Is GMAT Tough? How Hard is GMAT to Crack? Everything to Know!

Most students are confused about whether the GMAT is that difficult to crack. Whether aiming for a top-tier business school or looking to boost your career prospects, understanding the GMAT's difficulty and how it stacks up against other exams is crucial. In this blog, we'll break down everything you need to know about the GMAT, from its toughest aspects to the most effective preparation strategies.

Key Highlights:

• The GMAT is tougher than the GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS due to its competitive scoring and focus on critical thinking and data analysis.
• Plan to spend 3 to 6 months preparing for the GMAT to build a strong understanding and practice under timed conditions.
• The GMAT tests Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights skills, requiring a broad and critical approach to studying.
• Scoring 720 or higher on the GMAT is tough but often required for admission to top business schools.

Is the GMAT Test Hard?

Yes, the GMAT is considered challenging, but how difficult it is depends largely on your strengths and weaknesses. The test requires you to excel in quantitative reasoning, verbal skills, and data interpretation, all within a time-pressured environment. Each section of the GMAT tests a different aspect of your critical thinking ability, making it a comprehensive assessment of your readiness for graduate management education.

For those who are strong in math, the Quantitative section might seem more straightforward, but the Data Sufficiency questions are unique and can be tricky. On the other hand, the Verbal section demands strong reading comprehension and critical reasoning skills, which can be difficult if you're not used to analyzing complex texts. Additionally, the Data Insights section challenges your ability to evaluate and synthesize data from various sources.

Feeling uncertain about your GMAT approach? Yocket Prep offers strategies and tips to simplify your study process!

How Tough is the GMAT Exam?

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a standardized entrance test for admission to business management at various universities abroad. It is a management test whose scores are widely accepted in over 114 countries and more than 7,100 programs across the world.

So, if you’re wondering, “Is the GMAT difficult to score?” The answer is difficult to give because the GMAT is not difficult but challenging. To get into the top business schools, you may need to do a lot of GMAT prep. Only 6% of all students who enroll for the exam can score 720 or higher on the exam and gain admission to the top B-schools.

What Makes GMAT Hard?

The GMAT exam is tricky rather than difficult. The test just uses known concepts differently because of which students feel like the test is difficult. It tests you on characteristics like time management and presence of mind. The GMAT is considered a challenging exam for several reasons:

• Broad Test Coverage: The GMAT assesses a wide range of skills, including quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. Mastering all these areas requires extensive preparation and practice.
• Competitive Scoring: A score of 730 or higher on the GMAT is generally considered an excellent performance, placing the test-taker in the top percentile of all GMAT takers. Achieving such a high score requires an exceptional level of aptitude and preparation.
• Emphasis on Critical Thinking: The GMAT is designed to test not just knowledge, but the ability to think critically, analyze information, and apply problem-solving skills. This can be more challenging than simply memorizing facts.

Suggested: How to Crack GMAT Exam in First Attempt?

Key Features of the GMAT Exam

The GMAT is a standardized exam widely used for admission into MBA and other graduate management programs. It assesses a candidate's quantitative, verbal, and data skills. Some of the key features of this exam are:

Exam Structure:

• The GMAT exam pattern consists of 3 sections namely Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights
• Flexibility to take the exam sections in any order for optimal performance
• Single Break Option is granted after either the first or second section of the exam
• Ability to bookmark questions for review and change up to three answers per section

Scoring and Reporting:

• The GMAT Focus features a total score range of 205 to 805 in 10-point increments, encompassing Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights sections
• Candidates will receive individual section scores on a scale of 60 to 90 in 1-point increments
• Option to send your score after you know how you performed, not before
• An improved Official Score Report with detailed performance insights included free with registration

Content of the Exam:

• GMAT's Quantitative Reasoning has 21 questions, it tests mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Verbal Reasoning Comprises 23 questions, it assesses comprehension, critical reasoning, and command of the standard English language.
• Data Insights is a new section with 20 questions, designed to test data analysis and interpretation skills in a business context.

GMAT Difficulty Vs Other Entrance Exams 

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a challenging exam, particularly because it assesses a candidate's quantitative, verbal, and data skills in a business context. Here’s the comparison between GMAT and other similar exams:

GMAT vs. GRE

• The quantitative section on the GRE is easier than its GMAT counterpart (and you get to use a calculator). The GRE section typically has more geometry, while the GMAT has more logical reasoning questions. 
• The GRE verbal section, on the other hand, tends to feature more difficult vocabulary than the GMAT. Many test-takers consider the GMAT verbal section to be slightly easier.

GMAT vs. TOEFL

• The GMAT test is considered as much harder than the TOEFL as it has more difficult questions about vocabulary and reading passages. The mathematics questions of the GMAT are also of lower level compared to other exams.
• On the other hand, the TOEFL is generally easier than the GMAT if you have strong English skills. This test is mostly focused on testing your language skills rather than your math knowledge or others in writing.

GMAT vs. IELTS

• The IELTS test is perceived to be easier for English-speaking students, but it doesn't ensure that you can ace the test. Dedicated practice and preparation are needed to qualify for the IELTS test. 
• The GMAT on the other is comparatively difficult as it requires you to have great logical reasoning and critical thinking skills.

GMAT vs. CAT

• CAT is an Indian exam for MBA admissions, and it is considered tougher in terms of competition because it is the primary gateway to the prestigious IIMs.
• The quantitative section in CAT is often considered more challenging, with a higher emphasis on problem-solving skills.
• The verbal section in CAT has a stronger focus on reading comprehension and less on grammar compared to the GMAT.

Suggested: Top GMAT Coaching in India

How Much Time is Required to Prepare for GMAT?

The recommended time to prepare for the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) can vary depending on an individual's existing knowledge, academic background, and desired target score, but generally:

• For candidates with a strong academic background and some familiarity with the GMAT format, 2-3 months of focused preparation is often sufficient.
• For candidates who need to build their skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal, and data insights, 3-6 months of preparation is recommended.
• Candidates aiming for a very high score (e.g. 700+) may benefit from 6 months of intensive preparation, including taking practice tests, reviewing content areas thoroughly, and working on test-taking strategies.

How to Prepare for the GMAT Exam?

Preparing for the GMAT requires a strategic approach, as it is a challenging exam designed to test a range of skills, including quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and data insights. Here are a few tips to help you prepare effectively:

• Learn about the GMAT sections
• Make a study plan before starting the preparation
• Select GMAT prep material
• Work on your weaknesses
• Focus on the time limit while preparing for the GMAT
• Use an elimination strategy
• Practice as much as you can

From the Desk of Yocket

Conquering the GMAT is no easy task, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s achievable. From understanding the exam’s structure to mastering the key concepts, your journey to a top score begins with a solid strategy. By focusing on your strengths, addressing your weaknesses, and practicing consistently, you’ll be well on your way to success.

If you’re looking for personalized guidance to streamline your GMAT prep, checkout Yocket Prep. Our seasoned professionals will help you make a study plan for your goals, ensuring you’re fully equipped to ace the GMAT and secure your spot in a top business school. Don’t wait—take the first step towards your dream MBA today!