Your Guide To GMAT Exam

Pulkit Garg
Nov 20, 2024
4 min read

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). For over 50 years, GMAT has been a benchmark for evaluating applicants’ aptitude for MBA and other postgraduate business programs. It is widely accepted by top business schools worldwide.

What is GMAT?

The GMAT assesses candidates’ quantitative, verbal, and data insights skills, making it a preferred choice for MBA admissions and courses like MIM and MS in Management. The exam doesn’t require prior knowledge of management concepts but evaluates analytical abilities essential for business academics.

GMAT 2024 Highlights

Feature	Details
Exam Name	GMAT
Conducted By	GMAC
Format	Online (Home/Center)
Exam Fee	USD 300 (Online), USD 275 (Center)
Sections	Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights
Duration	2 hours 15 minutes (150 minutes)
Scoring Scale	205–805
Accepted By	2,400+ business schools, 7,700+ programs

What’s New in the GMAT Focus Edition (11th Edition)?

The GMAT Focus Edition is the latest update, offering a shorter and more streamlined test experience. Key changes include:

Duration Reduction: Now 2 hours 15 minutes, 52 minutes shorter than before.
Fewer Questions: 64 instead of the previous 80.
New Section: Introduction of the Data Insights section, replacing Integrated Reasoning.
No Essay Writing: The analytical writing section has been removed.

These updates make the exam more efficient without compromising its rigor.

GMAT Eligibility Criteria

GMAC has no stringent eligibility requirements. However:

Age: Applicants must be 18 or older. Those aged 13–17 need parental or legal guardian consent.
Education: No specific degree is required, but applicants may be asked about their graduation details during registration.
Work Experience: Not mandatory, but applicants will be asked about their experience level.

GMAT Exam Fees in India

GMAT Fee Components	At Test Center	Online (Home)
Exam Fee	USD 275	USD 300
Additional Score Report	USD 35/report	USD 35/report
Rescheduling Charges	Based on notice duration	Based on notice duration

Fee in INR (Approx.):

At Test Center: ₹27,247 (including taxes).
Online: ₹25,189.

Why Take GMAT?

Accepted by over 2,400 business schools worldwide.
Valid for admissions into MBA, MIM, MS, and other business-related programs.
Scores valid for 5 years, offering flexibility for future applications.

How to Prepare?

Understand the Sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning: Focuses on problem-solving and data interpretation.
- Verbal Reasoning: Tests grammar, comprehension, and logical reasoning.
- Data Insights: Analyzes data interpretation and synthesis skills.
Mock Tests and Practice: Take GMAT practice tests to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Plan Strategically: Allocate time effectively across sections to optimize scores.

The GMAT Focus Edition continues to uphold its legacy as the go-to test for aspiring business professionals. With its streamlined format and enhanced efficiency, it remains an invaluable tool for securing admissions into top-tier business schools.

For more information, visit the official GMAT website. GMAT Registration 2024

The GMAC allows candidates to register for the GMAT exam up to 6 months in advance or as late as 24 hours before the scheduled test. However, it is strongly recommended to plan and book your GMAT slot well ahead of time to secure a convenient date and prepare effectively. Registration can be completed in less than 15 minutes through the official GMAT website.

How to Register for GMAT 2024?

The easiest and most reliable method for GMAT registration is online. Using a laptop or smartphone, candidates can sign up, select their preferred test date, and pay the registration fee. Slots are offered based on location and availability, so early booking is advised to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

GMAT Exam Dates 2024

The GMAT exam is offered year-round, with flexible dates depending on test center and location availability. Candidates can attempt the GMAT up to 5 times in a calendar year (12 months) and a maximum of 8 times in their lifetime.

Important Guidelines for Exam Scheduling:

Retakes are allowed after 16 calendar days.
If a candidate misses their appointment, they can reschedule after a 24-hour waiting period, subject to payment of the full fee.
To secure your desired date, it is recommended to register at least 2–3 months in advance.

While GMAT slots are available throughout the year, they may fill up quickly, especially at specific centers, so it’s wise to book well in advance.

Booking a GMAT Exam Slot

To appear for the GMAT, candidates must first register on the official website, create an account, and then choose a test date and time.

Steps to Book Your Slot:

Sign up and create an account on the GMAT official website.
Enter your address details.
Browse available test dates and select your preferred time.
Confirm your selection and make the payment.

After completing these steps, your slot will be reserved, allowing you to focus on your preparation.

GMAT 2024 Exam Pattern

The GMAT Focus Edition introduces a revised format with three sections, completed in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Section	No. of Questions	Time Allocated
Quantitative Reasoning	21	45 minutes
Verbal Reasoning	23	45 minutes
Data Insights	20	45 minutes

The test includes a total of 64 multiple-choice questions.
Essay writing has been removed.
Candidates are allowed two optional 8-minute breaks during the exam.

GMAT Syllabus 2024

The GMAT Focus Edition assesses candidates across three core areas:

Quantitative Reasoning: Covers arithmetic and algebra-based questions.
Verbal Reasoning: Includes critical reasoning and reading comprehension.
Data Insights: Focuses on data analysis and interpretation skills.

The updated GMAT format emphasizes logic and analytical thinking with a reduced number of questions, making it more streamlined and concise.

GMAT Scores 2024

The GMAT Focus Edition has a scoring range of 205–805, with each section contributing equally to the total score.

Score Breakdown:

Quantitative Score: Scored between 6–51, with percentile.
Verbal Score: Scored between 6–51, with percentile.
Data Insights Score: Scored between 6–51, with percentile.
Total Score: Scaled between 205–805, with percentile.

This updated scoring range helps distinguish GMAT Focus Edition results from the previous GMAT format.

GMAT Focus Edition Results 2024

Results are available within 3–5 days after the test date. Once the scores are released, candidates have 48 hours to send their five free score reports to selected B-schools. Unlike earlier, candidates no longer need to cancel scores manually and can select schools post-score release.

The GMAT Focus Edition ensures a seamless and efficient process from registration to score reporting, offering flexibility and convenience to test-takers.