GMAT Exam

MBA aspirants across the world have been making the cut for top B-schools abroad with the help of GMAT scores. Even if universities assess a profile holistically, a good GMAT score can give one an edge over other competitive candidates. 

The GMAT exam is a prerequisite for not only an MBA program but also other graduate business and management programs. Quite simply, it is used to assess a candidate’s business acumen while allowing b-schools to evaluate all applications objectively.

To understand what exactly is the GMAT exam, here is a comprehensive guide to the exam along with its exam dates, syllabus, exam pattern and so on.  

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is one of the most trusted and preferred entrance tests among candidates who wish to pursue management education abroad as well as in India.

The GMAT exam is an international-level entrance exam organised throughout the year by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for admission to various popular foreign universities including Stanford University; Harvard University; University of California, Berkeley and many more.

GMAT exams are conducted in approximately 112 countries around the world, and a valid GMAT score is accepted by more than 2,100 institutes. Taking the exam can be beneficial for those who wish to take up a career in business and management. Across the globe, aspirants can find more than 6,000 programmes offered by these top business and management institutes that find GMAT scores valid for admissions.

This exam is popular among candidates who wish to pursue management courses like MBA and Master of Finance and Accounting and other business and management programmes at the graduate level. The GMAT exam 2022 can also be taken from home with round-the-clock testing appointments.

GMAC Introduces New Changes to GMAT Online Exam, Now Has AWA Section Among Other Things

GMAC has introduced new enhancements to the GMAT Online Exam to ensure 'more choice and flexibility' in the testing experience. These changes include the following:

• The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section, which was omitted in the initial GMAT online exam, has been brought back as it continues to be an integral part of the exam. The section lets business schools get important insights and judge the candidate's critical thinking and communication skills.

• Candidates will now be able to choose the section order, meaning they can select which section of the GMAT exam they want to attempt first.

• They can also receive their unofficial GMAT scores right after completing the test.

• Test-takers may also take two eight-minute optional breaks.

In a nutshell, from April 8, 2021, the online and test centre GMAT entrance exams have become identical in terms of the overall GMAT exam pattern, thus, offering a similar testing experience, regardless of how the test is attempted, i.e. online or offline.

GMAT Aspirants Can Appear with Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar has now become one of the valid proof of identification that can be used to take the GMAT exam as long as the card is valid and current. However, it is only available as an alternate ID for the online version of the GMAT exam.

GMAC's Regional Director - South Asia, Gaurav Srivastava said the new feature will help thousands of Indian students living in remote areas to attempt the GMAT exam.

GMAT Exam Aspirants Can Now Select Slots 6 Months in Advance

GMAT test-takers can now schedule test appointments up to six months in advance. Candidates will be shown the GMAT online exam appointments on a rolling 6-month basis.

GMAT Online Exam Now a Permanent Option

GMAC has made the GMAT Online Exam a permanent option among the GMAT exam offerings, which will be continued post-pandemic. It was introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which led to the closure of a lot of GMAT test centres.

The online option is available in most locations, with the exception of Mainland China, Cuba, North Korea and Sudan.

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) has been the go-to entrance test that all top business schools around the world use for the purpose of enrolling students on their MBA and other graduate programmes in business and management. As the name suggests, the GMAT exam facilitates the admission process of an MBA or management studies aspirant looking to apply to any one of the top GMAT colleges in the world.

Reasons to Take the GMAT Exam

Listed below are some of the reasons why GMAT exams are popular among MBA aspirants of the world:

• GMAT scores are accepted by some of the top-bracket B-Schools worldwide. So, a good GMAT score can help the test-takers land into top international B-Schools where they can imbibe qualities like leadership, decision making and knowledge regarding marketing and finance.

• There is no maximum age limit for taking the GMAT exam. So, anyone, on any day can turn up and decide to appear for the GMAT exam. Applicants with years of work experience can also apply for a GMAT exam.

• B-Schools and universities across the globe offer graduate management admissions and consider the GMAT scores valid for 5 years, thus, offering students time to finalise their decisions.

• With over 5,300 GMAT test centres located all across the globe, the GMAT exam is one of the most easily accessible exams one can take for MBA admissions abroad. With the widespread availability of test centres, test-takers will not have to travel to far-off locations in order to take their GMAT exams.

• The GMAT exam takers are also given the liberty to choose the date and centre of the exam as per their convenience. The test-takers will be allowed to appear in the GMAT exam 5 times, with a time gap of 16 days between two attempts, within a span of one calendar year for score improvement.

Opportunities After Taking the GMAT Exam

As an aptitude test, GMAT scores can help a test taker to knock open many doors within the Management Industry, which brings about another set of reasons why attempting GMAT exams is the right choice.

