GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized management test for admission to MBA and other post graduate programs. The exam is conducted by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Understanding GMAT Exam Structure helps students to prepare well for the exam.
GMAT Exam Structure
GMAT is a computer adaptive test. That means the questions are adjusting to a test taker’s level of ability. At the start of the quantitative and verbal sections, test takers are presented with a question of average difficulty. As the questions are answered correctly, the computer presents the test with increasingly difficult questions and as questions are answered incorrectly the computer presents the test taker with questions of decreasing difficulty. Based on it at the end, computer come up with a score for each section.
You are not supposed to skip, return to or change your answers to the questions.
Four Sections and Type of Questions
GMAT exam consists of four sections includes Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.
Section 1: Analytical Writing Assessment
This section consists of one 30 minutes writing task which consist of an analysis of argument type question. This measures the ability to think critically and to communicate your ideas through an English essay.
You need to analyse the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument in the form of an English essay. The topics may be of general interest related to business or a variety of other subjects. Specific knowledge of subject is not evaluated, only ability to write analytically is assessed.
Section 2: Integrated Reasoning
Integrated reasoning section consists of 12 questions and you need to completed the section within 30 minutes. This section tests your ability to take large amount of data and take sound decisions.
Questions are of four types includes Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. The questions involve both quantitative and verbal reasoning, either separately or in combination. Online calculator with basic functions can be used to answer the questions.
Section 3: Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative reasoning section consists of 31 multiple choice questions. You will get 62 minutes to complete the section. This section measures your ability to reason mathematically, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data. In this section you cannot use calculators.
Questions are from data sufficiency and problem solving type.
Section 4: Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning section consists of 36 questions and you have to complete this section within 65 minutes. The questions aims to measure the ability to read and comprehend written material, reason and evaluate arguments, and correct material to express ideas effectively in standard written English.
The questions are of three types includes Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction.
GMAT Exam Structure: Duration of Test
Total Duration of GMAT exam is 3 and Half hours which includes two optional eight minutes break during the exam. Each section have its own time limit as follows:
Analytical Writing Assessment – 30 minutes
Integrated Reasoning – 30 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning – 62 minutes
Verbal Reasoning – 65 minutes
Order of Sections in Examination
Candidate have the flexibility to select any order of the section from the following three options.
- Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal
- Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
- Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
Read GMAT: Exam Details, Eligibility
Disclaimer
Information given here are only for just informative purpose. Read official documents for updated and correct information.
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