The GMAT exam is one of the most challenging competitive exams attempted by individuals to gain admissions in the top B-schools in the world. If you have decided to pursue an MBA overseas then you will have to write the GMAT exam and be well prepared for the same. Firstly you must be aware of what topics the exam consists of which are listed as follows –

1) Quantitative Aptitude – Analyzes your ability to interpret data and carry out computations within the given time.

2) Verbal Reasoning – Evaluates your verbal skills, to read and comprehend passages to answer the questions that follow it.

3) Analytical Writing – It tests your capability to think and elaborate your ideas based on the question given. It also checks your aptitude to follow the given instructions and write passages.

4) Integrated Reasoning – Measures your abilities to analyze data and come to conclusions based on the questions given in the section.

The syllabus for the GMAT exam comprises of basic fundamental high school and middle school math, verbal and reasoning concepts. Although this doesn’t mean you should take the task of preparing for the exam lightly. The structure of the exam, the scoring range and the time allocated for each section is as given below.

Test Section

Time Limit / Number of Questions

Question Types

Score Range

Quantitative Reasoning

62 minutes

31 questions

Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving

6-51

(in 1-point increments)

Verbal Reasoning

65 minutes

36 questions

Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction

6-51

(in 1-point increments)

Analytical Writing Assessment

30 minutes

1 question

Analysis of an Argument

0-6

(in 0.5-point increments)

Integrated Reasoning

30 minutes

12 questions

Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Multi-source Reasoning, Two-part Analysis

1-8

(in 1-point increments)

Now that you have decided to attempt the GMAT exam the first step will be to register yourself for the exam. The registration process for the exam is very straightforward and you will be able to complete the same without much difficulty. You can go to the official website for GMAT and click on the Register for the GMAT exam link. To create an account you will be prompted to fill in your basic information – First name, Last name, Email address and password. Once you have created your account you will have to select a test date which you prefer and also the center where you would like to attempt the exam. You will then be redirected to the payment page where you will have to pay the exam fee for GMAT which is – US$250. There will be additional charges in case you would like to reschedule or cancel your exam date. With your account you will gain information about various schools to which you may want to apply. You can use this information to make comparisons between the various schools you have selected. You will also acquire access to free mock tests, exam questions and various other test preparation tools. On the test day you will have the option to send your GMAT scores to 5 universities which you have selected. If you would like to send your scores at a later date or to more universities then you will have to make a small payment to be able to do so.

Most of the candidates who aspire to do an MBA are working professionals since most of the colleges granting admissions to MBA prefer candidates who have a minimum of 4-5 years of work experience. Such individuals are more capable of adapting to the rigorous schedules of the MBA program. Since they have already practically experienced the functioning of a corporate they will be well aware of the various departments and the dependency between all of them (Finance, HR, Marketing etc). This will in turn assist them when they study the various management subjects over the course of the MBA program. It is certainly difficult to balance both studying for a competitive exam and a full time job, however with the right strategies it is definitely possible.

GMAT preparation must be given utmost priority since the GMAT score is one of the measures used for admitting candidates into the universities offering the MBA program. You will have to chalk out a detailed study plan which covers all the important topics of the exam. A good study plan is extremely beneficial especially for working professionals since it will give them a clear design of how to begin and go about their preparation. It also assists to track the headway which one has made with their GMAT preparation. In addition to the above you can also customize your study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses. You can determine the errors and the common mistakes which you make by attempting mock tests prior to the final exam. This way you will be able to easily determine where you are going wrong and it also helps you get accustomed to the testing patterns of the exam. For example the adaptive testing techniques (the difficulty of the next section in the exam depends on your performance in the previous section), although there is no definite way to overcome this method, when you attempt mock tests on a regular basis you will be well prepared during the final exam.

Finally on completing the GMAT you will have to send your applications to the universities which you have selected. Although your GMAT scores plays an important role in deciding if you get admitted, there are several other factors which also influence your admission process. Some of them are – LOR, SOP, Internships which you may have completed, Online certifications, CGPA score etc. Most of the admissions committee would like to admit versatile candidates to their universities rather than students who are only academically intelligent. It is therefore essential to spend appropriate time to develop all the above aspects of your profile so that your application stands out amidst the remaining applicants.

BYJU’S will be glad to help you in your GMAT preparation journey. You can ask for any assistance related to GMAT and MBA from us by calling us at +918884544444. You can write to us at gmat@byjus.com.

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