Therefore, attempting GMAT exams can open up a number of lucrative opportunities, which include:

Graduation from Prestigious Institutes: GMAT scores can help in getting admissions into top graduate management schools abroad. GMAT exams are considered standardized by the FT’s Top 100 business schools and are accepted globally as a mark of competency.

Scholarship Opportunities: Business and Management studies is one of the more expensive disciplines to pursue even at the undergraduate level. The tuition and incidental fees only increase with upgrades to graduate and post-graduate courses. In this case, good GMAT scores can be used to earn scholarships as they provide credible and quantifiable proof of a candidate's potential.

Better Job Opportunities: GMAT scorecards can be used to apply for jobs in top companies due to the global reputation of the aptitude test. GMAT exams are recognised to be of the highest standards in basic Management aptitude and hence are even accepted, and sometimes prove beneficial, in resumes.

Remarkable Internship Opportunities: In cases where a test taker is applying for industry experience in the form of internships, GMAT scores can help in being selected for interviews for high-profile job roles from top MNCs across sectors.

Personal Development Opportunities: Since the GMAT exam does not impose any age limit on the test-takers, anyone can take the test in order to upgrade their existing skills. In fact, many management professionals use the test to upgrade their knowledge scope and be in step with current trends in the industry.

Impressive Profile Development: The professionals can also use the test to upgrade their profile or CV and negotiate a better position, job opportunity or salary packages in the management industry across any sector.

Among the popular graduate admissions tests accepted abroad, GRE is also an aptitude test opted by study abroad aspirants to enrol in graduate courses abroad, including management courses as it has been accepted by several universities and colleges abroad for different Management courses as well.

GMAT vs GRE: Differences

The table below highlights some basic differences between the two, i.e. GRE and GMAT:

Did you know that for some candidates, taking the GRE might be a better option instead of the GMAT? This depends upon the reason why you choose to give the GMAT. If your reason is clear and you wish to prepare for the GMAT, learn How to Score a Perfect 800 on the GMAT, here.

A successful GMAT exam process involves a lot of stages. These stages start from the GMAT registration process and conclude with GMAT score certification. Each stage in the GMAT exam holds its own importance and has been defined below for your convenience:

GMAT Exam Registration

GMAT exam registration is one of the complicated but crucial stages of the entire process. Candidates are required to complete the following steps in the GMAT registration process:

• Register as a new candidate on the GMAT official website.

• Fill in the required details and confirm your GMAT exam registration.

• Login with the generated ID and fill in the GMAT application form.

• Provide your personal details and educational details as specified in the GMAT exam application form.

• Provide your qualification and other details.

• Submit and save the GMAT application form.

Payment from Profile

Once the GMAT exam application has been completed, the website prompts to the payment portal:

• Select the GMAT exam fee payment method

• Proceed to fill in the details and confirm

• Fill in OTP and click OK

• Save and download the receipt and form.

Scheduling the GMAT Exam

Once the payment is done, browse through the planned GMAT exam dates and choose the desired date and region and confirm the same.

If GMAT exam slots are empty in the selected options, the appropriate assignment shall be confirmed. However, in case there is no availability of GMAT exam slots on the desired date and time, the website redirects the candidate to the scheduling portal again.

In case after confirmation, a candidate decides to cancel or reschedule their date then they can do so within 24 hours of selecting the date without having to pay any fees.

GMAT Preparation

Once the application is complete, every candidate should turn towards commencing their GMAT preparation. In this process, candidates need to cover all the topics in the GMAT syllabus and eventually move on to GMAT mock tests and question papers.

Within this framework, candidates can still decide to reschedule or cancel the test anytime, however, a certain cancellation or registration fee will be applicable.

Taking the GMAT Exam

If you, a propsective test-taker, have been able to complete your GMAT preparation and are well-equipped to tackle all the questions and tasks outlined for the GMAT test, the only thing left to do is to attempt the GMAT test on the selected date and time.

After completing the GMAT online test, candidates will get an unofficial score which they have the option to accept or cancel. In case the candidate ends up missing the decision the unofficial GMAT scores will automatically be cancelled.

GMAT Score Generation

Once the GMAT exam has been conducted, the official GMAT scores will be sent to the institutes and colleges the candidate had selected during the GMAT exam registration process. However, if they wish to send additional copies of the GMAT scores, candidates shall be asked to pay USD 35 for each report sent.

The GMAC, the governing body for GMAT exams, does not define any specific eligibility requirements for the graduate management admission test. However, it's still suggested that students check the GMAT exam requirements before applying to various universities.

Given below are the general eligibility criteria for the GMAT exam:

Age Limit:

• The minimum age requirement for GMAT is that the candidate should have completed 18 years of age. 

• If you are a student below the age group of 13 to 17, then you should provide written permission from your parents or legal guardian

Qualification: Before taking the GMAT exam, you should have a bachelor's degree or should be pursuing a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. This requirement is usually necessary for students planning to take the GMAT exam MBA admissions abroad.

