GMAT Preparation : Tips, Book, Study Material

GMAT exam duration is 2 hours 15 minutes with 10 minute optional break. GMAT exam has 3 sections namely Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. Key highlights of GMAT paper structure are as shared below:

Business schools worldwide use GMAT scores as part of their admissions process to evaluate applicants' academic abilities and potential for success in graduate business programs.

Let’s understand the Section wise Preparation tips for GMAT exam as it will help to improve the GMAT preparation
 
2.1 Section-1: Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
This section assessed algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge and how you apply this knowledge to solve problems. It is composed of 21 Problem Solving questions. These types of questions require some knowledge of arithmetic and elementary algebra. Answering these questions correctly relies on logic and analytical skills, not the underlying math skills. You cannot use a calculator while working on this section.

2.2 Section-2: Verbal Reasoning
This section measures your ability to read and comprehend written material and to reason and evaluate arguments. It is composed of 23 Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions. 

The question types you'll find on this section are:

• Reading Comprehension: Reading Comprehension questions measure your ability to understand words and statements, understand logical relationships between significant points, draw inferences, and follow the development of quantitative concepts. Specifically, the following reading skills will be tested: main idea, supporting idea, inference, application, logical structure, and style.
• Critical Reasoning: Critical Reasoning questions measure your ability to make arguments, evaluate arguments, and formulate or evaluate a plan of action. Critical Reasoning questions are based on a short reading passage, usually fewer than 100 words. Typically, the short text comes with a question that asks you which of the five answer options strengthens or weakens an argument, tells why the argument is flawed, or strongly supports or damages the argument. You will not need specialized knowledge of the subject matter to answer the questions.

2.3 Section-3: Data Insights
The Data Insights section measures candidates’ ability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. It also measures digital and data literacy—one of the most relevant and in-demand skills in business today.  

It is composed of 20 questions that ask you to assess how multiple sources and types of information – including graphic, numeric, and verbal – relate to one another and can be leveraged to make informed decisions. Questions may require math, data analysis, verbal reasoning, or all three. You can use an on-screen calculator while working on this section.

The question types you'll find on this section are:

• Data Sufficiency: Measures your ability to analyze a quantitative problem, recognize which data is relevant, and determine at what point there is enough data to solve the problem.
• Multi-Source Reasoning: Measures your ability to examine data from multiple sources including text passages, tables, graphics, or some combination of the three—and to analyze each source of data carefully to answer multiple questions. Some questions will require you to recognize discrepancies among different sources of data, while others will ask you to draw inferences, or require you to determine whether data is relevant.
• Table Analysis: Measures your ability to sort and analyze a table of data, similar to a spreadsheet, in order to determine what information is relevant or meets certain conditions.
• Graphics Interpretation: Measures your ability to interpret the information presented in a graph or other graphical image (scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution) to discern relationships, and make inferences.
• Two-Part Analysis: Measures your ability to solve complex problems. They could be quantitative, verbal, or some combination of both. The format is intentionally versatile to cover a wide range of content. Your ability to evaluate trade-offs, solve simultaneous equations, and discern relationships between two entities is measured. 

3.1 Section-1 Quantitative Reasoning Preparation

• This section measures your algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge and how you apply this knowledge to solve problems.
• The section is composed of 21 Problem Solving questions.
• The questions in this section would require some knowledge of arithmetic and elementary algebra. Answering these questions correctly relies on logic and analytical skills, and not only on the underlying math skills
• You cannot use a calculator while working on this section.

3.2 Section-2: Verbal Reasoning Preparation

• This section no longer contains Sentence Correction (SC) questions
• This section measures your ability to read and comprehend written material and to reason and evaluate arguments
• VR in GMAT Exam is composed of 23 Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions
• Reading Comprehension questions measure your ability to understand words and statements, understand logical relationships between significant points, draw inferences, and follow the development of quantitative concepts
• Specifically, the following reading skills will be tested: main idea, supporting idea, inference, application, logical structure, and style.
• Critical Reasoning questions measure your ability to make arguments, evaluate arguments, and formulate or evaluate a plan of action
• Critical Reasoning questions are based on a short reading passage of fewer than 100 words
• The short text comes with a question that asks you which of the five answer options strengthens or weakens an argument, tells why the argument is flawed, or strongly supports or damages the argument
• You will not need specialized knowledge of the subject matter to answer the questions.

