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Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jul 20, 2024
Highlights:
- GMAT new pattern started testing in November 2023, and you can only register for the focus edition.
- The updated GMAT examination pattern only consists of 64 questions in total, divided into 3 sections.
- You will be allocated 2 hours and 15 minutes for the updated GMAT exam pattern, previously it was 3 hours and 7 minutes long.
- The total score of GMAT exam syllabus ranges on a scale of 205 to 805 level.
GMAT exam pattern has been updated, and the focus edition is the only version that has been tested. The updated GMAT test pattern is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, previously it was 3 hours and 7 minutes long. GMAT examination pattern now consists of 3 sections. Integrated reasoning and analytical writing assessment are removed and a new data insights section is added to the focus edition. You will face 64 questions in total, verbal includes 23, quant includes 21 and the data insights section contains 20 questions. Each of the section's raw score of GMAT test pattern ranges on a scale of 60 to 90 level.
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GMAT Vs CAT (Computer Adaptive Testing)
GMAC uses computers for making the exam pattern more reliable to test takers. In GMAT syllabus for MBA, responses given by the test taker will be the deciding point of what types of questions will be asked next. Through this adaptive nature of the computer, GMAC shares a more secured and reliable exam pattern as required by the top business schools. One must know the logic and the advantages behind this CAT exam pattern.
CAT is a kind of tailored testing. As it is administered by the computer therefore the next set of questions will completely be dependent on answers given by the test takers. Suppose the test taker gives the first answer correctly then the very next question will have a higher difficulty level whereas if the test taker gives the first answer incorrectly then the very next question will have a lesser difficulty level. Computer administers the difficulty level of GMAT syllabus as per responses given.
Percentile Ability
Suppose 10 questions are given in this section among which only 8 questions have been answered correctly by the 60% of the total test-takers. Therefore it says that 80% accuracy level is equivalent to 50 percentile. Similarly if those same 10 questions among which only 8 questions have been answered correctly by 3% of the total test-takers then the percentile would have become 97 percentile.
In this above-mentioned infographic, it is explained clearly that if the first answer is given correctly then the difficulty level will be higher on the very next question whereas if the first answer is given incorrectly then the very next question will be comparatively easier. Questions will be asked from the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections.
Note: While discussing the GMAT syllabus and eligibility, the CAT and GMAT syllabus difference is not much. Both CAT and GMAT have similar exam patterns, where the concentration is on both verbal and quant skills. The only difference is, the CAT focuses on quantitative skills more whereas GMAT focuses more on logical reasoning.
Check CAT vs GMAT
What is the GMAT exam pattern?
GMAT exam pattern comprises 64 questions to be answered in 2 hours and 15minutes. In this exam, you will face different topics to attempt across quantitative, logical reasoning and verbal reasoning sections. GMAT score ranges from 205-805. Before completing GMAT Registration, get a proper idea about the exam pattern and section-wise details.
- GMAT exam has a sectional time limit which varies with each section
- Test takers are given three options to choose the order in which they can attempt the four sections of the exam
- GMAT IR and AWA sections have been removed and a new data insights section is added to the updated pattern.
- Two-third of the GMAT test-takers score between 400 and 600
- GMAT score of 760+ ranks a candidate at above 99 percentile
Check GMAT Score Trends
GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus
GMAT Focus Edition is 2 hours and 15 minutes long (with one optional 10-minute break) with 64 questions in total. The syllabus of GMAT Focus Edition is comprised of three sections that showcase the specific skills needed to succeed in a graduate management program:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Data Insights
GMAT Focus Edition: Exam Format:
| Section | No. Of questions | Time limits |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | 45 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | 45 minutes |
| Data Insights | 20 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 64 | 135 minutes |
Highlights of New exam pattern:
- Question Review and Editing: You have the flexibility to review any question during the exam and modify up to three answers per section as needed.
- Flexible Section Order: You can customise the sequence of exam sections to suit your preference and exam-taking strategy.
- Enhanced Score Report: Each exam result includes a comprehensive performance analysis, providing you with valuable insights to improve your future exam performance.
