FAQs for GMAT Exam 2024: Frequently Asked Questions

What is GMAT exam used for?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardised test for aspiring business school students. Candidates who are planning a career in business can take GMAT exam to apply to top business schools in the world. GMAT is used for evaluating a candidate’s aptitude in terms of quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation.

GMAT 2024: Preparation Tips | Guide

GMAT 2024 Sample Questions: Verbal Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning | Data Insight

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What kind of questions are asked in the GMAT exam?

The GMAT exam mainly focuses on quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation. The math covers basic algebra, geometry, and data analysis while the verbal section tests reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction, all in a business context.

What is GMAT full form?

The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. The test is designed to assess verbal, quantitative, and data insights of the aspiring business school candidates.

Is GMAT hard than CAT?

Both GMAT and CAT exams are considered to be highly competitive. Therefore, it is difficult to measure which one is harder than the other as it depends on the individual strengths weaknesses, and personal preferences. GMAT quant section is often considered to be easier, however, its verbal section is tougher for non-native English speakers. Whereas, CAT quant section is considered to be trickier in comparison to the verbal section. Therefore, students are advised to analyse both CAT and GMAT exam pattern carefully before opting for one.

Who is eligible for GMAT exam?

The GMAT 2024 has no specific eligibility criteria. All candidates who fulfil the following basic GMAT eligibility criteria can take the test.

• Candidates must be 18 years of age to be considered eligible for the GMAT exam. Students who are below 18 years of age must produce parental consent to apply for the exam.

• Candidates may take the exam up to five times a year and eight times total throughout their lives.

• The applicant needs to complete the minimal GMAT eligibility requirements specified by the institution or school of their choice.

• Previous work experience is not a prerequisite.

Is GMAT only for MBA?

No GMAT exam is not exclusive to MBA only. Many business schools accept the GMAT test for Master's programmes in business or management programmes. GMAT is also accepted by ISB YLP, the Harvard 2+2 programme, the Yale Silver Scholars programme, and the Booth Scholars Programme.

Which MBA college accept GMAT?

The GMAT test is widely accepted by MBA programmes worldwide including in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. In India, top MBA institutions including IIMs and SP Jain Institute of Management Research accept GMAT scores to enroll potential candidates.

Is GMAT costly?

Yes, the GMAT is considered costly for Indian students. The GMAT exam fee in India is USD 275, i.e. INR 22,800 approx at the test centre. For an online exam, the GMAT test price in India is USD 300 (INR 24,890 approx). However, additional fees are also included for retaking the exam, sending additional score reports, and many more. Therefore, considering the overall expenses, GMAT is costly for Indian test-takers.

Is GMAT accepted in IIM?

Yes, GMAT scores are accepted by some IIMs. In India, a total of 7 institutions accept GMAT scores to enroll potential candidates.

1. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)

2. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)

3. Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC)

4. Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML)

5. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK)

6. Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI)

7. Indian Institute of Management Udaipur (IIMU)

What does GMAT Focus Edition mean?

The GMAT Focus Edition was introduced in 2023. Which replaces the older GMAT test format. It focuses on the most critical skills for business programmes, like problem-solving and data analysis. GMAT focus edition duration will be 2 hours and 45 minutes shorter than the previous version of GMAT excluding the Analytical Writing Assessment section.

Is GMAT focus accepted?

Most business schools accept the GMAT Focus Edition scores to enroll potential candidates. However, a few institutions including Harvard Business School only accept it for their 2+2 programme as of March 2024.

Which is better GMAT or GMAT Focus Edition?

Choosing which is better between GMAT and GMAT Focus Edition completely depends on the individual preparations of the aspiring test-takers. GMAT exam mainly focuses on assessing the candidate’s aptitude in terms of quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation. The GMAT Focus Edition mainly focuses on critical reasoning and data analysis. Therefore, choosing which one is better is completely dependent on the individual perspectives of the students.

Are there GMAT focus practice exams?

Yes, there are multiple GMAT focus practice exams available on the official website of the GMAC. These GMAT Focus Official Practice Exams are full-length, computer-adaptive exams that mimic the real GMAT experience. Candidates can take these exams to improve their skills and predict their potential score.

Is Focus Edition GMAT harder?

The difficulty of the GMAT Focus Edition is variable to the candidate’s individual strengths and preparation levels. The quant section for GMAT Focus Edition is considered to be slightly harder than the old GMAT. Whereas, the verbal section is comparatively easier due to excluded sections.

Does Harvard accept GMAT Focus Edition?

Yes, Harvard accepts GMAT Focus Edition scores to enroll international students. However, the acceptance rate of Harvard Business School depends on when you're applying. For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, Harvard does not accept the GMAT Focus Edition scorecard. However, it will accept it for its 2+2 programme applications starting in April 2024.