Nationality: There are no nationality-specific restrictions on who can take the GMAT exam. Candidates from all nationalities and cultures are eligible to take the GMAT entrance exam. 

Exam Requirements: Prior to the GMAT exam, candidates must compile and keep all the necessary documents at hand. Alon with the documents pertaining to the proof of identification such as the Passport or Aadhar card of the applicant is some of the most important documents that should be kept handy at the time of the GMAT exam.

Work Experience: As a requirement for different management courses abroad, several people who take the GMAT exam for MBA  every year, appear for the test with at least 3 years of work experience. This ensures that the university admissions committee has a good understanding of the candidate's job history. However, candidates need to present any proof of work experience to attempt the GMAT entrance exam.

GMAT Exam Attempt Limit: The following are the requirements for taking the GMAT:

• A test-taker can only take the GMAT exam a total of 8 times in their lifetime.

• To take the GMAT test again, a student must ensure that there is a gap of 16 days after the last GMAT exam.

• Candidates are also limited to attempting the GMAT exam a total of 5 times a year.

GMAT Exam Reservation: Students with special needs that meet certain conditions can be considered for certain support services and assistance in taking the GMAT exam.

Note: Everyone is eligible to take the GMAT exam if they meet the basic requirements. For those who are differently abled and wish to attempt the GMAT exam, GMAC has kept special exam centres designed to accommodate them.

Although the GMAT exam may not be a requirement for most students trying to enrol in a business school, admission to most top universities for MBA  will be done with the use of GMAT scores.

Like the other study abroad tests, there are no specific GMAT test dates every year, since, GMAT exams are typically available throughout the year. This, MBA aspirants have enough and more opportunities to appear for the globally-renowned graduate management admissions test, according to their convenience.

Nevertheless, the exact date for the GMAT exam can vary depending on the location of the test centre. In most cases, candidates can register for the exam up to six months in advance. To ensure that they get the most out of the GMAT exam, candidates should also check the deadlines for the various graduate programmes they are applying for.

How to Choose GMAT Exam Dates and Location?

Candidates are required to follow the steps given below to choose the appropriate GMAT exam dates and locations:

Step 1: Log in to your GMAT Account on mba.com.

Step 2: Under the 'Schedule Your Exam' section, choose your preferred city and test centre of your choice and convenience.

Step 3: Choose the GMAT exam date of your choice and convenience under the “Select Date” option. There will be various time slots available on the date of your choice. Choose a time slot according to your convenience and schedule your exam. 

The GMAT exam can be taken at any one of the designated GMAT test centres in India or at home. Both the GMAT exam formats are designed to help candidates complete the admissions process for business schools globally. After the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the test centres were temporarily closed, but the registration for the conventional admissions process was opened.

Many students are now looking forward to participating in the GMAT exam at the designated GMAT test centres across India which had been restricted due to safety measures. Aside from the safety measures, the transparency of the test environment and the proper test setups are some of the factors that test-takers prefer to take the GMAT exam at test centres.

To take the GMAT exam, you can either book a slot based on your preferred location or the status of the GMAT test centre at the time of registration. The availability and operational status of the GMAT test centres can be found on the official website of the chosen test centre.

In India, the open GMAT exam centres will have implemented enhanced safety and health measures to maintain the public health standards set by the state and central governments. As per regulations, GMAT exam centres regularly clean and sanitise the test environment.

Factors To Consider While Choosing a GMAT Exam Center

Aside from making sure that everything is organised correctly, one should also check for other points while booking a GMAT test centre, some of which have been defined below.

Proximity to Your Place of Stay: An ideal GMAT test centre should be near your home or place of stay. The close proximity of a GMAT exam centre will ensure that the exam is more accessible to you on the day of the test.

Easily Accessible: Another thing to check is if the selected GMAT test centre has access to various public transportation modes. With easy access to public transportation, it will be easier for you as a test-taker to reach your destination without hassle.

Facilities Available: Specific to candidates classed under the special candidate's category, it is important to check whether a selected GMAT exam centre offers special facilities and infrastructure that are accessible to differently-abled test-takers.

Personal Belongings in GMAT Test Centers: Most items are not allowed in the GMAT exam centres in India. However, some items that are allowed in the test centre include IDs, and documents needed to enter the test centre, however other items that cannot be taken into the GMAT exam centre include mobile phones, laptops, or anything else that can obstruct the examination. In addition, there are certain comfort items that can be brought in by the test-takers.

GMAT Exam Center

Listed below are the cities where most of the GMAT exam centres can be found:

Check out the complete list of GMAT Test Centres, here.

The following steps are necessary for the successful registration for the GMAT exam. Just follow the steps outlined below to get started and secure the necessary details for the test.

