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GMAT Exam Pattern

The GMAT exam pattern comprises both subjective and objective questions. It is a computer-adaptive test with a total of 80 questions that must be answered within a time duration of 3 hours and 7 minutes. It is one of the most pivotal exams for students wanting to study at some of the most revered business schools in the world.

The universal nature of the GMAT Exam means that the competition amongst the students is quite high. The pattern of the GMAT exam is set by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the test administrator.

Students are given questions based on a wide range of topics to complete in each section, within the time limit. The exam pattern for the GMAT is based on four sections, namely,  

  • Analytical Writing Assessment

  • Integrated Reasoning

  • Quantitative Reasoning

  • Verbal Reasoning

GMAT Exam Pattern

The mode of the GMAT is computer-based, and the medium of instruction is English. The score range of the GMAT is between 200 and 800. The score obtained by candidates on average is between 400-500. If you score 760 or higher on your exam, that will mean a 99 percentile in comparison. The basic structure, section-wise time duration, and the range of the score can be understood by referring to the below-drawn tables.

As mentioned above, the GMAT Exam consists of 4 sections: Analytical Writing Assessment; Integrated Reasoning; Quantitative Reasoning; and Verbal Reasoning. The GMAT Exam Pattern is quite different from the exam patterns of various other MBA Entrance Exams.

GMAT Exam Pattern: Key Highlights

  • The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test for Verbal Reasoning and Integrated Reasoning.
  • The GMAT exam has no defined syllabus. It consists of questions focused on testing analytical and reasoning skills.
  • The GMAT consists of 80 questions and has a time frame of 3 hours and 7 minutes. The exam has no defined syllabus and consists of questions focused on testing analytical and reasoning skills.
  • Candidates are given the option of choosing amongst three combinations of the order in which they can attempt the GMAT Exam.
  • Each section of the GMAT exam has a time limit, which varies according to the sections.
  • The sections for Integrated Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning are computer-adaptive, i.e., the questions cannot be skipped, the page cannot be returned, and the answers once marked cannot be changed.
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections consist of multiple-choice questions.
  • Analytical Writing Assessment consists of an essay question.
  • Integrated Reasoning consists of non-MCQs, i.e., TITA (Type in the Answer) type of questions.
  • There is no negative marking in the GMAT Exam.
  • There are eight-minute optional breaks given between the exam, the timing of which must be selected by the candidate by choosing the order.

The table below gives some more details about the GMAT Exam and the GMAT Exam Pattern:

Exam Name Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Official GMAT Website www.mba.com
Exam Organizer Graduate Management Admission Council
Section Division 4
Total Number of Questions 80
Score Range 200-800
Average score range 556
Language Medium English
Mode of Examination Computer-Based
Negative Marking None
Exam Duration 3 hours 7 minutes

GMAT Exam Pattern (Section-wise)

Refer to the table below to get a better understanding of the GMAT exam pattern in relation to its various sections:

Section Time Limit / Number of Questions Question Types Score Range
Analytical Writing Assessment 30 minutes
1 question
Analysis of an Argument (50%), Issue Essay (50%) 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)
Quantitative Reasoning 62 minutes
31 questions
Data Sufficiency (50%), Problem Solving (50%) 6-51 (in 1-point increments)
Verbal Reasoning 65 minutes
36 questions
Reading Comprehension (60%) Critical Reasoning (20%), Sentence Correction (20%) 6-51 (in 1-point increments)

Learn about GMAT Score

Breakdown of GMAT Exam Format (Section-wise)

The GMAT exam is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Understanding the structure and format of each section is crucial to achieving a good score on the GMAT. In this breakdown, we will provide a detailed overview of each section:

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA):

The AWA section consists of one question, which comprises a short paragraph containing an argument. The candidate is expected to analyze the argument and mention its shortcomings in the form of an essay. This section tests the critical reasoning ability of the candidate along with their ability to communicate clearly in writing.

How is AWA Score Calculated?

This score of this section is calculated based on two independent scores given by two evaluators. Given below are the parts of the section assessed by these evaluators.

