The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam used for admissions to business schools and MBA programs.
It assesses skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing, aiming to evaluate a candidate's ability to succeed in graduate-level business education.
Why GMAT is required
The GMAT is required for Indian students to study MBA and other business-related graduate programs abroad because it helps admissions committees assess their analytical thinking, quantitative skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication in a standardized way. It provides a level playing field for applicants from diverse educational systems and is widely accepted by top global business schools for admissions and scholarships.
What qualifies you for the GMAT exam
Undergraduate Students: Those who have completed their bachelor's degree or are in their final year of study and plan to pursue an MBA or other graduate business programs.
Working Professionals: Individuals with professional experience who want to advance their careers by enrolling in MBA or other business-related graduate programs.
No Specific Academic Background: While a business-related undergraduate degree is common, applicants from all academic fields (engineering, humanities, etc.) can take the GMAT, as it evaluates general skills like reasoning, logic, and critical thinking.
Syllabus of GMAT exam
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
Purpose: Measures the ability to think critically and communicate ideas in writing.
Task:
Argument Essay: You are given an argument (a brief passage) and asked to critique it. The task is to evaluate the logic of the argument, identify flaws, and suggest improvements.
Skills Tested:
Logical reasoning
Clarity of thought and expression
Ability to organize and structure writing
Integrated Reasoning (IR)
Purpose: Tests the ability to analyze and interpret data from multiple sources.
Types of Questions:
Graphics Interpretation: Analyze graphs and charts.
Table Analysis: Evaluate and interpret data in tables.
Two-Part Analysis: Solve complex problems involving quantitative and verbal reasoning.
Multi-Source Reasoning: Synthesize information from multiple sources, such as text, tables, and graphics.
Skills Tested:
Data interpretation
Critical thinking
Problem-solving from multiple perspectives
Quantitative Reasoning
Purpose: Measures your ability to analyze quantitative data and solve problems using mathematical concepts.
Types of Questions:
Problem Solving: Solving mathematical problems using basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
Data Sufficiency: Assessing whether the provided data is sufficient to answer a given question.
Key Topics:
Arithmetic: Operations with integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios.
Algebra: Solving linear equations, inequalities, quadratic equations, and word problems.
Geometry: Properties of geometric shapes, perimeter, area, volume, and coordinate geometry.
Data Analysis: Mean, median, mode, probability, and basic statistics.
Skills Tested:
Quantitative problem-solving
Logical reasoning
Data analysis
Verbal Reasoning
Purpose: Evaluates the ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written text.
Types of Questions:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding and analyzing passages on a range of topics (business, social sciences, etc.) followed by questions.
Critical Reasoning: Evaluating and strengthening arguments, identifying logical flaws, and drawing conclusions.
Sentence Correction: Correcting errors in sentence structure, grammar, and usage.
Skills Tested:
Reading comprehension
Logical reasoning
Grammar and language skills
GMAT Scoring Overview:
Total Score: 200–800 (combined score from Quantitative and Verbal sections)
AWA Score: 0–6
Integrated Reasoning Score: 1–8
Quantitative and Verbal Sections: Each scored on a scale of 0–60, but the total score ranges from 200 to 800.
Summary of Key Topics:
Quantitative Section: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation.