The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is not just a test of aptitude—it is a test of discipline, foresight, and psychological resilience. While more than 27,000 students from India took the GMAT in 2024, many more began the journey but never reached the finish line. Understanding the psychological barriers, adopting a strategic mindset early, and developing a structured study roadmap are essential for not only attempting but mastering the exam. Unlike typical entrance exams in India, the GMAT offers the flexibility to choose your own exam date. While this…

In the ever-evolving world of graduate business education, one question remains prominent in the minds of aspirants: does the GMAT still hold value in a changing admissions landscape? With some schools shifting toward test-optional policies and others doubling down on quantitative rigor, it can be difficult to know whether to invest the considerable time and effort required to excel on the GMAT. To address these uncertainties, we draw on insights from Narottam Kishore, Head of Admissions and Outreach at the BITS School of Management (BITSoM), a rising name among Indian…

Success in the GMAT exam demands far more than raw intelligence or rote memorization. It requires a thoughtful, calibrated approach based on self-awareness, strategic preparation, and consistent practice. To build a high-impact study plan, you must first recognize your unique test-taking profile. What comes naturally to you? Where do you stumble under time pressure? Which skills need targeted reinforcement? In this first part of our series, we focus on how to identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can allocate your efforts with maximum efficiency. Why Self-Assessment is Foundational to…

The GMAT™ exam is not just a test of knowledge—it’s a test of endurance, pacing, strategy, and decision-making under pressure. One of the least discussed, yet critically important, strategies is how to guess effectively when time is running out. While most test takers understand the value of studying content and practicing with official questions, many overlook how crucial it is to know how and when to guess. Random guessing can lower your score, but strategic guessing can help preserve or even boost it. In this first part of our three-part…

The GMAT exam has long been considered a crucial step for aspiring business professionals seeking admission into top graduate business programs. However, recent developments have prompted many schools to make the GMAT optional, especially as a temporary measure. This shift naturally raises the question: is it still worthwhile to take the GMAT? This article explores why the GMAT remains a valuable tool not only for admissions but also for cultivating innovative and critical thinking skills that extend well beyond the test itself. The Changing Landscape of the GMAT Requirement In…

For many aspiring business school candidates, the journey to acing the GMAT exam can feel daunting and complex. With so many preparation resources available, it’s critical to identify the most effective tools that truly help test takers achieve their target scores. The GMAT Official Guide has long been considered the cornerstone of GMAT prep materials, and the 2022 edition continues to uphold this reputation. One of the most compelling reasons the Official Guide remains the preferred resource is that it is developed by the same creators who design the GMAT…

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a critical component of the business school application process for many prospective MBA candidates. Achieving a high GMAT score can significantly strengthen your application and open the doors to competitive programs around the world. But preparing effectively requires more than just effort—it demands a smart, well-structured plan. This article explores the foundational strategies needed to study efficiently and effectively for the GMAT, from understanding what the test measures to creating a personalized, goal-oriented study plan. What the GMAT Exam Measures and Why…

The GMAT Enhanced Score Report (ESR) is a powerful tool designed to give test takers detailed insights into their exam performance. Beyond a simple score, the ESR offers an expanded analysis of your abilities, pinpointing strengths and weaknesses in specific skill areas. This in-depth feedback empowers candidates to make smarter, targeted decisions about their preparation strategies for future GMAT attempts. Since its initial release in 2015, the ESR has evolved continuously, incorporating feedback and adding new layers of data that deepen understanding of test outcomes. The latest iteration brings a…

For many non-native English speakers, preparing for the GMAT can be a demanding experience. Among its various sections, Sentence Correction (SC) stands out as uniquely challenging. Contrary to common belief, this difficulty isn’t due to poor grammar skills alone. In fact, many test-takers with excellent command of English still struggle with SC because the GMAT assesses a specific, stylized form of English that diverges from colloquial and even academic usage. This stylized form, often dubbed the “GMAT language,” reflects a preference for clarity, conciseness, and logical structure. It emphasizes active…

Many GMAT aspirants dread making mistakes during their preparation and on the actual exam. Tales from online forums often highlight dramatic score improvements, suggesting that minor tweaks in strategy can lead to significant gains. However, such narratives can be misleading. In reality, substantial score enhancements typically require time, and errors play a pivotal role in this journey. The GMAT assesses a broad spectrum of concepts and skills, and mistakes provide invaluable insights for crafting an effective study strategy. A meticulously maintained error log becomes an essential tool, enabling you to…