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Wondering what are the types of questions asked on the GMAT? You should read this article to get a good idea of the structure of the GMAT and the GMAT question types that appear in the different sections of the test.
What is GMAT?
The GMAT – Graduate Management Admissions Test – is a standard computer-adaptive test conducted by the Graduate Management Council globally. Accepted by over 2300 business schools and nearly 7000 master’s programmes across the world, the GMAT is the most popular and widely taken test for those interested in pursuing a master’s programme in the field of business and management.
One of the major reasons why the admissions committee at top-tier business schools consider the GMAT as part of the admissions requirements is because the exam is designed to gauge your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills are quintessential to succeed in a master’s programme. Hence, this is the reason for the GMAT being considered as the entrance to most MBA programmes for the past 60 years as reported on its official website. Now let’s look at some question types, but before we get to the GMAT question types, let us look at the overall structure of the GMAT.
What is the Structure of the GMAT?
The GMAT is 3 hours and 7 minutes long and is scored on a score range of 200-800. Divided into four sections the GMAT is quite a vigorous experience both in terms of preparing for the test and taking one. The four sections along with their duration and scores are mentioned as follows:
- Analytical Writing Assessment
The analytical writing assessment is a 30-minute-long section where you will be asked to critique an argument presented to you. You are required to organise your thoughts and present them in a cohesive manner. The section is scored on a scale of 0-6 with a 0.5 increment.
- Integrated Reasoning
The integrated reasoning section requires you to analyse data presented in a visual format. You will be provided with 12 MCQs that you need to answer within a duration of 30 minutes. The IR section is scored on a scale of 1-8 with a single-point increment.
- Quantitative Reasoning
The quantitative reasoning section tests your ability to use concepts of mathematics such as number properties and algebra to solve complex problems. With 31 questions to answer within 60 minutes, the GMAT is scored on a scale of 6-51 with a single-point increment.
- Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section like the GMAT is also 60 minutes long and has 36 questions. Scored on a scale of 6-51, the verbal reasoning section gauges your command of the English language. It also analyses how well you can read, comprehend given material, and evaluate arguments.
Now that we know each of the sections of the GMAT tests, let us begin to understand what are the question types that appear on the actual test. The ideal GMAT sample question types for each of the sections would be presented to you in various formats depending on the section. They are as follows:
| Section | Question Type |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | Essay – No word limit; however, needs to be completed within 30 minutes |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 MCQs presented in four ways:
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| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 MCQs presented in two ways:
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| Verbal Reasoning | 36 MCQs presented in three question types:
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Now that you know what the GMAT is, its different sections and the question types asked on the GMAT for each of the sections, you’re better prepared to prepare for the test.
