What is GMAT?

The Graduate Management   Aptitude   Test  or more simply GMAT (pronounced as G-MAT) is one of the most popular standardized tests around. If you plan to attend a business school, you would most likely have to take the GMAT. So, what exactly is the exam all about and do you need to take it? Lets see …

What is the GMAT ?

It is a standardized test conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). This test tries to assess and predict your academic capability to undergo the MBA (Master in Business Administration) programs.

The GMAT exam is a standardized assessment, delivered in English, that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. –

This test is delivered as a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). It is only administered via computer on many pre-determined locations around the world.

Who uses the GMAT scores ?

The scores are used as one of the criteria for selection in graduate business schools. More than 1500 business schools around the world use the score as a predictor of an applicant’s academic capabilities.

What is the history of this test ?

In the early 1950s, a small group of schools got together and started an assessment test (now GMAT) to select candidates for its business programs. In the first year, the assessment test was taken by hardly 2000 times. Now it is taken at least 200,000 times annually and that number is set to grow. It used to be a paper-based test. From January 1 2006 GMAT became computerized and the paper-based test is no longer offered. Despite the change in the way the test is offered, the format of the test remained the same.

What exactly is GMAT out to test?

This exam measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that you have developed in your education and work. – GMAC

The GMAT is not a pass/fail test. As the name clearly shows, it is a management  aptitude  test  for graduates. It tests on the following 3 broad areas.

• Analytical Writing Assessment (two 30-minute essay sections)


• Quantitative Ability (one 75-minute multiple choice section)


• Verbal Ability (one 75-minute multiple choice section)

A separate score is awarded for each of the three abilities listed above. A combined quantitative/Verbal score (scale of 200-800) is also awarded.

More importantly, GMAT is an endurance test. This test can be a grueling experience if the test-taker is not mentally trained for the test.

How long is the test?

It consists of 150 minutes of multiple-choice testing(quantitative and verbal) and 60 minutes of 2 analytical essays (30 min each). The test taker is allowed to take two 10 minute breaks(optional). Add all this and the time taken for administrative procedures, the test-taker spends around 4-hours at the test center.

So apart from the academic side of preparation for the test, one needs to be prepared for the mental pressure that the format of the exam poses.

How much does the test cost?

The cost to take the GMAT exam is US$250 globally.

How long is the GMAT score valid?

The score is valid for 5 years from the day you take the test. You can take the test as many times as you like. But, your score card will show all your attempts for the last five years. Graduate Business schools take only the latest score on the score card.

Do you need to take the GMAT?

If you plan to apply to a business school, chances are that you will be required to take the GMAT. Around 1800 business programs in over 1500 business schools require the applicant to take this exam. Almost all top (or best) schools mandate the GMAT.

What is GMAT?