Step 1: Create an Account

To start the GMAT registration process, all the test-takers must create an account on the official GMAT website, i.e. mba.com. Those who already have an account will need to register to access the site. To register, the user will need to provide their email address and provide username. After creating the account, the candidates will be required to complete the necessary steps.

Step 2: Collect Details

Before applying for the appropriate GMAT test, aspirants must compile and collect all the necessary details and official documents that will be required to refer to when entering their personal details on the application form. This step will also be beneficial in helping them identify their eligibility for the GMAT exams.

Step 3: Build a Timeline

After collecting the necessary details, candidates will then have to build their respective timelines for attempting the GMAT exam. They will also have to mention their payment details.

Step 4: Schedule and Pay

The candidates can schedule their GMAT exams online or by phone. To confirm their selected date and time, candidates will be asked to pay the GMAT exam application fee through various means such as credit or debit cards.

Step 5: Select Colleges that will Receive GMAT Scores

After the graduate management admissions test has been conducted, your GMAT score report will be sent to the appropriate programmes and universities. Candidates can also request to send their GMAT score reports to as many schools as desired.

Step 6: Check for Confirmation

Make sure that the name on the confirmation letter matches the one on the card. The GMAT exam can be taken across various platforms such as Windows and Mac or a GMAT test centre.

Identification Requirements for GMAT Exam

Test-takers are required to show their ID proof before the exam. The document that is required to prove your identity should be presented in its original form. These documents include a government-issued photo ID as proof of identification and the name of the test.

For Indian candidates, the proof of their identity at GMAT exam centres should be presented at the time of the online registration for GMAT. The last and first names of the candidate must be included on the card.

GMAT Exam Fee Payment 2022

Check out the details of GMAT Exam Fee Payment below:

When applying for a GMAT exam in India, all aspirants will be required to pay the appropriate fees. Similar to most study abroad exams abroad, students will be asked to pay the application fee for GMAT exams at the time of scheduling the tests, as part of the confirmation process.

Here are the GMAT exam fees that applicants are required to pay at the time of registration:

Note: The GMAT exam fees that have been listed above are subject to change at the discretion of GMAC, the administrator for GMAT. Therefore, before applying for GMAT, please check if the application, rescheduling and cancellation fees for GMAT exams along with other charges have been updated by GMAC.

As part of the application process for the globally recognised management admissions test, interested students must book a slot for their GMAT exams, according to their convenience.

Booking a GMAT exam slot for the year 2022 can be completed in three simple steps, which include, login into the student’s exam account on the GMAT official website, selecting one of the several different dates available at the desired GMAT test centre (if attempting at a test centre) closest to them.

If you are planning to attempt the GMAT test at home, you will still be required to book your GMAT exam slot, however, you can do so, as close as one day before the actual test date. Meanwhile, if you are attempting the GMAT Exam at a test centre, it is advisable to book your GMAT test slot,1 to 2 months before the actual test date.

For the simplest method, test-takers interested in booking a slot for the GMAT exam 2022 must visit their official website for GMAT exams and select the appropriate test date and time. Students will be required to pay a GMAT exam slot booking fee to confirm their appointment for the test.

As part of the GMAT preparation, candidates should go through the GMAT exam pattern as defined by GMAC, the official exam administrator for the exam. Additionally, test-takers are advised to understand the different questions that can be asked in the GMAT exam.

The GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test that consists of four sections, i.e. verbal reasoning, analytical writing assessment, quantitative reasoning, and integrated reasoning. Through the thorough GMAT exam pattern, the exam aims to analyse the skills of candidates in terms of critical thinking, analytical thinking, and verbal communication.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The analytical writing assessment section of the GMAT exam evaluates a candidate's ability to analyse and communicate ideas. The analytical writing assessment section of GMAT tests consists of a 30-minute writing task that includes an argument task. The test aims to determine how analytical a person is capable when writing answers.

Integrated Reasoning

In this section, candidates will be asked to analyse various types of data and information provided in the GMAT exam. The Integrated Reasoning section tests how students use the different sources of information available to them and think based off of those given information. It also presents a picture of how test-takers are able to use the knowledge gathered from these sources to solve complex problems.

Quantitative Reasoning

This section of the GMAT exam is used to measure the critical thinking abilities of a candidate. Here, a candidate needs to analyse the data provided in the GMAT exam and draw logical conclusions from it. The quantitative section of the GMAT exam consists of 31 questions.

They are designed to test the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of test-taking professionals. This section features multiple strategies that test the skills of test-takers in terms of problem-solving and critical thinking as follows:

Problem Solving: Most of the questions in the quantitative section of the GMAT exam are composed of multiple-choice problems. They test a candidate's ability to mentally solve problems using logical and analytical reasoning.

Data Sufficiency: The goal of this test is to identify which data is most relevant to any given quantitative question in the GMAT exam. The data must then be presented in two statements.