- Simplified Score Delivery: After receiving your scores online or at the test centre, you can select the programs to send your exam scores to, and every Official Score report will only show one exam score, making the score sending process easier and more streamlined.
GMAT Focus Edition Quantitative Reasoning
The section in question is different from Data Sufficiency questions and is designed to evaluate your proficiency in algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge, as well as your ability to apply this knowledge in problem-solving scenarios. In GMAT quantitative reasoning ection, you will be presented with 21 Problem Solving questions that require you to utilise logical reasoning and analytical skills, in addition to your foundational maths knowledge, to arrive at a solution.
Important points:
- A candidate will need to apply their knowledge of maths principles and concepts to real-world situations.
- The use of a calculator is not allowed while working on this section.
- It is important to have a solid grasp of basic maths principles and concepts in order to succeed in this section.
- To arrive at the correct solution, the candidates will need to approach each problem methodically and logically.
- Candidates will also need to accurately interpret the questions and understand what is being asked.
GMAT Focus Edition Verbal Reasoning
This section does not include Sentence Correction questions anymore. Instead, it evaluates your capacity to understand written material, reason, and assess arguments through 23 Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions. The Reading Comprehension questions test your ability to grasp words and statements, comprehend the logical relationships between significant points, make inferences, and follow the development of quantitative concepts. These questions in GMAT verbal reasoning will specifically examine your skills in identifying the main and supporting ideas, making inferences, applying knowledge, assessing the logical structure, and analysing the writing style.
Important points:
- GMAT Critical Reasoning questions test a candidate's ability to make and evaluate arguments and devise or evaluate a plan of action.
- These questions usually come in the form of short reading passages, which are typically under 100 words.
- The passages are accompanied by a question that requires you to identify which of the five answer options strengthens or weakens an argument, identifies flaws in the argument, or provides strong support or damages the argument.
- Answering these questions does not require specialised knowledge of the subject matter.
GMAT Focus Edition Data Insights
The new "Data Insights" section of the GMAT will incorporate concepts from the integrated reasoning and data sufficiency topics covered in the previous syllabus. The newly added GMAT data insights syllabus is designed to evaluate your ability to analyze and interpret data at the real-world business levels. You will face a total of 20 data insights questions in GMAT focus edition.
Important points:
- Data Insights section evaluates ability to analyse and interpret data.
- Critical skill for success in business world
- Section draws from integrated reasoning and data sufficiency topics
- GMAC ensures new section aligns with skills and competencies valued by business schools
Note: The 'Data Insights' topic will replace the 'analytical writing assessment' section from the fourth quarter of this year and the current version of the syllabus will be entirely ruled out in the first quarter of 2024.
The question types you'll find on Data Insights section are:
- Data Sufficiency: GMAT data sufficiency section measures your ability to analyse a quantitative problem, recognize which data is relevant and determine at what point there is enough data to solve the problem.
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Measures your ability to examine data from multiple sources including text passages, tables, graphics, or some combination of the three—and to analyse each source of data carefully to answer multiple questions. Some questions will require you to recognize discrepancies among different sources of data, while others will ask you to draw inferences, or require you to determine whether data is relevant.
- Table Analysis: Measures your ability to sort and analyse a table of data, similar to a spreadsheet, in order to determine what information is relevant or meets certain conditions.
- Graphics Interpretation: Measures your ability to interpret the information presented in a graph or other graphical image (scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution) to discern relationships, and make inferences.
- Two-Part Analysis: Measures your ability to solve complex problems. GMAT two part analysis could be quantitative, verbal, or some combination of both. The format is intentionally versatile to cover a wide range of content. Your ability to evaluate trade-offs, solve simultaneous equations, and discern relationships between two entities is measured.