3.3 Section-3: Data Insights Preparation

• The Data Insights section measures candidates’ ability to analyze and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios
• Data Insights section leverages Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency question types to measure a newly calibrated digital and data literacy dimension—one of the most relevant and in-demand skills in business today  
• GMAT Data Insights section is composed of 20 questions that ask you to assess how multiple sources and types of information – including graphic, numeric, and verbal – relate to one another and can be leveraged to make informed decisions
• Questions may require math, data analysis, verbal reasoning, or all three
• You can use an on-screen calculator while working on this section.

The question types you'll find on this section are:

• Data Sufficiency: Measures your ability to analyze a quantitative problem, recognize which data is relevant, and determine at what point there is enough data to solve the problem.
• Multi-Source Reasoning: Measures your ability to examine data from multiple sources including text passages, tables, graphics, or some combination of the three—and to analyze each source of data carefully to answer multiple questions. Some questions will require you to recognize discrepancies among different sources of data, while others will ask you to draw inferences, or require you to determine whether data is relevant
• Table Analysis: Measures your ability to sort and analyze a table of data, similar to a spreadsheet, in order to determine what information is relevant or meets certain conditions
• Graphics Interpretation: Measures your ability to interpret the information presented in a graph or other graphical image (scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution) to discern relationships, and make inferences
• Two-Part Analysis: Measures your ability to solve complex problems. They could be quantitative, verbal, or some combination of both. The format is intentionally versatile to cover a wide range of content. Your ability to evaluate trade-offs, solve simultaneous equations, and discern relationships between two entities is measured.

Before we talk about study plan and GMAT study material, you should be clear about what is your GMAT goal? A good GMAT score is 700+, from a total of 800. But if you want to get into IVY League B-schools like Harvard Business School, Chicago Booth, Wharton etc…then you must target 740+. You can achieve this with a 12-weeks of GMAT study plan. Check the Study Tips to Prepare for the GMAT Exam from experts and our suggested GMAT Preparation plan as below:
 
Week-1

• The ‘What’: Make yourself familiar with the exam pattern and structure.
• The ‘How’: Research about the exam from GMAT website mba.com. Use the free GMAT Official Guide and the GMAT Official Starter Kit. Learn the basic GMAT preparation tips to prepare well, and ideally attempt one of the two free Practice Exams.

Weeks 2 and 3
This would be the time that the candidate should ideally devote to the initial foundational practice of the different topics across all sections.

• The ‘What’: Practice more and accordingly revise the study plan.
• The ‘How’: Solve and attempt the first 1/3 of the practice questions in every section of the Official Guide. Also, determine your strong and weak points and devise a strategy for the coming two weeks in detail. Involve yourself into engaging in the continuous process of betterment as far as question-solving approaches are concerned.

Weeks 4 and 5
You should dedicate Week 4 & 5 to a continuous review and evaluation of the progress made through study plans and also through test scores.

• The ‘What’: Evaluate the progress, both individually and also preferably through your mentor.
• The ‘How’: Create and manage question sets based on the particular category and level of difficulty and practice accordingly. Attempt the second free Practice Exam. Analyze the exam result and apply any necessary changes in the study plan accordingly.

Weeks 6 and 7
These weeks would be crucial to the overall score improvement as it is here that the candidate should finally start inculcating the ‘time factor’, while solving chapter-based questions, and also section-based questions.

• The ‘What’: Time management is the key, so focus on the same.
• The ‘How’: In order to fulfill the objective of this week, start using a timer while solving individual questions and also practice tests. Try and create your own version of practice tests from the GMAT Official Guide, and also time them properly.

Weeks 8 and 9
Now you should be dedicated ideally to evaluate the time constraint based solving of section-wise and test-wise questions, and hence reviewing the study plan accordingly, if necessary.

• The ‘What’: Assess the progress, especially after the proposed time constraints.
• The ‘How’: Continue testing yourself with the timed practice tests and start to focus the learning in the specific areas identified through the analysis of tests. Attempt one more mock exam, preferably the Practice exam-3 from the Official Kit, and then adjust the further 2-week plan accordingly.

Week-10

• The ‘What’: Start to build your confidence as you start to move towards the end of the preparation phase.
• The ‘How’: Analyze the questions in the attempted practice tests, especially the wrongly attempted ones. Utilize the 90 practice questions available in the Official Starter Kit and extra questions as available in the Official Guide.

Week-11

• The ‘What’: Evaluate your preparation and readiness.
• The ‘How’: It’s now time to attempt another practice test, preferably the Practice exam-4 of the Official Kit. Review and analyze the test to bring out the strength areas and the weak areas clearly. Go through the GMAT Handbook to know what to expect at the test center.