Verbal Reasoning

The GMAT Verbal section tests a candidate's verbal reasoning skills. There are three question types in this section: critical reasoning, sentence correction, and reading comprehension.

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT exam consists of 36 questions in total. There are a total of three types of questions asked. They're mixed into three categories so that you can never know which questions will come next.

The four sections of the GMAT exam vary in complexity and allotted time limits. Each section has its own unique set of questions and allotted time limits. The GMAT exam is a gateway to studying in the top B-Schools in the USA like Harvard University, Princeton University, UCLA, and more and other management schools across the world.

The GMAT Online Test can be taken from the comfort and convenience of the home of the test-takers. The decision to allow students to take the test at home was encouraged post-Covid when the GMAT exam centres were closed down to maintain public health safety measures.

The remote version of the GMAT test is designed to help maximum students to apply for admissions to graduate management programmes, especially the popular MBA programmes offered by the top B-schools across the world.

The GMAT Online Test at Home is comparable to the GMAT test taken at test centres, as the GMAT syllabus and exam pattern remain the same in both the exam offerings, i.e. GMAT Online Test and Home and GMAT at Test Centers.

When the option had been first offered to test-takers, GMAC had removed the AWA section. The exam administrator later announced that the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Section was added to the GMAT Syllabus. It should be noted that there is no difference in the GMAT total score or the scoring methods.

Who Can Take the GMAT Online Test at Home?

GMAT Online Test at Home option is available in most locations except in China, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Sudan. The medium of instruction for the test is English only. Test-takers can take the GMAT test at home on both Windows and Mac Personal Computers or Laptops.

The GMAT exam is a widely accepted and sought-after examination that evaluates candidates through four sections. Each section of the GMAT exam has its own essential elements that students must understand in order to obtain a good GMAT score. The different sections of the GMAT syllabus help students improve their skills and score higher on the test. The different sections and pointers of the GMAT exam have been given below:

Analytical Writing Assessment

In the section that asks for the essay, the student must write an argument in English that explains the reason behind a given topic. For the section, candidates must analyse the argument's main ideas and provide a critique of it. The ability to think critically and communicate their thoughts in a well-written essay is evaluated through this section of the GMAT exam. 

Integrated Reasoning

The various sub-topics of the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT Exam test the students’ ability to mentally interpret and evaluate the data presented. The sections also feature multiple-source and two-part analysis questions.

Quantitative Reasoning

This section of the GMAT test is divided into three parts: Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency, and Elementary Algebra. The topics covered, as per the GMAT syllabus under these sections are arithmetic, elementary math, and geometry. The section's 31 questions have to be solved within 62 minutes.

The section's subsections are called Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. These sections are designed to help the candidates identify the basic concepts of maths. Take a look at the table below to get a better understanding of the GMAT syllabus for data sufficiency and problem-solving.

Verbal Reasoning

For this section, the students are required to answer a total of 36 questions. The topics under the GMAT syllabus for Verbal Reasoning are divided into six sub-sections. The other sections also deal with various topics such as Critical Reasoning, Synonyms-Antonyms, and Subject-Verb Agreement.

Being the toughest admissions test for MBAs globally, GMAT preparation can be a bit challenging, especially, if done alone. Since the graduate management admissions test is necessary to enrol in one of the globally acclaimed MBA programmes in the world, it is important to have a solid GMAT preparation strategy and a thorough understanding of the GMAT syllabus and exam pattern. A crucial component that should be maintained while preparing for GMAT exams is to calculate the time needed to prepare well for the exam, which will be different for everyone.

Establishing the amount of time you need for GMAT preparation can also help you gauge your chances of acing the test. To be accepted to top management schools globally, candidates must score over 650 on a GMAT exam, which is achievable if they prepare well.

How to Prepare for GMAT Verbal Reasoning?

In the verbal section of the GMAT exam, GMAC has allocated 65 minutes to solve the 36 questions. This section will help you solve various questions related to the English Language. Some of these topics in the GMAT syllabus for Verbal Reasoning include Sentence Correction, Reading Unseen Passages, and Subject-Verb Agreement. One of the better ways to improve your grasp of the section and English grammar is to read newspapers and good grammar books.

How to Prepare for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning?

The quantitative section of the GMAT exam requires 31 questions to be solved within a span of 62 minutes. A tried and tested method to improve your skills and knowledge here is to solve more questions in this section, thus allowing students to grasp the topics in the GMAT syllabus for the Quantitative Reasoning section, more easily.

Different strategies and techniques must be utilised to successfully solve the quantitative section's questions. Another tried and tested method is to first try and solve the easy questions first, both while attempting GMAT mock tests and the scheduled GMAT question papers. After solving the easy questions, students will have enough time to focus on the tougher ones. A good coaching centre will help you with the entire GMAT syllabus and provide you with tips and tricks to solve tricky GMAT question papers.

How to Prepare for GMAT Analytical Reasoning?

