Is GMAT Tough? How Hard is GMAT to Crack in 2025

Is GMAT Tough? How Hard is GMAT to Crack in 2025

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Mar 13, 2025 09:35 AM IST | #GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a well-known exam used for admission into various graduate management programs, including MBA programs. It assesses not just a candidate's academic knowledge but also their critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The GMAT exam 2025 opens doors to more than 7,700 programs at 2,400 business schools worldwide. GMAT scores are accepted in over 114 countries. Last year, a total of 115,286 candidates took the GMAT exam across the globe. However, there is a common question among those considering the test: Is GMAT tough?

This Story also Contains
  1. What is the GMAT?
  2. What Makes the GMAT Tough?
  3. Time Required to Prepare for GMAT
  4. Tips to Prepare for GMAT Effectively
  5. Conclusion: Is GMAT Tough?
Is GMAT Tough? How Hard is GMAT to Crack in 2025
Is GMAT Tough? How Hard is GMAT to Crack in 2025

What is the GMAT?

The GMAT is a standardized test that business schools use to evaluate applicants for graduate-level management programs. It has 3 sections:

  1. Data Insights – A 45-minute section designed to assess your ability to analyze data from different sources, table analysis, interpretation of information from graphics, etc.

  2. Quantitative Reasoning – A 45-minute section focused on your mathematical problem-solving skills, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

  3. Verbal Reasoning – A 45-minute section that evaluates your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction abilities.

The total duration of the test is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes with an optional 10-minute break. The GMAT scores are on a scale from 205 to 805.

Starting from July 1, 2024, GMAC has officially adopted the name 'GMAT Exam' as the sole version of the test. It's also important to note that while the lifetime limit has been eliminated, the restriction of a maximum of 5 attempts within a rolling 12-month period remains in effect.

What Makes the GMAT Tough?

The difficulty of the GMAT can be due to several factors:

  1. Time Pressure: The test is structured to be taken under time constraints, which means that test-takers must think quickly while giving correct answers. For example, the GMAT sections allow only about 2 -2.25 minutes per question requiring quick reading and critical thinking.

  2. Complex Problem-Solving: The GMAT is not just a test of knowledge; it evaluates how effectively you can apply that knowledge in complex situations. Many questions are created to assess your problem-solving skills and logical thinking rather than just your ability to recall formulas.

  3. Computer Adaptive Test: The GMAT is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), which means the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your performance. If you answer questions correctly, the following ones become more challenging. Similarly, if you make errors, the questions become easier. This adaptive feature means the exam continuously aligns with your skill level, making it tougher to achieve a high score.

  4. Wide Range of Skills Tested: The GMAT assesses not only mathematical and verbal skills but also your ability to understand information from various sources and communicate complex ideas. The Data Insights section, in particular, presents challenges with questions that require analyzing graphs, tables, and multi-source reasoning.

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Time Required to Prepare for GMAT

On average, GMAT aspirants need approximately 100 to 170 hours of study time, which translates to about 2 to 3 months of preparation for all the modules. However, top scorers typically spend over 200 hours or more than 6 months preparing to achieve their best results. When scheduling the GMAT exam, it’s important to do GMAT registration 2-3 months in advance to secure your preferred test date and center. During peak months (September to December), it's advisable to book 3-4 months in advance for the desired choice of exam date and location. The GMAT exam fee is USD 275 for in-person exams at test centers and USD 300 for online exams.

Tips to Prepare for GMAT Effectively

To overcome the challenges of the GMAT, having a solid study plan is crucial. Here are some helpful GMAT preparation tips:

  1. Start Early: Begin your preparation a few months ahead of your test date. This allows you enough time to revise, practice questions, and take GMAT mock exams.

  2. Understand the Test Format: Get to know the structure of the test and the types of questions. This will help minimize surprises on test day and enable you to manage your time more effectively.

  3. Practice: The GMAT assesses your skills, not just your knowledge. Regular practice will sharpen your problem-solving skills and help you adjust to the time limit. Take as many GMAT practice tests as you can to monitor your progress and modify your study plan as necessary.

  4. Focus on Weak Areas: Take note of the sections where you find the most difficulty and spend extra time on those. Whether it’s math, sentence correction, or critical reasoning, targeted practice can lead to significant improvements.

  5. Use High-Quality Prep Materials: Consider investing in GMAT prep books, online courses, or tutoring if needed. Utilizing reputable prep resources will ensure you’re learning effective strategies and techniques.

