GMAT History:
Full form of GMAT Stands for Graduate Management Admission Test.
The GMAT exam was created in 1953 when business school deans met with Educational Testing Service (the company that produces the SAT and GRE) in order to develop a test that could predict how an MBA candidate would perform in business and management courses. The GMAT was originally called the Admissions Test for Graduate Business Study (ATGBS). The first Admissions Test for Graduate Business Study was administered to 2,900 test takers in 1954. Only 10 schools received ATGSB scores. The Graduate Management Admission Council wasn’t formed until 1970. Like the GMAT, GMAC started under another name — the Graduate Business Admission Council. The name was changed in 1976 — the same year that the Admissions Test for Graduate Business Study was renamed the Graduate Management Admission Test.
ABOUT GMAT EXAM
GMAT® is a computer adaptive test that assesses analytical writing, quantitative and verbal skills of students applying for advanced studies to a graduate school of business. The GMAT Exam has been the test of choice for the world’s leading business schools for one reason – it works. Quite simply, no other exam lets you showcase the skills that matter most in the business school classroom and in your career. Top Management Schools in India also accept GMAT. It is accepted by more than 7,000 management programs in India, the US, and other countries.
The examination is entirely computer-based and scored on a maximum of 800. Though the GMAT Score alone cannot guarantee admission into a B-school, it is one of the major factors taken into consideration.
The GMAT® has four sections – Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. Under the directions of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the US-based “Pearson VUE”, develops and administers the GMAT®. GMAC is responsible for setting questions, conducting the test, and sending score reports to each examinee. For detailed information about GMAT®, please refer to the GMAT® official website – www.mba.com
What is the scoring scale for the GMAT®?
- AWA section scores range from 0-6 in 0.5-point increments
- IR section scores range from 1-8 in 1-point increments
- Quantitative scores can range from 6-51 in 1-point increments
- Verbal scores can range from 6-51 in 1-point increments
- Total score can range from 200-800 in 10-point increments
GMAT Contact Details: +91 120-439-7830, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Indian Standard Time |
GMAT Exam Pattern, Types of Questions and GMAT Syllabus in Detail
GMAT syllabus comprises more than 52 topics from Quant, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment sections. In the Verbal section Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension are the three types of questions. Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency are the two types of questions you find in the Quant Section. we look into the topics (syllabus) that you can expect on the GMAT Exam.
GMAT Section | Number of questions | Time to complete |
Quantitative | 31 | 62 minutes |
Verbal | 36 | 65 minutes |
Analytical Writing Assessment | One essay question | 30 minutes |
Integrated Reasoning | 12 multiple-choice questions | 30 minutes |
The overall GMAT Syllabus is divided into four sections:
- Quantitative:It includes 31 multiple choice questions on data sufficiency and problem-solving. The duration to complete this section is 62 minutes
- Verbal:It includes 36 multiple choice questions on Sentence correction, Critical reasoning and Reading comprehension. The duration to complete the Verbal section is 65 minutes.
- Analytical Writing Assessment:It includes one essay question with a 30 minutes time limit. Argument analysis and communication in the form of critique are two types of questions under this section
- Integrated Reasoning (IR):It includes 12 multiple choice questions in four types viz., two-part analysis, Multi-source reasoning, graphic interpretation, and Table analysis. The duration to complete this section is 30 mins
GMAT Syllabus for Quant Section
According to the GMAT Syllabus, the Quant section has two types of questions – Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. It consists of 31 questions in total, and you get 62 minutes to complete it.
Data Sufficiency question type consists of a Stem(in which question is asked) followed by two pieces of information which are called factual statements. You must decide whether the statement given is sufficient to answer the question in the Stem. Approximately (45-50)% of the questions in the Math section are Data sufficiency.
Problem-solving question is the most familiar question type, more often seen in competitive exams. These questions are wordy problem followed by five answer choices. Approximately (50-55)% of the questions are there.
Although the GMAT Quant section is considered tough by many students, the concepts included in this section are Basic Math Fundamental that belong to school days are not beyond the high school Standard.
The GMAT Quant section aims to measure your logical & critical thinking besides application of mathematical concepts to solve quantitative problems.
There is a misconception that the only way to score high on GMAT Quant is to spend your time practicing problems and tests, which is true. Practise makes you perfect.
But what many students ignore is to get conceptual clarity. Achieving a Q51 score requires a solid grasp of concepts and their application to solving questions.