GMAT Score Pattern
The scoring pattern of GMAT has been changed, the raw score ranges from 60 to 90 level for each 3 sections. GMAT total score is calculated on a scale of 205 to 805 level, previously it ranges from 200 to 800 scale. Achieving a score of 725+ can help you to get admission to some of the top business schools worldwide.
| Sections | Score Range | Scoring Patten |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60-90 | Uses intervals of 1 and the standard error of measurement is 3 points. |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60-90 | Uses intervals of 1 and the standard error of measurement is 3 points. |
| Data Insights | 60-90 | Uses intervals of 1 and the standard error of measurement is 3 points. |
| Total Score | 205-805 | Uses intervals of 10 and the standard error of measurement is 30-40 points. |
GMAT Preparation Tips
Interested test takers always believe that proper preparation for GMAT is required to score the highest. Few preparation tips for GMAT are as follows
- Start practising for GMAT at least 6-7 months before the scheduled date and get hold of the GMAT syllabus pdf
- Always study one section of the exam daily and find necessary weaknesses out of it
- Go for the best GMAT Preparation Books for practice papers, latest questions and further guidance.
- In the beginning, find out the basic strengths and weaknesses of subjects
- Improve quantitative skills and try practising calculations mentally to save time
- Focus on time management for a better result in GMAT
- Get a proper idea about the exam pattern of the GMAT
- Practice one mock test a week to pace up with the preparation
- Practice is the main key to scoring the best score on GMAT
Each of the sections of GMAT examination pattern examines your abilities and skills in real-world business situations. Having a better understanding of the updated GMAT test pattern is important to begin your preparation. Top business schools in India or worldwide require and 720+ GMAT score for their admission process.
FAQs
Ques: What is the GMAT exam pattern?
Ans: GMAT exam pattern is designed to evaluate your skills and abilities in real-world business scenarios. Your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and data insight skills will be examined on GMAT exam pattern.
Ques: Is GMAT tougher than CAT?
Ans: GMAT and CAT both are designed for admission into the top MBA colleges. The difficulty level of the exam varies by individual, but most candidates consider GMAT easier than CAT.
Ques: What is the new format for the GMAT 2024?
Ans: GMAT new format made some major changes to its exam format, time, and scoring pattern. The new format of GMAT consists of 3 sections, and you will be allocated 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam. The total score of GMAT updated exam pattern ranges from 205 to 805 scale.
Ques: What is the new version of the GMAT?
Ans: The new GMAT version removed the integrated reasoning and analytical writing assessment section. The newly added data insights section is designed to evaluate the candidate’s skills based on real-world business scenarios.
Ques: Is it easy to score 750 in GMAT?
Ans: GMAT total score ranges on a scale of 205 to 805 level. Achieving a score of 750 is not that easy, but candidates with good academic skills and good preparation can easily achieve a higher score.
Ques: Is GMAT is tough?
Ans: The hardness of GMAT syllabus varies by individual. On average, candidates need 2 or 3 months of proper preparation to achieve a good score.
Ques: Is GMAT online or offline?
Ans: You can take GMAT at a test center, or you can also opt for GMAT online test. You need to pay USD 275 for GMAT offline, and USD 300 for GMAT online test.
Ques: Can I give GMAT from home?
Ans: If you are opting for GMAT online test, you can easily take the exam by sitting at your home. You need to meet the environment and equipment requirements to take GMAT at home.
Ques: Is getting 720 in GMAT easy?
Ans: To get admission to some of the top business schools, you need to achieve a 720 score on GMAT. Candidates with good academic skills and proper preparation can easily achieve 720 in GMAT.
Ques: Is GMAT score accepted in IIM?
Ans: GMAT is now accepted in IIM’s for the admission process. Top IIM in India like IIM Bangalore and IIM Ahmedabad requires 720+ GMAT scores.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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If you cancel anytime up to 14 days before your test date, you will receive a USD 50 refund from your registration fee. If you cancel between 15 days and 60 days before your test date, you will receive a refund of USD 75. If you cancel more than 60 days before the appointment, you will receive a USD 100 refund. If you do not show up for the test, you will be responsible for the full exam fee.
The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), frequently called the GMAT essay, consists of a single question. The AWA prompt will ask you to read a brief passage that presents an argument. In your essay, you will explain and critique the argument and the reasoning behind it. The GMAT AWA measures your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written English, to think critically, and to analyze an argument.