To complete the Analytical Reasoning section of the GMAT exam, candidates must write an essay within 25 minutes. They should also keep five minutes aside for revision.

The topics under the GMAT syllabus for the Analytical Reasoning section usually assess the critical and analytical thinking abilities of a candidate. A good way to improve your skills in the analytical reasoning section of the GMAT exam is to read articles, especially related to various global business trends. Reading newspapers can also help you identify some of the important topics that can be asked in the GMAT exam as well as help you provide notable examples in your answers.

Go through all the relevant information that you have collected in order to improve your writing. Keep the relevant argumentative points in mind while writing the essay. Doing so will help you finish the task in less time. It is advisable to keep track of the time required to complete the work with the help of a stopwatch.

The selection of the right books for GMAT exams will be based on the preparation requirements of the candidates. Students will be able to find GMAT guide books that cover different subjects thus helping you in your GMAT preparation. Many of these guidebooks also offer GMAT mock tests free of additional costs.

However, it should be noted that the books are updated to reflect the latest GMAT exam pattern. Seeking help and guidance through known and recognised GMAT books is known to improve a candidate's GMAT scores.

The most suggested book for preparation for the test is to buy the GMAT Official Guide, which can be found on the official website for GMAT. Several editions of the GMAT official guides have been released in the past few years. Therefore, it is important to buy the latest edition of the GMAT Official Guide to get the best tips and tricks to get a good GMAT score.

How to Select the Best Books for GMAT Exams?

Students should thoroughly check the books they buy for their studies. It is crucial to check the edition and year of the publication of the GMAT guide to ensure they are getting the latest information keeping in line with the latest GMAT syllabus and exam pattern.

• By purchasing books from renowned authors, candidates can study the popular theories and techniques that they will be able to apply in their studies. They can also feel secure knowing that their GMAT preparation is being aided by recognized publishers.

• Some GMAT online coaching centres, as well as offline coaching centres, will have access and knowledge of the best and the latest GMAT preparation books that are well-written and presented in a simple language that will allow a better understanding of the exam.

• Study materials that are mainly focused on preparing for an exam are also good sources for aspiring students.

• One of the most important steps that students should take is comparing two books and the GMAT preparation theories and techniques used. Doing so helps them extract the most authentic and accurate information from the two books.

Best Books for GMAT Exam Preparation

Some of the best books for GMAT exam preparation are discussed below:

Best Books for GMAT Verbal Reasoning: Some of the best books for GMAT Verbal Preparation include the GMAT Official Guide 2022 Bundle, GMAT verbal review, Manhattan Prep: All verbal GMAT, Aristotle Series, Manhattan Prep - CR Guide, Manhattan Prep - SC Guide, GMAT Club Ultimate Grammar. 

Best Books for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning: Some of the best books for GMAT Quant Preparation include GMAT Quant Review, Manhattan Prep's GMAT - Foundations of Math, Manhattan Prep's GMAT - All the Quant, Veritas Prep Guides, Kaplan GMAT Maths Workbook, Official Guide GMAT 2022. 

Best Books for GMAT Integrated Reasoning: Some of the best books for GMAT IR Preparation are Manhattan GMAT integrated reasoning book, Manhattan Review’s GMAT Integrated Reasoning Guide, Peterson’s Mastering the GMAT, McGraw-Hill’s Conquering the GMAT Math and Integrated Reasoning, Vibrant Publishers’ GMAT Integrated Reasoning Practice Questions. 

Best Books for GMAT AWA: Some of the best books for GMAT IR Preparation are Ace the GMAT, GMAT Prep Book, The PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible, GMAT Prep Plus (Kaplan), The GMAC GMAT Official Guide Bundle, All the GMAT: Content Review (Manhattan Prep).

GMAT practice tests can not only make your exam preparation easier but also enable you to score higher on the test. From understanding the GMAT exam pattern to getting an idea of the types of questions asked in the exam, GMAT mock tests or practice tests can give provide you with a clearer picture of how to best attempt the exam.

Importance of GMAT Mock Tests/Practice Tests

The importance of preparing with the help of GMAT practice tests or mock tests includes: 

• Before taking the GMAT exam, it is very important that you attempt GMAT practice tests to get a good idea of the exam pattern and syllabus.

• By attempting more GMAT mock tests, you will be able to keep a strong grip on the GMAT syllabus and topics that can be asked in the exam.

• The GMAT practice tests can also help you improve your time management skills as well as your ability to provide the most accurate answers.

• Attempting GMAT mock tests will help you prepare for the actual GMAT exam. It provides you with an idea of the environment that you'll be dealing with during the exam.

• GMAT practice tests also help you in preparing for the difficult and complex questions that may be questioned on the test.

Refer to the latest practice tests or papers for GMAT preparation, here.

