DI + IR + DS) 20 45 mins
Total 64 Qs 2 hrs 15 mins

  • Type: MCQs, dropdowns, table selections

  • No Essay (AWA) in the new Focus Edition

  • Score Range: 205–805

  • No negative marking, but adaptive scoring

Syllabus Overview

Quantitative Reasoning (Maths)

  • Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Word Problems

  • Data Sufficiency format

  • Focuses on logic, not just calculation

Verbal Reasoning

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Critical Reasoning

  • Sentence Correction (Grammar + logic)

Data Insights

  • Charts, Tables, Graphs, Multi-source reasoning

  • Combining skills from Quant & Verbal

Important Dates

  • No fixed date – You choose your slot

  • Can book even 24 hours before test day

  • Results available in 3–5 working days

Result and Score Info

  • Total score: 205–805

  • The score report includes the percentile

  • The score is valid for 5 years

  • You can choose to send scores to 5 colleges for free

Admit Card Info

  • No physical admit card

  • You’ll get an email confirmation with test instructions

  • For center-based test: Carry a valid passport or government ID

Preparation Tips

  • Start early – ideally 3 to 6 months before the test

  • Focus on logic-based problem solving and reading skills

  • Practice mock tests under real-time settings

  • Use official GMAT materials:

    • GMAT Official Guide

    • GMAT Focus Practice Tests

    • Apps like Magoosh, Target Test Prep, and Manhattan Prep

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is GMAT tough?
Yes, it’s challenging, but with proper strategy and practice, it’s crackable.

Q2. What is a good score on the GMAT?

  • 600–650: Decent for many B-schools

  • 700+: Good for IIMs, ISB, Ivy Leagues, INSEAD, LBS

Q3. How many times can I take the GMAT?

  • 5 times per year

  • 8 times total in lifetime

Q4. Can I retake the GMAT immediately?
Yes, but only after a 16-day gap

Q5. Is GMAT accepted in India?
Yes! Accepted by top B-schools like:

  • ISB Hyderabad

  • IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore (PGPX)

  • SPJIMR, Great Lakes, XLRI (some courses)

Top Colleges Accepting GMAT

International:

  • Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD

  • LBS, Kellogg, MIT Sloan, HEC Paris

India:

  • ISB

  • IIMs (for executive MBA)

  • XLRI

  • SPJIMR

  • Great Lakes

Counseling / Admission Process

  • No central counseling – you apply directly to each college

  • Steps:

    1. Take GMAT

    2. Shortlist colleges

    3. Apply with GMAT score + SOP + resume

    4. Clear interviews

    5. Receive admission and join

Latest Updates

  • GMAT now available in Focus Edition format (shorter, modernized)

  • No essay or AWA in the new version

  • Online and center-based are both valid worldwide

  • Score preview before submitting (optional)

Official Website

Visit: https://www.mba.com

Enquiry Now