The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a test meant to evaluate candidates interested in pursuing an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) or a Masters in Finance-related programme. The exam assesses the candidate's writing, analytical, verbal, quantitative reasoning, and reading abilities in standard written English.
GMAT scores are required for admission to more than 1700 graduate business institutions throughout the world. It's a test that's done on a computer. However, the paper-based approach is still used in some isolated areas. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is in charge of the GMAT's design and administration. It determines the types of skills that the GMAT assesses and the methods that can be used to assess them. The GMAT format and question paper pattern are determined by it.
Computer Adaptive Test -
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer adaptive test. The questions on a computer adaptive test are not pre-determined. The exam determines whether the candidate is capable of answering the question and then presents it to him. The first question in front of you, for example, will be of moderate difficulty. If you correctly answer it, the next question will be slightly more challenging. If you respond incorrectly, the difficulty of the question will be reduced. For the second, third, and subsequent questions, the same procedure is used. You are not allowed to return to a question you have already answered because it is a computer adaptive test and your answer influences the level of the next question. You are not allowed to go back to the question you have once answered. Only the number of correct answers does not indicate your score. The hard questions hold more GMAT scoring points than easier questions.
Executive Assessment -
The GMAT assessment is a GMAC exam for EMBA programmes. The acronym EMBA stands for "Executive MBA." The Executive MBA is a short-term programme for working people who wish to strengthen their managerial and leadership skills without drastically changing their career paths. The EA test is also known as the mini-GMAT exam. The EA test is more focused on integrated reasoning and is better suited to experienced applicants.
GRE vs GMAT -
While the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a regular exam, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is more weighted and focused on the students' management ability. The GMAT is usually taken by graduates who intend to study for an MBA or management degree.
According to test-takers, the GRE has a higher level of English language and the GMAT has a larger degree of quantitative issues. However, interpretation talents vary from person to person for these disciplines, so you should check with the institute you're applying to before picking.
Eligibility for the GMAT -
The GMAT is for graduates who want to pursue postgraduate courses in business schools or b-schools around the world, as the name implies. As a result, a minimum age requirement exists. Candidates under the age of 18 can take the exam with the help of a parent or guardian letter. GMAT Eligibility is a good resource for more information on GMAT Eligibility.
Exam Schedule for the GMAT -
Candidates can take the GMAT at any time of year, though it is always a good idea to double-check test centre availability and regional holidays. After you have taken the GMAT, you will have to wait 16 days before taking it again.
GMAT Online exam [newly introduced during the pandemic] - The GMAT online exam is a remote proctored version of the test centre-based GMAT exam that may be taken from the comfort of your own home to help you fulfil your application goals. You can take the GMAT exam online, in a testing facility, or both — the choice is yours!
Appointments are offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and testing dates are available six months in advance on a rolling basis. The GMAT online exam is available for Windows and Mac computers and includes the following features:
- Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) components make up the entire exam.
- The exam will be timed, scored, and have the same amount of items as the test center-based exam.
- The ability to do scratch work on a physical or virtual whiteboard.
- Accommodations for people with disabilities
- Over 7,000 global business programmes accept it
- Scores are valid for a period of five years
- 5 free score reports are available
GMAT Registration -
During the entire year, one can register for the GMAT Exam whenever they want. However, if you want to ensure that you get the date you want, you should Register for GMAT as soon as you decide to take the exams. In most cases, the candidate will register for the GMAT online at the most convenient date and time for him or her.
Exam Fees for the GMAT -
Candidates must pay a registration fee in order to take the exam. The GMAT fees may vary depending on the country and region from which you apply, but they are typically between $250 and $280. However, because fees vary by region, it is best to check the official website first.
GMAT Exam Syllabus -
Each of the GMAT's four subjects has its own specialised courses and fields of study. Though there is no set curriculum, it is possible to cover all aspects of a subject. There are a plethora of GMAT exam materials available both online and offline that cover a large portion of the syllabus and provide candidates with all possible question types and solutions.
The GMAT is a three-and-a-half-hour exam with a maximum score of 800 points. The GMAT assesses a candidate's abilities across a variety of parameters. Furthermore, the GMAT Exam Syllabus is divided into four sections:
Analytical Writing Assessment—assessees' ability to think critically and communicate their ideas.
Integrated Reasoning assesses candidates' ability to analyse data and evaluate information presented in a variety of formats.
Quantitative Reasoning—aspirants' ability to analyse data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills is assessed.
Verbal Reasoning—tests candidates' ability to read and comprehend written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English.
GMAT Exam Scores -
There are two kinds of GMAT scores that you will come across. The unofficial scores are the ones you'll see after finishing your test at the centre. These are only for the candidate's use and should not be used in any official capacity. GMAT test scores range from 200 to 800, with multiples of 10 such as 710, 720, and so on. The official GMAT scores are released three weeks after the exam and can be used for admission purposes.
How is the GMAT score determined?
Each of your five GMAT scores, consisting of four GMAT sections and the total score, is reported on a fixed scale. These are your official GMAT scores, as shown on your GMAT Score Report. These scores will be delivered to your chosen score recipients. Always keep in mind that the GMAT Total Score Report only takes into account Verbal and Quantitative scores and does not take into account any other section.
The GMAT Score Report includes the following components:
- Your Quantitative Score (0 – 60), expressed as a percentile
- Your Verbal Score (0 – 60), expressed as a percentage
- Your total GMAT score (200 – 800), expressed as a percentile
- AWA Score (in half-integers ranging from 0 to 6), with percentile
- Score on Integrated Reasoning (integer from 1 to 8)
Cancellation Fee for GMAT -
If you cancel the exam between 1 and 14 days before the test date, you will be charged $200 and will receive a $50 refund. If you cancel the exam between 15 and 60 days before the appointment, you will be charged $175 and will receive a refund of $75. If you cancel the test more than 60 days before the appointment, you will be charged $150 and will receive a refund of $100. Furthermore, the test appointment cannot be cancelled or changed within 24 hours of the scheduled test time.
Fee for GMAT rescheduling -
You must pay US$150 if you reschedule the exam between 1 and 14 days before the test date. In addition, if you reschedule the exam 15 to 60 days before the appointment, you must pay US$100. You must pay US$50 if you reschedule the exam more than 60 days before the test date.
What is the distinction between the GMAT and the CAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Common Admission Test (CAT) are the two most widely accepted management entrance tests, with scores accepted by all of the top B-schools, including the IIMs. The primary distinction between the two is that, whereas CAT is a national level entrance exam for students seeking admission to Top Business Schools in India, GMAT is held on a global scale and assists students in gaining admission to top B-Schools worldwide. GMAT scores are acceptable in the case of NRI/Foreign students who want to study in India and are administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council. The GMAT score of a domestic student is accepted by the IIMs.
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