GMAT Exam Format 2023
The GMAT is a standardized test required for admission to graduate business programs globally.
The GMAT exam is a standardized test that is required for admission to graduate business programs at universities across the globe. More than 2,400 business schools across the world accept GMAT for admissions to more than 7,700 programs.
GMAT Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| GMAT Full Form | Graduate Management Admission Test |
| Official Website | www.mba.com |
| Developer/Administrator | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Number of Sections | 4 |
| Total Questions | 80 |
| Score Range | 200-800 |
| Average Score | 574 |
| Language | English |
| Mode | Computer Based |
| Registration Fee | $275 (test center), $300 (at home) |
| Test Duration | 3 hours 7 minutes |
GMAT Exam Format
The GMAT exam is divided into four main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. The test is computer adaptive.
GMAT Pattern
| GMAT Exam Section | Time Limit | Number of Questions | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 65 minutes | 36 questions | 6–51 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 62 minutes | 31 questions | 6–51 |
| Integrated Reasoning | 30 minutes | 12 questions | 1–8 |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 30 minutes | 1 question | 0–6 |
GMAT Exam Format Section Order
You get 3 options for the section order to choose from:
-
Option 1: Analytical Writing Assessment → Integrated Reasoning → (8-min break) → Quantitative Reasoning → (8-min break) → Verbal Reasoning
-
Option 2: Verbal Reasoning → (8-min break) → Quantitative Reasoning → (8-min break) → Integrated Reasoning → Analytical Writing Assessment
-
Option 3: Quantitative Reasoning → (8-min break) → Verbal Reasoning → (8-min break) → Integrated Reasoning → Analytical Writing Assessment
What is Asked in Each GMAT Section?
Verbal Reasoning
This section tests your ability to understand and analyze written material, as well as your ability to reason and evaluate arguments. It consists of three types of questions:
- Reading Comprehension: Tests your ability to understand and analyze written passages from business, scientific, or social science sources.
- Critical Reasoning: Tests your ability to evaluate arguments and make logical conclusions.
- Sentence Correction: Tests your ability to identify and correct errors in sentence structure, usage, and grammar.
Quantitative Reasoning
This section tests your ability to understand and analyze quantitative information. It consists of two types of questions:
- Problem Solving: Tests your ability to apply mathematical concepts and techniques to solve problems in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and other mathematical subjects.
- Data Sufficiency: Tests your ability to determine whether the information provided is sufficient to answer a particular question.
Integrated Reasoning
This section tests your ability to analyze and interpret data from multiple sources. GMAT IR consists of four types of questions:
- Table Analysis: Analyze and interpret data presented in tabular form.
- Graphics Interpretation: Analyze and interpret data presented in graphical form.
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Integrate and analyze information from multiple sources.
- Two-Part Analysis: Analyze complex problems and identify multiple solutions.
Analytical Writing Assessment
The AWA consists of one writing task where the test taker analyzes an argument. The test taker is given 30 minutes to complete this task and must write an essay presenting a clear and well-reasoned critique of the given argument.
GMAT FAQs
How long is the GMAT exam?
The GMAT exam typically takes about 3 hours and 7 minutes (excluding breaks) to complete.
What is the format of the GMAT exam?
The GMAT exam consists of four main sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
How is the GMAT exam scored?
The GMAT exam is scored on a scale of 200-800. Individual scores for Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections are given on a scale of 0-60. The IR and AWA sections are scored on scales of 1-8 and 0-6 respectively.
How much does the GMAT exam cost?
The GMAT exam costs $275 if taken at a test center and $300 if taken at home.
How long are GMAT exam scores valid for?
GMAT exam scores are valid for five years.
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