Recommended by most GMAT trainers and faculty across the globe, attempting GMAT question papers is one of the best ways to properly prepare for and equip yourself with the skills, knowledge and understanding to get a good GMAT score for MBA admissions abroad. However, to make the best use of GMAT question papers, students must follow certain steps.

Practising numerous GMAT question papers have known to help students improve their understanding of the GMAT exam pattern and syllabus while enhancing their time management skills as well. However, attempting the official GMAT question papers will further help in improving one’s confidence level in attempting the GMAT exam on D-Day.

The GMAT exam scores are usually announced by GMAC, which is the organisation that conducts the exam. Students can view their GMAT scores by logging in to their accounts, from which they would have scheduled their tests. According to current provisions available for test-takers, the GMAT results can be viewed for up to 20 days after the exam.

The score summary provides the total GMAT scores that the test-takers obtained. It also includes the percentiles and other details pertaining to GMAT scores. All candidates are required to check the details of their scores in order to ensure that they're accurate. They should also inform the authorities of any discrepancies they may have found when going through their GMAT scorecards.

Your official GMAT score report will also contain various ways to interpret the results of the test. It will also show the exact score of each student. Listed below is how the GMAT score calculation is completed:

Scoring on GMAT Total, Verbal, and Quantitative Sections

The total GMAT score ranges between 200 and 800, and around half of the test-takers are able to secure a GMAT score between 400 to 600. The Quantitative and Verbal scores of the GMAT exam are scored on a fixed scale, and they can be compared across all test administrations.

Scoring on GMAT AWA Section

The Analytical Writing Assessment score in the GMAT scores is based on one analysis of an argument essay. The AWA score ranges from 0 to 6, and it ranges from half-point intervals.

AWA essay scores are computed by a machine algorithm and are evaluated by human raters. If the algorithm score and the human rating are equal, the score need not be adjusted. If the score is not accurate, or if the human rating is equal, then the score may be adjusted.

Scoring on GMAT Integrated Reasoning Section

The Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT exam measures your ability to integrate data and solve complex problems. This GMAT exam section contains questions types of multiple choice and multiple response questions. Due to the complexity of the test, you must answer all of the questions correctly to receive credit.

To learn how the score is calculated for each section of the exam, refer to GMAT Score Calculator.

The GMAT Score Cutoff is the minimum score that candidates must obtain and submit in order to be considered for admission to the top-ranked business schools in the world. Every participating school will have set a minimum GMAT score requirement as part of the eligibility criteria for a graduate management course abroad that all applicants must satisfy in order to be enrolled.

Aside from the GMAT exam scores, other factors such as the candidate's interview performance, the Statement of Purpose (SOP) and the Letter of Recommendation (LOR) are also taken into account to see how they will fare as prospective leaders of the world across different sectors.

The GMAT exam cut-off mark for admission to various international and national colleges usually ranges between 650 to 890 out of the total GMAT scores. These factors are computed and refined by the GMAT exam organisers to arrive at an appropriate cut-off mark.

After securing the necessary grades, candidates must make sure that they have obtained a good GMAT score. The factors that determine the cut-off mark of GMAT exams include the total number of candidates, difficulty level, and the number of seats available.

A GMAT scorecard usually contains the details of the candidate, such as their name, registration ID, and score report code.

GMAT Cutoff 2022

Refer to the country-wise GMAT score requirements here:

USA: MBA schools in the USA generally accept a GMAT score of 500 or higher. At Harvard University, the GMAT score cut-off is set at 600, meanwhile, at Stanford, it is 650. However, GMAT exam score cut-offs can be lowered to 550 or less depending on the institution's requirements.

Canada: In Canada, some of the top universities like the University of Calgary and Ottawa University usually have set a GMAT exam score cut-off of over 600 out of the total score.

UK: In the UK, some of the top universities accepting the graduate management admissions tests like the University of East London and Glasgow University usually accept GMAT scores of over 600 out of the total score.

In order to get an international MBA, many students try their luck by applying for management scholarships. Business schools around the globe understand the importance of international students, and therefore offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for MBA programmes abroad. In this section, we have listed the various scholarship programmes for Indian students that accept GMAT scores as part of the eligibility criteria.

GMAT scholarships can vary depending on the type of scholarship that the student is applying for. Depending on the B-school/university, students may first be required to satisfy the international student eligibility criteria for MBA scholarships apart from the academic requirements. Aside from having a good GMAT exam score, students also need to fulfil other requirements in order to be considered for a scholarship.

Students with low or average GMAT scores can also get scholarship offers from MBA colleges abroad. For instance, a low score can also be used to attract scholarship offers if it's accompanied by an impressive performance in sports or any other extracurricular activity.

Most of the time, students believe that getting a 750 GMAT score is enough to get a scholarship. However, this is not true as most schools also consider other factors when deciding on a scholarship award. Students should also make sure that they are applying for top B-schools with a holistic approach. Not only do they have to impress the professors but also build their profile as well.

