GMAT Syllabus 2024: Exam pattern

The 2024 GMAT syllabus tests students’ analytical and logical skills through verbal, quantitative, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing.

During the 3.5 hours of the GMAT test, candidates must answer questions in the computer-adaptive form, with the level of difficulty changing according to the level of proficiency.

The main objective of the GMAT exam pattern is to assess critical thinking ability, argument evaluation ability, and data interpretation ability.

Recent changes in GMAT question pattern

There were some changes in the GMAT syllabus compared to the GMAT syllabus of previous years in terms of question patterns. We extracted the following points to help aspirants understand the changes:

  1. The GMAT mathematics syllabus consists of pure thinking questions;
  2. Conversion questions will be added to the new GMAT syllabus;
  3. Adding a fixed question that contains terms like “both”, “neither” or “both”.
  4. Presence of coordinate geometry in the GMAT geometry section of the GMAT syllabus;

There was also a major change in the GMAT online exam and syllabus that made it the “Extended Online GMAT Exam” – the addition of the GMAT AWA section.

Eligibility Criteria for GMAT

GMAC, the governing body of the GMAT, has not set any specific requirements for taking the GMAT exam.

However, candidates wishing to take the exam must ensure that they meet the admissions criteria of the specific university/college to which they wish to be admitted. These include:

1. Age Limit: Although there is no upper age limit, the candidate wishing to take the exam must be at least 18 years old. However, candidates in the 13 to 17 age group may also appear for the examination with written permission from their parents or guardians.

2. Educational Qualifications: There is no official statement from GMAC regarding the minimum qualifications required of candidates. However, candidates must have a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university in order to enroll in the MBA program.

3. Number of Attempts: Candidates may attempt the GMAT up to a total of 8 times. However, in a given calendar year, the number of attempts may not exceed five times.

In addition, there must be at least 16 days between two attempts. Also, once a candidate achieves the perfect score of 800, they must wait five years to retake the exam.

4. Re-Registration for the Test: GMAT candidates who do not perform well on the test may re-register for the test. The GMAT score is valid for five years, and candidates who have not enrolled in a graduate program during that period may reapply for the entrance exam.

GMAT Registration

GMAT candidates can register for the test either online or by contacting one of the testing centers, by fax, by mail, or by mail.

To register online, a GMAT candidate must create a free account on the GMAT official website by entering their personal information such as name, contact number, and email ID.

Candidates wishing to register offline may register for the test by calling GMAT Customer Service in their respective region/zone.

GMAT fee structure

Candidates wishing to appear for the GMAT exam must pay an application fee. The registration fee for the exam is $250. There are three payment methods available for paying GMAT exam fees, including:

  1. Debit/Credit Cards
  2. Money Orders
  3. Checks

GMAT Syllabus for Quant Section 

The quant GMAT syllabus does not require a concept beyond high school-level math, as there are numerous candidates with liberal arts backgrounds. The quantitative GMAT syllabus consists of two main question types:

  1. GMAT Problem Solving with around 18-20 questions and tests in the areas of algebra, geometry and arithmetic. Problem-solving questions in the GMAT measure skills, showing how well test-takers use rational approaches to solve each critical situation;
  2. GMAT data sufficiency with approximately 11-13 questions and presents a two-statement task that requires the candidate to decide whether the statement given is sufficient to solve the task in the question.

    Method of elimination, solution of purpose and individual suitability are some of the tips to prepare to improve the GMAT syllabus for MBA on data sufficiency.

The GMAT quantitative reasoning syllabus does not allow the use of a calculator on this portion of the test. So it’s very important to brush up on your number sense, especially if you haven’t worked with numbers in a while. With the right GMAT quant books, candidates can also excel in quant skills.

  • Arithmetic: pre-algebra/exponents and roots/percentages/set theory
  • Geometry: Algebra/Fractions/Simple and Compound Interest/Coordinate Geometry
  • Properties of numbers: permutation and combination/decimals/ratio and proportion/probability

GMAT Verbal Syllabus

The GMAT oral syllabus measures the test-taker’s ability to interpret and read the abstract given to answer the questions given. This section is required to review the likely use of Efficient English as needed.

The verbal reasoning section of the GMAT syllabus consists of three types of questions:

  1. Reading comprehension questions give you a short (200-300 words) or long (300-400 words) passage and then answer three or four multiple choice questions based on the conclusions.

    You would be tested on the following reading skills: conclusion, application, main idea, idea support, logical structure and style.
  2. Critical thinking questions present an argument that you then analyze, which measures your ability to make arguments, evaluate arguments, and formulate or evaluate a plan of action. There are eight different types of CR questions, all of which are multiple choices.
  3. Sentence correction problems present you with a sentence. Part of this sentence is underlined and you need to decide if it is a grammatical problem. If yes, select one of four alternatives to the underlined part.