  1. The flow of writing, sentence construction and the basic approach are assessed by the electronic system.
  2. The writing structure, flow of ideas, argument analysis and stated examples are evaluated manually by the examiner to justify the presence of logical reasoning.

In case the student is interested in revaluation, they need to know that they can apply for it only once. Also, they must wait for 20 days after submitting the revised request.
Important: Revaluation can result in either an increase or a decrease in the overall score. The scores will be provided in an online mode. If you have already sent out a request for revaluation, there will be no refund. AWA scores are not counted towards the overall GMAT score.
Disclaimer: If you are planning to take the GMAT in a remote proctored mode, you must know that the paper will be devoid of the AWA section. You can appear for AWA only if you plan to take the GMAT in a test-based center.

Important Facts to Understand AWA In and Out and Prepare For It

  • Keep in mind that your GMAT score and percentile revolve around GMAT quant and GMAT verbal (mostly predated by reading comprehension passages). Let us say if x is the number of questions in GMAT that you attempt in GMAT verbal and Y is the number of questions you attempt in GMAT quant, the golden value of z in terms of percentile will be equivalent to marks obtained in y out of 800* 100. Hence, don't sweat the AWA section. A median score of 5.5 to 6 in AWA will put you in the top 20%, which means you will score a roundabout of 80% in AWA.

  • If you are able to present an argument cognitively with the question given to you, you can persuade the evaluator that your answers are credible. Suppose you are given the task of analyzing a question starting with keywords like “why”, “how”, “what” etc., which state the occurrences of any given situation at hand.

For example, if you are asked to analyze why something occurred, you need to begin by clipping out all the important factors that are present in the question and analyze the factor that seems most closely connected with the incident and is probably your argument’s starting point. From there on, you need to logically organize your argument in terms of the syntax of an ethical essay.

Your answer should be methodical, not randomly written. After the initial point, you need to quote an example from history depicting the authenticity of your argument, i.e., what you think was the most influential factor leading to the occurrence of the event in the question.

Divide the argument into sub-arguments or classes in an “apple-pie” manner, which simply means to break down a larger argument or idea into smaller, more manageable parts, in a clear and logical manner.
In the end, state your personal opinion objectively and back your opinion with trustworthy examples or evidence. Keep in mind not to make up facts just for the sake of providing evidence.

  • For foreign nationals who do not have establish any direct communication with the English language, the AWA section of GMAT can be a boon. This is not a latent fact that if a candidate doesn’t hail from a college/institute where the medium of instruction was English, they would have to give yet another language proficiency paper namely IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Advanced Test, or Pearson’s Test of English. 

To save yourself from the expenses, energy, and time required to take such tests, why not take a step ahead and try to improve your AWA score? There is nothing wrong with trying your luck in the AWA section before jumping to the language proficiency papers like so.

Your AWA essay need not be of the standard of William Wordsworth! But a decent score of 6-6.5 will rescue you from spending a fortune on expensive tests.

  • AWA is the “Alif” of your GMAT exam. The exam begins with the AWA section. Remember, this test comprises the “psychometric” section, which is a valid section across numerous standardized tests. It is advisable to not “skip” this section, just because some schools do not stake their time assessing the AWA scores rather than GMAT Verbal and Quant.

Rather than scoring zero and depriving yourself of the opportunity of getting selected in some of the best B-schools, it is better that you write a few words! As a matter of fact, relief comes in the evaluation method of the AWA section, which not many are aware of. Unlike a spoken argument, understand that there are no to-and-fro arguments in AWA.

Hence, the evaluator doesn’t have the leverage to anticipate your opinions or present his own opinion but instead grades on the basis of your sentence formation, syntactical flow, grammar, and relevance. You even have an opportunity to counter the unspoken argument of the evaluator and address it in your essay. Drafting an AWA essay logically and rationally can help you ace AWA!