Week-12

• The ‘What’: Check your preparedness level for D-Day.
• The ‘How’: Visit and review the difficult questions and their detailed answer explanations once again. Devise a final strategy that focuses more on strengths. Make sure that all necessary items are ready at least a day in advance and also take proper rest before the D-Day.

It's important to note that the GMAT exam does not require in-depth knowledge of specific subjects like business or economics. Instead, it assesses your ability to reason, analyze information, and solve problems. Familiarizing yourself with the question formats and practicing with sample questions and official GMAT materials will help you prepare effectively for each section. Below are shared the GMAT Preparation Tips section wise:
 
5.1 GMAT Integrated Reasoning Preparation Tips
Preparing for the GMAT Integrated Reasoning (IR) section requires strong understanding of the question types and effective strategies. Below is shared a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for each type of question in the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section:
 
Preparation for Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR):

• Understand the structure: MSR questions present information from multiple sources (e.g., tables, graphs, text) and require you to analyze and draw conclusions.
• Practice data synthesis: Learn to extract relevant information from different sources and integrate it to answer the question.
• Develop critical thinking skills: Focus on identifying key relationships, patterns, and trends across the sources to arrive at the correct answer.

Preparation for Table Analysis:

• Familiarize yourself with different table formats: Practice interpreting and analyzing data presented in tables, such as sorting, filtering, and calculating percentages.
• Identify trends and patterns: Learn to recognize trends, outliers, and relationships within the table data.
• Time management: Develop strategies to quickly scan and comprehend the table information to answer questions efficiently.

Graphics Interpretation:

• Understand the visual representation: Interpret charts, graphs, and diagrams to identify trends, comparisons, and relationships.
• Practice data extraction: Learn to extract specific data points or relationships from the graphical representation.
• Use estimation and approximation: Develop skills to estimate values or proportions based on visual cues rather than precise calculations.

.
Two-Part Analysis:

• Recognize the relationship: Identify the relationship between the two parts of the question and how they interact.
• Evaluate options systematically: Consider each answer choice by testing different scenarios or using logical reasoning to determine the correct response.
• Time management: Allocate sufficient time for each part while considering the overall time limit for the section.

To effectively prepare for the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section, consider the following general tips:

1. Familiarize yourself with the question formats: Understand the structure and requirements of each question type by practicing sample questions from official GMAT preparation materials or reputable test prep resources.
2. Practice time management: Integrated Reasoning has 12 questions to be completed in 30 minutes, so develop strategies to efficiently allocate time for each question. Aim for accuracy and pacing during practice sessions.
3. Review answer explanations: After attempting practice questions, thoroughly review the explanations to understand the reasoning behind correct and incorrect answers. This will help you identify areas for improvement and develop better strategies.
4. Develop data interpretation skills: Work on enhancing your ability to extract relevant information from different sources, analyze it, and draw logical conclusions. This involves practicing with real-world data and refining your data interpretation techniques.
5. Take practice tests: Simulate the actual GMAT experience by taking full-length practice tests. This will help you assess your progress, build stamina, and identify areas that need further improvement.
6. Utilize study resources: Make use of GMAT prep materials, such as official guides, online courses, and practice books, to reinforce your understanding of Integrated Reasoning concepts and practice more questions.

Remember that regular practice, consistent effort, and a strategic approach are key to mastering the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT.
 
5.2 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Reasoning Section 
To effectively prepare for the different types of questions asked in the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section, follow these strategies for each question type:
 
Problem Solving Questions:

• Understand the question: Read the question carefully, identify the information provided, and determine what is being asked.
• Identify the appropriate approach: Determine the most efficient method to solve the problem based on the given information and the available answer choices.
• Solve systematically: Break down the problem into smaller steps and solve it methodically. Double-check your calculations and ensure you answer the question that was asked.
• Practice a variety of problems: Practice solving different types of problem-solving questions, including those related to arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.

Data Sufficiency Questions:
Understand the question format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of data sufficiency questions, which provide a question followed by two statements.

• Evaluate each statement individually: Determine the sufficiency of each statement to answer the question independently. Analyze the given information and avoid making any assumptions beyond what is provided.
• Combine the statements: Determine if both statements together are sufficient to answer the question. Avoid solving the question unless necessary.
• Use the answer choices effectively: Use the answer choices to guide your analysis. Eliminate options based on the sufficiency of the statements.
• Practice data sufficiency questions: Develop familiarity with the different types of data sufficiency questions and practice identifying the sufficiency of each statement.

