The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
GMAT is a computer based test. Available in almost 100 countries, it is the most
widely used assessment for graduate management admissions. Although the GMAT is
a difficult test, it is a very learnable test. Why take the GMAT exam? Not only
do schools look at the GMAT as a valid and reliable predictor of success, but the
GMAT score also reflects your dedication to a career in business. GMAT Prep Course
presents a thorough analysis of the GMAT and introduces numerous analytic techniques
that will help you immensely, not only on the GMAT but in business school as well.
GMAT consists of four separately timed sections namely Analytical Writing Assessment,
Quantitative section and the Verbal section. Quantitative and Verbal sections are
in the Computer-Adaptive Format. Total time limit is 3½ hours. Total GMAT scores
range from 200 to 800. Two-thirds of test takers score between 400 and 600. GMAT
score is valid for five years. Requests for GMAT rescoring must be made within six
months of your test date.
GMAT is a computerized test in English and Mathematics to check skills and aptitude
of candidates seeking admission in business schools of English speaking countries.
GMAT is administered and conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council
(GMAC). Leading business schools and management education programs worldwide recognize
the GMAT as the most effective predictor of success.
How is GMAT Administered?
The GMAT exam is administered entirely in English. The quantitative and verbal sections
of the exam are “computer adaptive” i.e. questions are chosen for you based on how
you have answered the previous questions. In general, the more correct answers you
give, the more difficult the test becomes. Your score is based on both the difficulty
of the questions answered and the number of correct responses. By adjusting to your
individual ability level, the computer adaptive test shortens the time it takes
to complete the exam and establishes a higher level of accuracy than a fixed test.
Format of GMAT
The GMAT exam consists of the following four sections:
» Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): The
AWA section consists of one 30-minute essay: Analysis of an Argument. The AWA section
measures your ability to think critically and to communicate ideas.
» Integrated Reasoning Section (IR): The
30-minute Integrated Reasoning section consists of 12 questions that measure your
ability to analyze and synthesize data in different formats and from multiple sources.
» Quantitative Section: The 75-minute Quantitative
section consists of 37 questions that measure your ability to reason quantitatively,
solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data.
» Verbal Section: The 75-minute Verbal section
consists of 41 questions measuring your ability to analyze texts, draw inferences
and convey meaning effectively in English.
What Are the GMAT Score Scales?
The total score for GMAT exam is reported on a scale of 200-800 and is based on
performance on the Quantitative and Verbal sections. In addition to the total score,
there are separate scores for all four sections:
» Integrated Reasoning (IR) – Scored on a scale of 1-8
» Verbal Section – Scored on the scale of 0-60
» Quantitative Section – Scored on the scale of 0-60
» Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) – Scored on the scale of 0-6
The AWA and IR sections are scored separately and do not count toward the total
score. They are not included on unofficial score reports available immediately following
the exam at the test center, but are on the Official Score Reports available within
20 days of the exam. Your GMAT score is valid for five years.
You can download the free GMAT Prep software at mba.com/gmatprep. Other study materials,
including The Official Guide to GMAT Review, 13th Edition, GMAT paper tests, and
other tools, are available for purchase at mba.com/store. GMATPrep software and
other products available from GMAC, the creator of the GMAT exam, are the only study
products to include retired questions from the actual exam.
Countries that accept GMAT Score
Your scores are based on your performance in the test. You must answer at least
one question each in reading and listening section, write at least one essay and
complete at least one speaking task to receive an official score.
GMAT scores are accepted by more than 5,400 graduate programs worldwide, in countries
that include:
» India
» USA
» UK
» Australia
» Canada
» New Zealand
» Singapore
» Spain
» South Africa
» Thailand
The GMAT® exam is administered year-round at test centers around the world. You
may take the exam no more than once every 31 calendar days and no more than five
times in a rolling 12-month period.
You must be at least 13 years old. Those under 18 years of age are required to submit
a written form signed by a parent or guardian.
GMAT exam registration is available through the following options:
» Online: Candidates are required to register
and complete details on mba.com.
» By Phone: Candidates can schedule GMAT
test appointment by calling the Pearson VUE customer care center from Monday to
Friday. The test fee can be paid through credit, debit card or voucher, and a US$10
fee may be charged. Candidates should call the customer service in the region of
their choice at least three days before the exam:
USA
Telephone (Toll-Free within USA and Canada) : 1-800-717-GMAT & 1-800-717-GMAT FREE
(4628), Central Time: 7 am to 7 pm.
Telephone : +1(952)-681-3680 / +1(952)-681-3680 FREE , Fax: +1(952) 681-3681, Central
Time: 7 am to 7 pm.
Europe/
Middle East /Africa
Telephone: +44 (0) 161 855 7219 / +44 (0) 161 855 7219 FREE , Fax: +44 (0) 161 855
7301, Greenwich Mean Time: 9 am to 6 pm
Europe/
Asia Pacific Region
Telephone: +603 8318-9961 / +603 8318-9961 FREE , Australian Eastern Standard Time:
9 am to 6 pm.
China
Telephone: +86-10-82345675 / +86-10-82345675 FREE , Fax: +86-10-61957800 , China
Standard Time: 8:30 am to 5 pm
India
Telephone Number - +91 (0) 120 439 7830 / +91 (0) 120 439 7830 FREE , Fax: +603 8319 1092 , Indian Standard Time: 9 am to 6 pm.
» By Fax: You can download and print the
GMAT appointment scheduling form from mba.com and fax it to Pearson VUE customer
care center of their region. The test fee can be paid through credit or debit card
or voucher. You should send a fax at least seven days before the test date.
» By Mail/ Courier: You can download GMAT
Appointment Scheduling form from mba.com. The complete form along with the test
fee can be sent through courier to:
Pearson VUE
Attention: GMAT Program
PO Box – 581907
Minneapolis, MN – 55458-1907
USA
Candidates should send their form and test fee a minimum of three weeks before their
desired test date.
Fee for GMAT exam is US$250 globally. Taxes are incurred for exams administered
in some countries; for a list of which ones, go to mba.com. Test takers who reschedule
or cancel their GMAT exam appointments also incur administrative fees.