How Many Hours is GMAT Exam

If you are considering taking the GMAT exam, it is crucial to understand the time commitment required for both the exam itself and the preparation process. The GMAT’s  duration is a significant factor to consider when planning your test-taking journey. 

By understanding the hours involved in the GMAT exam and the preparation needed to achieve your target score, you can make informed decisions and develop an effective study plan that maximizes your chances of success.

How Long is the GMAT Exam?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used primarily for admissions to graduate business programs, such as MBA programs. The GMAT is designed to assess a candidate’s analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills, which are essential for success in business school. 

As of 2024, the GMAT has undergone significant changes with the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition, which streamlines the exam format and reduces its overall duration to 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Structure of the GMAT Exam

The GMAT Focus Edition consists of three primary sections. Each section of the GMAT exam has a specific number of questions.

  1. Quantitative Reasoning: 45 minutes, 21 questions
  2. Verbal Reasoning: 45 minutes, 23 questions
  3. Data Insights: 45 minutes, 20 questions

Each section is designed to evaluate specific skills that are critical for success in business school and beyond.

  • Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your ability to analyze data and solve quantitative problems. It includes two main types of questions: Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency.

  • Problem Solving questions require you to apply mathematical concepts and reasoning to solve problems. These questions may involve arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
  • Data Sufficiency questions present a question along with two statements. Your task is to determine whether the information provided in the statements is sufficient to answer the question.

With 21 questions to answer in 45 minutes, you have approximately 2 minutes per question. This section tests not only your mathematical skills but also your ability to think critically and make quick decisions.

  • Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills. This section consists of three types of questions:

  • Reading Comprehension: These questions assess your ability to understand and analyze written material. You will read passages and answer questions about their content, structure, and implications.
  • Critical Reasoning: These questions test your ability to evaluate arguments and draw logical conclusions. You will be presented with an argument and asked to identify assumptions, strengthen or weaken the argument, or draw conclusions.
  • Sentence Correction: This type of question requires you to identify grammatical errors and improve the clarity and effectiveness of written sentences.

With 23 questions in this section, you will again have approximately 2 minutes per question. Strong verbal skills are essential for success in business school, where reading and writing are integral to the curriculum.

  • Data Insights

The Data Insights section, a new addition in the GMAT Focus Edition, evaluates your ability to analyze and interpret data. This section includes various question formats, such as:

  • Graphics Interpretation: Analyze data presented in graphs or charts and answer related questions.
  • Table Analysis: Evaluate data in a table format, determining relevant information to answer questions.
  • Multi-Source Reasoning: Analyze information from multiple sources to answer questions that require synthesizing data.
  • Two-Part Analysis: Solve complex problems that involve two related components.

This section consists of 20 questions, and like the other sections, you will have 45 minutes to complete it. The Data Insights section reflects the growing importance of data literacy in business decision-making.

How to Manage Time on the GMAT

Given the compressed format of the GMAT Exam, effective preparation is crucial. Test-takers should familiarize themselves with the types of questions, practice under timed conditions, and develop strategies for managing time effectively during the exam.

The GMAT is structured to assess critical skills in a streamlined format, taking a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. With its emphasis on Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, the GMAT remains a vital tool for business school admissions, reflecting the evolving demands of the business world.

Effective time management is crucial for success on the GMAT, especially given the exam’s compressed format and the pressure of answering questions within a limited timeframe. Each section of the GMAT is designed to challenge your analytical and reasoning skills while also testing your ability to manage time effectively.

