About the GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardised, computer-adaptive test that is designed to help business schools assess the potential of applicants to succeed in their graduate management programmes.
The GMAT is developed and administered by Pearson VUE under the direction of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a non-profit organization. Pearson VUE delivers the tests in India throughout the year in 26 cities across 29 test centers.
Global Acceptance of GMATTM: In 2021 (year ended June 2021) 156,453 GMATTM exams were taken globally. And test takers sent 301,107 GMAT Score Reports to nearly 7000 graduate management programs around the world.
What does it measure you on The GMATTM exam measures the skills you have against the skills that the schools look out for. GMATTM is not just a test of your quantitative and verbal ability, rather, it tests you on your analytical capability- your ability to analyze complex information and your logical capability apart from your time strategies.
GMATTM Test Structure:
The GMATTM is a computer-based adaptive test, and no two students get an identical set of questions. It is scored on a maximum of 800. The GMATTM Score alone cannot guarantee admission into a school since the schools look at many other aspects of a student’s profile.
| Category | Duration | Question | Duration per Question | Question Type | Score | |
| AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) | 30 minutes | 1 essay topic | Analysis of Argument | Scored on a scale of 0-6 | ||
| IR (Integrated Reasoning) | 30 minutes | 12 Questions | 150 Seconds / Question | Multi-Source Reasoning Graphics Interpretation Two-Part Analysis Table Analysis | Scored on a scale of 1-8 | |
| Quantitative Section | 62 minutes | 31 questions | 120 Seconds / Question | Data Sufficiency Problem Solving | Scored on a scale of 0-60 | Total Score on a scale of 200-800 |
| Verbal Section | 65 minutes | 36 questions | 108 Seconds / Question | Reading Comprehension Critical Reasoning Sentence Correction | Scored on a scale of 0-60 | |
| Total Duration of GMATTM | 3.5 Hours (Including breaks) | |||||
GMATTM Eligibility Criteria & Score Validity:
There is no age or qualification-based constraint to take the GMATTM — basically, anyone can take this test. The GMATTM test scores are valid for five years. However, while applying to B-Schools, it is always better if your scores have been obtained within the last 2 years.
Who should take the GMATTM?
There is no age or qualification-based constraint to take the GMATTM — basically, anyone can take this test. GMATTM is accepted by over 7000 graduate management programs in 110 countries. These include Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, Wharton, INSEAD, LBS, Oxford, ISB, NUS and many other top programs. While some of the B-School programs accept only 4-year graduate degree holders (10+2+4), most programs accept any graduate degree (10+2+3 or above).
Is Work Experience mandatory to get into a top management school through the GMATTM exam?
- While it is widely believed that international management programs do not entertain candidates without work experience, it is completely untrue! While most MBA programs require a minimum of 2 years of work experience, programs like MIM (Masters in Management) / MMS (Masters in Management Studies) offered by the best-known institutes such as London Business School, Kellogg, Duke, HEC and many others are tailor-made for candidates with little or NO work experience!
Also, there are various deferred admit programs where students in their Final or Prefinal years can apply. Harvard Business School 2+2 and ISB YLP programs are a few such options that bachelor’s degree holders can apply to.
In short, students in their final or pre-final year of graduation, recent graduates and candidates with work – experience, everyone can take the GMATTM and apply! Check out ISB’s programs for each of these categories.