gmatThe graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT™) is a standardized test designed to help admission officers to evaluate an applicant’s suitability to graduate business and management programs. The test measures basic level verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills.

The Structure of the Test

GMAT  test section Number of questions Questions type Timing
Analytical writing Assessment 1 topic Analysis of an Argument 30 minutes
Integrated reasoning 12 questions Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics interpretation, Two-part analysis, Table analysis 30 minutes
Quantitative reasoning 37 questions Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency 75 minutes
Verbal  reasoning 41 questions Reading Comprehension, Critical reasoning, Sentence correction 75 minutes
Total exam time 3 hours, 30 min

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The Analytical Writing Assessment section has an essay task. The essay is written on a computer using word Processing Software. Unlike other word processing the programs, this program’ does not have advanced capabilities such as spell checker or grammar checker. The essay is rated by two readers and the final AWA score, which will normally be available after 10-15 days, will be the average of these four scores. The scoring is done on a scale of 0-6.

The task:  The test taker will have to develop a critique of an argument (a statement of questionable authenticity with supporting information).  The essay is not a presentation against the point of view expressed in the argument rather the way in which the argument is presented. The test taker is not expected to present his/her point of view. The test taker should come up with ways to improve the argument while presenting the logical inadequacies in the argument.

Integrated Reasoning Section

The integrated reasoning section of GMAT evaluates the test takers ability to analyze data presented in multiple formats from multiple sources.  The sections consists 12 questions in 4 different types:  graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis, and multi-source reasoning. Integrated Reasoning scores range from 1-8, in single-digit intervals. The integrated reasoning score does not have any impact on the AWA, Quantitative, and Verbal or Total scores.

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section of the GMAT measures the test takers ability to read and comprehend passages, reason and evaluate arguments, evaluate the correctness and effectiveness of written material. The section consists of 41 questions falling under three different types: reading comprehension, critical reasoning and sentence correction. Verbal reasoning scores range from 0-60, in single digit intervals. The time allotted for the entire section is 75 minutes.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section of the GMAT measures the test takers ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data. The section consists of 37 questions falling under two different types: Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency. The questions span across three content areas: Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. . Quantitative reasoning section scores range from 0-60, in single digit intervals. The time allotted for the entire section is 75 minutes.