GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test)

GMAT 2024: Pattern of Examination:

GMAT is a computer-based adaptive test with a duration of 3 hours and 7 minutes and the candidates are allowed to take two optional breaks of 8 minutes each.

What is a Computer-based adaptive Test?

• This type of system of the exam allows to the assessment of the potential of the candidate with high precision and all the B Schools accept the scores of GMAT. The level of the first question in the Verbal or Quantitative Sections will be of medium difficulty.
• As the candidate starts answering the questions, depending on the responses, the computer automatically allots the next questions, either harder or easy questions, as explained in the following two scenarios:
  • In the first scenario, if the candidate answers the first question correctly, the second question allotted by the computer shall be harder.
  • In the second scenario, if the candidate answers the first question wrongly, the second question allotted by the computer shall be less difficult.
• Candidates must note that they will not be able to skip, return or alter their answers as the computer uses the responses to each question to select the next one depending on the right answer or wrong answer.

The GMAT 2024 exam consists of 4 (four) Sections.  They are:

• Analytical Writing Assessment
• Integrated Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning

Candidates can choose the order they wish to take the four sections, in accordance with their strengths and weaknesses.

The following Table depicts the details of duration, no.of questions, type of questions, and score range for each Section:

Candidates are permitted to take optional 2 (two) breaks of 8 minutes each.

GMAT 2024 Exam Pattern

GMAT 2024 Test Centres:

GMAT 2024 exam will be conducted in major Metros/Cities in India viz., Chennai, Bhubaneshwar, Trivandrum, Mohali, Kolkata, Mysore, Ranchi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Patna, Guwahati, Dehradun, Pune, Coimbatore, Indore, Cochin, Patiala, Nagpur, Vellore & Tiruchillapalli.

There are 33 GMAT Test Centres spread over in 26 major Cities in India.  To identify a convenient Test Centre, candidates must visit the “Find a Test Centre” page on the official Website of GMAT.

GMAT 2024: Syllabus

1) ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSESSMENT (AWA):

Under this Section, candidates are required to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument within a given time of 30 minutes. This Section is aimed to measure the ability to think critically and communicate the ideas of the candidates.  Topics under this Section are of general interest.

2) INTEGRATED REASONING:

This Section of the GMAT consists of 12 Questions covering four question types to be completed in 20 minutes.  (1) Candidates must synthesize data presented in graphics, text, and numbers (2) Evaluate relevant data from different sources (3) Organize data to see relationships and to solve multiple, interrelated problems (4) Combine and manipulate data to solve complex problems that depend on information from one or more sources.

3) QUANTITATIVE REASONING:

This Section is meant to measure the ability of the candidates to reason mathematically, solve quantitative problems and interpret graphic data.  This Section consists of 31 multiple-choice questions to be solved in a time frame of 62 minutes. This section has two types of questions

(i)Problem Solving:

Measures the ability of candidates to use logic and analytical reasoning to solve quantitative problems. Required to solve the problem and indicate the best of five answer choices.

(ii)Data Sufficiency:

Measures candidates’ ability to analyze a quantitative problem, recognize which data is relevant and determine at what point there are enough data to solve the problem.  Candidates are given a problem that consists of a question and two statements. Using the data in the statements, plus knowledge of Math and everyday facts, it will be decided if the candidate has enough data in the statement to answer the question posed.

4) VERBAL REASONING:

This Section is intended to measure the ability of candidates to read and comprehend the written material, reason and evaluate arguments, and correct material to express ideas effectively in standard written English.  This Section consists of 36 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and must be answered within 65 minutes.

Under this Verbal Reasoning Section, there will be 3 (three) types of Questions   They are:

(i) Reading Comprehension:

It measures the ability of candidates to understand words and statements, understand logical relationships between significant points, draw interferences and follow the development of quantitative concepts.  Main Idea, Supporting Idea, Inference, Application, Logical Structure and Style are the reading skills that will be tested.  Every Reading Comprehension passage has questions to interpret material, draw inferences or apply to a further context.  The passages examine topics including Social Sciences and Humanities, Physical and Biological Sciences, or a Business-related field.

