GMAT overview
GMAT exam syllabus
GMAT eligibility criteria
GMAT score guide
GMAT exam dates and fees
GMAT retake
GMAT idioms
GMAT preparation

How to prepare for GMAT online

by Guru H
•
Updated on: Nov 11, 2026
•
Fact checked

The GMAT is a standard assessment for international students to pursue higher education in MBA or other business courses. The exam determines your business and management skills through multiple sections and tasks determining the candidate’s knowledge and skills in maths, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. The GMAT exam is accepted in over 2,400 educational institutions across the world. The exam has a total score of 800; with regular practice and preparation, one can obtain their target score quickly. Here’s how you can prepare for the GMAT exam online.

GMAT exam: An overview

GMAT full formGraduate Management Aptitude Test
Conducted byGraduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
GMAT total score800
No. of sections3
Is the exam computer-adaptive?Yes

Data updated as of July 2023

GMAT exam: Key highlights

  • GMAT is a computer-adaptive test; that is, the difficulty of the test differs with every candidate based on their answers. The AI adapts to your answers and provides the following question based on your performance level.
  • The GMAT pattern comprises four sections - Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. These sections cover around 50 topics to determine your ability to analyse, quantify, and reason under different circumstances.
  • There are two formats to attend the exam: GMAT Test Centre and GMAT Online. While these exams have some key differences, the pattern and syllabus remain the same.
  • The GMAC has introduced certain changes to the GMAT exam, which will replace the older version by June 2025.

Major changes in the GMAT exam: GMAT Focus Edition

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) announced some significant changes to the GMAT exam in March 2023. The GMAT is expected to adapt to these changes in the latter half of the year. Here are the changes to the new GMAT Focus edition.

  • The test duration has been reduced to 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • All sections will be 45 minutes long.
  • The entire GMAT exam will consist only of multiple-choice questions.
  • The Analytical Writing Analysis section will be removed.
  • Sentence correction questions will be removed from the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section.
  • Students can opt for either version of the exam, but GMAC will stop providing the old version by June 2025.

GMAT exam pattern 2023

Before moving on to the preparation tips, candidates should learn and understand the GMAT exam pattern and syllabus.

SectionDurationNo. of questions/tasksScore rangeComputer- adaptive
Analytical Writing Analysis30 minutes10-6No
Quantitative Aptitude62 minutes316-51Yes
Verbal Reasoning65 minutes366-51Yes
Integrated Reasoning30 minutes121-8No

Data updated as of July 2023 You can attend the GMAT exam in any of the below orders:

  • Analytical Writing Analysis, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning
  • Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Analysis
  • Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Analysis

GMAT exam syllabus 2023

GMAT sectionTime limit (in minutes)QuestionsQuestion typesScore range (in points)
Analytical Writing301Analyse an argument0-6
Integrated Reasoning3012Graphics interpretation, analysing a table, multi-source reasoning, two-part analysis1-8
Quantitative Reasoning6231Problem-solving, data sufficiency6-51
Verbal Reasoning6536Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence correction6-51

Data updated as of July 2023

GMAT score percentile

ScoreGMAT percentile ranking
80099%
75098%
70087%
65070%
60050%
55034%
50022%
45013%
4008%
3504%
3002%
2501%
2000%

Data updated as of July 2023

How to prepare for GMAT online?

The GMAT exam is considered difficult as the assessment consists of sections and tasks that test the candidate’s mathematical, critical thinking, and verbal skills. One can ace the test easily by dedicating time to thorough practice and preparation. Here we cover how to prepare for GMAT online exam.

1. Familiarise yourself with the GMAT online format

Make sure to learn and understand the exam format for the GMAT Online exam. While the pattern and syllabus are the same, the two versions differ significantly. Take advantage of free resources provided by the official GMAT website, such as the GMAT Official Practice Exam, to understand the online format and how the various sections are presented.

2. Prepare a study schedule

Plan a structured study schedule that suits your learning practice. Calculate and determine the number of hours you can dedicate to preparation every day or week, according to your convenience. A study plan helps you prepare effectively, as you already know which topic to cover and have a detailed update on the syllabus you studied so far. You can stay organised and prepare for all the necessary topics before the exam.

3. Utilise resources and practice materials

There are numerous online resources available for the GMAT exam preparation. Check out websites, blogs, online study materials, and YouTube channels that offer valuable study resources, practice questions, and strategies. Additionally, try to take online GMAT prep courses that provide comprehensive content and authentic practice tests.

4. Practice time management

Time management plays a vital role in the GMAT exam, as the assessment is designed to evaluate the candidate’s ability to work efficiently under time pressure. While attempting practice tests, make sure to solve the questions and sections within the allotted time limits during your preparation. This will contribute to developing your answering strategies, prioritising tasks, and increasing your performance pace to attempt the exam effectively.

5. Attend practice tests

Once you start feeling confident about your preparation, take practice tests regularly under exam-like conditions. You can find the exam requirements for GMAT Online on the GMAT official website to prepare for the practice and main assessment. The practice tests help to assess your progress and identify which tasks require improvement. Allocate time, prepare the test environment, and strictly follow the exam duration rules. Evaluate your performance by reviewing the questions you answered incorrectly, and work on enhancing your skills before the exam.

FAQs

Here are some top tips on how to prepare for GMAT Online.

  • Familiarise yourself with the GMAT online format. This helps you anticipate what tasks to expect and prepare a strategy to attend the exam.
  • Prepare a study schedule. Study plans contributes to better preparation and aid you in understanding your areas of improvement and ways to tackle them effectively.
  • Utilise resources and practice materials. Several online practice materials and resources are available for candidates attempting the GMAT exam to give them better knowledge and understanding of what to expect during the exam.
  • Practice time management. Time plays a crucial role in the GMAT exam. Make sure to practice completing the tasks and sections within the given time frame.
  • Attend practice tests. Practice GMAT assessments helps you manage time, analyse and work towards improving your performance.

The GMAT percentile for a total score of 750 is 98%.

The GMAT exam is considered challenging as the exam is designed to determine the candidate’s mathematical, critical and analytical skills. It is advisable to start preparing at least two to three months before the exam date.

The GMAT Test Centre and GMAT Online exams have the same pattern and syllabus but have some key differences. It is better to take the GMAT Online version as you can attend the exam from the comfort of your home.

GMAT scores play an important role in MBA admissions for international students, but that is one of the requirements for admission into business schools. There are additional qualifications that differ with every institution, make sure to check the eligibility criteria before applying for the course.

Resources related to IELTS

Written ByView profile

Guru H

Study Abroad Expert

Guru is a passionate study-abroad author, serving as a trusted companion to students. With firsthand experience studying abroad, Guru is your go-to person for anything related to higher education - going through language proficiency exams, entry requirements, and more. With keen attention to detail and facts, he has written several articles and essays that serve as helpful resources for aspiring students. Guru's content offers insights to match each student's aspirations and help them find answers about studying abroad. Committed to honesty, he ensures that every piece of advice resonates with the reader's interests.

Reviewed byView profile

Adharshini

IELTS Trainer

Adharshini, a certified IELTS trainer with over five years of experience, holds an MA in English Literature (University Rank Holder, 2021) and CELTA certification (British Council, 2025, Pass B); specialises in the preparation of English proficiency exams like IELTS, SAT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, and PTE. She designs customised lesson plans and materials, delivering online and offline classes using student-centred strategies. Achievements include boosting student band scores, mentoring trainers, and creating original grammar exercises for hybrid environments.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this site solely belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Edvoy. Edvoy cannot be held responsible for any ina…