If you are planning to pursue an MBA abroad, you might’ve already heard a lot about the GMAT exam. If you haven’t, then let’s tell you that the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a global-level computer-adaptive exam. Most b-schools abroad and some in India consider the GMAT scores as an important selection criterion for admission to their master’s programs. Administered by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), this test measures your skills in four subject areas — Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing.
If you are planning to appear for the GMAT exam, it is important for you to be well aware of the syllabus of the exam. This will help you plan and prepare for the exam accordingly. As mentioned earlier, the GMAT syllabus comprises four sections. All the sections of the GMAT are scored and timed separately. All together you will get 3 hours 30 minutes to complete the exam, with two optional 8-minute breaks.
Below is a table that will give you a brief overview of the syllabus.
| Section | Time duration | What does it test? |
| Analytical Writing Assessment or AWA | 30 min for one writing task | The GMAT AWA measures your ability to critique a given argument and communicate your ideas through an English essay. The score range is 0-6, with increments of 0.5. |
| Integrated Reasoning (IR) | 30 min for 12 questions | The GMAT IR section assesses your ability to evaluate data presented in multiple formats such as charts, tables or graphs. Four types of questions asked in this section include Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Multi-source Reasoning and Two-part Analysis. |
| Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 62 min for 31 questions | The section tests your ability to logically and analytically solve the math problems. Two types of questions are asked in this section — Problem-solving and Data Sufficiency. |
| Verbal Reasoning (VR) | 65 min for 36 questions | The Verbal section measures your ability to read and comprehend a written prompt, evaluate arguments and identify grammatical and structural errors. Three types of questions asked in this section include Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. |
Now that you have a basic understanding of the GMAT syllabus, there is another topic that you need to be aware of is the GMAT eligibility before you register yourself. Let’s take a look at the same.
GMAT Eligibility
If you have decided to take the GMAT exam, it is imperative that you know the Eligibility criteria for the test. Having a thorough understanding of GMAT eligibility helps avoid confusions during the application process. As per GMAC, the controlling body of GMAT, there are no such GMAT eligibility criteria for taking the exam. However, there are some conditions that have to be fulfilled before applying for the examination. Let’s take a look at those.
- Age – The minimum age limit for taking the exam is 18 years. However, you can take the exam even if your age is between 13-17 years, provided you submit a consent letter from your parents. There is no upper age limit.
- Academic Qualification – GMAC has not set any fixed prerequisites regarding the qualifications you need to have in order to take the test.
- Nationality – You can take the GMAT exam, regardless of your nationality. However, you might have to submit valid ID proofs to prove your nationality at the time of the exam. Besides, the ID requirements are different for different countries.
- Academic Grades – Your academic grades will not defer your eligibility to appear for the GMAT exam. GMAC has not set any cut-off marks/grades to appear for the test.
- Work Experience – You can take the GMAT exam regardless of your working status. Work experience is not mandatory for taking the exam.
- Number of Attempts – You can retake the exam for a maximum of five times in a one year period. However, there should be at least a 16 days gap between two consecutive retakes. Likewise, your lifetime limit of retakes is eight.
We hope you found this article on the GMAT syllabus and eligibility helpful!
