The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is used as a selection criterion for MBA admissions in reputed business management schools. There are two types of test, computer-based test and paper-based test. The fee for this test is U.S. $250. The computer-adaptive test version of the GMAT is most popular today and paper based tests are conducted only in those locations where facilities are not available for conducting computer based test.

Structure of the GMAT test contains an Introductory Computer Tutorial; Analytical Writing Assessment; Quantitative Section and Verbal Section. There is no time limit for computer tutorial but all other tests should be completed within the given timeframe.

Analytical Writing Assessment is for 60 minutes and contains two parts such as Analysis of an Argument (30 minutes) and Analysis of an Issue (30 minutes).Quantitative Section is for 75 minutes and contains two tests such as Problem Solving (23 to 24 questions) and Data Sufficiency (13 to 14 questions). Verbal Section is for 75 minutes and contains three tests such as Critical Reasoning (14 to 15 questions); Reading Comprehension (4 passages with 12 to 14 questions) and Sentence Correction (14 to 15 questions). Maximum testing time allowed is 3 hours and 40 minutes.

The normal order of test is, AWA first, followed by either the quantitative or verbal section. Since GMAT is now a computer-based test, only one question will be seen on computer at any given time.

The purpose of AWA is to assess the analytical and communication skills of the candidate. In quantitative section of the test, problem solving questions are used to test the candidate’s comprehension on mathematical concepts while data sufficiency questions are used to test his reasoning ability.

During verbal section of the test, sentence correction questions are designed to test candidate’s language skills in written English. Critical reasoning questions are designed to test the critical thinking skills of the candidate while reading comprehension questions are meant to test the candidate’s language comprehensive ability.