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Conclusion: Is GMAT Tough?

The GMAT can be tough, but it's definitely manageable. With proper preparation, strategy, and regular practice, you can boost your chances of doing well on the exam. How difficult you find the GMAT will largely depend on your strengths, how well you prepare, and your skills in taking tests. In the end, it's important to see the GMAT not as a challenge, but as a chance to show that you're ready for graduate business studies.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to prepare for GMAT?

Preparing for the GMAT typically takes about two to three months, but the exact duration can vary based on factors such as your target score, initial skill level, and work commitments. On average, GMAT students dedicate between 100 and 170 hours. Those aiming for top scores often invest more than 170 hours, with some studying for over six months.

2. Is GMAT tougher than CAT?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is often viewed as more challenging than the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). However, both tests are considered as tough. The CAT is known to be one of the hardest exams in India, assessing abilities such as comprehension, logical reasoning, and quantitative skills. It serves as a competitive pathway for admission into top management programs.

3. Is the GMAT a lot of math?

While the GMAT includes a math section, it mainly includes high school math concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, and basic statistics. It does not have a lot of math in terms of advanced topics like calculus or trigonometry. Instead, the focus is on using these concepts to tackle complex word problems and analyze data, which can be quite challenging even for individuals with a solid math background.

4. Is 700 in GMAT easy?

Achieving a score of 700 on the GMAT is not an easy task. It is widely considered as a challenging and time-consuming task. However, with effective preparation and strategy, reaching a score of 700 or higher is attainable. The average GMAT score is 574.51, with about two-thirds of test takers scoring between 400 and 600. Scoring 700 places you in the top 10% of all test takers.

5. Is GMAT tough in India?

The GMAT is often viewed as a tough exam for Indian students, much like it is for many applicants around the world. Its challenging format assesses critical thinking, verbal reasoning, and quantitative skills under strict time limits. But, with proper preparation, Indian students can certainly score high on the GMAT.

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Questions related to GMAT

Have a question related to GMAT ?

No, IIMs or Indian Institutes of Management and IITs or Indian Institutes of Technology generally do not accept GMAT scores for admission to their flagship two-year MBA programs for fresh graduates with Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees. IIMs primarily consider the Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to their flagship MBA programs. IITs also primarily consider the CAT for admission to their management programs.

However some IIMs in India do accept GMAT scores for admission to their flagship MBA programs, primarily for the foreign students.

  • IIM Ahmedabad
  • IIM Bangalore
  • IIM Calcutta
  • IIM Indore
  • IIM Kozhikode
  • IIM Lucknow

All the very best

That’s a great question and shows you’re thinking carefully about your future. It's important to consider both options carefully, especially with your background. When considering whether to pursue an MBA abroad or in India, especially with poor academics and no work experience, the decision requires careful evaluation of your goals, financial situation, and career aspirations.

When comparing an MBA in India versus one abroad, there's no definitive winner—it ultimately depends on a student’s aspirations and willingness to invest financially for potentially greater returns. Each option offers its own distinct benefits, which can be better understood through a detailed discussion. Both options have their merits and challenges. Let’s break it down to help you make an informed decision.

What Is the Purpose of an MBA?

An MBA (Master of Business Administration) equips students with:

  • Leadership and management skills: To lead teams and organizations effectively.

  • Strategic thinking abilities : To solve complex business problems.

  • Career advancement opportunities : To secure roles in management, consulting, or entrepreneurship.

  • Networking: To build connections with industry professionals and peers.

The value of an MBA depends heavily on the program's quality, your goals, and the level of effort you put into leveraging its benefits.

MBA Abroad vs. MBA in India: A Comparison

MBA Abroad

Pros:

  1. Global Exposure: Study in a multicultural environment and gain insights into international markets.

  2. Top-Quality Education: Renowned universities provide cutting-edge curriculum and resources.

  3. Networking Opportunities: Build a global professional network.

  4. Higher Earning Potential: Graduates from top programs often secure higher salaries, particularly in developed economies.

  5. Prestige: Degrees from institutions like Harvard, INSEAD, or Wharton carry global recognition and respect.

Cons:

  1. High Cost: Tuition fees and living expenses are substantial. Scholarships are competitive.

  2. Work Visa Challenges: Securing post-MBA work permits can be difficult in some countries.

  3. Work Experience Requirement: Most top MBA programs abroad require 2-5 years of professional experience.

  4. Risk: Without a strong profile, you may not gain admission to top schools, reducing the ROI (return on investment).

Who Is It For?