Integrated Reasoning (IR):
The integrated reasoning section assesses the candidate's ability to synthesize large amounts of data to solve problems. It consists of questions based on graphs, charts, and word problems that require the candidate to interpret them and answer the questions given. There are 12 questions in total that a candidate has to solve in 30 minutes. It means, a candidate has to solve an integrated reasoning question in an average of 2.5 minutes, which is not much time. The IR section score is not combined with GMAT Verbal and Quant but is presented individually between 1 and 8 in single-digit increments. The B-schools accept the IR score as it is; they inspect the overall attempt-to-accuracy ratio of the candidate. You need to have an extremely swift hand at reasoning to tackle the IR section.

  1. Multi-Source Reasoning Multi-reasoning questions are a combination of a passage and a tab. There can be three passages in the question, but each passage would be in a different tab, which is also the source of that passage. Each of the three passages will be related to a specific source, which will be mentioned as the “tab title” for the candidate's ease of understanding. The tabs would contain a combination of texts, charts, and tables. Once you click on a tab, you can go through the information mentioned in it to correctly find the solution.
    As the questions are completely data-driven, solving this particular type of question will be a little taxing. However, following the below mentioned basic protocols related to Multi-Source Reasoning will help you understand the simple concept behind them and answer all the questions effortlessly:

Strategies to Answer Multi-Source Reasoning Questions

STRATEGY

  1. Table Analysis:

    Table analysis questions are related to the concept of data interpretation. Much like an Excel worksheet, the question is in the form of a table of data elements, which a student can sort by any of the table columns. In this type of question, you need to deduce the information given in the question statement and connect it to the elements present in the table. This is also known as parsing.

    The question statement will talk about an entity that will be present in the table. You need to identify the right attribute that holds that entity and then answer the question based on the information present in the table. Much like a puzzle, you need to fill in the missing pieces of the question with the information already given to you.

    Refer to the following picture to understand how to answer table analysis questions in one go:

  1. Graphics Interpretation: The Graphic Interpretation questions are based on graphical representations of data. You need to simplify the graph according to the information present in the alternate passage and then choose the right answer from a drop-down range of options. The graphs can be traditional, i.e., Histograms, Bar Graph or Pie Charts or unconventional graphs, which can seem confusing. The graphics interpretation questions are mostly based on the concepts of profit and loss, arithmetic progression, time and work, or ratios and proportions. The below mentioned picture is a “generalized approach” that will help you solve over 95% of graphics interpretation problems, resulting in a great overall IR score :

  1. Two-Part Analysis:  In a two-part analysis question, we are given a text passage in which there is one or more than one argument present. The statements under the passage are basically references to the passage written in a different manner just to test the reasoning ability of the candidate. Along with the statements in the question, we would have two criteria, arranged in columns, based on which we would analyze the question. These questions can be time-consuming because of their lengthy and analytical nature. Make use of the following strategies and try to solve any previous GMAT year two-part analysis question:

Is Integrated Reasoning a Computer-adaptive Section?

No. Sure, Integrated Reasoning’s marking scheme does comply with the new GMAT test-taking format. But it is not a computer adaptive section. All the questions are multiple-choice questions. The IR section was an addition to the GMAT test syllabus in 2012 as a different node of assessment for all the top B-Schools to increase a candidate's chances of getting shortlisted by the university. The IR scores will not affect the major areas of the test – Quant, AWA, and Verbal. The scores will be calculated separately and handed over to the test takers.

Does IR Score Affect Overall GMAT score?

The Integrated Reasoning score is reported separately and does not affect your overall GMAT score. Hence, the scores of all the other GMAT sections are not affected. Also, IR is not a computer-adaptive section, and hence the difficulty level of the next question you attempt depends on your performance on the previous question. The score range for IR is from 1-8 (reported in 1-point intervals). Candidates will receive unofficial IR test reports right after the completion of the paper. The official score report granted on the result day will also include the percentile of your IR score, which will be considered by your targeted B-Schools.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests the mathematical ability of the candidate along with their reasoning ability. It also consists of data sufficiency questions as well as problems. The score range for this section is 6-51. Test takers get 31 MCQs to attempt within 62 minutes.

How is Quantitative Reasoning Score calculated?