Although a high GMAT exam score does not guarantee admission to a top MBA programme, it can still give you an upper hand over other candidates. One of the most common mistakes that students make is that they treat the deadline just the same as admission deadlines. It should be noted, that most scholarships abroad are presented on a first-come-first-serve basis along with meeting all the other scholarship eligibility criteria. 

Before applying for a scholarship, make sure that the school or institution offers GMAT-based scholarships to students and that you are eligible for the scholarship. Check out the GMAT Scholarships available fo international students here:

GMAT scores are accepted in over 220 countries. Some of the popular countries where GMAT scores are accepted include the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.

According to GMAC, over 2,300 business schools worldwide accept the GMAT scores for the purpose of enrolling students on different business and management programmes. The graduate management admissions test is commonly used by students to determine their proficiency in popular management programmes.

Many of the international schools that accept GMAT exam scores also specify their own MBA admission requirement which includes the minimum GMAT score requirements as well. Students must meet these requirements in order to be considered for admission.

GMAT exams are usually conducted at regular intervals throughout any given academic year. Some of the GMAT scores accepting universities abroad include Arizona State University, Harvard University, and Princeton University, among others.

All universities and colleges situated in Australia and the United Kingdom also consider GMAT scores valid for admissions to different graduate management programmes. The GMAT exam is also accepted by over 11,000 organizations in 140 different countries.

Here are some of the top countries and universities across the world that consider GMAT exam scores valid:

The USA: The USA is home to some of the best universities in the world, which include top management colleges in the world. Its high academic standards and well-supported education system make it stand out from the rest. Aside from having high academic standards, American universities also follow a rigorous practice-based approach to teaching and learning.

Some of the top universities in the US that find GMAT scores valid for admissions are Columbia University, Northwestern University, California Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and more.

The UK: UK universities are known for their innovative and challenging environment. They're also considered some of the best across different global international university rankings. In terms of global rankings, UK universities are highly reputed across different academic disciplines. Some of the top universities in the UK that accept GMAT exam scores are Imperial College London, King's College London, the University of Bristol, London Business School, and more.

Canada: Canada is also a great place to study as it has a large number of universities and colleges. Aside from universities, Canada also has a variety of post-secondary schools that offer training in various technical and professional fields. In Canada, the top 10 universities that accept GMAT scores score are McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia.

Australia: Australia sets the bar high when it comes to international education. Its high standards are evidenced by the various facilities and services that its students receive. Some of Australia's most notable universities that accept at least a GMAT scores score are the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales, the University of Queensland, and many more.

Germany: Among top study abroad destinations, Germany has been a leading university in the world for hundreds of years. Its low tuition fees and affordable living conditions make it a great choice for international students. In Germany, some of the top universities that find GMAT scores valid for admissions include the University of Bielefeld, the Hamburg University of Technology, the Technical University of Munich, and more.

Things to Consider Before Sending GMAT Scores to Universities

Before applying to a school or university abroad, students should first check the course and admission details of the institution they're interested in. Doing so can help them narrow down their choices and prepare for graduate management admissions accordingly.

The admissions committee of each individual school will also consider other factors, such as the candidate's academic background and record, along with other factors, when selecting a prospective student.

The GMAT score cut-off that each school sets for admission purposes will also be a factor that the admissions committee uses to select candidates. After all of the requirements have been met, only the eligible candidates will be given an acceptance letter.

Being a highly renowned admissions entrance test for management courses across top business schools in the world, every test-taker requires proper GMAT preparation and training, which can be achieved through GMAT coaching classes. While many students attempt GMAT exams after preparing for the test individually, a better, more effective and efficient option is to connect with experienced GMAT faculty.

There are several different GMAT coaching institutes around the world, where students can attend classes for GMAT online and offline. However, there are certain traits and features that every good GMAT coaching class should have, some of which have been defined below.

• They should help you build your own Study Plan, according to your convenience and previous commitments.

• Offer you personalised evaluation sessions to help you monitor your progress in preparing for the test.

• Additional classes if you need more help or result-oriented strategies if you are on a crunch for time.

• Additional tools and resources such as question banks and quizzes to help you, not only enhance your aptitude but also help revise the different topics in the GMAT exam syllabus.

Want to score a perfect 800 on GMAT? Check out our test-prep services to experience top-notch teaching under the experienced faculty and get access to online tutorials and study material.

GMAT is conducted by the GMAC for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate management courses offered at various B-schools worldwide. GMAC is an international non-profit organization of business schools that provide products and services to academic institutions and prospective graduate management education students.

GMAC meets the needs of various management schools, and management students by offering a wide array of products, services, and programs that are designed to open doors for many students, professionals, and graduate management programs worldwide. GMAC also serves as the leading source of research and information about quality graduate management education.