Strategies for Time Management

  1. Understand the Timing: Each section of the GMAT Focus Edition has a specific time limit. You have 45 minutes for Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions), 45 minutes for Verbal Reasoning (23 questions), and 45 minutes for Data Insights (20 questions). This breaks down to approximately 2 minutes per question on average. Familiarize yourself with these limits to avoid spending too long on any single question.
  2. Practice with Timed Tests: One of the best ways to improve your time management skills is to take full-length practice tests under timed conditions. This will help you gauge your pacing and identify areas where you may need to speed up. Use official GMAT practice materials to simulate the actual test experience.
  3. Prioritize Questions: During the exam, quickly assess the difficulty of each question. If a question seems particularly challenging, consider moving on and returning to it later if time allows. Prioritizing easier questions can help you accumulate points quickly and build confidence.
  4. Use the Process of Elimination: For multiple-choice questions, use the process of elimination to narrow down your options. This can save time and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer, even if you’re unsure.
  5. Monitor Your Time: Keep an eye on the clock throughout the exam. Set mini-deadlines for yourself, such as completing a certain number of questions within a specific timeframe. This will help you stay on track and avoid spending too much time on any one section.
  6. Take Breaks Wisely: The GMAT allows for optional breaks between sections. Use these breaks to recharge, stretch, and refocus your mind. A short break can help you maintain your concentration and performance throughout the exam.

When is the GMAT Exam Offered? 

The GMAT is offered year-round at test centers worldwide, providing flexibility for test-takers to choose a date that suits their schedules. You can register for the GMAT online through the official GMAT website, where you can select your preferred test center and date.

Key Considerations for Scheduling the GMAT

When deciding when to take the GMAT, consider the following factors:

  1. Application Deadlines: Research the application deadlines for the business schools you are interested in. Most MBA programs have specific deadlines for submitting applications, and it’s crucial to plan your GMAT test date accordingly.
  2. Preparation Time: Ensure that you allocate sufficient time for preparation before your test date. As mentioned earlier, a study period of 6 to 12 weeks is recommended, so factor this into your scheduling.
  3. Retake Policy: If you are concerned about your readiness, consider taking the GMAT earlier in the year. This allows you the opportunity to retake the exam if necessary without jeopardizing your application timeline. GMAT scores are valid for five years, giving you flexibility in your planning.
  4. Personal Commitments: Take into account your personal and professional commitments. Choose a test date when you can dedicate time to study and focus on your preparation without distractions.
  5. Test Center Availability: Popular test centers may fill up quickly, especially during peak application seasons. It’s advisable to book your test date well in advance to secure your preferred location and time.

How Long to Study for the GMAT?

Preparing for the GMAT requires careful planning and dedication. The amount of time needed to study for the GMAT varies based on individual circumstances, including your current skill level, target score, and study habits. 

However, a general guideline suggests that most test-takers should aim for a preparation period of 6 to 12 weeks, dedicating 10 to 15 hours per week to study.

Assessing Your Starting Point

Before creating a study plan, it’s essential to assess your current skills. Take a diagnostic test to determine your baseline score and identify your strengths and weaknesses. This initial assessment will help you focus your study efforts on areas that need improvement.

Creating a Study Plan

  1. Set a Target Score: Research the average GMAT scores of your target business schools. Setting a specific target score will help you tailor your study plan and motivate you throughout the preparation process.
  2. Allocate Study Time: Based on your assessment and target score, allocate study time accordingly. If you have 6 weeks to prepare, you might consider breaking down your study schedule into weekly goals, focusing on different sections of the exam each week.
  3. Incorporate Different Study Methods: Use a combination of study methods, including textbooks, online resources, and GMAT prep courses. Incorporate practice questions and full-length practice tests to reinforce your learning.
  4. Review and Adjust: Regularly review your progress and adjust your study plan as needed. If you find certain areas challenging, allocate additional time to those topics. Flexibility in your study schedule can help you stay on track and improve your performance.

Practice Tests

Taking full-length practice tests is crucial for preparing for the GMAT. Aim to complete at least 3 to 5 full-length practice tests during your study period. This will help you become familiar with the test format, improve your pacing, and build stamina for the actual exam.

Final Weeks of Preparation

In the final weeks leading up to your test date, focus on refining your skills and reviewing key concepts. Prioritize practice questions and review your incorrect answers to understand your mistakes. Consider taking a few days off before the exam to rest and recharge.