30 Quant topics that you can expect on the GMAT:
- Number properties
- Multiples and factors
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Averages
- Powers and roots
- Profit and loss
- Simple and compound interest
- Speed, time, and distance
- Work, Rate and Time
- Ratio and proportion
- Mixtures and alligations
- Mean, Median, Mode, Range, S.D & Normal Distribution
- Set theory
- Probability
- Permutation and combination
- Monomials, polynomials
- Algebraic expressions and equations
- Functions
- Exponents
- Sequence and Series
- Linear & Quadratic equations
- Inequalities & Absolute Values
- Lines and angles
- Triangles
- Quadrilaterals
- Circles
- Parabola (Basic Level)
- Three Dimensional Figures
- Overlapping Figures & Shaded Regions
- Coordinate geometry
GMAT Syllabus for Verbal Section
According to the GMAT Syllabus, the verbal section has three types of questions – Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and sentence correction. It consists of 36 multiple choice questions to be completed in 65 minutes.
GMAT Verbal aims to test the ability to comprehend the Standard Written English and understand the logical relationship.
Critical reasoning questions give you an argument that you need to analyze, evaluate, and then formulate or evaluate a plan of action. They are all multiple-choice questions.
Sentence Correction includes questions that present an error/errors in a sentence. You need to decide if there is any grammatical problem and if so, you need to choose from the four alternatives given in the question.
Reading Comprehension questions include short or long passages (200-400 words), where you need to infer it and answer three to five multi-choice questions.
Below mentioned are 14 GMAT Verbal topics that you can expect on the test:
- Verb tense
- Pronoun
- Subject-verb agreement
- Modifiers
- Idioms
- Parallelism
- Comparison
- Inference
- Assumption
- Evaluate
- Strengthen
- weaken
- Boldface
- Paradox
GMAT Syllabus for Integrated Reasoning Section
The first thing you need to know about the IR section of the GMAT is that this section does not contribute to the GMAT composite score instead you receive a standalone score scaling from 1 to 8 points. The same is the case with the AWA section.
The integrated reasoning questions in the GMAT Syllabus consists of data presented in passages, graphs, tables, or a combination of the three. There are four different types of questions:
- Two-Part analysis – These are in the form of 2 questions that relate to the same information. Five or six answer choices follow the questions, and the answers to each of the two questions may be the same or different.
- Multi-Source Reasoning – These questions have multiple tabs that have DATA given in them in various formats. These questions are more like Critical Reasoning questions.
- Graphic Interpretation – You must analyze the information given on a graph or a chart and use it to solve the given questions.
- Table Analysis – You are presented with a sortable table with sub questions. You must be able to differentiate between useful and non-useful data
The GMAT IR section measures your ability to assess information presented in multiple formats from different sources. We live in a data-driven world, and therefore, it’s essential to have analytical skills to interpret data.
GMAT Syllabus for Analytical Writing Assessment
Like the IR section, the analytical writing assessment section also does not get factored into your Composite score.
This GMAT section asks you to analyze issues, comprehend information, and communicate your ideas articulating them through an essay. It measures your ability to think critically and how well you can communicate your ideas.
The score for this section is on a six-point scale with zero as a base score. The topics asked can range from general to business news.
Five FAQs on GMAT Section and Question Types
1. What abilities does GMAT Syllabus in the Quant section measures?
The Quant section of the GMAT measures how you analyze data and conclude or solve using reasoning skills. There are two types of questions:
- Problem Solving – They measure your ability to logically interpret data and relate with appropriate concept to solve numerical problems
- Data Sufficiency – These questions measure your analytical ability to interpret the question as well as to decide if you have sufficient information to solve the problem.
2. Does GMAT Syllabus for Verbal Section only measure my understanding of grammar?
The Verbal section is a test of understanding and logic presented in the question rather than just grammar.
The GMAT syllabus in this section measures your reading ability, comprehension skills, understanding of arguments, and your ability to correct written material as per the rules of the English language.
3. What is the section order of GMAT and the total duration of the test?
Since 11th July 2017, students have the option to select the order of the test from the three options mentioned below. There is a break of 8 minutes duration, which is optional:
- Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Break, Quantitative, Break, Verbal
- Verbal, Break, Quantitative, Break, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
- Quantitative, Break, Verbal, Break, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
The total duration of the test is 3 hours, 7 minutes.
4. Can I skip any GMAT section?
You CANNOT skip any of the GMAT sections. A section is complete only if you answer every question, or you run out of time for that section.
5. Do I get a break between all the GMAT Sections?
Firstly, breaks are optional. If you don’t want a break, you can skip it and move on to the next section. In case you want a break, you get two 8-minute breaks according to the GMAT section order you have chosen.