(ii) Critical Reasoning

This measures the ability of candidates to make arguments, evaluate arguments, and formulate or evaluate a plan of action. Critical Reasoning questions are based on a short reading passage, usually fewer than 100 words. The questions revolve around a logical analysis of the core argument and might involve strengthening it, weakening it, finding its underlying assumption, etc.  Critical Reasoning tests the critical thinking and logic skills of a candidate, more than his/her reading skills.

(iii) Sentence Correction

This tests the candidate’s language proficiency. First, the correct expression refers to sentences that are grammatically and structurally sound. Second, effective expression, refers to sentences that effectively express an idea or relationship clearly, concisely, and grammatically.

Each Sentence Correction question presents a sentence, part, or all of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined part. Paying attention to grammar, word choice and sentence construction, the candidate must choose the answer that produces the most effective sentence.

GMAT 2024 Syllabus

GMAT 2024 Admit Cards

• Date of release of Admit Card (Hall Ticket) for GMAT 2024 would be announced on the official website.

• Candidates are required to download and take a printout of the Admit card before the stipulated last date.

• Candidates must visit official portal to download their Admit Cards by logging in with their login ID and Password obtained at the time of submitting their application on line. Only the candidates who could successfully submit their application can download the Admit Cards from the official portal.

GMAT 2024: Results and Score Card

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) shall release the official GMAT 2024 score within 20 days of appearing in the test.  Candidates need to enter their username and password to check the GMAT 2024 score.  GMAT scorecard consists of the percentage score of the candidate in all four sections and overall scores.  Candidates can use the scorecard of GMAT for 5 years.

The unofficial score report includes Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning and Total Scores of the candidates available in the Test Centre immediately after the examination.  As already mentioned above, an official score report will be made available within 20 days of the examination taken by the candidate.  The official score will be forwarded to 5 (FIVE) institutes/Colleges/Universities as per the selection of the candidate at the test Centre, before the commencement of the GMAT 2024, without any extra charges.

Candidates can request for forwarding their score report over and above 5 (five) Institutes/Schools by making additional fees as applicable on line.  However, this facility is limited to 5 (five) years from the date of examination taken by the candidate.

GMAT 2024: Tips to Crack the Examination

In the following paragraphs, various tips to crack GMAT 2024 section-wise are discussed. Candidates must note that they should first read the syllabus thoroughly, understand the pattern of examination, to work out a strategy for an effective preparation to score highest marks in TMAT 2024.

Section-wise tips for preparation for GMAT 2024:

GMAT 2024 Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA):

• This Section is important, as it tests the thought process of every candidate. Topics given in AWA must be dealt with analytically with arguments and examples.

• To learn this section and master it, candidates are required to study various articles on the field of Management, Global business trends. Identify the articles that not only arguments on a certain issue but also highlights with notable examples and keep practicing them.

• Candidates must make it a habit of reading all leading newspapers every day, collect every useful information relevant to the topics shortlisted. Google on internet and try to add more suitable information to such topics and start memorizing them which will eventually help the candidates to recollect it in the examination.

• As this Section has 30 minutes to complete, candidates are advised to complete this by 25 minutes, leaving 5 minutes buffer to carry out revision which will help them to finetune the answer.

 GMAT 2024 Integrated Reasoning Section:

• Questions under this Section are generally expected from the topics like Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Multi-Source Reasoning and Two-Part Analysis, which requires hard practice by the candidates to master this Section.

• Candidates are required to collect relevant study material on Integrated Reasoning and prepare notes on the topics being practiced for future revision.

• As this Section has 30 minutes to complete, candidates are advised to complete this by 25 minutes, leaving 5 minutes buffer to carry out revision which will help them to finetune the answer.