  • Candidates with strong financial resources.
  • Those aiming for international roles or exposure to global markets.

  • Students with a clear plan for their post-MBA career .

MBA in India

Pros:

  1. Cost-Effective: Tuition fees and living costs are significantly lower than in most foreign programs.

  2. Reputed Institutions: Top Indian MBA programs (e.g., IIMs, ISB, XLRI) are highly regarded, especially for roles in Indian and Asian markets.

  3. Local Relevance: Focus on Indian business contexts and networks.

  4. Shorter Duration: Many MBA programs in India are completed in 1-2 years.

  5. Flexible Entry: Some private universities and tier-2 colleges accept candidates with weaker academics or no work experience.

Cons:

  1. Less Global Exposure: International experience and networks may be limited.

  2. High Competition: Admission to top-tier institutes like IIMs is extremely competitive and requires strong CAT/GMAT scores.

  3. Brand Value: While prestigious in India, Indian MBA degrees may lack global recognition compared to programs abroad.

Who Is It For?

  • Candidates targeting the Indian job market or local companies.

  • Students looking for a cost-effective education with high-quality outcomes.

  • Fresh graduates or those who prefer programs without stringent entry requirements.

Since you mentioned having poor academics and no work experience, both options have specific challenges:

MBA Abroad Challenges :

  • Admission Requirements: Most top-tier schools abroad require a strong academic record and work experience. Without these, securing admission to a reputed institution can be difficult.

  • Cost and ROI: The financial investment is high. Without admission to a top program or a clear plan for career advancement, it may not provide a good return.

MBA in India Challenges

  • Limited Opportunities in Top Programs: Schools like IIMs and ISB value academic consistency and work experience.

  • Lower Exposure: Compared to studying abroad, Indian MBAs may not offer the same level of global exposure.

Conclusion: Based on your current situation, a good approach may be to gain some work experience, improve your academic profile, and then decide whether to pursue an MBA in India or abroad.

Focus on Skills: Irrespective of the choice, focus on acquiring key skills such as leadership, communication, and analytical thinking, which are crucial for a successful career in business.

An MBA is a significant investment in your future, and careful consideration of these factors will help you make an informed decision.

Feel free to reach out if you need further guidance or have more questions!

To find the next number in the series 9,265,393,457,489, we need to identify the pattern. Analyzing the differences between consecutive numbers:

265 - 9 = 256
393 - 265 = 128
457 - 393 = 64
489 - 457 = 32

Each difference is half of the previous difference. Following this pattern, the next difference should be 32 / 2 = 16.

Therefore, the next number in the series is: 489 + 16 = 505

The correct answer is B) 505.

For personalized guidance on preparing for the GMAT and other exams to gain admission to top universities, including Ivy League schools, Invicta Career Consultancy can provide expert assistance tailored to your needs, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get a consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

To determine the next number in the sequence 4, 18, 85, 336, 1005, ?, observe the pattern or rule governing the progression. Calculating the differences between consecutive terms:

  • 18 - 4 = 14
  • 85 - 18 = 67
  • 336 - 85 = 251
  • 1005 - 336 = 669

Analyzing the differences further:

  • 67 - 14 = 53
  • 251 - 67 = 184
  • 669 - 251 = 418

The second-order differences are:

  • 184 - 53 = 131
  • 418 - 184 = 234

The third-order difference is:

  • 234 - 131 = 103

Thus, assuming the differences follow a polynomial pattern, the next difference might be:

  • 418 + 234 = 652

Adding this to the last term in the sequence:

  • 1005 + 652 = 1657

So, the next term should be 1657, but it isn't one of the provided options. It suggests a more complex pattern, or an error in initial assumption. Consulting with an expert or a test prep consultant, like Invicta Career Consultancy, might help clarify the pattern and provide additional practice for GMAT-type sequences and other preparation strategies.

To obtain GMAT previous years' papers, you can explore various online resources such as official GMAT websites, educational forums, and specialized test preparation platforms like Magoosh, Kaplan, and Manhattan Prep. Additionally, you might find useful resources in bookstores or libraries that offer GMAT preparation books, which often include past papers and practice questions. For personalized assistance and comprehensive guidance on preparing for the GMAT and studying abroad, consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, a firm known for its expertise in helping students achieve their academic goals overseas, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

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