All CoursesAre you planning on taking the GMAT? Are you unsure of the GMAT score validity? Do not fret, we will guide you through the GMAT scores, their validity, what a good GMAT score is and so on. Before we begin, let us take a look at the GMAT exam and what it entails.
About the GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for those who wish to pursue a management degree in India or abroad. The GMAT is a globally recognised examination that is available to you all through the year.
If you are planning on taking the GMAT, you should check if you are eligible or not. Once you are eligible to take the GMAT, you can register for it online through the official GMAT website. The registration process is rather simple and won’t take you more than 15 minutes. After the GMAT registration process has been completed, you have to make a payment for the exam. The GMAT fee payment is $250, which is approximately 18,300 INR. The plan of action after you’ve registered for the GMAT is to begin preparing for it. However, the preparation process requires you to be familiar with GMAT sections, the scoring scheme of each of the sections, and the GMAT syllabus. So let us take a quick look at the GMAT sections and the GMAT scoring scheme.
GMAT Sections
The GMAT consists of four sections— Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment. The GMAT exam sections test your knowledge in simple math and if you possess critical analysis, critical thinking, reading, writing, interpretation, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
GMAT Scoring Scheme
Before we dive into the GMAT score validity, let us take a closer look at the scoring scheme of the GMAT. The scores for each section of the exam are as follows:
| Section | No. of Questions | Duration | Scores |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 65 minutes | 6 to 51, increases by a one-point increment |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 | 62 minutes | 6 to 51, increases by a one-point increment |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 minutes | 1 to 8, increases by a one-point increment |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 | 30 minutes | 0 to 6, increases by a half-point increment |
| Total GMAT Score | – | 3 hours 8 minutes (including breaks) | 200 to 800, increases by a ten-point increment |
The total GMAT score is an aggregate of the GMAT Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores. It is important to understand that your GMAT score is a direct result of how well you do in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. On the other hand, the Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment sections are scored separately and do not contribute to your total GMAT score. While these sections do not actively contribute to the total GMAT score like the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections do, they may have a bearing on the overall score. Hence, you need to prepare well and do well in each of the GMAT sections.
For How Long is the GMAT Score Valid?
The GMAT score is your ticket into top business institutions across the globe, but these scores are valid for only a certain period. Are you wondering how long your GMAT score is valid? The GMAT score is valid for 5 years from the date of your examination. For instance, if you have given the exam in October 2023, then your scores will be valid until October 2028. The GMAT scores can be used while applying to universities, jobs and even internships.
While the score validity lasts only up to five years, you can continue to list these scores on any application if you feel it adds significant value. You can continue to do this for up to ten years. However, after ten years, the GMAT scores cannot be listed on applications and become insignificant. All in all, the GMAT validity for MBA applications is 5 years beyond which you may have to present fresh GMAT scores.
Raw Scores versus Scaled Scores
Are you wondering how the GMAT score varies by a large margin from the total GMAT score? We will help you understand how the GMAC calculates GMAT scores. There are two kinds of GMAT scores— raw scores and scaled scores. The raw scores are calculated based on the number of questions you have answered correctly. For example, if you have answered 7 out of 8 questions correctly in the Integrated Reasoning section, then your raw score will be 7. The scaled scores refer to a score range for each of the GMAT sections. For example, the Verbal Reasoning section is scored between 6 to 51, which means your score may lie anywhere between this score range.
The GMAT is a computer adaptive test, this means that as you attempt each section and progress to the next, the difficulty level of each section increases invariably. The varying difficulty levels play a significant role in converting raw scores to scaled scores. The raw scores are converted to scaled scores based on an algorithm that calculates the number of questions attempted, the number of questions answered correctly and based on the difficulty level of the question answered.
How is Each Section of the GMAT Scored?
Each of the GMAT sections is calculated in a specific manner. We will explore how each of the sections is scored. in the following section.
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
The AWA consists of an essay that is scored by a qualified human scorer and by a machine algorithm. The GMAT AWA section is scored between 0 to 6. A score of 6 is given to exceptionally drafted essays, which is quite rare but not unattainable. A score of 0 is given to these essays which are completely irrelevant and are poorly drafted. The GMAC has studied these methods of scoring and has concluded that the machine algorithm and the human scorer’s manner of scoring vary by a very small margin. However, in cases where the scores between the two differ by a whole point or a point and a half, a second reader is brought in.
Integrated Reasoning(IR)
The Integrated Reasoning section is not an adaptive section. This means the manner in which the score is calculated, is based on the number of questions attempted and the number of correct answers.
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) and Verbal Reasoning (VR)
The QR and VR sections are each scored based on the number of questions answered, the number of right answers, and the difficulty level of each of the questions answered. The GMAC uses an intricate algorithm to score these sections based on the varying difficulty level which has not been disclosed publicly to date.