What is the Mini GMAT test format?

GMAT exam pattern 2024 and the GMAT syllabus for the current version of the GMAT Focus Edition exam can be understood from the table given below:

Moreover, this is the latest GMAT Focus Edition syllabus that is being followed across.

The GMAT exam format is developed to test applicant's business aptitude. The exam is divided into three sections, which are tested over 2 hours and 15 minutes along with an optional 10-minute break. Overall, there are 64 questions, each section has a different set of questions, but all are timed equally. More details on GMAT exam format are given below: 

• Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes
• Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes.

The table given below provides a comparison between the current version of the GMAT exam and the GMAT Focus Edition:

Check out: GMAT Focus Edition vs GMAT: Key Differences

GMAT's Quant section preparation can be tricky for some applicants. The main aim is to test the applicant's analytical reasoning plus how they can analyse data and consequently draw conclusions. The strategy to target these type of questions on Quant section of GMAT shoudl ideally require applicants to time themselves, understand the strong and weak points plus work on them, most importantly practice as much as possible and finally, have your own shortcuts and tricks to solve lengthy questions. 

GMAC has launched the GMAT Focus Edition in the year 2023. The GMAT Focus Edition is significantly different for the current version of the GMAT exam. The GMAT Focus Edition is shorter (by about an hour), efficient (no AWA and no SC), more flexible, and more details (with respect to the performance report). The current version of the GMAT exam will be available until at least early 2024. Hence, students will have an option to register for both the exams. There have been no changes in the pattern of the current version of the GMAT (test centre) and the online GMAT exam at home.

The question type and pattern of CAT (Common Admission Test) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are not similar. While both exams are used for admissions to management programs, they have different formats and question types. Here are the key differences between CAT and GMAT.

CAT:

• CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
• It is a computer-based exam consisting of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
• CAT includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs (Type In The Answer) questions.
• The exam pattern may vary from year to year, but generally, CAT has a time limit for each section and a fixed number of questions in each section.

GMAT:

• GMAT is an internationally recognised exam used by business schools worldwide and in India for admission to MBA and MIM programs.
• It is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty level of questions adjusts based on the test-taker's performance on the GMAT exam.
• GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR).
• The question types in GMAT include multiple-choice questions, data sufficiency, sentence correction, etc.
• The GMAT 2023 exam pattern remains consistent, with a fixed number of questions and time limits for each section.

In summary, while both CAT and GMAT are entrance exams for management programs, their question types, formats, and sections differ significantly. However, it is possible to prepare for both the exam simultaneously as both are based on a similar theme. In fact, both exams will complement each other’s preparation.

The Quant section on GMAT or the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) pattern is quite simple, there are 21 questions on this sections. Applicants have 45 minutes to attempt all the questions on this section. This section basically focuses on applicant's algebraic and arithmetic skills and how they are applied. The use of calculators for this section is prohibited, thus, answering questions correctly on QR relies on the applicant's logical and analytical skills purely and not just math skills.