6. What is the difference between CAT and GMAT Syllabus?
The primary difference between CAT and GMAT Syllabus is that GMAT exam includes the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section which is not presented in CAT Exam. In addition, there are no descriptive questions in CAT Exam.
7. What is the difference between GRE and GMAT Syllabus?
One of the primary differences between GRE and GMAT syllabus is that there is no integrated reasoning section in the GRE test.
Read this article to know in detail about the difference between GRE and GMAT Syllabus.
8. How much does the GMAT cost?
The GMAT registration fee is $250.
9. Can I choose the order in which I want to take the GMAT Exam?
Yes, you can choose the order in which you want to take the GMAT sections before you begin your exam.
10. What is the duration of the GMAT Exam?
The time duration of the GMAT exam is 3.5 hours which includes your breaks and test instructions.
Does Indian B-Schools Accept GMAT Score from Freshers ?
A good number of Top Indian Business schools accept the GMAT score to admit Indian students to their flagship MBA / PGP programs. While some of these are 2-year MBA/PGDM programs, others are 1-year programs.
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai :
The Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) offered at Great Lakes Institute of Management, in both the Chennai and the Gurgaon campuses, is a two-year program that focuses on emerging economies. The course provides inputs on the economies of China, the Far-East, Latin America, and Africa alongside the discussions of the Indian economy. The school also provides opportunities for getting a dual degree and for pursuing international immersion.
XIM, Bhubaneswar:
The Master’s Program in Business Management (MBA – BM) is the two-year flagship MBA program offered by Xavier Institute of Management (XIM), Bhuvaneshwar. The program follows a rigorous trimester system requiring an investment of 70 hours of work per week. There are student exchange opportunities as well – with schools in Europe, mostly in France. Admission to the program requires a GMAT score for a test taken within the last two years.
S P Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai:
The SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) admits students for their flagship two-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) through the CAT, the GMAT, or the XAT. For admission through GMAT, SPJIMR requires a minimum of 75%ile in the Quant and Verbal sections and an 85%ile score in the overall score. That translates to having minimum scores of Q49, V35, and 690. The program offers four specializations – Finance, Information Management, Marketing, Operations – that the students have to choose from at the application stage itself
IMT, Ghaziabad:
Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad offers a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in three Indian campuses – Ghaziabad, Nagpur, and Hyderabad. In the two year AICTE and AACSB accredited program, each academic year comprises four terms and students begin choosing electives in term 4. There is also an option to choose a minor specialization. Admission is based on the GMAT scores as well, with the requirement that the official score card is received by the school before the announcement of the results in Mid-March.
IMI, Gurgaon:
The International Management Institute (IMI) has three campuses – New Delhi, Kolkata, and Bhubaneshwar. Established first in Delhi, in collaboration with IMD, Switzerland, IMI still maintains many international partnerships with schools in Europe. Applicants need at least 50% in their under graduation and if applying with the GMAT, need to have written the test within 2 years of application deadline. IMI follows a trimester system, each of 11 to 13 weeks.
BITS, Pilani:
The Department of Management at the Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences (BITS), Pilani offers a 2-year flagship MBA programme. The program follows a semester system and classes are held over 3 semesters, followed by a 6-month practical learning experience through a structured internship. The program requires a minimum undergraduate aggregate of 60% and applicants can submit either the CAT or the GMAT score. Candidates who get admitted will also get considered for partial tuition fee waivers and teaching assistantships.
T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal:
The T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) offers a two year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). The program has three terms in the first year, all offering core classes and three in the second year with some core courses but a majority of electives in each of the terms. The schools offer 50 merit-based scholarships to the students and boast a 100% placement record. The program requires a minimum GMAT 630 score and a 50% in under graduation.
K J Somaiya, Mumbai:
The K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research (K J SIMSR) offers a flagship two year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). The program follows a trimester system, with core papers in the first three trimesters and the option of specializing in Marketing, Finance, Operations, and HR in the second year. The admission to the program is based on CAT, GMAT, XAT, or CMAT scores. The GMAT score has to be within the last three years. For example, for 2019 admissions, the GMAT should have been written between Jan 2016 and Dec 2018.
Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Mumbai:
The Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool) has campuses in Mumbai and Bengaluru. The Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programs follow a trimester system and include assessment and development centers that focus on the development of the students. Admission to the program requires a minimum score of 50% in under graduation and a GMAT score written within 3 years of program commencement. For example, for 2020 programs, students should have written the GMAT in 2017 or later.