Topics covered in the Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT are:

  • Critical thinking: subject-verb agreement
  • The rhetorical construction of sentences: Misplace modifiers
  • Sentence correction including finding errors or omissions: Countable vs. Uncountable

The GMAT Verbal syllabus can be surpassed by practicing numerous GMAT Verbal practice papers, reading 40-50 pages thoroughly per day, and learning vocabulary from flashcards.
With GMAT Verbal Books, candidates are given a large number of verbal practice questions and concepts to be clarified.

GMAT Syllabus for the Integrated Reasoning section

GMAT IR tests your higher-order reasoning through the Integrative Reasoning section, which includes questions about integrating information (organizing, synthesizing), evaluating information (compromising and benefiting from various actions), reasoning about data (and predicting it), and relating other data and strategy development based on the data provided.

The total number of questions included in the IR’s GMAT test syllabus is 12 with a duration of 30 minutes.

The GMAT syllabus for the Integrated Reasoning section includes the following topics:

  1. The GMAT Table Analysis measures your ability to sort and analyze a table of data like a spreadsheet to determine the information that is significant or that meets certain conditions.
  2. The GMAT two-part analysis measures your ability to solve complex problems, including verbal, quantitative, or a combination of both.

    The two-part analysis measures your ability to solve simultaneous equations, evaluate tradeoffs, and recognize relationships between two entities.
  3. GMAT Multi-Source Reasoning requires examining data from multiple tables, graphs, passages of text, or a combination of all three, and carefully analyzing each data source to answer multiple questions.

    Therefore, candidates will be asked to draw conclusions, and others may require you to determine whether data is important.
  4. GMAT graph interpretation requires you to interpret the information presented on a chart or graph (scatter plot, x/y plot, bar graph, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution) to find relationships and draw conclusions that will ultimately help you with the analysis of business development.

GMAT Syllabus for Assessment of Analytical writing

AWA’s GMAT syllabus tests the candidate’s writing skills in response to an argument. You write a response, usually 4 to 6 paragraphs, evaluating the argument.

The logic here is to test your ability to think critically about the opinions presented to you. Also, analyze the information to see what information might help you evaluate the argument in more depth.

The following is useful in the Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT:

  • Brainstorm
  • Writing an introduction
  • Write body paragraphs
  • Completion of your essay

There are two types of essays that may be required in the GMAT syllabus:

  1. In an argument essay, you have to analyze the argument and then present your argument. It all depends on how well founded your reasoning is.
  2. In the Topic Essay section, you need to write an essay on the topic given to you. It should be around 600 words and the opinion can support the statement given or candidates can express their own opinion.

The best way to prepare for GRE AWA is through constant practice of GMAT analytical writing syllabus books, but since this will not contribute to your GMAT score, it is important to keep it at the lowest priority.

GMAT Exam Pattern

GMAT is a 3 hour and 30-minute adaptive computer test with 80 questions. The test consists of four sections and each section is measured and scored separately

GMAT Exam 2024 Preparation Tips

Most GMAT 2024 contenders must be wondering how to prepare for this crucial exam. To help, we’ve put together some tips to jump-start your GMAT preparation. Continue reading.

  • Create a Study Plan: It is important that you create a study plan to prepare for the GMAT 2024 exam. Structure your plan so that you can allocate enough time for each section of the exam.
  • Start early and practice more: Once you’ve chosen a preferred exam date, start studying regularly and enroll in a coaching class for extra support.
  • Understand the exam template: If you want to take the GMAT exam, you need to have a good understanding of the exam template. This will familiarize you with the syllabus, the type of questions asked, and the scoring pattern of the test.

    Understanding the syllabus will also help you identify your weaker areas. Once you are aware of the sections that need additional preparation, you can work on them consistently and master them.

How to Apply For GMAT 2024?

  1. Set up an account on mba.com by clicking on the login button in the top right corner.
  2. Candidates who wish to take the GMAT exam should go to the website and fill out the GMAT 2024 registration form. The exam is taken in online format, so registration is required.
  3. Candidates must fill out all relevant information on the portal. If the information is missing, the application form will be rejected.
  4. Students must provide their telephone number and e-mail address when registering. These two channels are used to send all important communications and alerts. So double check everything before submitting the form.
  5. Candidates must also select exam dates based on available slots.
  6. Candidates have the opportunity to choose up to three different exam locations. Only select a location that is accessible on the exam date.
  7. Add a passport photo and your digital signature to the form. The size is indicated on the online site.
  8. Submit the registration form once all the details are filled. The information will be sent to the mobile phone number and e-mail address provided during registration.

Exam Tips for GMAT Candidates

  1. Create a strategy to cover the entire GMAT course.
  2. Don’t get stuck on a single question.
  3. Track your time and practice each part.
  4. Set aside as many hours of study as possible.
  5. Select the appropriate learning materials.
  6. Enroll in coaching classes as needed.
  7. Be patient and put in extra practice time.

Conclusion

GMAT is an integral part of an MBA aspirant’s B-School dreams. Therefore, it is important that a candidate is prepared for the exam.

We hope this article clears any doubts regarding the overall GMAT syllabus, eligibility criteria, fee structure, registration process, etc. Also, keep an eye out for GMAT notifications to keep you up to date with all the information.

References

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