GMAT 2024: Fees, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, and Preparation Tips

What is GMAT?

The GMAT entrance exam is designed to assess candidates' analytical ability in quantitative and verbal reasoning. Although the GMAT exam is designed for MBA studies, students do not need to prepare anything related to management. The GMAT assesses the basic math and verbal skills required to survive as a B-school faculty. Therefore, students without a management background need not worry about GMAT preparation. GMAT is designed to test the logical skills of students who may attempt this entrance exam. 

Who takes the GMAT?

Prospective MBA students applying to business schools usually take the GMAT exam. A good GMAT score can increase your chances of getting into top programs and getting scholarships.

GMAT 2024: Key Highlights

GMAT Eligibility 2024

GMAC (the governing body of GMAT) has therefore not specified GMAT eligibility criteria for GMAT Focus Edition. Students who wish to apply for graduate business courses can only be admitted if they submit a GMAT score if required by the institution.

You also do not need to meet educational requirements to prove eligibility when you sign up for GMAT Focus Edition. However, the candidate may be asked when and where he will graduate and also complete the course.

1. Applicant must be 18 years of age. There is no age limit for GMAT-eligible candidates.
2. If the applicant is between 13-17 years of age, he must have written permission (NOC) from his parents or legal guardian.
3. GMAC has not announced an official statement regarding the GMAT eligibility requirements to appear for the GMAT exam.

GMAT Exam Fee Structure

The fee for the GMAT exam in India is USD 300 for the online format and USD 275 for the exam center GMAT exam. Also, if candidates want to reschedule or cancel their GMAT exam, they have to pay an additional fee. Applicants who do not take the test will be charged the full GMAT test fee. Here is the breakdown of the GMAT exam fee for Indian students who are taking the exam soon: 

Additional Fees to Consider

Although the registration fee covers the main exam, there may be additional costs depending on your situation:

1. Score reporting: Sending GMAT scores to other schools after the initial five free choices must be paid a reporting fee.
2. Rescheduling: Changing the exam date after registration may result in a rescheduling fee.
3. Late Registration: Late registration usually incurs a late fee.
4. Materials: The purchase of official GMAT preparation materials, such as e.g. e.g. practice tests or study guides, may add to the cost.

GMAT Exam 2024 Slot Booking

To take the GMAT test, applicants must select the GMAT test dates before applying for the GMAT test. Reserving a GMAT seat means choosing a suitable seat for the GMAT exam. Reserving your GMAT seat is important to understand when you should appear for the GMAT exam. Booking dates is called departure booking. So candidates must first understand the registration details about the Graduate Management Test and log in to create an account only then can they book the GMAT exam seat.

Steps to Book GMAT Exam Slot

If you are going to appear on GMAT Focus, you need to check the GMAT exam locations and you can check it as follows:

1. Register on the official website and create an account.
2. After creating an account, you add your address.
3. A window will open where you can select your GMAT exam location. Once you have selected the dates, confirm and select a time.
4. Pay the fee and take the GMAT at your chosen GMAT test location.

GMAT Syllabus 2024

The GMAT Focus Edition tutorial tests the candidate's ability on various parameters. Additionally, the GMAT syllabus has three sections:

1. Quantitative Aptitude consists of Arithmetic and Algebraic Mathematics.
2. Oral reasoning consists of questions related to critical thinking and reading comprehension.
3. Data Insights is a set of questions that test data analysis skills.

Since the introduction of the latest version of GMAT, also called GMAT Focus Edition, there has been a reduction in time and one whole section. Now, based on pure logic and the application of rules, candidates have only a smaller number of questions to answer. If you want more information, you can check out the GMAT training program.

GMAT 2024 Preparation

Studying independently and effectively requires some good GMAT books and resources as well as study material, motivation and self-discipline. On the other hand, if time is limited and you feel the need for professional training to give you a competitive edge in your GMAT preparation, joining a GMAT tutoring center is a better option.

GMAT Sectional Prep Tips 2024 

The following is a section-by-section brief description of the GMAT Focus Edition preparation:

1. Quantitative Section: The Quantitative Section measures candidates' basic math skills. This is where exercise is key.
2. Oral part: The oral part measures the candidate's ability to read and understand written material. In this case, the applicant's ability to read and speak the language is important.
3. Data: This section is about understanding data and accurately analyzing it. Again, practising with different formats and data types is key.

GMAT 2024 Exam Pattern

The latest GMAT exam has a brand new pattern. The GMAT Focus Edition model is simple and clearly defined by GMAC. The Focus Edition GMAT test paper has three sections divided into 2 hours and 15 minutes. GMAT Focus follows the exam pattern given below:

GMAT 2024 Test Centres

For those who want to perform together, there are 110 Focus Edition test centres. Based on the nearest location, candidates can select their GMAT Focus Edition centre and appear for the exam. All major cities in India have GMAT Focus Edition test centres. If the exam centre is not available, candidates should try another exam day or another exam centre. Once the state/city is selected, you can check date availability at the nearest GMAT test centre.

Key Factors to Consider:

Proximity: Choose a test centre that is conveniently located to avoid travel stress.

Availability: Check for test centre availability on your preferred exam dates.

Reviews: Consider reading reviews about the test centre's facilities and services.

Frequently Asked Questions (F&Q)

Ques. What is the GMAT exam and why is it important?
Ans. The GMAT is a standardized test used by business schools to assess applicants' analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. It's a crucial component of most MBA applications.

Ques. What is the format of the GMAT exam?
Ans. The GMAT Focus Edition consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The total duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Ques. How is the GMAT scored?
Ans. The GMAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800.

Ques. How many times can I take the GMAT?
Ans. You can take the GMAT up to five times within a 12-month period and eight times total.

Ques. How can I prepare for the GMAT?
Ans. Effective preparation includes understanding the exam format, practicing with official GMAT materials, building strong fundamentals in math and English, and developing effective test-taking strategies.

Ques. What are the best GMAT preparation materials?
Ans. The Official GMAT Guide is the most recommended resource. Other options include online courses, practice tests, and tutoring.