Goa Institute of Management, Goa:
Goa Institute of Management (GIM) is SAQS accredited and offers a two year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM).Apart from the regular curriculum, students are also involved in the Give Goa project, meant to create social awareness and in the Joint International Internship Seminar (JIIS), in which selected students from the University of Antwerp and first year students of GIM to work together on live projects. The admission to the program requires a minimum 50% marks in under graduation and a GMAT score written in the last two years. For example, admission to the 2019 program will need a GMAT written after Jan 1, 2017.
FORE School of Management, New Delhi, NCR:
The FORE School of Management offers a two year Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Future Managers Group Programme (PGDM – FMG). The program includes an international immersion program, that is a mix of preparatory classes and a one week immersion after the first year with one of their partner institutions abroad. The admission to the program requires a minimum of 50% marks under graduation and a GMAT score written in the last two years. For example, admission to the 2019 program will need a GMAT written after Jan 1, 2017
Top Business Schools in India Accepting GMAT Scores | With Work Experience
All the business schools that admit freshers through the GMAT route will also admit students with work experience. For those with work experience, especially Indian students who have more than 5 years of experience, the list of business schools in India accepting GMAT scores expands to include the following top B schools in India
ISB, Hyderabad & Mohali:
ISB, is one of the first GMAT accepting B schools in India. The program offered by ISB is ranked among the top business school programs not only in India but also globally. ISB, Hyderabad has featured in the Financial Times Business School ranking – FT Ranking. Having 2 or more years professional work experience is essential to have a fighting chance to get an admission from ISB, Hyderabad.
IIM Ahmedabad | PGPX Program:
The post Graduate Program in management for executives (PGPX), offered by IIM Ahmedabad, is a one-year full-time residential MBA program designed for people with a minimum of 4 years of experience. The program has consistently ranked in the to top 3 for career progression, according to the Financial Times ranking. The program includes a two-week international immersion.
IIM Calcutta | PGPEX Program:
The PGPEX (Postgraduate program for executives) offered by IIM Calcutta is a one-year full-time residential program that requires applicants to have a minimum of 5 years of work experience. This program was the first to be ‘triple-accredited’ – accredited by the AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
IIM Bangalore | ePGP Program:
Designed for professionals with between 5 and 12 years of work experience, the IIM Bangalore ePGP (Executive Post Graduate Program) includes features such as International Immersion opportunities and a mentoring experience with Alumni. The mentoring program, called Shikshu, allows the students to get the C-suite experience, by spending a day with CEOs of leading organizations and observing their job first hand.
IIM Lucknow | IPMX Program:
The IIM Lucknow IPMX (International Programme in Management for Executives) is designed for professionals with a minimum of 5 years of work experience. The program also allows students to pursue a course of independent study for a deeper exploration of an area of interest, beyond the subscribed curriculum. The program is offered at the Noida campus, enabling greater interaction and relationship with industries
IIM Indore | EPGP Program:
The EPGP (Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management) offered by IIM Indore has received accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) London (UK). Admission to the program requires a minimum of 5 years of work experience. One of the highlights of the program is a five-week international immersion in a top 20 business school in the USA (McCombs School of Business, University of Texas, Austin)
XLRI Jamshedpur | PGDM (General Management):
The PGDM-GM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management – General Management) program offered by XLRI, Jamshedpur is a 15-month program. The course is divided into 7 terms, 3 of which are core terms and the remaining 4 are customizable, depending on the electives that the students wish to choose. Admission to the program requires applicants to have a minimum of 5 years of experience.
Following is a huge list of Indian Business Schools accepting GMAT scores:
- Acharya Group of Institutes, Acharya School of Management
- Acharya Institute of Management and Sciences, AIMS School of Business
- Adani Institute of Infrastructure Management
- Aditya Institute of Management Studies & Research
- Administrative Staff College of India
- Aegis School of Business and Telecommunication
- Ahmedabad University, Amrut Mody School of Management
- Alliance University, Alliance School of Business
- Amity Business School
- Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Amrita School of Business
- Apeejay Education Society, Apeejay School of Management
- Apeejay Stya University, School of Management Sciences
- Asia Graduate School of Business
- Asia Pacific Institute of Management
- Asian School of Business Management (ASBM)
- Athena School of Management
- B.S. Abdur Rahman Institute of Science and Technology, Crescent School of Business
- Bangalore Institute of International Management, B I I M
- Bangalore Institute of Management Studies (BIMS)
- Bennett University, School of Management
- Birla Institute of Management Technology
- BITS Pilani
- BML Munjal University, School of Management
- BSE Institute Ltd.
- Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India
- Europe Asia Business School
- Flame University, School of Business
- Flame University, School of Communication
- FORE School of Management, Foundation for Organisational Research and Education (FORE)
- Foundation for Liberal and Management Education, FLAME School of Business
- Ganpat University, S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research
- GITAM University, GITAM School of International Business
- Goa Institute of Management
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
- Grow Talent Company Limited, School of Inspired Leadership
- ICFAI Business School, ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad
- ICFAI Business School, ICFAI Business School, Mumbai
- IFIM Business School
- IFIM College
- IIHMR University
- IILM Graduate School of Management
- IILM Institute for Higher Education
- IIMT School of Management, Business School
- Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
- Indian Institute of Management Indore
- Indian Institute of Management Kashipur
- Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
- Indian Institute of Management Lucknow
- Indian Institute of Management Nagpur
- Indian Institute of Management Raipur
- Indian Institute of Management Ranchi, IIM Ranchi
- Indian Institute of Management Rohtak
- Indian Institute of Management Shillong
- Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli
- Indian Institute of Management Udaipur, Business School
- Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam
- Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management
- Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar
- Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
- Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management
- Indian School of Business
- Indian School of Business and Finance – City University of Seattle, Indian School of Business and Finance
- Indus Business Academy, IBA, Bangalore
- Institute for Financial Management and Research, IFMR
- Institute for Technology and Management, ITM Business School
- Institute for Technology and Management, ITM Global Leadership Center
- Institute of Insurance and Risk Management, IIRM Hyderabad
- Institute of Management Development and Research
- Institute of Management Education (IME), Institute of Management Education
- Institute of Management Technology, Hyderabad
- Institute of Management Technology, Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, Delhi NCR
- Institute of Management Technology, Nagpur
- Institute of Rural Management Anand
- Institute of Technology & Management
- International Management Institute Kolkata
- International Management Institute of India, Bhubaneswar
- International Management Institute of India, New Delhi
- International School of Management Excellence
- ISBR Business School
- Jagan Institute of Management Studies
- Jain University, CMS Business School
- Jaipuria Institute of Management
- JK Lakshmipat University, Institute of Management
- JRE Group of Institutions, JRE School of Management
- K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, School of Management
- Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Studies
- Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management
- Lovely Professional University, Department of Management
- Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT), School of Telecom Management
- Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur
- Management Development Institute
- MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE MURSHIDABAD
- Manipal University Jaipur, TAPMI School of Business
- Masters’ Union School of Business
- MICA, Ahmedabad, Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad
- Mysore Royal Academy (MYRA), MYRA School of Business
- National Institute of Fashion Technology
- National Institute of Financial Management
- National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE)
- National Institute of Securities Markets, School for Securities Education
- National Institute of Technology Karnataka, DASA
- National Institute of Technology Srinagar, DASA
- NIIT University
- NIMT Greater Noida, National Institute of Management Technology
- NMIMS University, School of Business Management
- NTPC School of Business
- O.P. Jindal Global University, Jindal Global Business School
- Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), School of Petroleum Management (SPM)
- Praxis Business School
- Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research
- PSG College of Technology, PSG Institute of Management
- Pune Institute of Business Management
- Punjab Technical University, Aryans Business School
- Punjab Technical University, Aryans School of Management
- Reva University, School of Management Studies
- RIMT University, School of Management Studies
- S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research
- Sadhana Centre for Management & Leadership Development, SCMLD
- SDA Bocconi Asia Center
- SDM Institute for Management Development
- SelaQui Academy of Higher Education, SelaQui Institute of Management
- Seshadripuram Institute of Management Studies
- Sharda University, School of Business Studies
- Shiv Nadar University
- Shoolini University, Faculty of Management Sciences & Liberal Arts
- Shree Dhanvantary College of Post Graduate Business Management
- Siva Sivani Institute of Management
- SRM University, Faculty of Management
- St. Mary’s Educational Society, South State Business School
- T. A. Pai Management Institute
- TASMAC
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences
- TERI University, TERI School of Advanced Studies
- Thapar University, LM Thapar School of Management
- The National Management School, National Schools of Business and Management Private Limited
- The NorthCap University, Center for Leadership
- United world School of Business
- Universal Business School
- University of Delhi, Faculty of Management Studies
- University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, College of Management & Economic Studies
- UPES, College of Management and Economics Studies
- Vanguard Business School
- Veltech Dr. RR & Dr. SR Technical University, Vel Tech Business School
- VES Institute of Management Studies & Research
- VIjaybhoomi University, School of Data Science
- Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Department of Humanities
- VIT University, VIT Business School
- Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi School of Business
- Woxsen School of Business
- Xavier University
- XLRI Jamshedpur
FT MBA RANKINGS
ECONOMIST MBA RANKINGS
QS MBA RANKINGS