The score is evaluated on the following factors:

  • Number of questions one attempts
  • Number of questions one answers correctly
  • Other parameters around the questions

This section is based on computer-adaptive testing (CAT). So, the test taker who has answered the higher number of questions correctly qualifies for this section with a high score.

Verbal Reasoning:

This section tests the candidate's command over the English language. This section will have 36 questions and the time limit is 65 minutes. The Verbal Reasoning section consists of

  • Reading Comprehension: This section examines the logical and reading abilities of the candidate. It also checks the writing style of the candidate.
  • Sentence Correction: Sentence correction evaluates the sound grammatical skills and structure of the language used by the student.
  • Critical Reasoning: Critical reasoning analyzes the decision-making proficiency of the candidate.

How is Verbal Reasoning Score calculated?

Verbal Reasoning scores are calculated on a fixed scale and range from 0 to 60. The Verbal reasoning scoring scheme may resemble the quantitative reasoning scheme, but they are calculated on entirely different constructs.

Read in Detail : GMAT Syllabus 2023

Learn more about How to prepare for GMAT

The exam pattern for GMAT at home is almost similar to the test-based GMAT exam pattern. The exam evaluates your verbal, quantitative as well as analytical thinking skills that are a must to pursue post-graduation in business.

Here is a layout of the exam pattern:

Section No of questions Time Duration
Quantitative Reasoning 31 62 mins
Verbal Reasoning 36 65
Integrated Reasoning 12 30
Analytical Writing Assessment (Beginning 8th April, 2021) 1 30 mins

Sectional Order of GMAT at Home: Key Highlights

  • Same section order as test center-based GMAT. Candidates can start with whichever section they like.
  • More control and flexibility to take the GMAT exam based on candidate’s ability and section preferences.
  • Exam time is 3 hours and 7 minutes.
  • Two optional eight-minute breaks between the sections.
  • Summation of the AWA section. Unofficial scorecards can be viewed right after the exam, and the official scorecard will be received within seven days.

Disclaimer : You need to login into the home variant system 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time, depending on the number of students taking GMAT at the same time.

Enhanced Home GMAT Scoring Scheme

The evaluation procedure of the home variant of the GMAT is the same as that of the test centre-based variant. It uses the same score scaling system, increments, and total score as the latter, and it also ensures that the student’s compatibility and comfortability with the online GMAT exam is similar to the test-based GMAT exam. Candidates are also provided with the leverage of taking the GMAT online exams twice and sending their scores to as many B-schools as possible. You can also select the best of the two scores to send it further to b-schools. However, if you decide to take an online exam and it doesn’t work for you, you can always switch back to the GMAT in offline mode. It is to be noted that the scores achieved in the online exam will not be mentioned in the official score report for the test centre-based GMAT. You can:

  • Make use of both physical and online whiteboards.
  • Schedule an exam a day before the available testing slots.
  • Schedule an exam at any hour of the day.
  • Use any operating system to take the GMAT. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions will work.
  • Micro Microsoft Windows, Linux, Unix, MAC OS, etc., are all compatible with the GMAT at home. You can even take it on your mobile.
  • You can meet all your b-school requirements safely and conveniently from home.

What is meant by "GMAT is Computer-adaptive?"

The delivery of the GMAT is primarily computer-adaptive in nature. The quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning sections of the GMAT are purely "computer-adaptive". The computer-adaptive tests is a form of tailored testing that adjusts it’s complexity level according to the caliber of a candidate. It normalizes a candidate’s score based on their answer responses. The first question in these sections always begins with a question of medium difficulty. If a candidate answers this question correctly, he receives a slightly more difficult question next. If a candidate is unable to answer it correctly, the next question will be of slightly higher difficulty level. Touted to be a state-of-the-art assessment technique, these tests had been curated to scale the abilities of each candidate in an individual manner, revoking the "one size fits all" technique that is usually followed by test administrators.