In summary, a well-structured study plan that spans 6 to 12 weeks, with dedicated study hours and a focus on practice, will help you achieve your target GMAT score.

What If I Don’t Have Enough Time to Prepare for my GMAT Exams?

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of preparing for your GMAT exams? It’s understandable—the GMAT is a crucial step toward your academic and professional goals. But what if there was a way to pass the exam without the stress of studying?

Some students opt to hire experts to take their GMAT exams for them. This approach allows you to focus on other priorities while ensuring you still achieve a passing score. By leveraging online services, you can find qualified professionals who specialize in acing standardized tests like the GMAT.

 

FAQs

How Many Hours is 750 GMAT?

Achieving a 750 GMAT score requires significant dedication and focused preparation. Scoring 750 on the GMAT in just one month is possible with the right study regimen. This involved practicing problems for one hour each day, taking two practice exams, and relaxing the night before the actual test. 

Being a good test-taker is also a factor in their success. However, for most students, scoring 750 on the GMAT requires more extensive preparation. Students starting in the low to mid 600s will likely need 250-400 hours of study over 3-4 months to reach a 705+ score.

This indicates that reaching the 99th percentile 750 score would require even more time and effort for most test-takers. Mastering GMAT topics one at a time, practicing untimed to develop skills, and working up to test pace are key strategies for effective preparation.

How Many Hours Does it Take to Get a 700 on the GMAT?

Scoring 700 on the GMAT, which places a student in the 89th percentile, is an ambitious but achievable goal for many test-takers. GMAT exam is generally hard as it tests on critical thinking skills. Students starting in the low to mid 600s will need 250-400 hours of preparation over 3-4 months to reach a 705+ score. 

This indicates that 700 is likely attainable for students in this starting range with a similar investment of time and effort. To reach a 700 score, students should focus on mastering GMAT topics one at a time. This involves learning concepts and strategies, practicing untimed to develop skills, and then working up to answering questions at test pace.

Consistent practice, taking practice tests, and analyzing mistakes are also key to steady score improvement. While 700 is an impressive accomplishment, it’s important to remember that the GMAT does not define success. 

Is 500 Hours Enough for GMAT?

How long does it take to prepare for the GMAT exams? Dedicating 500 hours to GMAT preparation can be sufficient for many students to achieve their target score, but it depends on several factors. One expert guide suggests that students starting between 550-600 will likely need 500+ hours over 6 months or more to reach a 705+ score. 

This indicates that 500 hours may be adequate for students in this starting range to achieve a high score. However, the effectiveness of the 500 hours is key. Mastering GMAT topics one at a time, practicing untimed to develop skills, and then working up to test pace is more important.

Consistent practice, taking practice tests, and analyzing mistakes are also important. Simply putting in 500 hours without a strategic approach may not yield the desired results. Additionally, students starting below 500 will likely need more than 500 hours to reach their goals. 

In summary, while 500 hours can be sufficient with the right preparation strategy, it may not be adequate for all students, especially those starting with lower baseline scores.

How Many Hours Does it Take to Get 760 on the GMAT?

Achieving a near-perfect 760 GMAT score, which places a student in the 99th percentile, requires an exceptional level of dedication and preparation. There is limited data on the exact number of hours required, but we can extrapolate from the information provided for lower score ranges.

Students starting in the low to mid 600s will likely need 250-400 hours of preparation over 3-4 months to reach a 705+ score. Reaching 760, which is even higher, would likely require significantly more time and effort for most test-takers.

Mastering GMAT topics one at a time, practicing untimed to develop skills, and working up to test pace are key strategies for effective preparation. Additionally, scoring 760 requires near-perfect performance on both the Quantitative and Verbal sections. This level of mastery takes extensive practice and review.

While not impossible, 760 is an extremely challenging goal that only a small percentage of test-takers achieve. Most experts recommend focusing on steady improvement and achieving a well-balanced score that meets the requirements of target MBA programs.