If you’re planning to take the GMAT exam in the days to come, you must be aware of the overall GMAT pattern and GMAT courses available to help you with the exam. In this article, we’ll take you through the GMAT exam structure, the various sections, so that you are better positioned to prepare for the GMAT and achieve your targeted score.
Learn More About the GMAT Pattern
Before we begin understanding the structure of the GMAT, let’s understand what the GMAT exam is and why is it helpful? The GMAT exam (Graduate Management Admissions Test) is a standardised computer-adaptive test, which is conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admissions Council) globally. For the past 60 years, the GMAT has been considered as an essential requirement to enrol into MBA programmes by top-tier universities and business schools. The importance of the GMAT exam is to help you improve your ability to solve complex problems using quantitative and qualitative methodologies of analysis. The GMAT is tailored to depict your ability to understand complex problems and find the right solutions. Now that we have understood the GMAT exam, let’s begin to understand the GMAT pattern.
The GMAT Exam Pattern
The GMAT exam comprises four sections and is 3 hours and 7 minutes long. The total score you can achieve in the GMAT exam can be anywhere between the range of 200-800. Mentioned below is a breakup of the GMAT pattern and the scores for each of its sections:
1. Analytical Writing Assessment
The analytical writing assessment comprises an author’s arguments or claims based on a broad topic, you are required to either critique or strengthen the argument by presenting a well-written analytical essay. You will have 30 minutes to logically structure your essay and present your thoughts cohesively with supporting arguments and examples from real-life scenarios. The AWA section is scored on a scale of 0-6 with a half-point increment.
2. Integrated Reasoning
The Integrated reasoning section of the GMAT is used to test your ability to analyse data presented to you in a visual format. You will be provided with 12 MCQs to answer based on your understanding of the data that is presented. This section is scored on a scale of 1-8 with a single point increment on this section. There are four types of questions:
- Two-part analysis
- Multi-source reasoning
- Graphics interpretation
- Table analysis
3. Quantitative Reasoning
The GMAT quant reasoning section has 31 multiple-choice questions that need to be answered within 61 minutes. Questions on the quant section of the GMAT can be presented to you in the form of word problems or data sufficiency questions. The quant section is scored on a scale of 6-51.
4. Verbal Reasoning
While the GMAT quant section tests your math skills, the GMAT verbal reasoning section tests your command of the English language and comprehension skills. There are three types of questions that you are tested on — sentence correction, critical reasoning and reading comprehension.The GMAT verbal section comprises 36 questions that you need to answer within 65 minutes. Your answers will be scored on a scale of 6-51 with a single point increment.
Preparing for the GMAT exam is quite challenging, particularly if you are studying all by yourself. Given the vast syllabus and wide range of topics that you need to cover by practising multiple questions, it is essential to opt for a GMAT course provided by a GMAT online coaching centre or GMAT training institute. A GMAT course is designed such that it comprises the right balance of GMAT mock tests and a review of topics to help you understand each section and overcome any challenges.
Now that we have helped you understand what is the GMAT pattern and why you should opt for a GMAT course, you’re better positioned to plan your preparations and ace the GMAT exam with the right amount of dedication and practice.