Word Problems and Applied Mathematics:

• Translate word problems into equations: Break down the word problem into equations or mathematical expressions. Identify the variables, relationships, and constraints.
• Understand real-life scenarios: Relate the problem to a real-life scenario to better grasp the context and apply the appropriate mathematical concepts.
• Apply problem-solving techniques: Utilize problem-solving strategies such as drawing diagrams, making assumptions, using logic, and solving step-by-step.
• Practice word problems across various topics: Work on a wide range of word problems involving topics like ratios, percentages, probability, rate-time-distance, and mixtures.

Geometry Questions:

• Review geometry principles and formulas: Refresh your knowledge of basic geometry principles, such as angles, triangles, circles, polygons, and volume formulas.
• Visualize geometric figures: Practice visualizing and manipulating geometric figures in your mind. Draw diagrams when necessary to aid in problem-solving.
• Apply geometric properties: Recognize geometric properties and relationships to solve problems related to angles, areas, volumes, and similarity.
• Practice geometry questions: Solve a variety of geometry questions to strengthen your understanding and problem-solving skills in this area.

Remember to practice regularly, review your mistakes, and analyze your weak areas to focus on improvement.
 
5.3 Preparation Tips for Verbal Reasoning Section
To effectively prepare for the different types of questions asked in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section, follow these strategies for each question type:
 
Reading Comprehension:

• Improve reading skills: Enhance your reading speed and comprehension by regularly reading articles, essays, and academic passages.
• Identify the main idea: Focus on understanding the main idea, purpose, and tone of the passage.
• Pay attention to structure and organization: Notice the passage's structure, transitions between paragraphs, and the author's logic and argumentation.
• Practice active reading: Highlight or take notes on important details, key arguments, and supporting evidence while reading passages.
• Practice answering questions: Solve a variety of reading comprehension questions to strengthen your ability to identify main ideas, make inferences, and answer specific questions based on the passage.

Sentence Correction:

• Brush up on grammar rules: Review grammar rules and concepts, such as subject-verb agreement, verb tense, parallelism, pronoun usage, modifiers, and idiomatic expressions.
• Develop an ear for correct English: Train yourself to identify grammatically correct and incorrect sentence structures.
• Focus on meaning: Understand the intended meaning of the sentence and how different choices impact clarity, conciseness, and logical flow.
• Eliminate answer choices systematically: Use process of elimination to identify grammatically incorrect or awkward options.
• Practice sentence correction questions: Solve a variety of sentence correction questions to reinforce your understanding of grammar rules and sentence construction.

Critical Reasoning:

• Understand argument structure: Analyze the structure of arguments, including premises, evidence, assumptions, and conclusions.
• Identify the question type: Recognize the type of critical reasoning question being asked, such as strengthen, weaken, assumption, inference, or evaluate the argument.
• Identify key elements: Pay attention to words or phrases that indicate the author's stance, logical flaws, or evidence.
• Evaluate answer choices: Carefully evaluate each answer choice, eliminating options that do not directly address the question or weaken/strengthen the argument.
• Practice critical reasoning questions: Solve a variety of critical reasoning questions to sharpen your analytical skills and ability to evaluate arguments.

Regular practice and exposure to a variety of passages, questions, and essays will help you become familiar with the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section and improve your performance. Utilize official GMAT practice materials, online resources, and practice tests to simulate the exam environment and become comfortable with the question formats. Analyze your mistakes, focus on areas of weakness, and actively work on improving your reading comprehension, grammar, critical thinking, and writing skills.

Different experts would recommend different material and reference books for the GMAT preparation, so here’s a complete list of the best GMAT preparation books and GMAT study material which will guide you to the best possible scores, some are exam specific, while some others are section-specific:

• Three eBooks: GMAT™ Official Guide, Verbal Review, and Quantitative Review (2022 Edition costs you $81.99 which is close to Rs.6600/-) This is the official GMAT preparation guide
• GMAT™ Official Guide 2022: ebook & Online Question Bank (2022 edition costs US$47.99 which is close to Rs.3900/-. This is also the official GMAT preparation book
• GMAT Prep Plus, by Kaplan (this book set has no. of full-length practice tests
• GMAT™ Official Guide Verbal Review: ebook & Online Question Bank (2022 edition costs US$20.99 which is close to Rs.1700/-. This is also the official GMAT preparation book
• GMAT Official Guide Quant Review 2022:ebook & Online Question Bank (2022 edition costs US$20.99 which is close to Rs.1700/-. This is also the official GMAT preparation book

Apart from MBAUniverse.com you can follow these websites for GMAT preparation online:

MBA.com
This is the official website of the GMAT exam. That itself says enough about this website, as it gives access to all the official material, be it the Official Guide, or the Official kit which has the 2 free Practice exams, and 4 other Official Practice exams.