 GMAT 2024 Quantitative Section:

• It is always advisable to attempt easy questions first, instead of getting stuck with difficult and tricky questions. Such a strategy will enhance the candidate’s confidence to start with.  While practicing also, the same trend should be implemented.

• Candidates must practice Questions on Data Sufficiency and Problem-Solving keeping in mind the time allotted by adopting a strategy of answering every question in a couple of minutes or less by means of different methods. There will be 31 questions under this Section which are required to be solved in 62 minutes (@ 2 minutes per question).

• If the candidates target to answer maximum questions under this section, they will get a good control on the whole exam and can go ahead with the remaining Sections with a high confidence.

• Candidates must understand and memorize all mathematical formulae concerning to this Section to enable them to answer the questions at a required speed to commensurate with the maximum time limit allotted to this section.

• Candidates must attempt this Section with a target of completing in 55 to 58 minutes, leaving at least 5 minutes buffer time for revising the answers or attempt left over difficult questions.

 GMAT 2024 Verbal Section:

• Questions under this Section are expected based on English Language, like Sentence Correction, Synonyms, Antonyms, Reading unseen passages, Critical Reasoning and Idioms, Rhetorical Construction of sentences, subject-verb agreement etc.

• Candidates are required to read editorials of leading English Newspapers and popular English Grammar books and prepare a questionnaire and practice them, in addition to various question banks available on internet.
• There will be 36 questions to be answered within an allotted time of 65 minutes. So, time is the essence of this section and vigorous practice is paramount trait to score maximum marks in this Section, especially in Grammatical Knowledge.

General Tips for preparation for GMAT 2024

The biggest task before the candidates is to target his/her efforts to enhance thinking capacity, speed of learning and power to retain whatever learnt to unravel their potential for the best possible results in solving the Sectional questions at the required speed in GMAT 2024.

So, hard work, strong academic background, sincere efforts with planned preparation is paramount importance to secure highest score in GMAT 2024. Following few tips may help candidates to prepare well and enhance the chances of success in the impending GMAT 2024.

• Candidates must understand the syllabus and exam pattern of GMAT 2024 thoroughly.

• Keep a hard copy of complete syllabus till the examination and go through the same from time to time to ensure that no topic is missed. In accordance with the topics in the syllabus select/procure suitable study material /Previous Question Papers/Banks and relevant books.

• Draw a time table covering the entire syllabus and leave at least a fortnight’s time before GMAT 2024 for revision of the syllabus.

• Carry out appropriate analysis/review of your study pattern and find out loose ends/mistakes and make adjustments/corrections accordingly.

• It is always advisable to make notes of all topics being studied for revision purpose.

• Time Management in solving the problems/answers is more important. So, focus on mock tests/solving previous question papers setting prescribed time limit and ensure to learn time management which will eventually help in the main examination. 

• Set appropriate goals by dividing one topic at a time and accomplish them on daily basis. Though the syllabus initially appears to the candidate as voluminous, overtime, with accomplishing the goals every day, one can understand that the entire syllabus can be covered successfully before the examination.

• Students should first attempt to study the theory part and understand the same thoroughly. Then the student should start solving the problems.  Such approach will enable the student to understand problem solving in a logical way that will help in solving problems correctly in the GMAT 2024, within the timeframe.

• List out doubts/clarifications required on the topics and seek help from the Seniors or Faculties/Mentors from time to time.

• Students can also consider joining a crash course, which will help them to master the subjects with a planned strategic manner with appropriate guidance from the faculties.

• Another important tip for the students is to avoid distraction from the main goal of preparation for the examination. Strong determination alone helps the students to avoid diversion from the attention or focus on the main goal.

• Studying non-stop for long hours would deplete the productivity of the students. Hence, students are required to take this into account while preparing their time table to ensure that there will be a minimum “recess time” to refresh themselves before commencing the next session of study. No doubt, students tend to study for long hours before examinations.

• To enhance the productivity, it is a must to rest or relax at defined intervals, which does not mean watching blue screen. Students should relax doing short work outs or meditation etc. which will enhance their concentration on the study.