Graduate Management Admission Test
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized, computer-adaptive standardized test administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It is specifically designed for admission intoMBA,PGDM, and othermanagement programs across business schools worldwide—including the US, UK, Europe, Canada, Singapore, and India.
The GMAT is widely considered the gold standard for evaluating candidates for graduate management education. Top B-schools often use GMAT scores as a strong predictor of a candidate’s ability to handle academic rigor and business decision-making under pressure.
The GMAT is best suited for:
Unlike the GRE, which is multidisciplinary, the GMAT istailored specifically for business school applicants, making it the preferred choice for competitive B-school admissions and enhancing your application credibility.
AtEthos Education, we offer full-spectrum guidance for GMAT preparation—from diagnostic assessments and one-on-one mentoring to mock tests, application alignment, and interview prep. Whether you’re aiming for top IIMs or global B-schools, we’re your partner in this journey.
TheGMAT Focus Edition (updated version of the traditional GMAT) is shorter and more refined, with a strong emphasis on skills that matter most in today’s business world—problem-solving, data literacy, and verbal reasoning.
| Exam Structure | ||||
| Section | Duration | No. of Questions | Type of Questions | Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 45 minutes | 21 | MCQs | Arithmetic, algebra, data sufficiency |
| Verbal Reasoning | 45 minutes | 23 | MCQs | Reading comprehension, critical reasoning |
| Data Insights | 45 minutes | 20 | MCQs, multi-source reasoning | Data interpretation, table analysis, logic |
| Total Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes | 64 | Mixed Format | Quantitative, verbal, and analytical reasoning |
The GMAT Focus Edition removed the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Integrated Reasoning sections from the traditional format to focus more clearly on business-relevant competencies.
The GMAT syllabus is divided into three key areas. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Focus: Mathematical problem-solving, numerical reasoning
No calculators are allowed in this section—mental agility is key. At Ethos, our students practice unique shortcut strategies for faster computations.
Focus: Business-level English comprehension and logic
This section tests clarity, coherence, and logic, often found in real-world business documents.
Focus: Interpreting data and visual formats
This section evaluates modern-day decision-making skills using structured and unstructured data.
Registering for the GRE is a simple but detailed online process through the official ETS website. It’s important to follow every step correctly to avoid delays, missed test dates, or invalid registrations.
| How to Register for the GMAT | |
| Sr No. | Step |
|---|---|
| 1. | Visit the Official Portal: mba.com |
| 2. | Create an Account: Use your academic details, ID proof, and email address |
| 3. | Choose GMAT Focus Edition |
| 4. | Select Exam Date & Test Center or Online Mode |
| 5. | Upload a Valid Passport (for Indian students) |
| GMAT Fee Details (2025 – India) | ||
| Component | Estimated Fee (USD) | |
|---|---|---|
| GMAT Focus Edition (Online/Test Center) | $275 | |
| Reschedule (More than 60 days prior) | $55 | |
| Cancellation (More than 60 days prior) | $110 | |
| Additional Score Reports | $35 each | |
| Note:Currency fluctuations and payment gateway charges may apply. | ||
Ethos counselors provide hands-on support with registration, deadline tracking, and profile-linked slot booking strategies.
Booking a GMAT slot is part of the registration, and it’s flexible—applicants can take the examat a test center oronline from home.
| GRE vs GMAT: Comparison Table | ||
| Aspect | GRE (General Test) | GMAT (Focus Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | ETS (Educational Testing Service) | GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) |
| Target Audience | Master’s (STEM, Arts, Humanities, MBA, Ph.D.) | MBA, Executive MBA, and other business/management programs |
| Test Duration | ~1 hr 58 mins | ~2 hrs 15 mins |
| Sections | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights |
| Scoring Scale | 260–340 (Verbal + Quant); AWA scored separately (0–6) | 205–805 (combined scale) |
| Adaptiveness | Section-level adaptive (performance in the first module sets difficulty of the second) | Question-level adaptive (difficulty adjusts after each response) |
| Writing Section | Yes – Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) | No – AWA removed in Focus Edition |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Popularity in B-Schools | Accepted widely, including some MBA programs (esp. in the US & Europe) | Preferred choice for MBA & business schools worldwide |
| Exam Frequency | Multiple dates year-round (computer-based, at home or test center) | Available year-round; scheduling depends on center/online availability |
| Flexibility in Score Reporting | ScoreSelect: choose which test scores to send | Official Score Report: includes full test; optional Enhanced Score Report (ESR) gives performance insights (no selective score sending like GRE) |