GMAT(Graduate Management Admission Test) is a gateway for candidates to study different management courses like MBA, PGP and PGDM in top-notch B- Schools in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, Australia, etc. GMAT is a Computer Adaptive Test and the GMAT Exam Pattern is divided into four sections – Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. All the questions are geared toward testing the applicants’ analytical thinking skills, verbal communication and English language skills.
In this article, let us look at:
1. GMAT Sections
1) Analytical Writing Assessment:
In this section, you will analyze the reasoning given about a topic and write your own opinion. Examiners look at the candidate’s critical thinking ability and how well the ideas are presented through their writing skills. GMAT online exam has included AWA section at home edition as well.
2) Integrated Reasoning:
In this part of the GMAT 2021, test takers are asked to use information given in the problem and solve complex problems. In the top business schools, test takers are examined on basis of how well data have been used to make decisions. In this section, test-takers gather information given through graphical representation . They can find out what is around it. In this section, test takers are also asked to find out relations to the interrelated problems. In this section total of four kinds of questions have been asked:
- Multi-source reasoning
- Table Analysis
- Graphics Interpretation
- Two-part Analysis
3) Quantitative Reasoning:
This section of the GMAT Quant syllabus asks the test takers to do mathematics problems, and then it measures the quantitative and mathematical ability of the test takers. Two types of questions asked in this section of the GMAT maths syllabus are: –
- Problem Solving: In this section, the test taker has to use analytical reasoning to solve out quantitative problems.
- Data Sufficiency: In this section, test takers analyze relevant data and find out data points to solve the required problem.
4) Verbal Reasoning:
In the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section, how well the test taker articulates arguments To be able to write a good test, people need to know about how to be able to express their ideas clearly. One needs to attempt 36 MCQ in 65 minutes. Three types of questions asked in the Verbal Reasoning section- Reading comprehension, Critical Reasoning & Sentence Correction.
2. Subject-Wise Distribution Of Questions In GMAT
The subject-wise distribution of questions in GMAT Online and GMAT Exam 2021, according to the latest GMAT exam pattern, are given in the table below:
Subject Name | Number of Questions | Maximum Time Limit |
Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 Minutes |
Analytical Writing Assessment | 01 | 30 Minutes |
Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 65 Minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning | 31 | 62 Minutes |
3. GMAT Marking System
The total number of objective type questions is 79. Following are the minimum and maximum score range of each section, along with a mean average:
Section | Score Range | Mean Scores* |
Analytical Writing Assessment | 0-6 | 4.48 |
Integrated Reasoning | 1-8 | 4.29 |
Verbal | 6-51 | 27.04 |
Quantitative | 6-51 | 39.93 |
Total | 200-800 | 561.27 |
4. GMAT Preparation Tips
- Make a 3 month GMAT study plan, that gives you the goals, tools, and tips you need to work.
- Go through the GMAT exam pattern according to the 4 main sections discussed.
- Try to solve the previous year’s questions . These help the aspirants in better preparation. GMAT practice tests give an idea of the kind of questions that will be asked on the actual exam.
- Candidates can work on their weaknesses by taking numerous practice tests, watching explanatory videos, studying from the app, and also taking coaching classes.
- The best way to study for the GMAT is to manage your GMAT Prep Time.
- If you are not sure of what to do, look at all the other questions on the page and see which ones you can rule out. Select the best of the remaining choices and move on to the next question.
- Mental maths saves a considerable amount of time hence do your best GMAT math prep. Since candidates will not get calculators, honing mental math skills is very necessary.
- Keeping calm is one of the best GMAT preparation that keeps the aspirant going.