As for candidates, this form of assessment offers selective questions in a short period of time. This is because it offers only those questions that are relevant to what the candidate studied. Also, the test in itself has been programmed in a way that it can act as per the cognitive abilities of the candidates. The most recent form of GMAT computer adaptive testing involves online scoring. This is because GMAT administrators of GMAT find it more feasible to get a computerized score, and candidates receive test results (unofficial scorecard) right after the examination ends.

How Computer-Adaptive Testing Works in GMAT?

This is how the GMAT is evaluative in a computer-adaptive mode :

  • If you answer the first question or item correctly, the system re-extrapolates your ability based on all the previous answers and their level of complexity.
  • The system shortlists the next question that a candidate has a fifty percent chance of getting correct.
  • The next level of questions is of moderate complexity level, which helps the system soak up as much information about the candidate's level of preparation as possible.
  • Each question can seem a bit challenging to face as it is designed in a psychometric manner to assess your analytical ability. So, don’t jump out of your skin if you came across an extremely easy question after answering an extremely difficult one.
  • With each question answered correctly, the overall score calculation keeps getting more accurate.
  • All questions are mandatory to answer and once the answer is submitted, it cannot be changed.

Benefits of Computer-adaptive Testing for GMAT Aspirants

As the computer-adaptive testing systems shortlist questions that can be potentially challenging for candidates, the probability of events where candidates get half the questions right is 0.5, and the probability of vice versa is 0.5. Hence, calculating the total score based on the right answers does not make rational sense. The score is normalized between the number of correct answers and the level of complexity of the items (questions) attempted. The tests are trialled with the help of AI samples before being presented to the candidates to set the correct difficulty levels. Here are the benefits of computer adaptive testing for students aspiring to take the GMAT:

  • The shorter administration time helps candidates build their stamina and remain engaged throughout the exam, improving their test-taking experience.

  • If the candidate answers even one difficult question correctly, the overall score of the candidate would exponentially increase.

  • Candidates never feel redundant or fatigued during the exam as the questions change in terms of difficulty levels. The questions are neither easy nor difficult.

  • The neutrality of the assessment evaluation can be attested to, as each candidate is scored independently based on how they perform.

Advantages of taking GMAT

There are many advantages of taking the GMAT. Many opportunities are being offered specifically for MBA graduates. As per a corporate recruiter’s survey conducted by GMAC (the test administrator for the GMAT), 9 out of 10 companies prefer to hire candidates who have pursued an MBA than candidates who have pursued only under-graduation. In the Asia Pacific region, 75% of companies solely seek international MBA candidates. Almost 92% of globally recognized companies prefer to hire MBAs for management trainee positions. Hence, this decade has turned out to be superlative for business school graduates, both globally and by world region.
And when it comes to pursuing an MBA from a stalwart B-School, there is no exam other than the GMAT, on which most of the coveted B-schools rely. A good GMAT score is a trusted indicator of a candidate’s analytical ability. This is why the GMAT has global acceptance in thousands of B-schools spread across 110 countries. Here are some major advantages of the GMAT exam in a nutshell:

  • 24*7 Exam Scheduling offered by GMAC.
  • You can send your score to an unlimited number of universities.
  • Scores are accepted by 7000+ B-schools worldwide.
  • Excellent GMAT exam scores significantly influence scholarship funding GMAT has allowed the usage of “physical whiteboard.
  • The pattern and the reliability of the GMAT are much higher than any other examination, and it has been logically designed keeping in mind the requirements of business schools.
  • 90% of the world’s b-schools accept GMAT scores. No other management examination has such a broad reach.
  • The exams are available round the clock and year and gives you ample time to frame an emblematic preparation strategy.
  • The questions are presented based on the concept of cumulative distribution.
  • Computer itself determines the difficulty level of the GMAT as per the responses given.

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FAQ’s

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) assesses the skills of candidates who are seeking admission to graduate management programs. It comprises four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours and 7 minutes.

Yes, you can choose the order in which you take the GMAT Exam sections. However, once a section has been started, it must be completed before moving on to the next section.

No, there is no negative marking in the GMAT Exam. Because the GMAT Exam is computer-adaptive, the difficulty level of the questions will adjust based on the test-taker's performance, so test-takers are encouraged to answer every question.

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