GMAT is a computer-adaptive test which assesses a person’s analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal and reading skills in standard written English. The full form of GMAT is Graduate Management Admission Test. This test is taken in preparation for being admitted into a graduate management program, such as MBA and Masters in Finance related courses.

The GMAT exam is a computer adaptive test and not a computer-based test, which means that the candidate will get one question at a time and depending on the accuracy of the previous answer, the difficulty level of the next question will be ascertained. The average scores required for universities abroad varies; top-tier universities require at least 710, while middle-tier universities accept 600.

GMAT is a three and a half hours test with a maximum score of 800 points. The entire GMAT syllabus divided into four sections. Here is the division of the exam syllabus:

Analytical Writing Section

The Analytical Writing section will have topics on which the candidate will have to write, or a passage may be given on which questions will be asked. On the basis of the passage, the candidate will have to answer. The syllabus for this section is vast and varied as the topic of the passage could be any topic of interest. The main idea is to focus on the structure of the answer and not the arguments presented. Remember, it is not a test of your opinion but your writing style, so it is safer to stick to neutral opinion.

 Quantitative Section

The Quantitative Section comprises of two sections, namely Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. In the Data Sufficiency section there will be 18 questions and in Problem Solving section there will be 18 questions. The questions will be objective type and will have multiple choice answers. In this section the questions can be expected from the following math syllabus:

• Geometry
• Elementary Algebra
• Arithmetic
• Ratio Proportions
• Properties of Integers
• Permutation and combinations
• Exponents and roots
• Linear equations etc.    

Verbal Skills

This Verbal Skills section will have 36 multiple choice questions. This section is divided into Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction. This section tests the candidates’ ability to comprehend the written material, read and understand the logical relationship between the points mentioned in the passage and concepts. Following areas will be covered in this section:

• Critical reasoning
• Rhetorical construction of the sentences
• Sentence correction related to finding error or omission
• Reading unseen passages
• Subject verb agreement
• Misplace modifiers
• Countable Vs Uncountable
• Parallelism

Integrated Reasoning Section

The Integrated Reasoning section is the newest addition in the GMAT syllabus. This section tests the candidates’ ability to evaluate the data presented in graph or table format. This section has 12 questions of the following type:

• Table analysis
• Graphics interpretation
• Multi-source reasoning
• Two-part analysis

As such, there is no set eligibility criteria set by GMAC, the body conducting GMAT for appearing for the GMAT exam. However, one should always meet the eligibility criteria set by the university/college one aspires to get into after giving the GMAT.

Age Criteria:

• The must have completed 18 years of age
• There is no upper age limit of the candidate
• If the candidate is between 13 to 17 years old, they should have permission in writing from their parents or legal guardian

Qualification Required:

• GMAC has not announced any official statement regarding qualification required to appear for GMAT
• Candidates who wish to enroll for MBA programme should posses a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university

If you are serious about business school, take the GMAT exam. Schools know that if you take the GMAT exam, you are serious about earning a graduate business degree. They also know it’s a proven predictor of your ability to succeed in your chosen program.

• Take the one business school exam that elevates you from the rest of the pack because it:
• Demonstrates your commitment, motivation, and ability to succeed in business school.
• Measures your critical thinking and reasoning skills, the two most relevant skills to the world’s top graduate business programs.
• Connects you with the best-fit program through personalized program recommendations.
• Increases your earning potential and open a world of opportunities.
• Business schools trust the GMAT exam to inform admission decisions.