GMAT Club
GMAT Club has a unique format. Instead of just presenting a common structure and questions, they encourage aspirants to interact with former MBA students. They have Global Moderators (volunteers), Current Students, Alumni and GMAT Experts that can provide free help and advice to all members.

Manhattan Prep
They have on offer, a plethora of interactive video courses and also live classes conducted by GMAT instructors and an option of private tutoring if one desires for a one-on-one personalized attention

Beat the GMAT
This is more of a social media networking website of GMAT aspirants. It is used more as a forum where suggestions and pieces of advice by fellow applicants, admission officers at schools, faculty members and consultants.

Kaplan
This website thrives and markets itself as an in-person program provider, which in a way means that lecture delivery, doubt solving and all in class discussions happen live, and are conducted by Kaplan Certified Trainers at LogIQuest.

Though it is not required to have any external coaching for GMAT preparation and to crack the GMAT, but still, if any aspirant feels the need, below is a list of the top educators across India (both offline and online) that have been known to provide quality education with best GMAT preparation material and hence quality results over the years:

Jamboree

• Online Intensive Course: 16,000/-
• Comprehensive course: 22,000/-

TIME 

• Course: 10,000/-
• Superior Course: 20,000/-
• Elite Course: 25,000/-
• Correspondence Course:20,000/-

IVY-GMAT  

• Classroom course:26,000/- 
• Online: 30,000/-

CL Educate Pvt. Ltd.

• GMAT verbal: 55.000/-,
• GMAT Test Prep: 50,000/-,
• GMAT Bridge: 30,000/-

Princeton Review

• Self-Paced Course: 30,000/-
• Ultimate Live Online: 58,000/-
• Workshop: 25,000/-

Veritas Prep

• Self-Study: 55,000/-
• Live Class: 1,12,000/-

Manhattan Prep

• Interact GMAT course: 45,000/-
• Live GMAT course: 1,08,000/-

CAT is a popular exam in India taken by almost all students who want to apply for MBA program in India. So, before you start your GMAT preparation, you may be wondering how do GMAT and CAT compare? While the two exams have similar sections, and a very similar syllabus, there are many differences in pattern, costing, and difficulty levels across sections. Let’s look at a detailed comparative analysis under the following few headers:
 
9.1 Difficulty Level: The overall difficulty level of the GMAT is lower than that of CAT. The first factor contributing to this difference is the syllabus. While the syllabus for CAT isn’t as properly defined as that of the GMAT, this makes the GMAT preparation much more comfortable for any test taker.  

9.2 Exam Fee: GMAT exam is more expensive than CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT taken together! GMAT exam fee is US $275, which is approximately Rs. 22,000. This is much above CAT (Rs 2300) or XAT (Rs 2000).

9.3 Computer-Adaptive exam Vs Computer-Based exam: The GMAT is a “question-adaptive” test. This is an indicator that the difficulty level of the candidate’s next question depends on the performance in the previous question. Thus, the GMAT is a test of capability as it continuously adapts and reviews the test to the candidate’s ability level. The test usually begins with a question of medium difficulty level, if one answers this question correctly; the next question is of a slightly higher difficulty level. Hence, there is no option to review or edit the answers or to skip a question. CAT, on the other hand, is a non-adaptive computer-based test and focuses on accuracy more than capability. Here, as percentile scores are reported, a candidate’s relative performance with respect to the other test takers is of value, rather than their own test score. Reviewing the answers before ending a section is possible. Also, an on-screen calculator is provided. There is also a one-fourth negative marking for wrong answers.

Common Admission Test (CAT) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are both entrance tests accepted by top business schools in India including IIMs. The basic difference between GMAT and CAT is that while CAT is a national level entrance exam, GMAT is a more widely present global exam accepted by over 2000+ business schools & 7000 management programs worldwide. Here is a quick guide to help you select the right MBA Exam.

So before you start working on GMAT preparation, there is a guide to set your goals.
 
11.1 GMAT scores for Top 10 US MBA programs:

11.2 GMAT Scores at Top One-Year MBA Programs in India: